Volcanoes National park
Volcanoes National Park is definitely a contender for every traveler’s favorite Rwanda National Park. Mountain gorilla and golden monkey sightings, epic views of Virunga Volcanoes, incredible bird sightings, and awe-inspiring guided forest walk. What more could you ask for? Whether you are a nature enthusiast or an avid mountain climber, Volcanoes National Park has something for everyone. Not only is it endowed, but it also offers a wide array of interesting things to do at every skill level. Every traveler should make a safari to Volcanoes National Park in their lifetime.
History, Size, and Location of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park sits on the Northwestern edge of Rwanda and stretches up to the Ugandan and Democratic Republic of Congo border. It is the 1st most visited Rwanda National Park because it is home to some of the surviving mountain gorilla population.
This 16000-hectare Protected Area (also referred to as Parc National des Volcans) derived its name from the Virunga Volcanoes that are found in the area- (Gahinga 3474, Sabyinyo 3669m, Bisoke 3711m, Muhabura Volcano 4127m, and Mount Karisimbi 4507m).
Established in 1925, Volcanoes National Park is the oldest Protected Area in Rwanda and covers a land area of about 16000 hectares. This Park’s ecosystem is marked by a montane forest between 2400 and 2500 meters above sea level, a bamboo forest (which forms 30% of the park’s vegetation), Hagenia, lobelia between 3500 and 4200 meters above sea level, and a grassland at 4400 meters, as well as marshes, swamps, and Lakes.
What to see in Volcanoes National Park
Wildlife
The endangered mountain gorillas (scientifically referred to as Gorilla beringei beringei) are the most popular wildlife species in Volcanoes National Park. Other wildlife species to look out for in this Protected Area include golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, forest buffaloes, spotted hyenas, forest elephants, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, bush pigs, and many others.
Birdlife
While it is not celebrated as a wonderful birding destination, there are over 200 species of birds to look out for in Volcanoes National Park. These include the Rwenzori Mountain range and Albertine rift endemic species. Some of the commonest bird species in Volcanoes National Park are the African long-eared owl, crested barbet, Archer’s ground robin, Bronzy sunbirds, brown woodland warblers, black cuckoo shrikes, brown-necked parrot, strange weavers, Rwenzori Turacos, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dusky turtle dove, Handsome francolin, Narina trogon, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, bat hawks, Doherty’s bush-shrike, lesser honey guide, Kivu ground thrush, the red-faced woodland warblers, weird weavers, lagden’s bush-shrike, the grey-headed bush shrike, white-collared olive back, and many others.
Exciting things to do in and around Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park is synonymous with gorilla trekking, a phenomenal primate adventure that provides a face-to-face encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in the Protected Area- the Agashya/Group 13, Amahoro gorilla family, Bwenge group, Hirwa group, Kwitonda gorilla family, Susa A, Karisimbi (Susa B), Sabyinyo gorilla family, Ugenda group, Umubano group, Muhoza, and Igishi Gorilla Family.
With a permit (costing $1500 per person), you will converge at Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing, then embark on the 2-6-hour journey through the jungles to search for the Giant Apes. After sighting them, spend one hour watching and taking photos of them as they live their day-to-day lives.
Volcanoes Birding Safari
With over 120 bird species here, be prepared to tick at least 50 species off your check list and these include Archer’s ground robin, Bronzy sunbirds, brown woodland warblers, black cuckoo shrikes, brown-necked parrot, strange weavers, Rwenzori Turacos, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dusky turtle dove, Handsome francolin, Narina trogon, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, bat hawks, Doherty’s bush-shrike, lesser honey guide, and many others.
Volcanoes Golden monkey tracking
Just like mountain gorilla trekking, Volcanoes golden monkey tracking tours begin with visitors gathering at Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7:00 am for a briefing, followed by allocation to one of the two habituated troops. These treks are relatively shorter, typically lasting 1-4 hours, and also climax with one hour of face-to-face interactions.
Mountain hiking
Volcano climbing is another all-time favorite hiking trail in Volcanoes National Park because visitors are rewarded with jaw-dropping views. Typically lasting between hours and days, these hikes carve along the edges of the Mountains, following various ecosystems and elevations, and towering to over 4000 meters above sea level (depending on the mountain being hiked). Hiking enthusiasts have an option of choosing between the 6-hour Mount Bisoke hike or the 2-day Mount Karisimbi hike, each offering magnificent views.
Dian Fossey tomb hike
The Dian Fossey tomb trail is a 3-4-hour scenic hike that takes primate enthusiasts into the forest for a deeper insight into the life and gorilla conservation journey of Dian Fossey until she was unfortunately murdered in the 1980s. While on this hike, there are opportunities to come across some of the Park’s wildlife species, especially mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, and buffaloes. However, you will be given only a few minutes to view them (especially gorillas and golden monkeys) without taking photos.
Musanze cave tours
Delve into the unforgettable Musanze cave tours to enjoy the incredible underground World by walking several hours through volcanic caves that are 2 kilometers long. Officially opened to tourism in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board, these caves have been a must-visit site for nature enthusiasts.
Village Tours
Join Alba Wonders Africa for a relaxed village tour through the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu cultural Village) for a sense of local Rwandan rural life. This is an opportunity to meet locals and enjoy the scenery, in addition to discovering what countryside living is interesting.
When is the best time to go for a Volcanoes safari?
Volcanoes National Park is open all year round, but the best months to visit are June, July, August, September, December, and January. As all of the Park’s forest trails are easily accessible/navigate. Reduced rainfall levels make forest trails easier to navigate, and most accommodations are fully operational.
Just be aware that this is the peak season in Volcanoes National Park, and that the forest trails are sometimes busy. Gorilla permits and accommodation availability are an issue during these months. If crowds aren’t your thing, then consider visiting Volcanoes National Park in the low season.
The wet months- April to May, and October to November bring a quieter, more serene experience with fewer visitors and a chance of flowers and plants blooming. However, certain Park roads and forest trails become impassable/difficult to navigate due to increased rainfall levels. Permits and accommodation availability aren’t an issue during these months as they are also in the low season.
Where to stay
Ranging from budget to luxury, accommodation options in/around Volcanoes National Park are diverse and breathtaking. Our recommended ones are Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Guesthouse, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Bishop’s House, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, the Garden Place Hotel, Amakoro Songa Lodge. Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and others.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is accessible by air and road, with whichever option depending on your budget and preference.
The closest airport/Airstrip is in Musanze, about 30 minutes’ drive away from the protected Area. You can therefore fly from Kigali International Airport to this Airstrip in 30 minutes with a Helicopter (operated by Akagera Aviation), then proceed to your accommodation or the Park by road.
Visitors planning to reach Volcanoes National Park by road can easily reach it via the Kigali-Musanze route, lasting 3-4 hours with breathtaking en-route views.