The Volcanoes National Park is located in the north western part of Rwanda in Ruhengeri Musanze district near the edge with the Virunga national park and Democratic republic of Congo and Mgahinga national park in Uganda. It’s just about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city to Kinigi park headquarters.
The park covers an area of about 160sqkm and its one of the oldest park in Africa being gazetted in 1929 during the Belgian colonial times. It was first named Albert National park (when it was still part of the Virunga National Park of Congo). Volcanoes national park is the most highly recognized Rwanda national park being that it hosts the endangered mountain gorillas; home also to the rare golden monkey, mammal species like spotted hyena, buffaloes, elephant, black fronted duiker, and bushbuck can also be seen. It also hosts over 250 species of birds including at 29 endemics to Rwenzori Mountains and the Virungas, it’s also a home to six extinct and three active volcanoes situated in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC.
The Volcanoes national park is regarded as the best gorilla safari destination in the world thanks to the endangered mountain gorillas. These apes where first studied by George Schaller in 1960s and more recently an American zoologist and primatologist Dian Fossey 1967 who studied the behaviors of these remaining mountain apes to human standard for a period of over 18 years and she conducted her research in the Visoke and Karisimbi volcanoes that was yet to be known as Karisoke research center. He fought tooth and nail to stamp out poaching activities out of Rwanda.
Without her persistent efforts and the work of committed locals since her death, there is possibly wouldn’t be any gorillas remaining in Rwanda, and Rwanda could not be much known in terms of tourism as its today. She was killed by the said poachers in 1985 that she had made herself very unpopular.
Her work was developed in a film gorillas in the mist which is a must read to any tourist interested in gorilla tracking in the volcanoes national park, as it gives you an insight on what you will find in the forest. Volcanoes national park is a home to 10 gorilla habituated groups ready to receive visitors every day and in each group only eight members are allowed to track, this means 80 members track in volcanoes national park every day. Two gorilla groups are reserved for research purposes.
Also, volcanoes national park offers opportunities for golden monkey tracking, bird watching and hikes to the volcanic peaks.
Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking
There are lots of things to do in the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. However mountain gorilla tracking is the major tourist attraction in the volcanoes national park and this safari activity is regarded as the most interesting and magnificent adventurous activity in Rwanda and Rwanda is known as the best gorilla safari destination in the world. Volcanoes national park is regarded as the best destination for gorilla safaris in the world, these apes can easily seen playing on bamboo and rain forest or covered slopes of Volcanoes.
Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes
This 160km² national park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, range of six extinct and three active volcanoes which straddles the borders with Uganda and the DRC. The Volcanoes Park is part of a contiguous 433km² Trans frontier conservation unit that also includes the Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which protects the DRC and Ugandan sectors of the Virungas respectively. The three national parks are managed separately today ( that is if the word “managed can be applied to any park in the DRC at the time of writing). Prior to 1960, however, the Volcanoes and Virungas Parks together formed the Albert National Park.
Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. This chain of steep, all free standing mountains linked by fertile saddles which were formed by solidified lava flows , is one of the most stirring and memorable sights in East Africa . The tallest mountain in the chain, and the most westerly part of the national park, is Karisimbi on the border with the DRC. Moving eastward, the other main peaks within the national park are Visoke on the DRC border; Sabinyo at the juncture of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, and Gahinga and Muhabura on the Uganda border.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Gorillas and golden monkeys aside, primates are poorly represented by comparison with other forests in Rwanda and Western Uganda. Little information is available regarding the current status of other large mammals, but 70-plus species have been recorded in Uganda’s neighboring Mgahinga National Park, most of which probably only occur in the larger Rwanda section of the Virungas.
Elephant and buffalo are still quite common; judging by the amount of spoor encountered on forest trails, but is very timid and infrequently observed. Also present are giant forest hog, bush pig, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and several varieties of small predator. Recent extinctions, probably as a result of deforestation, include the massive yellow-backed duiker and leopard.
A bird checklist
for volcanoes National Park compiled in 1980 totaled 180 species. About 15 previously recorded species were noted during a 2004 biodiversity survey, but it is possible that several other forest specialists have vanished since 1980. A local specialty is the vulnerable swamp-dwelling Grauer’s rush warbler, while at least 16 Albertine Rift endemic are present, including handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori double –collared sunbird, Ruwenzori batis, strange weaver, dusky crimson-wing, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and Archer’s ground robin.
