Mugongo Cave is found within the Mudende sector and are perfect for achieving remarkable Caving experiences with spectacular Camping facilities around the Cave area. Like all the other Caves in the area, these Caves were formed from Cenozoic Volcanic Rocks that were formed millions of years ago.
Caving is one of the most interesting and unmissable tourist activities in Rwanda, and you won’t believe how many Caves you will see in this country, dubbed the “land of a thousand hills”. There are over 52 Caves in this country, and most/or all of them are found in the Northern Province.
Mugongo cave, Rwanda
Mugongo Cave Tours are off-the-beaten-track and just a stone’s throw from Imbabazi Orphanage, a short distance from the Mudende sector office. This makes it possible for travelers to combine Caving with historical tours. The Orphanage was established in 1994 by Rosamond Carr at 82 years to shelter over 100 orphans from the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and has taken care of over 400 orphans throughout the years. Rosamond first came to Belgian Congo in 1949 but after her divorce, she decided to settle in Northwestern Rwanda in 1955 to establish and manage a flower Garden. She lived here for the next years, witnessing the country’s Independence, became friends with Dian Fossey, and also witnessed the 1994 genocide. Therefore, during your Cave tour, you can also visit the Imbabazi Orphanage.
Exploring Mugongo Cave on Volcanoes
Mugongo Cave Tours are managed/operated by Imbabazi Orphanage and it costs only $6 (or RWF 5000) per person per day, and bookings have to be made in advance (by calling or messaging Imbabazi) to that a guide can be arranged to take you around. The guide will take you through the Cave and Imbabazi Orphanage learning more details about these two remarkable places. You will need a helmet or boots to walk through these Caves, although the entrance is somewhat challenging to get through.
Best time of the year to undertake Mugongo Cave Tours
Like gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Mugongo Cave Tours can be explored all year round but the best months for exploring these off-the-beaten-track attractions are in the dry season-January, February, June, July, August, September, and December when chances are raining are lower thus the entranceways are less muddy and slippery. However, most travelers prefer Cave tours during these months hence expect crowds. The chances of rain are higher during wet months- March, April, May, October, and November thus Cave pathways and surrounding areas are muddy and more slippery. However, there are fewer crowds during these months thus you will have the Caves to yourself.
What to carry/or wear for the the cave tour
For Mugongo Cave Tours, you might need a helmet, flashlight (because the Cave is extremely dark inside), sturdy hiking boots (Cave pathways tend to be slippery during wet weather), gardening gloves (you might need to hold the ground while sloping or climbing higher areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and safari pants, carry energy-giving snacks and enough drinking water. Also carry a good camera, a rain jacket, and a backpack.