Exciting Sites to Explore in Volcanoes National Park
Exciting Sites to Explore in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is nestled in the north-western region of Rwanda, where it meets the borders of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The national park serves as a sanctuary for the rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkey. This region boasts five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo—and serves as a vibrant habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Initially a modest region that included the Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke volcanoes, the park was established in 1925 to safeguard the mountain gorillas from poachers. It was the inaugural national park in Rwanda. In 1929, the park’s borders expanded into Rwanda and the Belgian Congo, creating the Albertine region, an expansive area of nearly 8,000 km2. By the late 1970s, this vast landscape was divided into what we now know as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The park lies approximately 13 kilometers from Musanze town, also known as Ruhengeri, the largest and administrative hub of the district. Volcanoes National Park is located in the districts of Musanze, Gakenke, and Burera, nestled within the lush tropical rainforests and Afro-montane forests that border the majestic Virunga mountain range, which boasts eight towering peaks shared by three East-African nations. These are Karisimbi, known as high nest, Bisoke, which is quite a mouthful, Mikeno, meaning a small one, Senkwekwe, Sabinyo, referred to as old man’s teeth, Gahinga, which translates to piles of stones, and Muhabura, meaning the guide. This is where the exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking activity in the volcanoes takes place, along with a visit to the tomb (grotto) of Karisimbi, the resting place of the park’s first conservation warden. On clear days, the park presents visitors with breathtaking views such as the lakes of Empaqué De Gisenyi, Ruhondo, Kivu, and Burera in Rwanda, the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, and the undulating hills of the park, all while providing a glimpse into the vibrant rural life of nearby communities. This park is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Mountain Gorilla tracking: This is a main draw at Volcanoes National Park for those visiting the area. The national park hosts 10 habituated gorilla families ready for an exciting trekking experience. Additionally, Volcanoes Park encompasses Rwanda’s portion of the magnificent Virunga massif, which borders the stunning Virunga National Park in Congo and the breathtaking Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Adventurers heading to Rwanda to encounter mountain gorillas must purchase permits, each priced at $1500, for a thrilling hour of interaction. All permits are granted by the Rwanda Development Board.
Golden monkey trekking is a thrilling activity in Volcanoes National Park that draws thousands of travelers into this vibrant jungle. Golden monkeys are remarkable beings that every explorer should experience on their journey through Rwanda. In the stunning landscapes of Volcanoes Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, travelers can encounter golden monkeys thriving in their wild environments.
Exciting Destinations in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to its diverse wildlife, Volcanoes National Park boasts three extinct volcanoes. Visitors to this park are granted the thrilling opportunity to hike to the summit of any Volcano, where they are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Rwanda’s undulating hills, the vibrant city of Kigali, the majestic Virunga volcanoes, and the surrounding local communities. MT Karisimbi is a popular destination for hikers, and the journey is truly rewarding.
Exploring the depths of the earth
Be sure to explore the Musanze caves during your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park. Skilled guides take you deep into these caves, sharing the intriguing mysteries, rich history, and fascinating facts about Rwanda along the way.
Volcanoes National Park is a treasure of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in Rwanda. Its volcanic terrain, abundant primate species, and impressive conservation efforts make it an exceptional spot for eco-tourism and thrilling experiences. Whether trekking to see Mountain Gorillas, climbing volcanic peaks, or engaging with local traditions, visitors to the park are immersed in an extraordinary experience in one of Africa’s cleanest countries and the breathtaking landscape of a thousand hills.
