Tourist Attractions in Volcanoes National Park

Tourist Attractions in Volcanoes National Park : Volcanoes National Park is located in north-western Rwanda and shares borders with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The national park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkey. It is also home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo) and provides a habitat for other wildlife species. Originally a small area encompassing the Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke volcanoes, the park was first gazetted in 1925 to protect the mountain gorillas from poachers. It was the very first national park in Rwanda. Subsequently, in 1929, the borders of the park were extended further into Rwanda and into the Belgian Congo, to form the Albertine region, a huge area of almost 8,000 km2 that in the late 1970s was split up into what is now the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The park is some 13 kilometers from Musanze town or Ruhengeri which is an administrative and the largest town in the district. Volcanoes National Park is cut in the districts of Musanze, Gakenke, and Burera and is part of the tropical rain and the Afro-montane forest flanking the Virunga chain of mountains that includes eight high mountains that are shared by three East-African countries. These are Karisimbi or high nest, Bisoke or a mouthful, Mikeno (meaning a small one), Senkwekwe, Sabinyo (old man’s teeth), Gahinga (piles of stones), Muhabura (means the guide) where one of the straining mountain gorillas’ trekking activity in volcanoes is carried out, visit to the tomb (grotto) of Karisimbi where the first conservation warden in the park is buried. On clear days, the park offers visitors with spectacular views like Lakes had on the Empaqué De Gisenyi, Ruhondo, Kivu, and Burera of Rwanda, Virunga Volcanoes, rolling hills of the park and local communities with the ease and observations of the rural life of some countries. This park is specifically referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills“

Mountain Gorilla tracking:
This is a primary attraction at Volcanoes National Park where travellers to Volcanoes national park. The national park is a home to 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Also, Volcanoes park covers Rwanda’s share of the great Virunga massif bordering Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Travelers to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are required to buy gorilla permits each costing $1500 for an hour’s interaction. All permits are issued out by Rwanda Development Board.

Golden Monkey trekking:
Golden monkey trekking is yet another most done activity in Volcanoes National Park which attract thousands of travellers into this jungle. Golden monkeys are exceptional creatures which every traveller should not miss out on his/her Rwanda safari. Its only in Volcanoes rwanda and Mgahinga gorilla national parks that travellers can see golden monkeys in their natural habitats.

Volcano climbing
Besides wildlife, Volcanoes national park is a home for three extinct volcanoes. Travelers to this park therefore have an added advantage of hiking to the top of any Volcano which reward them with spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, Kigali city, Virunga volcanoes and local communities. MT Karisimbi is the most hiked Volcano and the experience is worthy the hike.

Caving
Do not miss out visiting the Musanze caves on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park. Experienced guides lead you into these caves while telling you the mysteries of the caves, history and all other facts about Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park is a gem of natural beauty and biodiversity in Rwanda, it’s Volcanic landscape, rich array of primates and conservation achievement makes it a premier destination for eco-tourism and adventure. Whether trekking to see Mountain Gorillas, climbing volcanic peaks or engaging with local traditions visitors to the park are treated to a truly exceptional experience in one of Africa’s cleanest country and most spectacular environment of a thousand hills,