Attraction in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Top Tourist Attraction in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
The park is around 13 kilometers from Musanze town, also known as Ruhengeri, which is the administrative center and the major town in the area. Volcanoes National Park is situated within the districts of Musanze, Gakenke, and Burera, encompassing tropical rainforests and Afro-montane forests adjacent to the Virunga mountain range, which features eight prominent peaks shared by three East African nations. The locations include Karisimbi (high nest), Bisoke (a mouthful), Mikeno (small one), Senkwekwe, Sabinyo (old man’s teeth), Gahinga (piles of stones), and Muhabura (the guide), where mountain gorilla trekking occurs in the volcanoes. Additionally, there is a visit to the tomb (grotto) of Karisimbi, the burial site of the park’s first conservation warden. On clear days, the park provides visitors with breathtaking vistas, including Lakes Empaqué, Gisenyi, Ruhondo, Kivu, and Burera in Rwanda, the Virunga Volcanoes, the park’s undulating hills, and the local communities, allowing for an appreciation of rural life in many countries. This park is designated as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Top Tourist Attraction in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas
This is a major attraction of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda for visitors to the park. The national park hosts 10 habituated gorilla families accessible for trekking. Volcano National Park Rwanda encompasses Rwanda's portion of the expansive Virunga massif, which adjoins Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Golden Monkeys
Golden monkey trekking is a highly popular activity in Volcanoes National Park that attracts thousands of travelers to this area. Golden monkeys are remarkable beings that every traveler should not overlook during their Rwanda safari. Golden monkeys can only be observed in their natural settings within Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Volcano climbing
In addition to wildlife, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda encompasses three extinct volcanoes. Visitors to this park thus possess the additional benefit of ascending any volcano, which offers them breathtaking vistas of Rwanda’s undulating hills, Kigali city, the Virunga volcanoes, and surrounding settlements. Mount Karisimbi is the most frequently ascended volcano, and the experience justifies the trek.
Musanze caves
The Musanze Cave: A cave is an underground place that is naturally formed and may or may not be enough large to accommodate a human. Caves encompass smaller subterranean formations such as sea caves, rock shelters, and grottos. The Musanze caverns, which you will encounter while your safari in Rwanda, are the product of volcanic activity associated with the nearby Virunga volcanoes.
Ngezi Lake
Ngezi Lake is a little, picturesque, shallow crater lake located at the base of Mount Visoke in Volcanoes National Park. The hike, which lasts 3 to 4 hours round-trip, is led by a Park Ranger, during which you may observe various birds and monkeys along the trail. The Lake Ngezi Trail offers an experience of the Virunga Volcanoes Foothills, featuring a crater lake, picturesque vistas, and diverse species, including birds and monkeys.
Dian Fossey Grave site
The grave of Dian Fossey in Rwanda is a prominent attraction within Volcanoes National Park. Among the most remarkable features of Volcanoes National Park, there exists a road leading to her former study camp and burial site. The trek to the Dian Fossey Grave takes around 2 to 3 hours, including rest breaks, and offers opportunities to observe various wildlife along the route. The grave of Dian Fossey is situated at an elevation of approximately 3000 meters above sea level.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda also offers accommodation options which range from budget to midrange and luxury options. Among some of the accommodation options include; Muhabura Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou, Five Volcanoes, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Bisate Lodge to mention but a few.
Experience Rwanda’s unique cultures at Iby’iwacu Village
Envision confronting a 400-pound silverback mountain gorilla in the fog-laden forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This is neither a zoo experience nor a wildlife documentary. It is the exhilarating reality that awaits you in one of Africa’s most remarkable animal encounters. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides the most accessible and well-organized gorilla trekking experiences, where ancient volcanic summits harbor endangered mountain gorillas in their native environment.
This handbook encompasses all necessary information for planning your expedition, including permits, optimal visiting periods, itineraries, packing essentials, and booking procedures with the Official Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Enjoy 35% discount on gorillas Permit
Experience Rwanda’s unique cultures at Iby’iwacu Village
Iby’iwacu Village, now referred to as Gorilla Guardians Village, is situated near to the park, rendering it an excellent location for exploration prior to departing Volcanoes National Park. The activities offered here can be undertaken regardless of whether your visit is for a few hours or overnight. Are you seeking a fresh menu? Consider preparing or partaking in traditional dishes and beverages such as banana juice or banana beer. Utilize the locally sourced herbal cure, freshly gathered and brewed from the garden, for the botanist or medical personnel. Once your curiosity is fulfilled, unwind to the traditional music, dance, and folklore presented by the villagers and dance troupes.
- Best Time to Visit: June–September, December–February (dry seasons)
- Permit Cost: $1,500 USD per person per trek
- Average Trek Duration: 2–6 hours (varies by gorilla family location)
- Fitness Level Required: Moderate to challenging
- Location: Northwestern Rwanda, near Musanze town