The untamed/untouched jungle – volcanoes national park.

 In the eastern part pf Africa, lies four   popular homes for the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas.  The homes include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park lies at the border with Uganda and DR Congo covering 160 sq km enclosing five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif. On the slopes of the volcanoes lies a dense tropical rain forest hoe to the magnificent mountain gorillas, a great attraction for most nature lovers to Rwanda. This is the park where Dian Fossey, the great primatologist concentrated all her conservation effort to protect mountain gorillas. After the release of the film: “Gorillas in the mist”, her work became more recognized and has since then contributed to high in flow of tourists who wish to meet the peaceful giant apes in their natural habitat.

 The gorilla trekking expedition takes 1-6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.  At times the gorillas move to higher altitudes which gives trekkers an opportunity to enjoy the park vegetation and also learn more from their guides as they hike. Gorilla tracking is a bit strenuous but so adventurous and memorable.

The park protects other wildlife including golden monkeys, over 200 bird species, 17 of which are endemic to the Albertine rift, and mammals including forest buffalos, duikers bush pigs, forest hogs, spotted hyenas and bushbucks.

The distinctive blending of volcanic terrains and varied ecosystems substantially enhances the park’s ecological significance. The changes in altitude helps to sustain  diverse habitats  including flora and animal life. The park’s diverse ecosystem boosts its draw for wildlife lovers. It is essential for conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding Africa’s endangered species and their natural environments.

Attractions in volcanoes national park.

Mountain gorilla tracking.

Among the top locations to see gorillas in the wild, volcanoes national park is considered the most popular gorilla tracking destination. The park is home to around 30% of the  world’s remaining  mountain gorillas. No more than eight people per group are allowed to visit one of the twelve habituated gorilla families as  the park issues 96 permits for daily tracking.

Depending on the location of the gorillas ,  trekkers can  hike from 30 minutes to several hours including the one  hour set for   remaining in close encounter with the  fascinating creatures.

Trekking to the mountain gorillas is a challenging activity that  involves hiking through dense forest vegetation and  steep slopes hence the need for good physical and health conditions. It is also important to  wear  proper hiking gear like  sturdy boots, long sleeved shirts, trousers and carry rain jackets as the weather in the park is un predictable.

Although the hike is challenging, the benefit of spending an hour watching these gentle primates in their natural habitat is remarkable.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a bit expensive compared to other gorilla tracking destinations with a permit costing $1500 per person. The funds from the gorilla permits are used to develop the local community close to the park and also facilitate conservation projects. Due to high demand for the gorilla permits, visitors are advised to book in advance at least 2-3 months before the trekking date.

Golden monkey trekking

 This is another exciting adventure in volcanoes national park. Golden monkeys are another group of endangered primates, sub species of the sykes monkey, identified by a striking golden fur coat, and added to their active character are quite lovely to watch and offer excellent photography. This activity is always over shadowed by gorilla tracking but remains a great wildlife encounter and attracts many tourists to witness the beaty of Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are also found in other parts of the Virunga massif like in Congo and Uganda.

The golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests and vegetation at the base of the volcano mountains and mostly feed on bamboo shoot, branchlets and young leaves .

There are two habituated troops of golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and the larger troop near mount Sabyinyo with 80 – 100 members is the most visited.

 The golden monkey trekking experience begins with an early morning briefing (7am) at the park headquarters, later visitors are divided into small groups which are later led by experienced guides into the park jungles.

The search for golden monkeys can last from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on their location, as they move regularly in looking of food. Once identified, trekkers are allowed to spend an hour watching them feed, play, and swing in the bamboo trees. This interaction offers a rare opportunity for photography and an up-close look at their social behaviours. A golden monkey permit  costs $100 per person .

Bird watching

Volcanoes national park is trully a birding  lovers paradise  supporting over 200 bird species,17of which are endemic to the Albertine rift. Un like other activities  that need  prior bookings, some tourists  combie birding  watching with activities like  gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking. In the birding excursion visitors get to insight with various wildlife found in lush forest of the park.

