Volcanoes National Park, Gorillas 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.
Discover More of Rwanda’s National Parks
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park is blessed with spectacular wildlife species like giraffes, lions, hippos, zebras and others. While on a safari to Akagera national park, a traveler can take part in a number of activities including game drives, boat cruise, community tours and birding.
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AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park is blessed with spectacular wildlife species like giraffes, lions, hippos, zebras and others. While on a safari to Akagera national park, a traveler can take part in a number of activities including game drives, boat cruise, community tours and birding.
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AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park is blessed with spectacular wildlife species like giraffes, lions, hippos, zebras and others. While on a safari to Akagera national park, a traveler can take part in a number of activities including game drives, boat cruise, community tours and birding.
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3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Visit Volcanoes National park for mountain Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking culture as well as Kigali city tour.
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3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Visit Volcanoes National park for mountain Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking culture as well as Kigali city tour.
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3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Visit Volcanoes National park for mountain Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking culture as well as Kigali city tour.
DISCOVER MORE
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Visit Volcanoes National park for mountain Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking culture as well as Kigali city tour.
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Murchison Falls National Park
Positioned in the north-western region of Uganda, Murchison Falls National park is the oldest and largest national park in Uganda and it was first known as Kabalega National park. The park spreads inland from the shores of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile to Karma falls. Managed by the Uganda wildlife Authority, Murchison Falls National Park sits on an area which is approximately 3,893 square kilometers with mighty Murchison Falls as the main attraction. The magical falls attract a number of people from different continents to see the narrow gap of only 7 meters where the waters of the Nile squeeze before plunging 43 meters.
Besides the magical waterfalls, the park also conserves the Budongo forest reserve which is a home to over 76 mammal species, 450 bird species and also the largest Uganda’s population of the Nile crocodiles.
Safari attractions in Murchison falls National Park
The Mighty Murchison falls
This is the main attraction in the park due to the fact that the park was named after these falls. The waterfalls are located on River Nile and the waters battle with the packed rocks while forcefully squeezing through the narrow 7 meters gap into the 50 meters radius water pool. During the falls, the powerful waters forma loud roar as they spray to the pool.
River Nile
River Nile is the second attraction in Murchison falls National Park. The river is listed as the longest river in the world and it has its source in the district of Jinja In Uganda. River Nile flows through Murchison Falls national park and it attracts a large population of hippos, crocodiles and the species of water birds along its sand banks. Explore the river to the fullest by taking part in launch trip to the bottom of the mighty waterfalls and view a number of animals and birds.
Buligi Game area
This is an area in the park with open savannah grasslands, woodlands, and acacia. The area is the best place in the park to view the wildlife while having a game drive. The game drives are done in the morning and afternoon times. Buligi game area is positioned between the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile.
Bird species
Hosting over 450 bird species, Murchison falls national park is one of the best destinations for birders. The park consists of a variety of water birds which surround the banks of River Nile. Among these birds in the park include; rare shoebill stork, goliath heron, the elegant grey crowned cranes, swamp flycatcher, red throated bee- eater, African jacana, Abyssinian ground hornbill and others.
Animal species
Comprising of over 76 mammal species, Murchison Falls National park is truly one of the best destinations for game viewing in Uganda. These animals can be seen when having a game drive through the open savannah and woodlands of the park. Among the animals in the park include elephants, Cape buffalo, hippos, hartebeest, warthogs, giraffes and others.
Primate species
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a variety of primate species with over 800 chimpanzees. Other primates include black and white colobus monkey, red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. During a nature walk, these primates can be seen in Budongo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi.
Paraa Area
Having a safari to Murchison falls national park and don’t explore the home of hippos- Paraa is not a tour. Paraa area is located on the banks of River Nile. Enjoy a number of activities while at this area like game drives, birding, nature walks and boat trips.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is located in the southwestern part of Murchison Falls National park. It has a high diversity of animals, birds, butterflies and primates. Among the animals in the forest include elephants, warthogs, olive baboons, chimpanzees and others. The forest also includes a variety of tree species which are over 210 species.
How to get to Murchison falls national park.
Positioned in the northern region of Uganda, Murchison falls national park can be accessed by the use of both road and air means of transport. The park is found in north western direction of Kampala Uganda’s capital. The drive from Kampala to the park takes about 3 hours.
When using air transport, one can fly Entebbe airport or Kajansi airstrip to Chobe airstrip.
Accommodations in Murchison Falls National park
The park has a wide range of accommodations which are both affordable and comfortable to every client. These accommodations range from budget, mid-range and luxury. Among them include Nile safari lodge, Chobe Safari lodge, Bakers Lodge, Budongo Eco lodge, Yebo Safari camp, Parkside safari Lodge, Murchison River lodge, Fort Murchison safari lodge, Kabalega wilderness lodge, Pakuba Safari lodge and others.
Enjoy a lifetime experience by having Uganda safaris to different destinations besides Murchison Falls National Park. These destinations include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and others.