Volcanoes National Park lies in the northern provinces of Rwanda. It is popular for its amazing primates, particularly the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park presents the adventure of trekking through the intact tropical rainforests surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature in its pure form. Travelers to the park indulge in various touristic activities that enable them to get the most out of their safaris.
Volcanoes is a primate lovers paradise. Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on the unforgettable adventures presented to them. Travelers catch a glimpse of the majestic Virunga Mountains which are covered with lush vegetation. A visit to Volcanoes National Park presents memories of a lifetime as it will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s wonders!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park was first gazette as a small area in the mid-1920s. it only engulfed 3 volcanoes that is to say Mount Karisimbi, Mikenoi, and Bisoke. The reserve was created with the major intention of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas from poachers. The mountain gorillas faced threats from the humans on a daily.
In 1929, the borders of the park were extended further into the interior of Rwanda and stretching up to the then-Belgian Congo. Subsequently, in the late 1950s, part of the park’s land was cleared for human settlement. Furthermore, in 1969, more land of the park was cleared to cultivate pyrethrum which was beneficial to the country too.
The park became a research ground for the renowned conservationist Dian Fossey. She put up the Karisoke Research Centre in 1967. This acted as her base for the studies about the endangered mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey spent most of her time in the park studying the mountain gorillas since she had immense love for them.
Unfortunately, the researcher was murdered by unknown assailants for unclear reasons though her legacy still lives. She initiated the practices for today’s booming gorilla tourism activities in the Great Lakes region. Dian introduced East Africans to the art and science of gorilla habituation and coexisting with them. Such activities gave birth to the most sought-after activity in the park – gorilla trekking.
The park became a battleground in the early 1990s during the Rwanda Civil War that claimed thousands of lives. During that time, tourism activities in the park were at a standstill. Tourism only resumed in 1999 when the park got safe for travel and tourism activities. This was after the bloody war had ended. Volcanoes National Park today is among the most popular destinations in East Africa and its safety sets it apart.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northern tip of Rwanda in the Virunga conservation area. The park engulfs 5 of the 8 Virunga Mountains that is to say mount Karisimbi, Gahings, Mikeno, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo. It is spans an area of approximately 160 square kilometers in Musanze. Accessing the park from Kigali takes about two and a half hours.
UNIQUENESS AND MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK.
Volcanoes National Park is the only park in Rwanda where one can have a glance at the endangered mountain gorillas. The park hosts 13 fully habituated gorillas that are up for visits and are free with humans in their habitat. The park has diverse landscapes that add to its overall beauty. Such experiences make trips to the park more satisfying. the park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also 12 other primates. These include; grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, lhoests, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
ACTIVITIES DONE IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla trekking and habituation. Gorilla trekking is the most highlighted activity when it comes to the magnificent volcanoes national park. The park has fully habituated mountain gorilla families that excite travelers. They live in organized families and it is easy to access them and watch them have a good time and enjoy their lives in their natural habitats. A permit to trek the gorillas in Rwanda costs $1500.
Nature walks. These are among the most exciting activities done in Volcanoes National Park. The nature walks take travelers through the inner areas of the jungle allowing the traveler the opportunity to feel the breeze of the forest. Guests immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the forest as they stare at the attractive flora and fauna species of the park.
Golden monkey trekking. Volcanoes National Park also hosts adorable small primates, especially the golden monkeys. Guests to the park can access these through treks in the forests as guided by the rangers. Travelers also see attractive tree species and lush vegetation. The trek therefore is a combination of various other activities like photography, videography, and sightseeing.
Bird watching. The park is a renowned habitat for some of the most beautiful bird species in the East African land. Birders watch the wonderful species up close in the tree branches and the wetlands as they feed. Certainly, visitors stand a chance to view marabou storks, African fish eagles, cuckoo shrikes, saddle-billed storks, black-breasted barbets, and piapias.
Twin Lakes Tours. Volcanoes National Park encompasses the two beautiful twin lakes that are to say Burera and Ruhondo. These are marvelous spots for sightseeing and offer mind-blowing opportunities for photography and videography. Relaxation at the twin lakes will leave you in awe and surely make you appreciate the natural beauty of Rwanda.
Cultural encounters. The cultural visits are launched to the iconic Ibyi’ Iwacu cultural village. The local people showcase the art of cultural dances, their unique ways of dressing, and their overall way of life. Travelers also have a taste of the local cuisine at the center which makes the visit more rewarding
Volcano climbing. Volcano climbing is yet another exhilarating activity that travelers indulge in when in volcanoes national park. Travelers climb up the majestic lush vegetation-covered volcanoes of the park. The climb to the top of the mountain presents travelers with beautiful views of the underlying landscape and the towering forests. It’s through the climb that travelers reach Dian Fossey’s grave on Mount Karisimbi, and learn more about the works of the researcher and the primates.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
The best time to travel to Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons. Travelers maneuver through the terrain of the forests and hills with ease. The dry seasons occur in June to September and also in the December to February window.
