Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gorilla Trekking in the Mist

In the northwestern direction, volcanoes national park is a national park in Rwanda that sits on area of approximately 160 square kilometers of rainforests. The national park is a home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains which include the Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Volcanoes national park borders Virunga National park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla national park in Uganda.

The national park was a base for the one of the Primatologists who is called Dian Fossey and it is famous for encompassing mountain gorillas and golden monkeys though the green forests, lakes, rivers, the mountainous landscape and sizeable population of other wildlife make it stand out. Volcanoes national park was first gazetted in 1925 as a small area bounded by Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno with an intention of protecting gorillas from poachers. It was the first created national park in Africa and in 1929, its borders were extended further into Rwanda and Belgian Congo so as to form the Albert national park which is 8090 square kilometers.

Where does Volcanoes fit into your African (Rwandan) Adventure?

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Safari activities in Volcanoes National Park

Though gorilla trekking is the main activity in volcanoes national park, there are other activities which one can participate in while on a safari to Rwanda. Among these activities include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and mountain hiking, touring the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and also visiting the grave of Dian Fossey.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Among the four national parks where mountain gorillas are sighted, volcanoes national park is one of them. The park has 10 habituated Rwanda gorilla groups that are open for tourism purposes like tracking by the guidance of experienced rangers. For one to take part in this activity, he or she must own a gorilla permit which is a cost of $1500. These permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through the services of the tour operators.

After gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking experience is the second activity that attracts a thousand of tourists to Rwanda. Golden monkey tracking involves moving through the forests and spot the endangered monkeys feed, and swing on the bamboo trees and it requires a tracking permit which costs $100.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey is one of the great primatologists since she fought poaching of animals and especially mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park. This primatologist is also credited for bringing up new ideas on how to make the mountain gorillas comfortable in the presence of humans. Currently, a number of tourists visit the grave of this primatologist.

Volcanoes national park is named after the four major volcanoes that are found in the area. Among these include Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m) Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,634m). Hiking to the top of these volcanoes is one of the most interesting experiences during a Rwanda safari. The hiking involves moving through the thick forests and thus requiring both mental and physical preparation so as to finish the journey and also reach the top of the summit.

Hiking

Visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera

Relax from the tiresome activities of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking by taking part in the boat cruise experience on the deep waters of the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. During the boat cruise, sight beautiful features like birds, hill landscapes and waterfalls.

Where to stay?

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When to go?

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How to access Volcanoes National park?

Volcanoes national park is easily accessed from Kigali and takes only two hour drive from Kigali to Musanze district in the Northern region of Rwanda. One can decide to use public means of transport from Kigali to Musanze and then use a private car to the headquarters of the park.

Also, one can hire services from the tour operator who will pick him or her up from the airport to the park headquarters in Kinigi.