One of the reasons for a safari to Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. It is located in the north western part of Rwanda along its border with Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is inclusive of the three parks that make up the Virunga massif, other two parks are Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda.
This park is listed among Africa’s top tourism destinations not to miss for many reasons, starting from ease of accessibility, species of Mountain Gorillas to other tempting natural sceneries such as volcanoes, rolling hills and more.
Its lush habitats are just fantastic for growth of different species. To mention a few of these, tropical rain-forests, shrubs, Savannah grasslands, bogs, marshes, bamboo trees and swampy areas can’t miss the list.
Other than that, Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight Virunga volcanoes. These Volcanoes include Mount Bisoke, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Mount Muhabura.
Apart from Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a homestead for the Golden monkey primates that are mostly found in the bamboo forested areas, vervets, baboons, unique forest bird species, insects and reptiles.
Getting there.
You can get to Volcanoes National Park by two options: airplane or road transport means. For road transportation, it takes about 2-3 hours for the drive from Kigali international airport up to Kinigi in Musanze district where Park offices are found.
To make it clear, the time taken depends on the speed used and en route stop overs included. It is advised to arrange all transportation with a local tour operator than boarding a public taxi up to Musanze town – there are no transportation means from Musanze town up to the Park offices.
Rather than road, air transportation is the only alternative and perfect for those who are short of time. Private charters are arranged daily from Kigali up to Kinigi airstrip. From the airstrip, you will be transferred by the driver guide up to the park headquarters.
Activities in the Park.
There is a lot to keep your days in Volcanoes National Park occupied – Mountain Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking together with hiking adventures.
Gorilla Trekking.
For first timers, this is the main motive for most of Safaris to Volcanoes National Park. It is every ones dream to meet face to face with the Gorillas in the Jungles, Gorillas are herbivores in nature, ground dwelling and live in groups named as “Gorilla families”.
Each family consists of adults, juveniles and infants. A male dominant silverback is the head of the family. Each family is allowed for trekking by one group of trekkers (eight in number), park rangers and armed officers are assigned to the group for protection.
Trackers are usually the first to go in the morning to locate where these apes spent their last night. After they will communicate with the ranger guide leading the group.
Before the trekking journey, a briefing is first conducted at the park headquarters. The briefing is meant to highlight tourists on how to behave while in presence of Mountain Gorillas.
After briefing session, the journey starts heading to the Jungle in search of these apes. After locating them you are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour. See them feeding, laughing, playing as well as taking photos and videos of them.
Golden Monkey tracking.
A perfect alternative if not Mountain Gorilla trekking. With this you will meet face to face with the Golden monkey primates. Not like Gorilla trekking, for Golden monkey tracking there is no limit on the number of visitors tracking per day.
Golden monkeys are mostly found in the mountainous bamboo forested areas, therefore physical fitness is of high importance for successful excursions.
While in the Jungle, you are as well exposed to a range of other Wildlife species like birds, insects, reptiles and more. The permit for Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park costs $100 USD per person.
Hiking.
Besides Gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking, you can engage in several hiking expeditions offered in the Park. These hiking expeditions include Dian Fossey hike at a cost of $75 USD, one day Bisoke hike and the two days Karisimbi Mountain hiking expedition.