Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park nested in the northwest of Rwanda stands as a testament of Africa’s commitment to conservation. With an area cover of 160 square kilometers, the park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region thus covering part of Virunga national park in Congo and mgahinga gorilla national park. The national park initially was a small area around Karisimbi, mikeno and visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the mountain gorillas that were being poached. Akagera national park is close to the volcanoes and hence tourists can combine gorilla trekking with other activities such as game drives, boat cruise at lake Ihema among others within akagera national park. Volcanoes national park is a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas and a mosaic of diverse eco systems such as lush rainforests, bamboo groves and alpine meadows. Besides the gorillas, the national park is a home to the golden monkeys, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects among others. Volcanoes national park has 10 habituated gorilla families which tourists come and see. One set aside for research and its from there that they select for baby gorilla naming ceremony which is called “Kwita Izina”. Each of the gorilla families has a distinct and unique characteristic different from another. These gorilla families include Titus, Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Bwenge and Ugenda family. every family is led by a giant silverback which is responsible for overseeing the daily activities as well as giving tasks for the day.
History of Volcanoes National Park
The national park was once known as Parc National Des which is a French term that refers to the park current name. The volcanoes national park was founded in 1925 and it holds the distinction of being the oldest national park in Africa. The national park in 1929 was extended into Rwanda and Belgian congo then named Albert national park managed by the Belgian colonial Authorities. In 1960, as the two countries gained their independence the park was divided and thus the park was almost half of its original size. Therefore, the Rwandan section was renamed Volcanoes national park.
The national parks history is intertwined with the legacy of Dian Fossey an American primatologist who arrived in 1967. Due to insecurities in congo while doing her research about mountain gorillas, Dian Fossey fled and established her research base in Rwanda in-between Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes which is known as Karisoke research centre. Dian Fossey spearheaded the conservation campaign of the mountain gorillas and thus mobilised resources to fight against poaching in the area. Dian Fossey fought for the gorillas until her murder in 1985 and she was buried at the research centre near to the grave of her favourite gorilla called Digit. After her death, the park continued to suffer by poachers although conservation efforts were ongoing. In the early 1990s, the national park became a battle field due to the Rwanda civil war which paralysed the tourism activities up to 1999. In a bid to boost conservation and gorilla safaris in 2005, Rwanda introduced annual baby naming ceremony for baby gorillas known as “Kwita Izina” which was a great initiative. Through that the population of gorillas in the volcanoes increased. Dian Fossey’s efforts brought a global attention to the plight of these primates and her legacy continues to influence the conservation strategies.
Discover Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda has a number of very many interesting activities that one can embark on while on a safari. Rwanda is a home to three national parks which offer an amazing safari experience, lakes and rivers, mountains among others.
Volcanoes National Park Safaris
Rwanda as country has become a famous safari destination for quite a number of tourists since it offers unforgettable safari experiences.
3 Days Volcanoes National Park Safari
3 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Hike
4 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Safari
4 Days Gorillas , Golden Monkeys and Dian Fossey Hike
4 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park
7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Highlights
What to Do Volcanoes National Park
The national park has an area cover of 160 square kilometres and was established in 1925. The volcanoes national park is located in Ruhengeri district within the northwestern province of Rwanda. The following are the activities that one can take part while in the volcanoes national park
Gorilla trekking:
Gorilla trekking in the volcanoes national park is the major reasons why tourists visit the national park. The park has 12 habituated gorilla families and to trek one needs to pay $1,500 for the permit. The gorilla trekking starts at 7am at the park’s headquarters. The tourists are then briefed by the head ranger at the park and later divided into groups of 8 members. The park issues only 96 gorilla permits per day which means that one needs to book the trekking permits atleast months before the trekking date. Gorilla trekking takes 2 -6 hours depending on the movements of the gorillas in the forest. Once the gorillas are found, you will be able to spend 1hour with them as you learn more about their characteristics and feeding patterns. Tourists below the age of 15 years aren’t allowed to trek.
Golden Monkey Trekking:
Besides the endangered mountain gorillas, volcanoes national park is as well as a home to the endangered golden monkeys and they are over 80 monkeys. The national park has only 2 habituated families. Therefore, tourists can as well participate in the golden monkey trekking which takes 2-3hours. These are grouped into 8 people for tracking.
The trekking starts at 7am in the morning with a briefing at the park’s headquarters in kinigi. The golden monkey trekking costs $100 per person
Nature walks:
Volcanoes national [ark offers a number of numerous nature trails and community walks which allow the tourist to engage with the local environment and its inhabitants. The Nyange community walk is designed to elaborate all aspects of the village life in Rwanda. The walk shows how are the locals work and earn a living. You will be able to visit homes of the ironsmith, mat weavers and local banana beer brewers among others. The excursions provide insights into traditional agricultural practices, local flora and fauna as well as their daily lives of the communities that coexist with the park’s wildlife.
