A land in calling; located in the north western part of the republic of Rwanda in the East of the continent of Africa. It spans through the districts of ruhengeri, Musaze, Urera, Rubavu, and Nyabihu at the bottom. The park size is approximately 160sqkms of land, and with five volcanoes notably; Mt Sabinyo, Mt Gahinga, Mt Bisoke, Mt Muhabura and Mt Karisimbi. Rwanda is a tiny beautiful country in East Africa, gifted with a wide range of flora and fauna, secure infrastructure, and lots more. Volcanoes national park is one of the four national parks in it; the other game Parks include: Akagera National park for wildlife, Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzees, and Mukura Gishwati National Park for the primates.
Volcanoes national park was gazetted in 1925 as the first national park in the continent of Africa, neighbored by Mt Mikeno, Karisimbi and Bisoke. Forward to 1929, an expansion was done into the Belgian congo-Albertine National park managed by Belgian colonial authorities. In 1967, the renowned naturalist-dian fossy arrived and established akarisoke research Centre where she studied about Gorillas and saved them from the hands of the poachers where murdered her in cold blood in 1985. Her efforts greatly contributed to the survival and boost of the conservation efforts and opening up Gorillas to the international community. In 1992, all activities in the park stopped when Rwanda faced a civil war, later resumed activities in 1999 when the country was safe.
Today; Volcanoes National park is a premier safari destination in the continent of Africa. It hosts hundreds of visitors heading out for Gorilla trekking, and golden monkeys. Perfect for family outings, group travels, and solo trips. Short trips are possible because of the parks short distance from the capital Kigali.
Activities at Volcanoes National park
Gorilla Trekking
This is a once in a life time encounter with the Most powerful primates in the world-the Mountain Gorillas. Aquater of the total mountain Gorilla family are trekked here with the expert ranger guides leading in the Search. The activity commences by 7am with a 30 minute pretrekking briefing, and thereafter, 1-8 hours of Gorilla trekking. Upon finding them, you have an hour of watching the young adults play, the stunning sight of the giant silverback, the nursing mothers and more. Gorilla trekking permits cost 1500$ only for persons aged 15 years and above.
Golden Monkey trekking
Swift and entertaining; don’t miss the golden Monkeys at Volcanoes national park. These monkeys are so beautiful and active, though need to be very attentive to watch and take the best of their photos. They spend the best of their day playing, skipping from one tree branch to another, and singing. The trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, and then a 1-4 hour search, which climaxes with an hour of photography and studying them. Every one heading out to see the golden monkeys pays 100$ for foreign non-residents, and 60$ for each foreign east African residents.
Birding
Get to know different birds in their habitat at the designated trail heads at Volcanoes national park. There are over 200 recorded bird species, with 25 that are endemic to the Albertine rift and the afro tropical islands. During the morning or evening birding exercise, you get to watch among others; the archers robin chat, red chested sunbird, red faced woodland warbler, brown-necked parrots, African green broadbill, strange weaver, lesser honey guide, and more. The best time to do birding watching is eight very early in the morning by 6am, or in the cool evening hours of the day when the birds are returning to their nests.
Cultural tours
Beyond the counting of primates and birds inside the park, get to know how the local communities we leave next to the park. By going out for a cultural tour, you open up to other peoples authentic stories, while learning some survival tactics such as using plants as local herbs, hunting tools, setting fire Using stones. Additionally, you will experience unmatched cultural dance, and stories.
Other activities in volcanoes national include nature walk through the designated trails, Visit to the Musaze cave, and more.
Best time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National park is open for visitors all year round, with the best months being between June to September and December to early March when there is less or no rains that can affect the activities. To those looking out for discounts, head-out to the Jungle in the rainy season with low visitor numbers.
In conclusion, plan to go for a memorable safari experience in Volcanoes national park. Whatever the reason for the visit could be; namely Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trek, cultural tours, and more, be rest assured of a good time in a good safe place. You can combine your trip with other destinations such as Kigali city, Nyungwe National Park, or Akagera National park.