Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park sits high in the misty Virunga Mountains, straddling the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This remarkable park is a component of the broader Virunga Massif, which is a string of eight extinct volcanoes that form one of the most spectacular landscapes in East Africa. If you are looking for the most thrilling encounter with mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is the best safari destination to be.
Volcanoes National Park contains thick rainforest, complete with bamboo hills and volcanic mountains, serves as a natural habitat for these docile creatures. The park was founded in 1925 and is considered one of the oldest reserves in Africa, having developed into one of the best locations for gorilla safaris.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorillas
No visit to Volcanoes National Park would be complete without seeing the mountain gorillas. In total, there are over 12 habituated families of mountain gorillas available for trekkers. Each gorilla group has its own distinct nature and home range in the forest. Trekking into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas is an adventure of a lifetime. The gorillas are used to the presence of humans; thus, visitors can watch them eat, play, relax, and even interact with one another.
Golden Monkeys.
Apart from the gorillas, the forest reserve is home to golden monkeys which have been accustomed to human presence. These unique monkeys are native to the Albertine Rift and are some of the most attractive monkeys in Africa. Their body is covered with bright orange-golden fur, and they travel through the bamboo belt in groups. Golden monkey trekking is a shorter and less strenuous activity than gorilla tracking, making it a wonderful addition to any safari itinerary.
Virunga Volcanoes.
The name derives from the volcano range present within the park such as Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Sabinyo. The scenery of the area is formed by the silhouette shapes created by the volcano range and the slopes covered with vegetation. Exploring the volcanoes means that the adventurer can climb up to crater lakes and cross-national borders.
Legacy of Dian Fossey.
This park has significant historical importance for the study of primates. Here is where Dian Fossey carried out her studies on mountain gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center. Guests are welcome to visit her old camp and her gravesite, and get informed about her hard work for gorilla conservation and the threats she had to fight against.
Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking safari in the national park is the top most safari activity in the area. Visitors are required to have permits, which are issued daily in limited quantities. The visitors are then divided into small groups to track a particular group of gorillas based on their physical fitness.
The trekking time varies from one hour to five hours because the exact location of the gorillas can only be determined the previous night. There are always trained guides and trackers who follow the gorillas’ movements using radio communication. After finding the family, visitors will spend one hour watching the gorillas in their natural environment. In the one hour, you may get a chance to see the silverback relaxing with his arms bent or the mother taking care of her baby.
Golden Monkey Trekking.
If you’ve done the gorilla trek before or would like a change of the safari experience, golden monkey trekking safari can be a great option. It is not as lengthy as gorilla trekking; it only takes one to two hours. Golden monkeys are very playful and social animals, making for enjoyable observation as they hop around the bamboo forest and play with each other.
Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes.
For the adventurous souls, hiking the Virunga Volcanoes is an ideal choice. Among the best choices is hiking Mount Bisoke, which is topped by a beautiful crater lake. This hiking safari activity will take four to five hours to complete. Mount Sabinyo offers a unique experience, as the trail follows a narrow ridge that crosses into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing hikers to stand in three countries at once.
Dian Fossey Hike.
This hike takes you to the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey lived and worked for nearly two decades. The trail takes through beautiful forest and bamboo zones, while offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The hike takes approximately three to four hours round trip and includes a visit to Fossey’s grave and the remains of her research camp.
Bird Watching.
Volcanoes National Park is a rewarding safari destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 recorded species. Specialties include the Rwenzori turaco, the handsome francolin, and several sunbird species. The different habitats, from bamboo to montane forests, have diverse species of birds, with the early mornings being the best time to observe them.
Cultural Tours.
There are unique cultural experiences that the communities around the park provide. The tours provide visitors with insight into local culture and allow them to engage in various farm activities and make crafts. Others may also be accompanied to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where those who used to poach now showcase their culture through dance and tales.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round, but there are dry seasons when you will enjoy the visit more. The best time for the visit will be between June to September and December to February. There will be very little rainfall, and the foliage will be at its lowest. It helps trekking and allows for more efficient animal watching.
The rainy seasons from March to May and from October to November are marked by higher precipitation levels and muddy routes. Nevertheless, the park is open, and nature turns green and vibrant. The crowds are thinner during these months, and accommodation rates may be lower. Travelers who do not mind wet conditions can still have a rewarding experience.
Daytime temperatures in the park average around 15°C (59°F). Nights are much colder, dropping to approximately 7°C (45°F). The tourist needs to carry warm clothing, waterproof clothing, and walking shoes irrespective of the season.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park.
For the tourists planning their safari to Volcanoes National Park, the park offers different accommodations to the tourists;
luxury accommodation, some first-rate accommodations can be found close to Volcanoes National Park. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides 13 well-equipped rooms fitted with rain showers, bath tubs, and sitting areas. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a traditional sauna, and a steam room. It is located just 15 minutes from the park entrance, ensuring minimal travel time on trekking days.
Mid-Range accommodations, Mid-range travelers have several excellent choices. Both Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge and Classic Lodges provide guests with comfortable rooms complete with bathrooms, delicious meals, and easy access to the park’s administration offices. They are affordable facilities whose costs range between 150 to 300 dollars per night.
Budget accommodations, Travelers on a tight budget can opt for the services provided by Fatima Hotel and Migano Hotel & Café, which provide cheap accommodation. Camping is also available at designated sites near Kinigi, though facilities are minimal. Budget options typically range from 50 to100 USD per night.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
By Air
Most international visitors arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), which is well-connected to major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. A road journey from Kigali takes about two-and-a-half to three hours to arrive at the park. The route is through some picturesque hills in Rwanda, where one will view terraces of farms along the way.
Alternatively, one can opt for charter helicopter services as another means of transport. Akagera Aviation offers helicopter charters to the park from Kigali.
By Road
The park headquarters is located in Kinigi, approximately 10 kilometers from the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri). The road from Kigali to Musanze is paved and well-maintained, making for a comfortable drive. All visitors must report to the Kinigi headquarters by 7:00 AM on the day of their trek, so staying overnight in Musanze or near the park is strongly recommended.
Border Crossings.
Volcanoes National Park shares borders with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers combining gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda can cross at the Cyanika or Gatuna borders. The drive from Volcanoes National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Volcanoes National Park is a safari destination that delivers one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. The dense forests, majestic mountains, and gentle giants that roam in this area are sure to create memories you won’t soon forget once you’ve left. No matter whether your reason for visiting is the gorillas, golden monkeys, mountains, or even the forest itself, the adventure that lies before you in this unique park is one, you’ll never forget.