The Top Most Accessible Tour Activities in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Accessible Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best-known destinations in East Africa. And Rwanda’s top-visited conservation area, it is strategically placed northern part of the country, covering an area of approximately 160 square kilometres. The Park is one of the oldest national conservation areas of Africa, gazetted in the 1920’s and is home to the critically endangered species Mountain gorillas, which live within the national park freely without being captivated. Five of the great Virunga mountains are found in the area, including Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabinyo, and Mountain Muhabura; some of these are shared with the neighbouring countries of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park was made famous by the works of the great scientist primatologist Dian Fossey, she lived in the forest and was very passionate about the Mountain Gorilla species, the park is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kigali city the capital of Rwanda, its strategic location makes it possible to participate in the several activities present, major attractions of the Volcanoes National Park include Mountain gorillas, Virunga volcanic mountains, Golden Monkeys, Dian Fossey tombs, Birds, to mention a few. Things to do at Volcanoes National Park include
Mountain Gorilla trekking a trip to the conservation area without trekking Mountain gorillas may leave you wanting to return, trekking, mountain gorillas spark off in the early morning from 8:00 am East African time with a briefing from the park rangers, these will explain to you about the gorillas and how to conduct your self while in the park. Groups of 8 guests are allocated to each gorilla family and through the well distributed trails of the forest the search for the primates starts, mountain gorillas are majestic energetic creatures feeding on the plants, leaves, tree backs and fruits of the forest, they live in groups of up to 10 members lead by a male silverback, it takes 2 or more hours in search of the brown eyed creatures depending on how far the gorilla families have moved. Upon finding them, an hour is allowed to interact, take pictures, and after return to meet your guide. This year, a Rwandan gorilla permit costs $1500 per person.
Golden Monkey tracking, Volcanoes national Park is one of the few areas to track Golden monkeys in East Africa, these are rare to the great Virunga Volcanic region and can be found in the Mgahinga national park of Uganda and Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of Congo, the monkeys enjoy living in the bamboo forested area and are more playful jumping from one tree to another at most times their tails often get stack in the grasses and in between trees, Just like mountain gorilla trekking a briefing is conducted by the park rangers and off to the forest in search of the primates, expect to find then swinging from one tree to another, they are never settled hence important to set your camera ready to take random pictures.
Volcanoes National Park allows several hikes. It is home to 5 Virunga mountains, and each of these can be hiked from the Rwandan site, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhabura. These can be arranged for a hike depending on which one you would like to conquer. Experience the different altitudes of the forest with a beautiful transition of vegetation types. En route are camping sites where you can spend a night during the hike. The best time to go hiking in the Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season in December, February, June, July, August, September, when the trails of the forest are dry and can be easily accessed. Besides hiking the Mountains, a hike to the Dian Fossey tombs is a great one too, the primatologist lived with the forest and was very passionate about the Mountain Gorillas, she did her research and cared for them deeply, it is said that she died a mysterious death that remains unsolved to date, enroute expect to encounter several bird species, trees and plants as well.
Cultural experiences at the Iby’wachu cultural center, this activity is often combined with an afternoon after a gorilla trek, where they perform the Kinyarwanda dance and take you to be a part of the ancient culture that lived in of the Kings and queens of Rwanda.