Volcanoes National Park is located in the north west region of Rwanda. It encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga massif i.e. Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Sabinyo. It also borders Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes national park is among the first national parks to be created in Africa. It was gazetted as a small area bound by Mount Mikeno, Bisoke and Karisimbi in 1925. All this was intended to protect gorillas from the poachers. This park once was a base for naturalist, Dian Fossey, who came to carry out her research about gorillas. She came in 1967 and set up Karisoke Research Centre between Bisoke and Karisimbi Mountains.
The Volcanoes National Park became a battlefield in the Rwandan civil war where karisoke research center was destroyed and this ended Dian Fossey’s research till 1999 when the area was deemed to be under control and safe for people.
This national park has been a great pull of tourists due to its unique attractions that motivate and inspire people to come from all over the world to visit Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park inhabits mountain gorillas the world’s most endangered apes, this rain forest has attracted plentiful of tourists across the globe. There are 56 gorilla permits are that issued every day for gorilla trekking in the park. Gorillas are one of the main attractions in the national park that one shouldn’t miss while on their safari in Rwanda.
The Virunga Volcanoes are other eye catching attractions in Volcanoes national park, being part of the chain mountains it houses, i.e. Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Sabinyo.
The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, have been a great attraction in outskirts of the national park; these are situated in the mid of Virunga volcanoes giving a breathtaking panoramic view. A boat ride on the twin lakes leads to an encounter with the neighboring communities.
After being a great influence in the protection of gorillas in this national park, Dian Fossey left a legacy that later became a great inspiration to the young naturalists and conservationists that have now made her grave a must see spot while at the park. Her grave serves as remembrance of a great, brave primatologist, that has also been a great attraction in Volcanoes National Park.
The other attractions in the park are the golden monkeys, which are the second popular attraction in the park due to their uniqueness in beauty and character, a permit to trek these mammals cost about 100$ for each visitor.
Also while at Volcanoes national park, a tourist can engage in various activities, including; –
Hiking the volcanic mountains of Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Sabinyo. Through the thick forest the slopes of these mountains giving visitors are thrilling but at the same time fun experience in the national park.
Boat rides on the twin lakes of Ruhonda and Burera which give a tourist an opportunity to visit and view the neighboring communities within the national park.
Visit Dian Fossey grave that is located at the karisoke research station. Since she was a great influence in the protection of gorillas in Rwanda, a jounery to her grave is a worthwhile experience while at the park.
Mountain gorilla trekking. This is the most participated in activity at volcanoes national park. The park is home to over 10 habituated gorilla families that attract tourists around the world. One can get a gorilla permit at the Rwanda development board or through a professional tour agency at a cost of 1500$ per person.
Golden monkey trekking is also another fun and exciting activity at volcanoes national park.
The visit of the authentic Ibyiwachu cultural community that is located near Musanze city. This visit exposes one to the rich and unique culture, lifestyle and beliefs of the local people through their entertaining dances, home activities like banana brewing and preparation of the local Kinyarwanda dishes.
Birding is also another activity for bird lovers, Volcanoes national park offers a wide range of bird species that can be viewed as well as Nyungwe forest that gives a sight of the popular bateluer, blue spotted wood and the Baglafecht weaver among others.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park?
The park also offers accommodation facilities to its tourists inside and around the park ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury accommodation.
For luxury accommodation options, one may choose to sleep at Villa gorilla lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback lodge, Le Bambou gorilla lodge and much more. For midrange accommodations, you may choose from Musanze caves hotel, La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and Garden Place Hotel.
You can’t imagine what Volcanoes National Park will bring you when it comes to budget lodges; it provides a variety of these including Muhabura motel, Virunga hotel and camp site, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura to mention but a few.
Volcanoes national park offers tourists a mesmerizing and memorable experience that can only be felt on your safari in Rwanda.
