Volcanoes National Park

Dive into the home of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes  National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda. Out of the many wildlife sanctuaries in Rwanda, the 160 sq km wilderness of Volcanoes National Park is the only Gorilla trekking national park in Rwanda with 10 habituated families of gorillas available for tracking. Volcanoes National Park is a place where silver meets gold. Silverback gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys can be seen in this single national park. The primate tracking adventure in this part of the world takes trekkers deep into the Virunga Mountains in the peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhavura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. During the wildlife safari in Volcanoes Park, the primates are viewed in the small areas of the Virunga ranges close to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Despite the earlier establishment of Volcanoes National Park in 1925 the Belgian Colonial government, the area continues to be a champion of lush green fields and rolling hills in East Africa. During the Rwanda wildlife safari/ Rwanda adventure tour, the many people prefer to go this site to explore the untapped rainforests and thick jungles for gorillas and golden monkey tracking.

Much as the sanctuary around Volcanoes National Park is the prime gorilla trekking destination in the world, it offers other amazing Africa wildlife safari activities like bird watching, nature walks and game viewing. Game watchers can witness some of the large mammals like elephant, buffalos, antelopes, impalas, baboons during the primate trekking tour in Volcanos. Meanwhile the area is one of the leading bird watching destinations on Rwanda, offering about 450 species of birds to see. While seeking for the birds in the tropical jungles of East Africa, sightings ofthe  Rwenzori Turaco species and about 27 Albertine Rift species are possible during the Africa Birding safari.

What to do in Volcanos Park-Activities & Attractions

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanos National Park is the home of mountain gorillas in East Africa together with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. However, the Volcanoes Sanctuary is the best gorilla trekking national park with 10 habituated gorilla families available for people to encounter. The local authorities allow trekkers to move in groups of 8 people along ranger guides and spent not more than one hour with the majestic creatures. The Rwanda Gorilla Permit costs about $1500 per head for foreign non-residents.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Another incredible experience in the Volcanoes National Park is the golden monkey tracking adventure which is the second-best activity to do at the site. Golden monkey tracking is a unique adventure that allows people to spend one hour among these beautiful primates. This is the golden monkeys are endangered primates that need protection to boost their numbers.

Game viewing

The Volcanoes National Park is a huge ecological system comprising of many animals that have not been seen before. Moreover, there are many species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles that capture the attention of travelers to the area. One of the spectacle wonders to see along the gorilla trekking trails is the Three horned Chameleon that trekkers admire. Although there is a big chance of encountering other animals like antelopes, Forest elephants and buffalos during the hike.

Virunga Volcanoes/Hiking & Mountain Climbing in Rwanda

The Virunga Mountains are volcanoes of East Africa shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They stand as high volcanoes along the border of the countries grazing the skies with their misty forms that are intimidating to trekkers. The Virunga Ranges play a vital role being the habitat of mountain gorillas in the world. There are about 1000 mountain gorillas harboring in the remotes areas of the Virunga Massif thus creating need for conserving these endangered creatures. The area is renowned for photogenic landscapes and incredible views that cannot be seen elsewhere.

Birding/Birdwatching in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is a great birding destination hosting more than 400 species of birds of East Africa. The birds in the area seem to look for visitors as sighting can be made from the hotel and lodges. This ease mobility of the creatures makes many to choose Rwanda as their best birding destination. During the awesome Bird watching adventure in Volcanoes, migratory and endemic species are present. Birds like Rwenzori Turaco species are very common during the nature walks.

When to go to Volcanoes Park-Best time to visit

Just like other East African national parks, the best time to go to Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season from June to September and December to January. Usually, the period is characterized by low rainfall as well less foliage in the trees making is convenience to watch primates in the trees. The hiking routes are less muddy allowing the trekker to traverse through the bushes and difficult terrains