Volcanoes National Park

Dive into the home of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes  National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda. Out of the many wildlife sanctuaries in Rwanda, the 160 sq km wilderness of Volcanoes National Park is the only Gorilla trekking national park with 10 habituated families of gorillas available for tracking. Volcanoes National Park is a place where silver meets gold; silverback gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys can be seen in this single national park. The primate tracking adventure in this part of the world takes trekkers deep into the Virunga Mountains in the peaks of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. During the wildlife safari in Volcanoes Park, the primates are viewed in the small areas of the Virunga ranges close to Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Despite the earlier establishment of Volcanoes National Park in 1925 by the Belgian Colonial government, the area continues to be a champion of lush green fields and rolling hills in East Africa. During the Rwanda wildlife safari/ Rwanda adventure tour, the many people prefer to visit this site to explore the untapped rainforests and thick jungles for gorilla and golden monkey tracking.

Although the sanctuary around Volcanoes National Park is the prime gorilla trekking destination in the world, it offers other amazing African wildlife safari activities like bird watching, nature walks, and game viewing. Game watchers can witness some of the large mammals like elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, impalas, and baboons during the primate trekking tour in Volcanoes. Meanwhile, the area is one of the leading bird-watching destinations in Rwanda, offering about 450 species of birds to see. While seeking the birds in the tropical jungles of East Africa, sightings of Rwenzori Turaco species and about 27 Albertine Rift species are possible during the Africa Birding safari.

What to do in Volcanos Park-Activities & Attractions

Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the home of mountain gorillas in East Africa, together with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. However, the Volcanoes Sanctuary is the best gorilla trekking national park, with 10 habituated gorilla families available for people to encounter. The local authorities allow trekkers to move in groups of 8 people with ranger guides and spend no more than one hour with the majestic creatures. The Rwanda Gorilla Permit costs about $1500 per head for foreign non-residents.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Another incredible experience in the Volcanoes National Park is the golden monkey tracking adventure, which is the second-best activity to do at the site. Golden monkey tracking is a unique adventure that allows people to spend one hour among these beautiful primates. This is the golden monkeys are endangered primates that need protection to boost their numbers.

Game viewing

The Volcanoes National Park is a huge ecological system comprising of many animals that have not been seen before. Moreover, there are many species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that capture the attention of travelers to the area. One of the spectacular wonders to see along the gorilla trekking trails is the three-horned chameleon that trekkers admire. There is a good chance of encountering other animals like antelopes, Forest elephants, and buffalo during the hike.

Virunga Volcanoes

The Virunga Mountains are volcanoes of East Africa shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They stand as high volcanoes along the border of the countries, grazing the skies with their misty forms that are intimidating to trekkers. The Virunga Ranges play a vital role as the habitat of mountain gorillas in the world. There are about 1000 mountain gorillas living in the remote areas of the Virunga Massif, thus creating a need to conserve these endangered creatures. The area is renowned for photogenic landscapes and incredible views that cannot be seen elsewhere.

Birdlife in Volcanoes National Park 

Volcanoes National Park is a great birding destination hosting more than 400 species of birds of East Africa. The birds in the area seem to look for visitors, as sightings can be made from the hotel and lodges. This ease of mobility of the creatures makes many choose Rwanda as their best birding destination. During the awesome bird-watching adventure in Volcanoes, migratory and endemic species are present. Birds like the Rwenzori Turaco species are very common during the nature walks.

When to go to Volcanoes Park-Best time to visit

Just like other East African national parks, the best time to go to Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season from June to September and December to January. Usually, the period is characterized by low rainfall as well as less foliage in the trees, making is convenience to watch primates in the trees. The hiking routes are less muddy, allowing the trekker to traverse through the bushes and difficult terrain.