A Seasonal Guide to the Haven for Mountain Gorillas and Biodiversity.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park; Volcanoes National Park, established in 1926, stands as the oldest national park in East Africa, covering approximately 160 square kilometres. The park bears significant historical importance, particularly in mountain gorilla conservation, largely due to the ground-breaking work of primatologist Dr. Dian Fossey. Her dedicated research and conservation efforts have been instrumental in increasing the global mountain gorilla population.
The park comprises five distinct Virunga volcanoes: Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Gahinga. It strategically borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
As a rainforest ecosystem, the park boasts diverse vegetation including wetlands, meadows, grasslands, and bamboo forests. This rich environment supports an impressive biodiversity, hosting over 200 bird species. Notable avian inhabitants include the African broad bill, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-chested sunbird, crested barbet, and African long-eared owl.
When is the Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park?
Despite being home to Rwanda’s challenging historical context, particularly the genocide, Volcanoes National Park remains a captivating destination accessible throughout the year. The park’s allure stems from its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which transform the landscape into a remarkable wildlife sanctuary.
Visitors can explore the park during two distinct seasonal periods: dry and wet. According to park officials, the dry seasons are most recommended for travel. These seasons occur from June to mid-September and December to February, offering minimal rainfall and optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
During dry seasons, park trails become more navigable with calm winds and shorter grass. This environment facilitates various activities including guided nature walks, gorilla trekking, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, sport fishing, and canopy walks. Wildlife spotting becomes considerably easier, with animals congregating around water bodies like Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
Conversely, the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) present unique attractions. These periods are particularly appealing to bird enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe colourful birds actively nesting, flying, and foraging. The landscape transforms into a lush, verdant environment, creating spectacular photographic opportunities.
Travelers should note that temperatures can be quite cold during night-time, regardless of season. It is advisable to pack heavy jackets to accommodate potential rainfall at any time.
Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park – Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park.
The park offers three primary activities:
Gorilla Trekking: The park’s flagship experience involves tracking 10 habitable gorilla families. Participants trek through dense vegetation to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas, sharing 98% of human DNA, live in family groups led by dominant silverbacks. This activity typically involves a guided hour-long encounter with these extraordinary creatures.
Golden Monkey Trekking: Unique to Volcanoes National Park, this activity allows visitors to observe endangered golden monkeys inhabiting bamboo forests. These distinctive primates primarily feed on bamboo leaves and stems. During treks, visitors might also encounter additional wildlife like buffalos, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Birding: With over 200 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, African Swamphen, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, Olive-belled Sunbird, and Bat Hawk.
Cultural Visits: These are conducted at Iby’Iwacu Cultural village which is a concentration of the Kinyarwanda Culture. Additionally, visitors to the site get opportunities to learn about several cultural dances of the Rwandese and their art and crafts.
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