Things to do in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Are you interested in visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and you are searching for which activities to do in this dense beautiful montane forest national park, there are many attractions to see and things to do in Volcanoes National park? Volcanoes National Park is one of the top destinations for tourists visiting Rwanda it is the most visited park in Rwanda with major attractions including the endangered apes Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys, the park is also home to various bird species making it one of the best birding place in Rwanda. The park also has great places for hiking and adventure including five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains which are shared with Uganda and DR Congo, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.

About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in the far northwest of Rwanda, it is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas ad this is the major attraction in this park. Volcanoes National Park is made up of 5 volcanic mountains which make up the virunga massif. The park is also home to 200 bird species, Golden monkeys and other rare mammals.

Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the major activities done in this park, the tracking is done every day which starts in the morning with briefing a the park headquarters then after you head to the forest to search for the mountain gorillas, the walk can take up to 6 hours and sometimes half day depending on where and what time you find the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking with 96 gorilla permits available every day for gorilla tracking. For you to be allowed to track mountain gorillas you are required to have a gorilla permit which can be purchased directly from Rwanda Development Board or through Eco Adventure Safaris a gorilla permit costs USD1500 per person per trek. Gorilla tracking is done in a group of 8 people tracking a given gorilla family.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden Monkey tracking is another activity done in Volcanoes National Park it is one of the best places in the world after Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda where you can see the endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat. A Golden monkey permit costs USD100 per person per trek, tracking starts in the morning and it is done in a group of 16 per golden monkey family.

Volcano climbing

Volcanoes National Park consist of five of the eight volcanic mountains that make up the virunga massif these include Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Mountain Karisimbi is the most hiked, these gives you an opportunity to see Rwanda from the top and stunning views of a crater lake on top.

Visiting Dian Fossey Tomb

The hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb is an incredible and emotional experience which gives you an opportunity to learn about a fallen hero who sacrificed herself to save the remaining mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.  At the Tomb you will find the house from where Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985 and the place where she was buried just next to her favorite gorilla friend Digit and other mountain gorillas which died in the same period due to attacks by poachers and other deaths.

Research and Study

Research and studies in Volcanoes National Park is managed by the head quarters at Karisoke research Camp. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the primates and bird species as well as other wildlife in Volcanoes National Park. You will as well learn more about the historical work Dian fossey did to conserve the mountain gorillas in the Virunag ranges.

Caving

During your visit to Volcanoes National Park, visiting the Musanze caves is another activity you should not miss including in your itinerary. Experienced guides lead you into these caves while telling you the mysteries of the caves, history and all other facts about Rwanda.

Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the traditions and heritage of Rwanda people, you will enjoy the cultural dances and local food. You can as well buy souvenirs depicting the story of Rwanda people 

Bird watching

Volcanoes National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda the park has 200 recorded bird species with various Albertine endemics. This activity can be done during gorilla tracking or golden monkey tracking where you have a chance to spit some birds with the help of your guide.

Visiting the twin lakes of Bulera and Buhondo

You can as well do a boat cruise on these beautiful twin lakes close to Volcanoes National Park offering you an opportunity to see various birds and local people. This cruise is conducted by the local people who will as well share with you the heritage of Rwanda and the history of the twin lakes Bulera and Buhondo.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

Lodges in Volcanoes National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options, Luxury options include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotels and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. Their price range from USD300 to USD1000 per person per night give you the best time ever during your stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, They have great hospitality, clean rooms, VIP rooms and all have put in place the set SOPs for prevention of the spread of the coronavirus and all are ensuring safety and health of their clients.

The Midrange lodge options at Volcanoes National Park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge. For budge travels the options are many from basic accommodation to camping one can choose from Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

By Road: The drive from Kigali town or Kigali International Airport on arrival is just 2-3 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park. Your driver-guide will meet you for a short briefing then set off to the park through the beautiful sceneries of 1000 hills that make up Rwanda giving you an opportunity for photographs and sightseeing.

What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is done throughout the year and the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry months of December to February and then June to October during this time the roads accessing the park are dry and driving through is easy compared to the wet season, as well viewing Mountain Gorillas is easy given the vegetation is not fully grown compared to wet seasons of March to May and Later October to November. However, the park can as well be visited throughout the year and you will be able to see the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris your visit to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

At Eco Adventure Safaris we have great expertise in planning and booking safaris to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda contact us and we advice you on the booking process. We as well have different Rwanda gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our Tripadvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us.