Things to do in Volcanoes national park Rwanda
Things to do in Volcanoes national park Rwanda; Volcanoes national park is located in north western part of Rwanda in Musanze village bordering with Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Democratic republic of Congo. Volcanoes national park Rwanda is famously known for harboring the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, animals like forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bush pigs, different bird species including the Albertine rift endemics among others. The national park is a home of five out of eight Virunga volcanic mountains including mount Karisimbi, mount Bisoke, mount Muhabura, mount Gahinga and mount Sabyinyo. Volcanoes national park Rwanda offers a number of interesting activities that you can engage in during your safari.
Things to do in volcanoes national park Rwanda
Gorilla trekking
gorilla trekking is the main activity in Volcanoes national park and it involves moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, mammals, different bird species among others. Once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones among others.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking is an active and interesting activity in Volcanoes national park that starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Golden monkey trekking takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on their location because they are active primates that move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will follow trails of leftover bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits and once the golden monkeys are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat where you will get a chance to watch them jump up in tree branches, watch them feed, play, take photos and record beautiful pictures.
Bird watching
Volcanoes national park Rwanda is a home of more than 200 bird species including Albertine rift endemics, forest birds, migratory birds among others which makes it one of the most important birding sites in Rwanda. During bird watching, you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including African green broadbill, bronzy sunbird, lesser honey guide, nirana trogon, grey headed bushshrike, crested barbet, African goshawk, palm nut vulture, Ruwenzori turaco, strange weaver, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, handsome francolin, archers ground robin, red faced woodland warbler among others.
Volcano hike
volcanoes national park Rwanda is a home of five Virunga volcanoes namely mount Karisimbi which is 4, 507 meters above the sea level, mount Bisoke which is 3,711 meters above the sea level, mount Muhabura which is 4,127 meters above the sea level, mount Sabyinyo which is 3,669 meters above the sea level and mount Gahinga which is 3,473 meters above the sea level. During mountain climbing, you will pass through different vegetation zones, spot different primate species, birds, plants, and enjoy stunning views of Rwenzori Mountains, mount Nyiragongo among others.
Cultural tour
Cultural tour is an exciting activity in Volcanoes national park where tourists will get an opportunity to interact with the local people in the neighboring villages. During the cultural tour, you will visit the Ibyi’wacu cultural village where you will be able to learn about the local peoples culture, tradition, taste their meals, learn how beer is made from bananas, listen to their ancient stories, enjoy their traditional entertainments among others.
Best time to visit Volcanoes national park Rwanda
Volcanoes national park can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the park therefore gorilla trekking and hiking trails will be dry and passable.
Volcanoes national park Rwanda can also be visited in the wet/ rainy season in the months of March to May and November because that’s the best time for bird watching where bird lovers will be able to spot colorful and migratory bird species.
Where to stay in Volcanoes national park Rwanda
Volcanoes national park has a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Garr Hotel, Le Bamboo Gorilla Village, Le Palme Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Kinigi Guesthouse, Garden Place Hotel, Best View Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge among others.
For more information about the things to do in Volcanoes national park Rwanda, kindly contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to affordable book Rwanda safari packages.
