Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is the main Rwanda safari activity to do in Volcanoes national park which is one of the only 4 national parks in the world, where mountain gorillas can be sighted. Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families available for gorilla trekking, the experience offers visitors an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and stay for one hour. Gorilla trekking experience starts with briefing at the park’s headquarters about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and presence of the gorillas, the trek takes approximately 30 minutes to 6 hours or more depending on the movement of mountain gorillas and the gorilla family you are trekking, To take part in gorilla trekking, visitors should purchase a gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person per trek. Visitors should dress accordingly in long sleeve shirts and trousers, hand gloves, rain jackets and comfortable hiking shoes. Note: Visitors need to book their gorilla trekking permits in advance.Golden Monkey Trekking In Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkeys are rare primate species only in the Virunga Area with Volcanoes National Park as one of the only 2 areas where you can see them, the park is home to about 100 individuals and each group is usually led by a dominant male. Golden monkey tracking starts with briefing at the park’s headquarters then head into the forests of Volcanoes national park looking for them, then golden monkeys are found in the bamboo vegetation and you will spot them feeding, grooming each other and swing from one bamboo tree to another.Cultural Tour in Musanze – Volcanoes National Park
Cultural tours in Volcanoes national park are done in the local community around the park in the Ib’iwacu Village where visitors can partake in various activities including entertainment by Rwandan music and dance, learn how to prepare local food, nature walks, learn how to make local brew and taste some of it among other activities that will offer you a deeper insight into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the Rwandese.Dian Fossey Tomb Hike in Volcanoes National Park
Dian Fossey is an iconic primatologist who brought the conservation of mountain gorillas to the attention of the whole world and played a great role in conserving mountain gorillas in the forests of Virunga and thanks to her efforts once was extinct are increasing in number. Unfortunately, Dian Fossey was killed brutally in the forests by unknown people and she was buried along side other gorillas her beloved, today you visit and pay homage to Dian Fossey by visiting her tomb and the former Karisoke Research Center which is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. This guided hike lasts about 3 hours and offers visitor an insight into the life of Dian Fossey in the forests of Volcanoes national park and her efforts towards the conservation of Mountain gorillas.Volcano Hiking
Volcanoes National Park is dominated by a number of volcanoes which are part of the Virunga Volcanoes, the volcanoes offer the fascinating volcano hiking experience. Volcano hiking in Volcanoes National Park is done on Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke and Mount Muhabura.Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is an extinct volcano standing at the height of about 4,507 meters, this volcano is the fifth highest volcano in Africa and to hike it requires metal and physical preparation which takes 2 days of hike. The hike involves hiking through the thick forests before stopping at an altitude of 3700 m for the first stop, rest and spend the overnight, the next day continue hiking the last steep section early in the morning to the summit. From the summit you will get great views of the volcanoes national park, Mount Nyirangongo and snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is another beautiful volcano to hike in Volcanoes National Park, to hike this volcano takes 6 hours of hiking up to the summit and 2 hours of coming down. Mount Bisoke is considered the less demanding hike in Volcanoes national park.Mount Muhabura
Hiking Mount Muhabura is an interesting adventure to do in Volcanoes National Park, the volcano stands at 4,127 meters making it the third highest mountain within the Virunga ranges. Hiking this volcano starts at a height of 1200 meters and to reach the summit, you pass through the beautiful green forests and marvel at great sights of other volcanoes in the Virunga Region. When to go to Volcanoes national park The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for a safari is during the two dry seasons that is December to early February and June to September, most of the safari experiences in Volcanoes national park include trekking and in the dry seasons the trails are more pleasant and less muddy. The dry season coincides with the peak season in Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park as well, if you are planning to do some of the activities such as golden monkey trekking and gorilla trekking. You need to book for your experience earlier about 3-6 months before the dates of your safari as it is hard to obtain a gorilla permit and golden monkey permit. However, note that Volcanoes National Park receives rain at any time of the year that is why you shouldn’t be surprised and carrying a rain jacket or Poncho is recommended.Getting there and around
Most travelers visiting Volcanoes National Park fly into Rwanda Via Kigali International Airport situated a few minutes’ drive outside Kigali City, the most commonly used mode of transfer to get to Volcanoes is by road and it is a drive of 2-3 hours to get to the park from Kigali City. It is recommended to use a 4X4 Wheel VehicleWhere to stay in Volcanoes national park
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park are categorized in 3 that is budget, midrange and luxury and they include- Bisate lodge
- Gorilla’s Nest
- Singita Kwitinda Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
