Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Set suitably in the heart of East-Central Africa, Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is, without doubt, a magical Rwanda National Park most popular for its exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking experiences. The Volcanoes National Park sits in the far Northwest of Rwanda, Ruhengeri Region only 2-3 hours’ drive off from Kigali Capital. This spectacular Rwanda National Park takes its name from the scenic chain of dormant volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massifs including the highest of all 8 Virunga volcanoes-Karisimbi 4507m; Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke and Sabinyo.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest National Parks in Africa and a home to a section of the endangered mountain gorillas whose population currently stands at 1063. Though there are diverse attractions, the main reason why Volcanoes National Park is mainly to see rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
When it was established & size:
Volcanoes National Park was founded in 1925 together with the Congo’s Virunga National Park making it one of the Africa’s oldest National Parks. This ancient African safari park was primarily founded to shelter mountain gorillas and other species of wildlife. Volcanoes N/Park today occupies a compact area featuring lush rainforest & bamboo forest measuring up to only 160sq.kms in Ruhengeri Area of Rwanda. It is Rwanda’s only gorilla trekking park and also only part of the Greater Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) in Rwanda to visit to see golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park gained popularity especially during Dian Fossey era when she visited Virunga Volcanoes Area conduct research on gorillas. She came to Virunga Region in 1967 and spent about 18 years researching about gorillas, creating awareness about the plight of the endangered mountain gorillas and noted for her Gorillas in the Mist book & film. In 1925, Volcanoes National Park & Virunga National Park were originally founded as Albert National Park, a name it derived from King Albert 1. The 2 parks separated after Rwanda and Congo became independent around 1960s.
Attractions in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas-Gorilla gorilla beringei are with no doubt Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park main attractions. These rare apes range only within the Afro-montane forests particularly in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.C. They account for most visits in the park and remarkably, share the same habitat with endangered golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park protects the Eastern gorilla sub-species and presently has 13 groups of mountain gorillas already habituated for gorilla trekking. On gorilla tour, the gorilla families to visit in PNV include Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Agashya or Group 13, Umubano, Susa A, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Titus, Pablo, Bwenge, Ugenda.
Golden monkeys
Golden monkeys/Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti, the Sykes Monkeys sub-species also popular as the blue monkey. They are unique attractions Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is famous for besides mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Region ranging within Volcanoes N/Park, Virunga & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Currently, 2 habituated golden monkey troops are living within Rwanda’s Parch National des Volcans and they make up a population of 80-100 members. The habituated troops here dwell mostly at the foothills of Sabyinyo Volcano.
Virunga volcanoes
Volcanoes National Park is also a home to 5 magnificent conical peaks of the 8 Virunga Massifs including Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura and Gahinga Volcanoes. Karisimbi happens to be highest peak of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes rising 4507m and in Africa, it is ranked 11th & Bisoke 3711m which is 35kms North of Goma lying just near Lake Kivu.
Other wildlife
Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans isn’t only a unique gorilla park but also a home to other diverse wildlife. These include the beautiful Forest elephants, Buffaloes, Giant Forest Hogs, Spotted hyenas, Bush Pigs, Bush bucks and unique flora characterized by grassland, rain-forest, thickets. At elevation range of 3500-4500, it is mainly the Lobelia that thrives.
Birds of Volcanoes National Park
In addition to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, there exist also 200 bird species thriving within Volcanoes National Park’s forest. The colorful bird species Volcanoes N/Park boasts include among others Archer’s robin robin, Strange weavers, Handsome francolins, Dusky crimson wings, Collared apalis, Rwenzori turacos.
Dian Fossey Tomb
Dian Fossey tomb/graveyard is one of the historic sites that hold a unique gorilla conservation history. It is what offers in-depth learning about Dian Fossey who is noted for 18 years’ tireless efforts to conserve mountain gorillas-she strongly campaigned against poaching, set up Karisoke Research Centre to aid her daily research activities at the time which today still function.
