The Best Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
The best things to do in Volcanoes National Park can not be explained by mere words but taking a chance to be part of any experience is a life-changing thing. Volcanoes National Park is one of the most famous National Parks in Rwanda. Featuring 160 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, thickets, swamps, alpine forests, grasslands, marshes/swamps, and meadows across different altitudes, the Park is known for having one of the greatest concentrations of mountain gorillas in Africa. It is also considered one of the best places to do gorilla safaris because of its expensive gorilla permits. This low-density gorilla tourism model means that Volcanoes National Park never gets crowded and you will feel like you are in a secluded and remote destination. Book Now
In terms of biodiversity, there is a wide range of wildlife in Volcanoes National Park: Spotted hyenas, African forest elephants, golden monkeys, forest buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, and many other mammal species….even the elusive leopards also roam the beautiful National Park. While the skies and Albertine Rift Valley are full of over 200 bird species. Volcanoes National Park does have it all!
Whether it’s the excitement of spotting baby and silverback gorillas on a gorilla safari, the invigorating volcano climbing, the intimacy of guided forest walks, golden monkey tracking, or the experience of spotting feathered beauties, each option offers an exceptional perspective on Volcanoes National Park’s natural beauty. The best things to do in Volcanoes National Park include;-
Gorilla treks are a quintessential part of any Volcanoes National Park safari. These adventures can be experienced both in the dry and wet seasons, providing once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the endangered Mountain gorillas at different seasons of the year.
Conducted on foot, in the company of an armed Park ranger and an experienced guide, a group of 8 visitors hit one of the trails to search for the Giant Apes and get to spend one hour watching and taking photos of them. This makes for a thrilling experience that creates memories that last a lifetime.
There are 12 habituated gorilla families in this Park, and for this reason, 96 gorilla permits are available each day and only issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Only persons who are 15 years and above can trek and spend time with these Giant Apes in their natural habitats.
Most people who do a safari in Volcanoes National Park will also do a golden monkey tracking safari at some point. These are also done in the morning, just like gorilla treks and you can arrange the adventure at any time of the year.
The highlight of the golden monkey tracking tour is the opportunity to capture up-close photos of the frisky golden monkeys as they feed on Bamboo shoots/leaves/stems, play, groom each other, and take care of their young ones.
Golden monkeys are gorgeous with bright-colored fur and golden hair mixed with orange. They live in troops of 30 to 100 individuals led by an Alpha male. Their diet mainly comprises bamboo (leaves, shoots, and stems), as well as a variety of seasonal fruits and small invertebrates.
Bird Watching Experience.
Volcanoes National Park might just be the easiest place in Rwanda to gain an interest in bird watching. Over 200 species of birds are found in this sprawling Conservation Area. Spot the colorful scarlet-tufted sunbirds, the Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, Rwenzori Apalis, Red-faced woodland warblers, Rwenzori Turaco and others crying from trees and others dive into the air.
Hike to the Dian Fossey Gravesite.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to Dian Fossey Grave, to learn about the history and journey of the American zoologist who dedicated 18 years of her life to protecting and studying the Giant Apes.
You just need 3-4 hours to walk through the forest and explore her Karisoke Research Center and the gravesite of her favorite gorilla. If you love mountain gorillas, then you will love learning about her journey in Volcanoes National Park.
How to reach Volcanoes National Park.
The Volcanoes National Park tour depends on your preference for travel. The most accessible mode of transport is by Helicopter flight. Helicopter flights to Volcanoes are readily available from Kigali International Airport connecting via Musanze airstrip.
Land transfers from Kigali City/Airport to Volcanoes National Park are a cheaper option, and you can do this via a Car rental drive. Besides car rental, you can take a bus from Kigali (Nyabugogo) to Musanze, then proceed to the Park by cab. However, this isn’t recommended if you’re short on time. Book Now
