Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcans (PNV), is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda. The park is in the Northern Province of Rwanda and covers about 160 square kilometres. It is famous for its mountain gorillas, green forests and beautiful volcanic landscapes.
History of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park became an important wildlife and plant conservation area in the early 1920s. At the same time, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda were also protected. Together, these three parks form the Virunga Conservation Region. Their main goal is to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
In 1967, Dian Fossey came to Volcanoes National Park and started the Karisoke Research Center. Her work brought more attention to mountain gorilla conservation. It also helped reduce poaching and attracted more support for gorilla protection. Her efforts played an important role in protecting the mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes and Landscapes
Volcanoes National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas, but there is much more to see. The park has beautiful mountains, green forests, lakes, rivers and many other animals.
The park is home to five major volcanoes. These are Mount Bisoke (3,711 m), Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m), Mount Sabyinyo (3,634 m) and Mount Muhabura (4,127 m). These volcanoes create a beautiful landscape and offer excellent opportunities for hiking and nature experiences.
Vegetation in Volcanoes National Park
The park has different types of vegetation because of its changing altitude. The lower slopes have bamboo forests, which provide food and shelter for mountain gorillas and other wildlife.
Higher areas have Hagenia and Hypericum forests. Above 3,300 metres, you can find sub-alpine vegetation. Above 4,000 metres, the landscape changes to Afro-alpine vegetation.
These different habitats support a wide range of plants and animals. The combination of mountain gorillas, volcanoes and green forests makes Volcanoes National Park Rwanda one of the country’s most important tourism destinations.
Apart from mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to many other animals. About 30% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga region. The gorillas feed mainly on bamboo shoots and other plants found in the lower parts of the forest.
The park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. You can also find chimpanzees and other small primates in the forest. Larger animals, such as forest elephants and buffaloes, are also present, although they are seen in small numbers.
Other animals found in the park include leopards, duikers, bush pigs, forest hogs and spotted hyenas. These animals add to the park’s rich wildlife and make it an interesting place for nature lovers.
Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park is also becoming more popular. The park has many bird species, including the beautiful Rwenzori turaco and several species of francolins. The variety of birds makes the park a good destination for bird lovers.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Although gorilla trekking is the main activity in Volcanoes National Park, there are many other activities to enjoy. Visitors have several options to choose from. You may even wish you had more time to experience them all.
The main activities include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, visiting Dian Fossey’s grave, mountain hiking, and visiting Lakes Ruhondo and Burera. Each activity offers a different way to enjoy the park and its beautiful surroundings.
Let’s look at these activities in more detail.
Activities in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Volcanoes National Park is one of the four national parks in Africa where you can see mountain gorillas. The other parks are Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Rwanda has several habituated gorilla groups that visitors can track. Experienced park rangers guide every gorilla trek. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so it is important to be reasonably fit before starting the trek. The distance and difficulty depend on where the gorilla group is located that day.
Visitors can also hire a porter to help carry their bags and other items during the trek. A porter can also provide support on difficult sections of the trail.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person. Part of the money supports conservation and local communities around the park. Gorilla permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator such as Zamunda Travels.
For gorilla trekking, wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, hiking shoes, gardening gloves and a rain jacket. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so proper clothing is important.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking is another popular activity in Volcanoes National Park. It is often considered the second most popular primate activity after gorilla trekking.
During the trek, visitors can watch golden monkeys feed, jump between trees and move through the bamboo forest. Golden monkeys are endangered and are mainly found in the Virunga region.
Golden monkey trekking is generally less demanding than gorilla trekking. The monkeys usually stay at lower altitudes and feed on bamboo shoots and other plants around the volcanoes.
Golden monkey trekking can be done before or after gorilla trekking. It is advisable to book your permit early, especially during busy travel seasons.
Visit the Tomb of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey was a famous primatologist who dedicated much of her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. Her work helped bring international attention to gorilla conservation in the Virunga region.
Visitors can hike to her former research area and visit her grave near the Karisoke Research Center, between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The hike allows visitors to learn more about her life, her work and her efforts to protect the gorillas.
The hike also gives you a chance to experience the beautiful mountain forest where Dian Fossey carried out her research.
You can also combine this experience with a gorilla trek through the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour and Dian Fossey Memorial Visit offered by Zamunda Travels.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is one of the highest volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It rises to about 4,507 metres above sea level. The mountain is located within Volcanoes National Park and offers a challenging hiking experience.
The Karisimbi hike usually takes two days. Hikers pass through thick forests before reaching the overnight camping area at a high altitude. The final climb to the summit is steep and requires good physical preparation.
From the summit, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of Volcanoes National Park and other mountains in the Virunga region. The hike is best suited to visitors who are physically fit and prepared for cold weather and high altitude.
Mount Bisoke Hike
Mount Bisoke is another popular volcano to hike in Volcanoes National Park. It is known for its beautiful crater lake at the summit.
The hike normally takes one day. It is easier than the Mount Karisimbi hike, but it still requires a reasonable level of fitness. The trail can be steep and muddy, especially during the rainy season.
Before the hike, visitors receive a briefing at the park headquarters. They are then driven to the starting point of the trail. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended because some roads can be rough and muddy.
Visitors who need help carrying their bags can also hire a porter at the trailhead.
Mount Muhabura Hike
Mount Muhabura is one of the most exciting volcanoes to climb in the Virunga region. It rises to about 4,127 metres above sea level.
The hike is challenging because of the steep slopes and high altitude. As you climb, you pass through beautiful vegetation and enjoy views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Reaching the summit offers a great sense of achievement. On a clear day, hikers can enjoy spectacular views across the Virunga region and see several of the surrounding volcanoes.
Mount Muhabura is a good choice for adventurous travellers who enjoy mountain hiking and are physically prepared for a demanding climb.
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