Honeymoon expedition in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Embark on a honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda! Nestled in the northwestern region of the country, in Musanze village, this park is among the most popular destinations in Rwanda. The national park is renowned for its captivating wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, a variety of bird species, and majestic volcanic mountains, among other wonders. Volcanoes National Park is an ideal spot for your honeymoon escapade, and this article will lead you through the activities to partake in during your honeymoon safari, the best time to visit, where to stay during your adventure, and more.
Activities to enjoy in Volcanoes National Park during your honeymoon
Embarking on a journey to observe gorillas in their natural habitat
Gorilla trekking stands out as the primary attraction in Volcanoes National Park, drawing numerous tourists. This exhilarating experience involves trekking on foot through the lush tropical rainforest in pursuit of the habituated mountain gorillas. Once located, visitors are granted the incredible opportunity to spend one hour in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park is a vibrant sanctuary for around 10 habituated gorilla families, each ready to be explored through daily trekking adventures. These include the Karisimbi, Hirwa, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Kwitonda, Bwenge, and Ugenda gorilla families. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park begins at dawn with an exciting briefing on the essential rules and regulations to follow during your adventure. Following the briefing, you will embark on a trek through the jungle alongside a seasoned park guide, a journey that can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours based on your location. Once the mountain gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in their habitat, allowing you to observe their behaviors, watch them engage in their daily activities, and capture photos and videos of these magnificent creatures.
Exploring the realm of golden monkeys
Embarking on a journey to see golden monkeys is an exhilarating experience to embrace during your honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park. The journey of golden monkey trekking begins with an exciting briefing about the rules, regulations, and expectations at the park headquarters. Following the briefing, you will embark on an exhilarating trek through the forest, tracing the paths marked by remnants of bamboo leaves and shoots, a journey that will last approximately 2 to 4 hours. While trekking, you will encounter various primates, and when you find the golden monkeys, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat. Here, you can observe them as they feed, play, leap among the tree branches, capture photos, and document these unforgettable moments.
Exploring the world of birds
Volcanoes National Park is a vibrant sanctuary for over 200 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics, forest birds, and migratory birds, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers. While engaging in bird watching, you will be joined by a knowledgeable bird guide who will assist you in discovering a variety of bird species such as the Black-crowned Waxbill, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Archers Robin-chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Baglafecht Weaver, Brown Woodland Warbler, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Nightjar, and Strange Weaver, among others.
Scaling peaks
Volcanoes National Park is a captivating realm that hosts 5 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes, including the majestic Mount Karisimbi, the stunning Mount Bisoke, the intriguing Mount Sabyinyo, the enchanting Mount Gahinga, and the remarkable Mount Muhavura. Mountain climbing in Volcanoes National Park is an exhilarating experience, taking place on four majestic mountains, with the exception of Mount Sabyinyo. This mountain is known for its sharp ridges, making it a challenging and risky endeavor for climbers. Mount Bisoke stands at 3,711 meters above sea level, with a hiking journey that takes approximately 6 hours for a round trip. Mount Karisimbi reaches 4,507 meters and requires a two-day trek. Mount Muhavura, at 4,127 meters, offers a round trip hike of about 6 to 8 hours, while Mount Gahinga, the shortest of the volcanic peaks, rises to 3,474 meters above sea level.
Iby’iwacu cultural journey
The Iby’iwacu cultural experience offers an intriguing activity in Volcanoes National Park that you can immerse yourself in during your honeymoon safari. During the iby’iwacu cultural experience, you will have the opportunity to engage with the local community, discover their rich culture and traditions, immerse yourself in their way of life, hear captivating stories, visit traditional healers, savor authentic dishes, enjoy vibrant dances, and even learn the art of making local beer from bananas, among other exciting activities.
During your honeymoon safari, you can immerse yourself in a variety of thrilling activities in Volcanoes National Park. Explore the Dian Fossey tomb, discover the beauty of the twin lakes, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, and take a trip to Kigali city, among other exciting options.
The ideal moment to embark on a honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park
A honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park offers an exhilarating experience throughout the year, with the dry season being particularly ideal. This peak season spans June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, when the park enjoys minimal rainfall. As a result, activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and mountain climbing become more accessible, allowing for smooth and enjoyable adventures in the stunning landscape.
A honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park can be enjoyed during the low or rainy season, specifically from March to May and October to November. This period is ideal for bird watching, allowing enthusiasts to observe a wide array of colorful and migratory bird species.
Discover the perfect accommodations for your unforgettable honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park offers an exciting variety of accommodation options to suit every preference, whether you are looking for budget-friendly stays or luxurious retreats. You can choose from charming places like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, and Virunga Inn Spa and Resort, as well as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Village, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Eagle View Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, and Kinigi Guesthouse, among others, making your honeymoon safari truly unforgettable.
How to reach Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda, easily reachable by road. A scenic drive from Kigali to the park headquarters takes approximately three hours.
