Complete Guide to Volcanoes National Park: Located on the Rwanda’s northwest border, Volcanoes National Park spans approximately 62 square miles of montane forest, with five of its eight volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains.
Volcanoes National Park is contiguous with Virunga National Park in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Together, the three national parks form the Virunga Conservation Area famous for offering encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park was first gazetted in 1925 and today the park is home to more than half of the remaining mountain gorilla population which is at 1,064 according to the last count. Volcanoes National Park was a base for gorilla conservation research and studies by the famous American Primatologist Dian Fossey who established a Karisoke Research Centre – a base for the research.
Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Because it is safer than the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park is often regarded as the best place in the world to go gorilla trekking. The park also has more gorillas than Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and is more easily accessible than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Trekking
The endangered mountain gorillas are the world’s largest living primates, and with 98 percent of the same DNA as humans, their behavior often feels remarkably familiar to humans. For those interested in observing this behavior up close, there are 12 habituated gorilla troops in the national park. Each one of the gorilla families is made up of at least one silverback, or alpha make, and a harem of females and youngsters. Every day, six tracking permits are issued per troop.
Gorilla trekking aims at keep the experience as natural and unobtrusive as possible for humans and gorillas alike.
Time to find a troop can vary from 30 minutes to 4 hours and more, and trekkers have one-hour maximum with the gorillas once they have been located. During the time, you can watch them groom, feed, and play at very close quarters. I
Because there are few permits available, it is essential to book several months or more in advance. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old, and permits cost $ 1,500 per person, per day.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park. On the day of your experience, you report to the park headquarters as early as 7 am for briefing about how to behave and relate with these creatures in the wild. Then you are divided into groups and head into the forest.
Volcanoes National Park currently has two habituated troops that are open for visiting, with 80 habituated individuals for tourism. Golden monkeys live mostly in the bamboo vegetation because of their love for bamboo shoots, during this experience you will be able to spend one hour with them watching them groom, feed, play and take amazing pictures.
Volcano Climbing and Hiking
Volcano climbing is another great activity to do in Volcanoes National Park. There are different route of which all require a hiking permit and guide. These are
Lake Ngezi – this is one of the easiest hikes in the park, this route leads to a scenic lake at the foot of Mount Bisoke. The three-hour out-and about trail offers views across the border into the forests of DRC.
Mount Bisoke – Hiking to the top of Mount Bisoke can take about five hours to a full fay, depending on the weather and the hiker’s fitness level. It is worth the effort as you are rewarded with stunning views of the Volcano’s pristine – perfect Crater Lake.
Mountain Karisimbi – At 14,787 feet, Karisimbi is both the highest volcano in the park and the highest peak in Rwanda. This round-trip hike takes two days to complete, with a night spent under tents and good chances for spotting gorillas and other primates en route.
Karisoke Research Center – to reach Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Centre requires a 30-minute transfer from the park headquarters, followed by a 1.5 hour hike to the saddle in between Karisimbi and Bisoke. The centre is located at circa 9,840 feet.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
Visitors on a Rwanda Gorilla Safari can learn more about the gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center, which was founded by Dian Fossey in 1967. The primatologist lived here until her murder in 1985, and it was here where she wrote her seminal book – “Gorillas in the Mist.” Interactive displays at the centre give an insight into the ongoing work of the Dian Fossey Fund, and you can pay your respects to the late, great primatologist at her nearby grave.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park has a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange to luxury accommodations situated a few miles from the park headquarters in Kinigi. Our top picks are
- Bisate Lodge: Located in a spectacular volcanic crater on the edge of the park. The Lodge offers six luxurious, en-suite villas designed in the traditional Rwandan style of building with thatched, domed roofs.
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge: this lodge is the closest of all accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park which it shares a border. Singita Kwitonda comprises eight opulent suites, each one has a private heated plunge pool and indoor and outdoor fire places.
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: this is the first community – owned lodge in Rwanda and has six cottages, two suites and one family cottages, each with a fireplace and sitting area. The main lodge is filled with welcoming shared spaces.
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: This hotel has a total of eight rooms and a family suite.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Kigali International Airport is the closest airport to Volcanoes National Park, from here it is takes approximately three hours to drive the 70 miles to Musanze, the closest village to the park. In turn, Musanze is a half-hour drive from the headquarters at Kinigi, where visitors are required to check in by 7:00 am.
Unfortunately there are no flights to Volcanoes National Park.
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