Some of the bird species in this pristine park include handsome francolins, weird weaverbirds, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s ground robin, Double-collared sunbirds, Collared Apalis, woodland warblers,  Dusky crimson wing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Scarlet-tufted sunbird, Albertine owlet, Shelleys  Crimsonwing, Willow Warbler, Common sand piper, swallows, Wagtails , Rwenzori  batis, Rwenzori  Hill babbler, Yellow eyed flycatcher, the masked mountain apalis, and many others.

Best time for birding in volcanoes national park.

Unlike other tourist activities that are mainly conducted within the dry season in this park, bird watching is best enjoyed during the rainy season because that’s when you will get higher chances of spotting several migratory bird species. The rainy season runs from March to May and October to November.

However, birding in volcanoes National Park can be done throughout the year since the park is always wet and covered by mist. The dry season from June to September and December to February receive some little rain thus you can see some birds.

 Volcano hiking

Volcanoes national park offers hiking experiences to both experienced and first-time hikers. This activity is carried out along the hiking trails on each of the five volcanoes that make up this park. The five volcanoes in tis park include Mount Karisimbi (4507m), Mount Bisoke (3711m) , Mount Gahinga (3474m), Mount Muhabura(4121m) and mount Sabinyo(3634m).

Mount Bisoke hike: this is a popular hike that is fit for both experienced and first-time hikers. The hike takes 6 hours to reach the summit and two hours to descend. For experienced hikers, it takes only three hours to summit.  Hikers are exposed to two crater lakes one in the middle of the hike (Lake Ngezi) and another one at the top.  As you hike, you are exposed to various plant life, wild mammals and primates and on a lucky day, you may meet gorillas, but you are not allowed to take photos or get near them because they may not be habituated. A permit to hike mount Bisoke is $75 per person.

Mount Karisimbi hike: This is a 2 days hike in Volcanoes national park. It is so demanding that one should be physically fit.  It involves spending a night on the mountain, summit the next day and then return. It is strenuous but so rewarding as it exposes you to views of different Virunga volcanoes, calm lakes and the dense forest and the surrounding cool environment. Hiking Mount Karisimbi costs $400 per person.

Mount Muhabura hike:

 This is a volcano that is shared by both Rwanda and Uganda, and hiking can start from either country. It is perfect for hikers interested in challenging adventures because of it steep slopes and challenging terrain along the hiking trails. Hiking to the summit of this volcano takes 5-7 hour with several resting points. At the summit, you are exposed to a crater lake and clear views of other Virunga volcanoes. As a hiker, you should come along with enough packaged water and energy giving snack and a walking stick. It’s also wise to hire a porter at the briefing/starting point. Mount Muhabura hike costs $75 and it a one-day hike.

Mount Gahinga hike: Mount Gahinga is also shared by Rwanda and Uganda though most of the hiking is done on the Uganda side. Hiking this volcano takes 6-8 hours, offers a moderate hike that can be managed by first time hikers, taking you through an extensive bamboo forest at the lower slopes. Here you can spot some gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also a favourite trail for birding safaris. At the summit, is a crater swamp, filled with water and surrounded by unique plant species that can survive in high altitude wetlands.

Mount Sabinyo hike:  Sabinyo is a Volcano peak at the border of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo.  The best round exploration using this hike is best on the Uganda side because the slopes on the Rwanda side are too steep and slippery for hiking. A round trip along the hike   takes 7-8 hours as you appreciate the scenery and take memorable photos.

Apart from hiking the Volcanoes that comprise the park, Volcanoes national park offers hikes to the Dian Fossey grave site.