Rwanda Gorilla Safaris
Gorill Tracking remains the most popular activity here, with a total of up to 40 permits issued daily, ten for each of the five habituated troops. But Volcanoes National Park is not just about mountain gorillas. Tourists who previously came for just one night can now stay for four or five and still not run out of things to do. Trekking, walking and climbing are now well organised, from a two-day ascent of Karisimbi to a non-strenuous nature walk to a cluster of crater later, but the most exciting innovation is that tourists can now visit habituated troop of the near-endemic golden monkey. Click here for gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda.
Hiking
Several non-gorillas –related hikes are now offered to visitors. The ascent of Karisimbi is a two-day excursion costing US$150; ORTPN will provide guides but trekkers should have suitable clothing and camping equipment. A shorter option (costing US$50) is the ascent of Mount Visoke to its crater late at 3,711m; the upward climb takes about two hours. For the less energetic, walks of about two and a half hours (US$30) to the nearer crater lakes and in the forest are thoroughly enjoyable and will be particularly rewarding to birdwatchers!
It is also possible to visit Dian Fossey’s tomb and the adjacent gorilla cemetery at the former Karisoke Research Camp. This trek costs US$50 per person and involves a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters to the trailhead than a 10-minute stroll to the park boundary. From here, the ascent through the forest takes anything from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on your fitness and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery, while the descent takes 1-2 hours. Fossey’s old living quarter – which she nicknamed the mausoleum – is now a ruin, while several other landmarks in the camp are signposted.
In addition to the fees listed above, all activities attract a daily park entrance of US$25. All arrangements for these activities can be made through the ORTPN offices, whether in Kigali, Musanze or Kinigi (if you want to pay by MasterCard that can be done in Kigali). Note that all hikes depart from the park headquarters at Kiningi at round 07.30 (check-in-time 07.00), the same departure time as for gorilla tracking, which means that visitors can undertake only one activity per day within the park.
Getting There and Away
The normal base for visiting the Volcanoes Park is Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), which can easily be reached on public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali on the day you track (you need to be at the ORTPN office in Kinigi, by the park entrance, by 07.00), but this isn’t a reliable option using public transport. There is no public transport between Musanze and the park headquarters at Kinigi.
Where to Stay
There is no accommodation within the national park and overnight camping is forbidden. Check with ORTPN about camping possibilities nearby. For those on a restricted budget, the best option is to overnight in Musanze, but smarter and more convenient accommodation is available near the park headquarters at Kinigi or at the superior but more distant Virunga Lodge overlooking Lake Burera. It is also possible to stay in Gisenyi or Kigali the night before trek, but this is not so realistic as it used to be now that the assembly time has shifted from 08.00 to 07.00- you need to allow at least two hours for the drive from Kigali and 90 minutes from Gisenyi, and would most likely be late in the event of a breakdown or puncture.
Luxury Accommodation
Bisate Lodge
- Description: This exclusive eco-lodge offers luxurious villas with stunning views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes. It is renowned for its commitment to conservation and community development.
- Amenities: The lodge features luxurious villas with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and fireplaces. There is a restaurant, bar, and a spa.
- Special Features: Bisate Lodge offers guided hikes, visits to local communities, and tree planting activities. It supports reforestation and community development projects.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Description: This ultra-luxury lodge offers an immersive experience in the lush foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. It provides top-notch service and amenities.
- Amenities: The lodge features luxurious rooms and suites with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and fireplaces. There is a restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness centre.
- Special Features: The lodge offers guided gorilla treks, nature walks, and cultural experiences. It supports conservation and community projects.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Description: Operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, this luxury lodge offers stunning views of the volcanoes and a comfortable stay with personalized service.
- Amenities: The lodge features spacious cottages with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, a restaurant, bar, and lounge area.
- Special Features: The lodge offers guided treks, bird watching, and cultural tours. It supports community development projects and conservation efforts.
Mid Range Lodges
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Description: Located near the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, this lodge offers comfortable mid-range accommodations with beautiful views.
- Amenities: The lodge offers en-suite cottages with private balconies, a restaurant, bar, and lounge area.
- Special Features: The lodge offers guided hikes, cultural tours, and bird watching. It supports local community initiatives and conservation projects.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Description: This mid-range lodge offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the volcanoes. It is located near the park entrance.
- Amenities: The lodge features en-suite cottages with private verandas, a restaurant, bar, and a cozy lounge area with a fireplace.
- Special Features: The lodge offers guided treks, nature walks, and cultural experiences. It supports community development and conservation efforts.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Description: Located in Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park, this lodge offers comfortable mid-range accommodations with easy access to the park.
- Amenities: The lodge offers en-suite rooms, a restaurant, bar, and a garden area.
- Special Features: The lodge offers guided hikes, cultural tours, and bird watching. It supports local community projects and conservation efforts.