Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is one of the country’s popular safari destinations. From gorilla trekking to golden monkey trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers visitors a great safari adventure. They get an opportunity to discover some of the hidden treasures of Rwanda while taking on an amazing Rwanda primate safari.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Massif or Virunga Conservation Area. The Virunga Massif is a chain of volcanic mountains and rainforests covering the southwestern parts of Uganda and the southeastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This region is the primate capital of the world as it is home to the large population of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is neighbours with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. This makes it a perfect destination for combined gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa. In addition to the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is famous for being the best destination for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.
Additionally, Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif. The volcanoes include; Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. The Park was also home to a famous American primatologist – Dian Fossey. During your visit to the park for either gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking in Rwanda, ensure to visit the Dian Fossey Conservation Center for an epic experience. You will learn about the story of mountain gorilla conservation in Rwanda. You will also witness the grave of Dian Fossey who died for the sake of rescuing the mountain gorillas of the region.
History of Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park was gazette in 1925 to conserve mountain gorillas and other natural resources from poachers. During the 1960s when Rwanda and Congo gained independence, the park was divided literally into a half. During the 1967 insecurities in Congo, Dian Fossey a renowned gorilla conservationist escaped from Congo to a place between Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes and set up her research center. It was later known as the Karisoke Research Center. She later mobilized gorilla conservation campaigns across the world to raise awareness and fight poaching. She was killed in 1985 and buried in the Karisoke Research Center.
Most tourists visit her grave as they come to the park to pay their respects. The Volcanoes National Park in the 1990s became a fighting ground for the Rwandan Civil War that brought the current government to power. Since then, there have been different gorilla conservation campaigns like the ‘Kwita Iziina’ which is a ceremony of naming baby gorillas. Currently, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best gorilla trekking and primate safari destinations in Rwanda and East Africa. It boasts over 200 bird species, mammals, primates, bats, and butterflies.
What to see in Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s popular safari destination due to its unique tourist attractions which include the following;
Mountain gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the critically endangered species known as the Mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla families. Nothing puts a smile on a tourist’s face like walking the forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of these human-like apes. Getting your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board is all you need to take on this primate adventure. Some of the gorilla families cross to Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are seeking an extended gorilla adventure in Volcanoes National Park, you may do a Rwanda Gorilla Habituation Safari or Rwanda double gorilla trekking safari.
Birds of Volcanoes National Park
Other than the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a reliable birding destination in Rwanda. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds and some of these birds are restricted to the area. Taking on your birding adventure safari in the Volcanoes National Park is creating a signature of memories. You will enjoy the singing and making nests of these flying species of Rwanda. Some of the noticeable bird species in Volcanoes National Park include; Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, strange weaver, Archer’s robin-chat, White-collared Olive back, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, Narina Trogon, Lesser Honeyguide, Brown-backed Honeybird, and Black Cuckoo-Shrike.
Golden Monkeys
In the Volcanoes National Parks, lies the golden treasures of Africa. Jumping from tree to tree, golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park are a dream come true for all primate lovers. Whether you are doing golden monkey trekking or golden monkey habituation, the park gives you a chance to explore these gems of the land. The golden monkeys are one of Africa’s critically endangered species. However, the endless conservation efforts by the Rwanda Development Board are restoring the glory and dominance of these magical species. By taking on the golden monkey trekking adventure, you are directly supporting the Conservation of golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park.
The Dian Fossey Grave
Have you ever heard of the American Primatologist who spent almost all her life fighting for the survival of mountain gorillas? The late Dian Fossey is famous for spending time in the Virunga Conservation fighting for the rights of mountain gorillas. She changes the perspective the society had towards mountain gorillas. She broke the myth that “Mountain gorillas are a danger to humanity.” Visiting the Dian Fossey grave gives you a whole new perspective on wildlife conservation.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park – Activities
Several tourism activities can be done in the Virunga National Park throughout the year. Each of these activities gives tourists a chance to discover the hidden treasures of the park and appreciate its beauty. Some of the activities done in the Volcanoes National Park include;
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Mountain gorilla habituation experience
- Birding tours
- Visiting the Dian Fossey Conservation Center
- Volcano Hiking
- Guided nature walks
- Cycling tours
- Community tours
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Golden Monkey habituation
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
The dry months of June to September and December to February are considered the best months to visit Volcanoes National Park. During this time, there are fewer chances of rain and the trails are not muddy. Activities like gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking become easier during the dry season.
Where to Stay?
The park has accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range and then luxury. It all depends on your travel budget. Most of the lodges are located inside the national park. They are strategically located to provide scenic views of the park right from the comfort of your bed. The lodges are also eco-friendly and support conservation efforts. You can book the accommodation directly from the lodge websites or through a reputable tour operator in Rwanda.
How to get there?
The park can be accessed by road from Kigali city and it is about a 2 to 3-hour drive. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be arranged through Akagera Aviation and take you to Musanze –Volcanoes National Park.
