Things to do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze town in northwest Rwanda, borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bush pigs, and other avian species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift.
Five of the eight Virunga volcanic peaks—Mt. Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo—are situated within the national park. While on safari at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, you may engage in a range of intriguing activities.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the primary activity, allowing visitors to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is regarded as one of the premier destinations for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda occurs within Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park, situated in Musanze in the northwest region of the country and encompassing an area of 160 square kilometers, is part of the Virunga massifs. This park is inhabited by several mountain gorillas in Rwanda. These mountain gorillas are exclusively located in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pursuit of tourists trudging through dense forest to locate mountain gorillas is referred to as gorilla trekking.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey trekking occurs in Volcanoes National Park at 7:00, along with gorilla trekking. These uncommon species are classified as endangered, and Volcanoes National Park currently hosts two habituated tribes of golden monkeys, each comprising approximately 80 members, accessible for tourist visitation.
Golden monkeys in Rwanda inhabit the bamboo jungle at the base of the volcanoes, and habituation has enabled them to surmount their initial timidity, allowing for daily visits from researchers and visitors. Trekking for golden monkeys and gorillas offers a comparable experience, limited to a small group of no more than eight individuals, allowing for one hour of interaction with the monkeys upon locating them.
The Dian Fossey Hike
The majority of tourists to Volcanoes National Park honor Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who devoted her life to studying mountain gorillas, by hiking to her grave. This activity commences in the morning and the hike lasts approximately 6 hours. The trip culminates in the Karisoke Research Center, the site of Dian Fossey's operations.
This is also the location where she was murdered by poachers while safeguarding the mountain gorillas. Her burial site at Karisoke is adjacent to 'Digit', her preferred mountain gorilla. Digit was slain by poachers, akin to all the other mountain gorillas interred at this location.
The Karisoke Center is a remarkable location. It will inform you about mountain gorillas and provide an overview of the history of gorilla conservation. The climb commences at the base of Mount Bisoke, while the research center is situated between Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Hiking Volcano
Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