Tour activities in Parc National des Volcans
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is without doubt the most captivating experience and main highlight of most visits in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Kinigi is usually where Volcanoes N/Park gorilla trekking adventure start with briefing and at 8:00am, you start a long day search for habituated gorilla group. An encounter with gorillas in the bamboo forest of Rwanda’s Volcanoes N/Park can be captivating and to most gorilla trekkers, it best described as a lifetime or life changing experience. It is one adventure worth every penny, time and efforts but a valid gorilla permit should be a must-book in case you are set off to interact with gorillas in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda Development Board (RDB), an organ incharge issuing Rwanda gorilla permits provides permits at USD 1500. The 2 important options to consider if you are to book a gorilla permit are; via a ground tour operator in Rwanda and directly with RDB.
Is Rwanda safe for gorilla trekking holiday? Yes, tracking mountain gorillas is safe and secure for everyone on Rwanda safaris. All Rwanda gorilla treks never start till visitors are briefed about gorilla trekking rules including maintaining a distance of up to 10m off from gorilla family, maximum of 8pax to track a single gorilla family, only if you are 15 years and above that you can go track mountain gorillas, no trekking gorillas if you are sick,
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking is the only exceptional experience in Volcanoes National Park that lets you catch a glimpse of golden monkeys while in their natural environment. Trekking to see golden monkeys is done in the 2 habituated troops that reside around Sabyinyo foothills starting at 8:00am with park guide. Each of the Volcanoes N/Park golden monkey trekking permits can be booked at USD100.
Bird watching
Fewer than 200 bird species reside within the different habitats in Volcanoes N/Park making it one of the Rwanda’s best birding sites. The park protects largely the Albertine endemic species and the important birdlife sightings include Handsome francolins, Archer’s ground robin, Ruwenzori batis, Collared apalis, Strange weavers, Grauer’s rush warblers etc.
Dian Fossey tomb/graveyard tour
The Dian Fossey graveyard tour is 2-3 trek via the park’s lush forest to Dian Fossey tomb. The trek offers in-depth knowledge on Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy and along the way, the trek comes with astonishing sightings of primates, birds.
Other Activities to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Cultural encounters
After gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, cultural walk is definitely the one unique experience you shouldn’t miss while on safari in Volcanoes National Park. There are interesting local residents to interact with in the surrounding local communities, especially at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village just adjacent to the park. The cultural walk offers insight into Rwandese cultures, traditions and in addition, entertainment from local residents dances, music performance.
Musanze Caves tour
Musanze Caves are unique sites lying adjacent Volcanoes N/Park, Ruhengeri Region 2-3 hours’ drive off Kigali city. The caves are 2kms long with dark interior yet offers a memorable cave exploration experience.
The Twin Lakes visit
The Twin Lakes walk/visit introduces you to Lake Burera and Ruhondo, the scenic twin lakes often visited by Rwanda gorilla safari holidaymakers from Volcanoes National Park. Your tour at the Twin Lakes lets you enjoy bird sightings of important birds like Yellow billed stork, Pied kingfishers, Weaver birds, Pied kingfishers, Moorhens, Great white pelicans etc.
Best time to visit Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Dry months of the year are with no doubt the best months for visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking; June to September and December/February. Heavy rains are often experienced in Parc National des Volcans and low numbers of travelers are recorded that from March to May/October to November. Because heavy rains and slippery ground, tracking gorillas or golden monkeys often becomes challenging.
Where to stay
All accommodation options exist at Volcanoes National Park for overnight stay including budget, mid-range to luxury. The popular of all the lodges at the park include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Safari Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Muhabura Hotel & Kinigi Guesthouse.
Getting there
Volcanoes National Park is easiest gorilla park to reach from city centre compared to the rest. Gorilla trekkers only spend 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali Capital and they access the park. There is also an option of driving from Uganda-start from Bwindi National Park/Mgahinga National Park or right from Kabale Town via Katuna border or Kisoro Town via Chanika border and connect to Ruhengeri, about 3-4 hours road trip.