Birding:
Volcanoes national park is called a birders paradise with over 178 recorded bird species. The parks habitats support a plethora of avian life as well as endemic species such as the Rwenzori turaco and handsome francolin. The biding activity starts with a briefing in the morning at the parks headquarter. You will be able to spot species such as weird weavers, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, archers ground robin, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warblers and lovely francolin among others. Besides the birds, you will as well spot the buffaloes, bushbucks, butterflies and primates as well. The bird watching safaris offer an opportunity for the tourists to spot a number of birds in the park’s lush vegetation.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park
The park is made up of five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga and these include Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. The national park was established in 1925 and this makes it to be one of the oldest national parks in Africa. Volcanoes national park is located in Ruhengeri district and it neighbours the Virunga national park in democratic republic of Congo to its west and mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda to its east.
Mountain Gorillas:
Volcanoes national park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas and it has over 150 divided into 12 habituated gorilla families that are visited every day by tourists. These include; Titus, Karisimbi, Ugenda, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Susa, Umubano, Sabyinyo among others. Each gorilla family is led by a silver back gorilla and its responsible for protection and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the whole group. These creatures are critically endangered species. Gorillas within volcanoes are the major attractions within the country thus gorilla trekking becoming the major activity that attracts tourists to visit Rwanda as the country. A gorilla trekking permit is required while visiting these endangered animals. A minimum of 88 permits are issued every day and a permit cost $1,500 per person.
Birds :
Volcanoes national park has over 178 recorded bird species thus called a haven for bird enthusiasts. The national park’s varied habitats support a plethora of avian life such as the endemic species like the Rwenzori turaco and the handsome francolin. The guided birding safaris offer an opportunity to spot the birds and many more species with in the lush vegetation.
Iby’wacu cultural village:
Iby’wacu cultural village is more than a rehabilitation centre. For tourists who are interested in Rwanda’s rich cultural tapestry the cultural village offers an amazing experience. Tourists can engage with local communities, participate in traditional dances, learn medicinal plants as well try their hand at crafting. A visit at the cultural village offers a look back to a number of years ago when the country was under different kingdoms. On a lucky day some tourists are dressed in the traditional attire of the king and queens which is entertaining. This helps in preserving the cultural heritage as well as community development.
Ecological And Geographical Significance
The national park is a fragment of the Virunga massif a chain of the eight volcanoes on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda as well as the Democratic republic of congo. On the parks boundaries lies five of the elevated peaks and these include; Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. The volcano mountains contribute to the topography and microclimates thus fostering a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The geography of the volcanoes national park is characterised by the steep slopes and diverse ecosystems ranging from the lush rainforests to bamboo forest and heathlands at higher altitudes. The volcanic soils within the area are fertile thus contributing to the dense vegetation and vibrant biodiversity. The vegetation varies due to altitudinal range within the national park. At the lower elevations, transitions to bamboo forests between 2,500 and 3,200 meters. Higher up between 2,600 and 3,600meters. The park features Hagenia-Hypericum forests thus providing an ecological niche. The vegetation zones within the park from montane forests at lower elevations of bamboo forests and alpine meadows higher up. The diversity supports a wide array of wildlife as well as the majestic mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and numerous bird species endemic to the Albertine rift.
The climatic conditions within the national park are influenced by the elevations as well as the geographical location. The area experiences rainfall all through the year due to the tropical climate which fosters growth of its ever-green forests. The high humidity and fertile volcanic soils create an environment that favours the survival of wildlife species. The unique geography supports the flourishing endangered mountain gorillas and habitats for a variety of bird species as well as other mammals that thrive in the eco-system
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is a crown jewel in Rwanda’s tourism portfolio that is located in the northwest of the country with lush sanctuary. The park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, towering volcanic peaks and the legendary legacy of Dian Fossey. However, first time tourists wonder how they will actually get there.
Whether one is flying into Rwanda from abroad, crossing from Uganda or the Democratic republic of Congo or already within the country. Here’s the guide on how to get to the volcanoes national park.
By Air:
Many of the international travellers arrive in Rwanda via Kigali international airport which is just 10 kilometres from the capital city which is Kigali. The Kigali international airport connects with regular flights from Europe, middle east and Africa. Once in Kigali volcanoes national park is 105 kilometres away. The journey from the airport to the park takes 2hrs 930 minutes or 3hours by car.
By Road:
Many of the tourist opt to travel with registered tour companies or hirea private 4*4 safari vehicle. This is more comfortable and direct way to get to the park with flexibility to stop at the scenic points along the way.
The distance is approximately 105 and travel time is 2hr 30 minutes to 3hrs from Kigali to volcanoes national park. The most recommended route is from Kigali, nyabugogo, shyorongi, rulindo, Musanze to kinigi. Tour operators can as well take care of the gorilla permits, accommodation, meals and additional excursions.
Best Time Visit to Volcanoes National Park
During the high peaks in the months of June-September and December -February, lodges near the park especially the luxury ones and midrange book out quickly. Prices are high and thus early reservations are essential. Whereas in the wet seasons one is more likely to find deals or get upgraded for less. Some lodges even run off-season specials.
There is no bad time to visit the volcanoes national park since every season offers something unique whether its in the lush greenness of April, dry season of July or the cultural festivities of September. The best time depends on your travel goals, ease of trekking, cost considerations, photography or crowd levels. For the best weather and highest chances to see the gorillas is June and august. However, whichever season you choose, volcanoes national park is ready to offer an unforgettable experience.
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