Volcanoes National Park Rwanda | Gorilla Trek & Tours | Facts
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda/Parc National des Volcans Rwanda is home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Africa. Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s premier gorilla trekking destinations is located in Northwestern Rwanda. The park sits within the Ruhengeri region, 2-3 hours’ drive from the heart of Kigali capital making it the most accessible gorilla safari destination in Africa.
Volcanoes N/Park Rwanda was established in 1925 making it one of the oldest African safari parks. The Park is named after the Virunga Volcanoes given its strategic location in the Virunga Region which is comprised of a chain of 8 volcanoes, 5 of which are found in this splendid Rwanda safari park. The five volcanoes are Sabyinyo (3634m), Muhabura (4123m), Gahinga (3474m), Karisimbi (4507m), and Bisoke (3711m) volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Game Park Rwanda spreads on a surface area of 160sq.km. This features bamboo forest, swamp, hagenia, sub-alpine, heath, and grassland- these serve as key habitats for different animal species living in Volcanoes National Park. The park’s vegetation ranges between altitudes 3300m and 4000m.
Volcanoes National Park Attractions
Wildlife
About 30% of the 1063 mountain gorillas that are left on earth all reside in Volcanoes Park Rwanda. They share the same habitat with other wildlife species such as golden monkeys, forest elephants, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, etc.
Birds – Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a rich birding habitat consisting of about 200 species of birds of birder’s interest. They include 12 endemic species and 16 Albertine rift endemic species. The birds of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park include strange weavers, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori double collared, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori batis, archer’s ground robins, dusky crimson wings, and red-faced woodland warblers.
Key Activities to do in Volcanoes N Park – Rwanda Tours
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the top wildlife safari experience Volcanoes National Park consider it a must-visit on Rwanda safaris. This is one of the 4 African safari parks where mountain gorillas only live, the others include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Congo’s Virunga National Park. At Volcanoes National Park, tourists on safaris in Rwanda can visit one of the 12 gorilla groups.
A single habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day. Before trekking begins, a briefing on gorilla trekking rules is carried out by the park official at Kinigi, Musanze district. Gorilla trekking permits for Volcanoes National Park gorilla safaris cost USD1500 per person. Booking Rwanda gorilla permits is easier via your trusted ground tour operator – Premium Africa Safaris.
Birding
Volcanoes National Park is an exceptional spot in Rwanda to identify lots of Albertine rift endemic species. The birds most likely to identify here include Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori double collared, archer’s ground robins, dusky crimson wings, and red-faced woodland warblers.
Golden monkeys trekking
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park allows tourists to explore its jungles while on a search for golden monkeys. Treks to see golden monkeys start in the early morning after briefing and a group of trekkers is led by park guides. The majority of these strikingly stunning creatures roam around the bamboo vegetation and unlike mountain gorillas, they are very jumpy requiring some keenness to capture their pictures.
Dian Fossey tomb trek trail
By a mere mention of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Dian Fossey often comes at the back of most visitors. A trek through the Dian Fossey tomb trail offers a deep insight into the Dian Fossey gorilla conservation legacy and the overall adventure lasts for 2-4 hours starting at Kinigi offices. The Dian Fossey tomb site is where she was buried plus other gorillas including Digit.
Dian Fossey lived in the Virunga Area conducting research on gorillas for over 18 years but she was unfortunately murdered. To aid her research works, she set up a research center currently known as Karisoke Research Center.
Volcano hiking/climbing
Volcanoes National Park is an excellent hiking/volcano trekking spot in Rwanda. The hiking spots in this park include Mount Karisimbi (4507m). It is Africa’s 5th highest mountain and tallest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes. Mt. Bisoke 3 hours hike to its spectacular summits featuring
In the nearby areas, the main activities to do include Musanze cave exploration, and Twin Lake tours – visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo. Go on cultural tours in local tourism communities like Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Best time to visit Rwanda Volcanoes National Park -by month/season
Volcanoes National Park is accessible for all Rwanda safaris or Rwanda tours all year round. However, the most favorite time is often the dry season/months because of no or least rainfall received. The dry months of the year in Volcanoes National Park are June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. Even during the wet season, the park activities can be carried out though heavy rains are experienced – March to May/October to November.
Accommodation (lodges & camps)– Volcanoes N/Park Rwanda safaris
- Luxury lodges: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (3kms from the park), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge & Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Midrange: La Palm Hotel, La Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hour drive by road from Kigali city center. Driving from Kisoro/Kabale to this park is also possible. The borders to be crossed from Uganda to Rwanda: Chanika from Kisoro and Katuna if you are setting off from Kabale.