Volcanoes National Park also popular as Parc National des Volcans is one of Rwanda’s most picturesque protected areas. It is positioned in the Northern Province of Rwanda about 2 to 3 hours’ drive away from Kigali capital city. This park makes up part of the extensive Virunga Conservancy Area (VCA) which is also comprised of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park was gazetted in 1925 which makes it the first national park to be established in Africa. Its establishment was primarily to inhabit a section of mountain gorillas which currently remain fewer than 1004 on earth and only exist in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. This park sits in an area of about 160 square kilometers and it features mainly a tropical rainforest and bamboo forest. However, around 1929, its boundaries were enlarged to occupy parts of Rwanda and the DRC and at that time, it was famous as Albert National Park with an area coverage of about 8090 square kilometers. During that time, the Belgian Colonial government-served as the colonial master of both Rwanda and the DRC but later, they separated after they gained independence.
Wildlife species in Volcanoes National Park
What makes Volcanoes National Park a premier safari destination in Rwanda is its diverse and distinct wildlife. Different wildlife species range in different elevation-the lowland and highland. They include mountain gorillas, bushbuck, black fronted duiker buffaloes, spotted hyena, forest elephants, bush pigs, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, over 200 bird species.
Bird species in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is an incredible birding spot worth exploring while on Rwanda safari. The birds to identify in this park include the francolins, red faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori doubled collared sunbird, dusky crimson wing, Rwenzori Turaco, collared apalis, strange weaver, archer’s ground robin, long crested eagle, grey throated tit, paradise flycatcher, common moorhen and many more.
Other attractions in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is also credited for its breathtaking sceneries. It features five of the eight Virunga volcanoes which make up part of the Great Virunga Massif; Mount Karisimbi (4507m) the highest of all the 8 Virunga Volcanoes, Muhabura at 4127 meters, Gahinga Volcano (3474 meters), Sabyinyo Volcano at elevation of about 3634 meters and Bisoke Volcano 3711 meters. There is also Lake Ngezi an exceptional crater lake which can be explored while on hike to Mount Bisoke.
Vegetation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park also consists of a distinct vegetation cover which varies depending on the altitude. It includes the bamboo forest which ranges from 2500-3200 meters and mountain gorillas largely depend on this. From 2600-3600-the hagenia forest; from 3500-4200 meters-there is lobelia hagenia Abyssinia and a grassland ranges from 4300 to 4500 meters.
Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking
What distinguishes Volcanoes National Park from the rest of the national parks in Rwanda is the fact that it is the only premier gorilla destination. Gorilla trekking is the most sought-after primate adventure by most travelers on Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park. Currently, it is comprised of 10 habituated gorilla families which have been set for gorilla trekking and they include Agashya or Group 13, Kwitonda, Susa A, Susa B-Karisimbi, Amahoro, Ugenda, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Hirwa and Bwenge.
Gorilla treks begins from Kinigi park headquarters with briefing and it takes you about 2-6 hours to make a complete trek and this also includes an hour of magical encounter. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and to enjoy this adventure, you need to pack appropriately starting with waterproof hiking boots, camera with no flashlight, walking stick, long sleeved shirts, first aid kit and many others.
Birding
Volcanoes National Park is an Important Bird Area in Rwanda with over 200 avifaunal species. While on Rwanda birding safari in this protected area expect to see diversity of birds including red faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori doubled collared sunbird, dusky crimson wing, Rwenzori Turaco, collared apalis, strange weaver, archer’s ground robin, long crested eagle, grey throated tit, paradise flycatcher.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking is one of the lovely primate adventures worth taking part while on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are beautifully striking creatures that thrive only in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $100 per person.
Dian Fossey tomb hike
Dian Fossey tomb hike is another thrilling experience worth taking part while on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park. A hike to Dian Fossey tomb site allows you to explore Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy. Dian Fossey conducted her research on gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes for about 18 years and also helped spread plight of mountain gorillas to the world.
Volcano hike
Volcanoes National Park is also ideal for hiking adventures. Hikes in this park are best done in Karisimbi Volcano (4507 meters); Bisoke Volcano (3711 meters). At the summit of Mount Bisoke, get the best of breathtaking views of the stunning Lake Ngezi.
Visit to Twin lakes
After your thrilling gorilla adventure, you will pay a visit to the Twin Lakes-Lake Ruhondo and Bulera. You will also have a chance to visit the stunning Russumo waterfalls while also enjoying incredible bird sights including stonechat, long crested eagle, cinnamon breasted bee-eater, Grey throated tit, African marsh harrier, common moorhen and paradise fly catchers.
Buhanga sacred forest nature walks
For nature lovers on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park, Buhanga sacred forest is worth exploring while nature walk. It is an incredible site with unique flora and Rwanda’s unique history and cultures.
Musanze cave exploration
Musanze caves are exceptional historical caves set in Musanze district just outside the Volcanoes National Park. A cave walk to historical sites allows you to explore their unique history. They date 65 million years and extend up to 2 kilometers.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is comprised of the following accommodation options;
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse/Hotel Muhabura
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Volcanoes National Park varies from one individual to another. However, the dry season is considered the best especially for trekkers on gorilla or golden monkey tracking safaris. The dry months of the year in Volcanoes National Park start in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. Birding tours are best done during the wet or rainy season which begins from March, April, May and October, November.
The wet season is also ideal for gorilla trekking given plenty of forage that comes due to heavy rainfall which makes the gorillas to keep around unlike the dry season that they move for longer distances looking for what to eat. The challenge with rainy season is that the ground normally becomes muddy, slippery and it becomes challenging to hike through the steep slopes and muddy ground searching for these creatures.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park sits in Northwestern Rwanda and it takes you 2 to 3 hours to drive from Kigali. You need a good 4×4 safari van or land cruiser to get to help you navigate up to this park while enjoying the rolling hills that make Rwanda a true land of a thousand hills. You can also get to Volcanoes National Park from Uganda via Katuna or Chanika border.