Volcanoes National Park
Also known as Pac National Des Volcans in French, Volcanoes National Park is the most popular safari destination in Rwanda located in northwestern region. The park is a world famous destination renowned for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking.
Volcanoes National Park is the oldest national park in Africa established in 1925, purposely to protect the then critically endangered mountain gorillas. Covering an area of approximately 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes National Park stretches along five of the eight volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountain range.
Geography and vegetation
Geography of Volcanoes National Park is characterized by steep slopes and diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to bamboo forests and heathlands at higher altitudes. The area’s volcanic soils are rich in nutrients, contributing to the park’s dense vegetation and vibrant biodiversity thus making it a crucial habitat for various wildlife species including the endangered mountain gorillla and golden monkeys.
The vegetation cover within Volcanoes National Park varies considerably due to its altitudinal range. The lower elevations of the park are dominated by rainforests, transitioning to bamboo forests between 2,500 and 3,200 meters. Higher up, between 2,600 and 3,600 meters, there is Hagenia-Hypericum forests. Above 3,600 meters, the landscape changes to Afro-alpine vegetation characterized by unique plant species such as Lobelia wollastonii and senecio erici – rosenii.
The diverse range of flora in Volcanoes National Park supporting a diverse range of fauna has contributed to the park’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Volcanoes National Park’s climatic conditions are heavily influenced by its elevation and geographical location. Due to the tropical climate, region experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year which fosters the growth of its evergreen forests. The combination of high humidity and fertile volcanic soils creates an ideal environment for the survival of various wildlife species.
Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the only four destinations (protected areas) where the endangered mountain gorillas thrive and it is known for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking adventures. The park is a crucial site for mountain gorilla conservation and a base for scientific studies and research, protecting approximately 30% of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas live in families also known as gorilla groups, in Volcanoes National Park there are 12 habituated gorilla families open for visitors to track. These include Amahoro gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Group 13/Agasha gorilla group, Umubano gorilla group, Ugenda gorilla group, Susa A gorilla group, Karisimbi gorilla group and Bwenge gorilla group.
Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is rich in biodiversity renowned for its incredible wildlife hosting approximately 36 mammal species. In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is a sanctuary to the endangered golden monkeys, endemic to the Virunga region.
Other notable wildlife species include forest elephants, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, and spotted hyenas among others. Because of the rugged terrain and forested nature of the park, sightings of some mammals are less frenquent.
Birdlife in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is home to over 200 recorded bird species making it a rewarding destination for bird watching in Rwanda. The park is part of the Albertine Rift region, known for its endemic species.
Birds foundin Volcanoes National Park include Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double –collared Sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weaver, dusky crimson-wing, collared Apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and Archer’s ground robin among others.
Safari Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
The remarkable one-in-a-lifetime encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas on mountain gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Rwanda gorilla treks begin early in the morning with a briefing session at the park headquarters in Kinigi, here a senior ranger takes you through rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and in the right to conduct yourself in the presence of the gorillas. In groups of 8 people, visitors are assigned gorilla family to trek. Depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous, the trek lasts from 30 minutes to several hours and the climax of the trek is one hour which you are allowed to spend with them. Observe these magnificent creatures as they play, feed and groom each other.
To take part in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park you need to acquire a gorilla permit priced at $ 1,500 per person. Note that the trek through the rugged landscape of Volcanoes National Park is quite demanding physically, which is why you need to be physically fit.
Golden Monkey Trekking
The beautiful and playful golden monkeys are another endangered primates in Volcanoes National Park encountered on a golden monkey trekking experience. Golden monkeys are sub-species of the Sykes monkeys, characterized by its striking orange fur and are known for their energetic social interactions. These monkeys are a delight to observe as they leap and play through the bamboo forests.
In Volcanoes National Park there are two habituated troops found near Mount Sabyinyo, consisting of around 80 to 100 individuals. The trek to find the golden monkeys begin early morning with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, visitors are then divided into small groups and guided by experienced armed rangers and guides. The trek takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the location of the golden monkeys, visitors are allowed to spend only 1 hour observing these playful prmates.
Volcano Hiking
Volcanoes National Park is a great hiking destination offering some of the best and most accessible volcano hiking trails in Rwanda and East Africa as a region, the park is home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Volcano range that is Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. The most popular hikes are Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
Mount Bisoke Hike
Hiking Mount Bisoke standing at 3,711 meters with a stunning crater at its summit typically takes about 5 to 7 hours round trip, depending on an individual level of fitness and number of stops. This hike is considered moderately challenging, making it only accessible to physically fit people who do not necessarily require prior hiking experience.
Hikers are guided by experienced rangers who provide insights into the local flora and fauna and safety instructions. The trek offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscapes dominating the region including lush forests and volcanic features.
Mount Karisimbi Hike
Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a more strenuous hike and is often completed over two days, requiring hikers to camp overnight at high altitude. Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in the Virunga Massif at 4,507 meters, making the hike to demand good physical fitness and endurance. The trek passes through several ecosystems; including bamboo forests and Afro-montane vegetation offering hikers a chance to experience the rich biodiversity protected in the park.
Upon reaching the summit, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the other Volcanoes in the range and the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo below.
Dian Fossey Hike
The Dian Fossey Hike is one of the most poignant trail in Volcanoes National Park leading to the grave of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and a pioneer in studying and conserving mountain gorillas. She dedicated her life to this cause and until her last breath when she was killed by unknown people said to be poachers.
The hike to her grave site, located near her former research camp at Karisoke, offers visitors the opportunity to pay homage to her legacy while learning about her significant contributions to wildlife conservation. The hike takes 1 to 3 hours and along the way you will spot various wildlife including birds, monkeys and stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit
Also known as The Gorilla Guardians Village, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is one of the most notable cultural attractions in Volcanoes National Park as well as Rwanda. Visitors to this village will engage with the local Rwandese and get a deeper insight into their culture and traditions through traditional music and dance performances, storytelling and interactive workshops.
Visitors can also participate in activities such as banana beer brewing, traditional cook and even experience a day in the life of a local that is by engage in substance farming practices.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is easily accessed from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The park is located approximately 110 kilometers from Kigali, a tour hours’ drive away to the main entry point of the park in Musanze (former Ruhengeri).
From Kigali to Musanze is a journey of about 2-3 hours by road.
Best Time to visit Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park largest depends on the activity you wish to do. For gorilla trekking which is the most popular activity in the park, the ideal months for trekking are during the dry seasons, which run from June to mid-September and December to February. These periods receive less rain, making the trails less muddy and easy to navigate.
While the dry season offers better hiking conditions, the wet seasons (March to May and October and November) can also be rewarding as the rain tends to be intermittent, often occurring in short bursts meaning that activities can still go as planned. The wet season offers lush green landscapes and is an excellent time for bird watching, as many species are attracted to the flowering plants. Also, during the rainy months, gorillas may stay at lower elevation in search of food, making it easier to track them despite the challenging trail conditions.
