Musanze caves in Volcanoes National park, formed by centuries of geologic activity centered around the Virunga volcanoes next door, the 1.25-mile long Musanze caves are located just outside of the town they share a name with, and are only a about 2 hrs drive from Kigali.
The Musanze Caves have enormous opening (and an equally huge number of bats resident inside), the greenery outside spilling over into the twilight within makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Though today they’re a tourist attraction, the caves were used as a shelter during war time for many centuries leading right up into the modern era, and as such, it’s an important site to local people. Thus, out of respect for the area’s residents, access is limited to guided visits.
Musanze Caves in Volcanoes National Park
Expert guides guide visitors in to Musanze caves every day and they can explain the history of the caves from their formation to present day. The tours make an excellent add-on activity for the afternoon after you re done with your morning mountain gorilla trek or a Golden monkey trek.
The musave cave walk usually takes about 2.5 hours, and can be done at any time throughout the year. These caves date back 65 million years and lie within the volcanic region where lava flow layers long ago and visitation fee to Musanze caves is US$ 50.00
Musanze Caves offers a different aspect to the rest of Volcanoes National Park. There are 4 caves that run one after another with small outdoor sections that run in between. Visiting the Musanze caves in Rwanda, everyone is given a hard head element and solar torch to help you on your way.
Inside Musanze Caves, you will witness great rock formations, with varying glimpses of light being allowed inside the cave showing stunning contrasts. Even though you have a torch, you still need to watch were your walking as it can get very dark. The first Musanze cave that is by far the longest in distance and the longest without seeing any natural light. Silence will occupy you along with frequent drops of water.
After making you visit to the caves, other attractions in Rwanda you can have on your to do list is Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forests National Park or visit Colobus Monkeys. Visiting Akagera National Park for a wildlife safari in Rwanda to see the Giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, a boat ride along the Lake Ihema is a rewarding experience amidst Hippos and countless bird species