The Virunga Massif Volcanoes National Park, named after the series of dormant volcanoes that make up this majestic mountain range, is located in the far northwest of Rwanda and preserves the steep slopes of this mountain range, which is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla and a diverse mosaic of montane ecosystems.
One of the most unique experiences in the area is tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the eerie closeness of a rain forest that is alive with the cries of 200 different species of bright birds and the chatter of a rare golden monkey.
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For the majority of visitors to Volcanoes National Park, this is a top priority. Ten habituated gorilla families that are accessible for hiking live in the national park. Additionally, Volcanoes Park includes Rwanda’s portion of the massive Virunga massif, which borders Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Gorilla permits, which cost a total of $1500 for an hour of interaction, are necessary for tourists who want to visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Rwanda Development Board is responsible for granting all licenses.
Another popular activity in Volcanoes National Park that draws thousands of visitors into the jungle is golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys are magnificent animals that no traveler should overlook when on a safari in Rwanda. Golden monkeys are a rare species that are currently threatened with extinction and are known to have distinctive personalities. They can currently be found in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. The yellow spots that are visible all over their bodies make them simple to identify. The only way to distinguish the Golden monkeys from other primates is by their noses, which are also known as “the Old world monkey.” The golden monkeys have a distinctive feature, which is that whereas most monkeys have nostrils that point to the sides, the nostrils of the golden monkeys face upward.In Rwanda, golden monkey trekking is primarily conducted in the Virunga Volcanoes with only one session per day which starts in the morning.
3.Visiting the grave of Dian Fossey,
The Dian Fossey grave site (tomb) hike/trek is one of the must-do activities in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The purpose of the trip is to educate visitors about the research that prominent American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to studying mountain gorillas, conducted. The valley between Mounts Karisimbi and Bisoke is where she established a research camp, giving rise to the name “Karisoke.” Her efforts to safeguard mountain gorillas and their habitat brought her into conflict with undesirable elements, such as poachers, and she was ultimately assassinated. Near her Karisoke Research Center, she was laid to rest among the gorillas. She played a significant role in the mountain gorillas’ continued existence, and visiting her study center and grave site will make your excursion to view the gorillas even more meaningful and exciting.
4.Mountain hiking
Three extinct volcanoes can be found at Volcanoes National Park in addition to fauna. As a result, visitors to this park have the added benefit of ascending to the top of any Volcano, which rewards them with breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Rwanda, Kigali, the Virunga volcanoes, and the nearby villages.The most often ascended volcano is Mt. Karisimbi, and the experience is worthwhile.
5.Birding in volcanoes national park
One of the best things to do when traveling to East Africa is to go bird watching in Volcanoes National Park. The latest study estimates that Rwanda contains over 700 species of birds, with Volcanoes National Park being home to about half of them. This contributes to the understanding of why Rwandans love to go birding in the park.
6. Visiting of the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
.One of Rwanda’s top tourist destinations is the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. The Village brings together all of Rwanda’s known cultural practices, inhabitants, and history in one location for exposition and up-close encounters. International tourists can experience what it was like to live in a normal African village, including the way of life, the homes, the traditional dances, the dress code, the food, the herbs, and the basic structure of the old kingdoms. Visitors are given the chance to practice weaving mats and baskets and learn ancient hunting techniques. Many tourists who want to explore Rwanda’s traditional culture have fallen in love with this special encounter.
7.Touring the lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
These incredible lakes, which have a total surface area of around 2800 acres, are situated in the northern region of Rwanda, close to the Rwanda-Uganda border and the Volcanoes National Park (the renowned gorilla home). On the outskirts of Musanze city, they are located at the foot of Volcano Muhabura. Due to their proximity to one another, Ruhando and Burera lakes were given the name Twin lakes. The only thing separating them is a 100 m (328 ft) drop in elevation, and they are still able to pour water into one another. While on a visit to these lakes you can engage in canoeing, fishing, bird watching and community walks.
8.Visiting Musanze caves
In the lives of the Rwandan people, these Caves in the Volcanoes National Park contain historical and cultural value. The majority of the time, local guides lead tourists who visit these caverns on a 2- to 3-hour tour of the caves while thoroughly describing their fascinating history.
The park is accessed from Uganda, Kigali town of Rwanda and from democratic republic of Congo by either air or by road. For tourists flying into Rwanda, the only main gate away is by using a flight to Kigali international airport, which is 116.3 kilometers from the park, approximately 2-3 hours’ drive.
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