Activities & Attractions in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is found in the North western parts of Rwanda, it shares the boarders with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda and Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park has different beautiful peaks and that include; karisimbi, bisoke, muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It’s an enjoyable experience when climbing these huge peaks.

Volcanoes National Park has lots of attractions that catch the attention of the tours like;

Visiting the tombs of the late Dian Fossey.

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who made research about the mountain gorillas for two decades. She combined karisimbi and bisoke mountain names to form Kabisoke which she named to the research center (Kabisoke Research Center). In 1987 she was unfortunately killed by the poachers and was laid to rest between mount bisoke and mount karisimbi near kabisoke Research center

Mountain gorilla trekking 

Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is popular because Rwanda is considered as the best place to see gorillas in Africa. it is a home of over 10 habituated mountain gorilla families available for trekking .trekking an volcanoes national park involves hiking up the steep volcanoes through the bamboo jungles. Mountain gorilla trekking starts so early with the booking of the mountain gorilla permit. Having your gorilla permit ready you ready helps you avoid disturbances while on your trip. Come along with hiking boots, poncho or sweaters, energy giving snacks lots of drinks and many more. Mountain gorilla trekking is also challenging but being able to finally see the gorillas with your eyes is the ultimate wildlife experience. 

Volcano climbing 

Volcanoes national park is the home of three extinct volcanoes. Tourists who visit this park have an advantage of hiking to the top of these beautiful volcanos and getting to see the beautiful city of Rwanda (Kigali), local communities. These volcanoes are mount karisimbi, mount Bisoke and many others.

Bird watching

Volcanoes national park is also of over 100 bird species that catch the eyes of the tourists. These species call the park their homes with mainly Albertine rift endemics of which 13 species and 16 sub species are restricted in range to Virunga and Rwenzori mountains. There are Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori collared sun bird, strange weaver and many more. Bird watchers need to come along with the binoculars, cameras, garden grooves holding onto tree branches, boots to enable them hike with ease in the thick forests, sound trackers and caps to protect their hair from falling leaves.

Golden monkey trekking 

Golden monkey trekking is an exciting activity that is also done in Volcanoes national park. This activity attracts hundreds of  people who come to enjoy the experience. The golden monkeys are mainly found in volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park .This activity is a bit cheaper that mountain gorilla trekking. The golden monkeys stay in the bamboos and trekking golden monkeys is similar to trekking mountain gorillas. Being with the golden monkeys is limited to one hour, the time is limited to give them time to do their daily activities, the number of people allowed to be with these creatures is not more than 8 people to be on a safe side since these creatures are not used to large crowds of people. You have to well prepared with the right gadgets since the time of return is not specific and you never know when you will return .

Caving 

Do not miss out visiting the Musanze caves on you Rwanda safari to Volcanoes national park. Experienced guides lead you into these caves while telling you the mysteries of the caves, history and about Rwanda. Other activities done in volcanoes national park are cultural tours like Ibyiwacu cultural activities where they celebrate the new born monkey.

Other attractions in  volcanoes national park are visiting the twin lakes, lake Bulera and lake Ruhondo are located within Musanze district at the base of mount Muhabura from volcanoes national park. They are named as twin lakes because they are located in the same area and their physical connections were as the result of volcanic eruption .