Hiking along the Dian Fossey trail takes you to Dian Fossey’s grave site. She was the great primatologist who dedicated her efforts to mountain gorilla conservation and   habitat protection. The grave site is located near her former Karisoke research camp between mount Bisoke and Karisimbi. At this place visitors honor her conservation efforts which have made mountain gorillas a popular tourist attraction in Rwanda. The hike takes 1-4 hours as you spot different wildlife, including animals, birds and the amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Note: All the hikes start with a briefing at the park center and must be led and guided by experienced park rangers.

Trekkers should have trekking permits before setting off for the hike.

Hikers should be prepared with the proper hiking gear such is good hiking boots, carry rain gear, be physically fit enough for the experience, carry enough water and energizing snacks, have a walking stick and also hire a porters for the best experience.

 Cultural experiences

Volcanoes National Park provides a range of unique cultural activities that reflect Rwanda’s rich heritage and traditions. Some of them include:

The Gorilla guardian village: This place is also referred to as the Ib’yiwachu cultural center. This is a place to meet the reformed poachers who currently advocate for  gorilla protection and habitat conservation. Performances of traditional music, drums and dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops allow visitors to Iby’iwacu cultural center to immerse themselves in the local culture. They can learn traditional cooking techniques, banana beer brewing, or even spend a day on a farm with the locals to get a feel of deep Rwandan culture. Additionally, the cultural village provides an exceptional opportunity to get knowledge about Rwandan culture and history, particularly relating to royal traditions.

The Annual Kwita Izina festival:  this festival is also known as the gorilla naming ceremony. It is done outside the park premises but greatly attached to the to the park activities. The event is to cerebrate and name baby gorillas. This modern practice of naming gorillas is an inspiration of the Rwandan custom of naming new born children infront of their families and friends. Since 2005, the practice has been a significant contribution to the mountain gorilla conservation programmes in Rwanda.

During the ceremony, conservationists, researchers and recognized dignitaries come together to name newborn gorillas. This event not only recognizes gorillas, but also celebrates the tireless efforts of local people, rangers, and conservationists for safeguarding these endangered primate species and their habitat.

 In addition to the above activities, the park offers guided nature walks to places like Buhanga eco park mainly for birding activities, Musanze caves are a good cultural adventure, visiting the twin lakes is also possible for luxurious boat cruises, visiting local homes and markets is possible to interact with local community.  All these get you into deeper connection with Rwandans and Volcanoes National Park biodiversity.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes national park is located 115 kilometers from Kigali. The drive from Kigali to Musanze District in Rwanda’s northern province takes just two and a half hours. This suggests that if one can leave Kigali by 4 a.m., they can complete gorilla trekking in a single day.

 A traveller can use both private and public means to access the park. from Kigali or Gisenyi. The best alternative is to hire private service of a tour operator who will arrange transportation to the park center.

When you opt for public transport, you will take a bus/van from Nyabugogo bus park to Musanze. From here, you will have to get private transportation to the park headquarters.

Those travelling from Uganda, will withstand a long drive of 10 or more hours from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro. Then cross to Rwanda via Cyanika border to Musanze.

Best time to visit Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes National Park is open for tourism all year round regardless of the activity you decide to partake in. Nonetheless, the majority of visitors like going to the park in the months and times that are considered drier that is June to mid-September and December through February owing to the ease of hiking along park trails on the mountain slopes, this is typically the ideal time to go gorilla trekking in the park.

A lot of rain falls in March to May and again in October to November, making the main hiking and trekking paths slippery and muddy. However, people who enjoy photography and birding should visit the park when it rains to enjoy the migratory birds and the beautiful scenery.

 Accommodations near volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park has no accommodations within the park premises but is rather surrounded by several facilities that provide quick access to the park center where all activities start. The accommodations suit all categories of travelers. the super luxury accommodations offer exclusive offers and attention; the midrange luxury provide standard facilities and even the budget accommodations are there for visitors with low budgets and those travelling in large numbers like students. Some facilities also camping grounds for those who wish to have a night experience in the wilderness.