Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s far northwest, safeguards the steep slopes of this stunning mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a diverse array of montane ecosystems, including open grasslands, swamps, heaths, and evergreen and bamboo forests. The Virunga Massif’s series of dormant volcanoes; Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters, Bisoke with its lush crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, is the inspiration behind the name of Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is one of four national parks that are home to mountain gorillas. The Virunga in the Congo and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda are the others. There is a considerable chance of seeing gorillas in Mgahinga. With the assistance of skilled and motivated rangers, ten habituated Rwandan gorilla groups may be tracked. Being in good physical shape is essential before beginning an activity that may be difficult depending with the gorilla group you are assigned. Trackers can hire a porter to help with additional luggage for about $15. See our post on gorilla trekking for individuals with disabilities for more information about porters.
Some of Africa’s most distinctive biological, ecological, and beloved landscapes are preserved at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The park, which rises to a height of 4507 meters above sea level, includes the peaks of five dormant volcanoes in East Africa: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Bisoke.
In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1500, with a portion of the proceeds supporting park infrastructure and local people. The Rwanda Development Board can provide the permits directly, or a tour operator can be hired for a more convenient option. Hiking shoes, rain coats, hand gloves and long-sleeved shirts and pants are required for gorilla trekking.
For every tourist seeking incredible experiences and one-of-a-kind moments to treasure forever, this gem located in “the land of a thousand hills” is the best of its type. The park has long rewarded its guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and heart-stopping encounters with elusive species. A remarkable tourist destination, Volcanoes National Park is home to unusual fauna, bird species, mountains, and stunning scenery.
Potential tourists can choose from a variety of amazing activities at the Volcanoes National Park, even if gorilla trekking is the most popular activity there. The Volcanoes National Park offers so many options that visitors might wish they had more time to do them all. Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking, visiting Dian Fossey’s tomb, and exploring the lakes Ruhondo and Burera are among the main attractions. Let’s take a closer look at the activities.
Over the years, tracking golden monkeys has become more and more popular, second only to gorilla watching. It costs $100 to see the endangered monkeys as they eat, groom, and swing between bamboo trees. Usually headed by a dominating guy, a group can have almost 100 members. You can track golden monkeys either before or after gorilla trekking. Because golden monkeys do not travel to high altitudes to find fresh food like gorillas do, tracking them is less taxing than tracking gorillas. The bamboo shoots that grow at the volcanoes’ bases are their preferred food source.
There are activities planned all year long in Volcanoes National Park, regardless of the activity you decide to partake in. Nonetheless, the majority of people choose going to the park in the months and times that are dryer. June through mid-September and December through February are the driest months. Due to the ease of hiking the mountain slopes, this is typically the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking in the park. Heavy rainfall during the months of March through May and October through November causes the main hiking and trekking routes to become muddy and slick. During the rainy season, photographers and nature enthusiasts should visit the park to take in the breathtaking views.