Attractions In Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is located in the northwestern of Rwanda with an are cover of 160 square kilometres. The national park is a haven of rich biodiversity and a testament to a successful conservation effort. 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. The national park is famous because of its endangered species of the mountain gorillas.
The following are the attractions found in the volcanoes national park.
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.
Gorilla trekking within the volcanoes starts in the morning with an assembly at the park’s headquarters for a small briefing about the dos and don’ts of the trekking. After the briefing, a hike into the bamboo forest begins. The trekking takes 2-8 hours depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas within the habitants. When a gorilla family is spotted, you will spend an hour with them as you learn more about their day-to-day activities as well as their behaviours. You will be able to take pictures and videos and then after the trekking, you will head back to the park headquarters and you will be awarded a certificate for participating in the activity.
GOLDEN MONKEYS
Besides the endangered mountain gorillas, the volcanoes national park is a home to the endangered golden monkeys as well. These are characterised by their striking golden-orange fur. The primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and can be observed in the bamboo forests. Golden monkey trekking as another interesting activity that tourists come and have an amazing experience while on a safari. The golden monkey trekking starts in the morning with an assembly at the park headquarters in kinigi. The trekking of these species isn’t tiresome like the golden trekking. The golden monkey permit costs $100 per person. Therefore, trekking the golden monkeys offers an amazing experience and provides an opportunity to witness their playful antics up close.
MOUNT KARISIMBI AND BISOKE
Besides the primate’s volcanoes has 2 main mountains that are fit for hiking. Mount Bisoke stands on 3,700 meters above the sea level and it’s known for its stunning crater lake at the summit. Therefore, one needs to be physically due to its high elevation. The trekking takes five to seven hours depending on the hiker’s speed.
Mount Karisimbi is the second highest volcano peak with 4,507 within the Virunga ranges and this takes 2 days. While at the top, you will enjoy the views of the other five volcanoes as well as the twin lakes. Next to the summit, there is a crater lake which has drier vegetation than other parts of the park.
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.
DIAN FOSSEY GRAVE
After trekking the mountain gorillas, one can mix this with the hike to Dian Fossey grave who was a primatologist who spent close to 2 decades within the park studying the gorillas. Dian Fossey protected and treated the orphaned gorillas as well as those that were hurt during poaching. Her life was made into the movie entitled “Gorillas in the mist”. Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985 by poachers and her grave was established between the volcanic peaks of Karisimbi and Bisoke next to her research centre. The hike to the tomb takes 2-3hours and while on the hike, you can spot some elephants, buffalos as well as golden monkeys among others. The hike to the grave costs $75 per person.
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. The v
MUSANZE CAVES
The Musanze caves were formed over 65 million years by the volcanic activity and these stretch 2 kilometres beneath the earths surface. The guided tours through the caves reveal fascinating rock formation, bat colonies and insights into the region’s geological history.
TWIN LAKES OF BURERA AND RUHONDO
The twin lakes are found next to the park and they offer serene landscapes and opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching and cultural encounters with the local communities.
The lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are separated by a narrow strip of land and offer a picturesque of the surrounding volcanoes.
In conclusion, volcanoes national park offers a multifaceted experience that transcends traditional wildlife tourism. From the intimate encounters with mountain gorillas to immersive cultural exchanges and thrilling hikes. The volcanoes national park invites tourists to connect deeply with nature and resilient spirit of Rwanda.