Top Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park : Volcanoes National Park referred to as Parc National de volcans ‘’PNV’’ popularly known as the top tourism destination in Rwanda, located in the Northern Province of Rwanda and lies on ana area that covers about 160 square kilometers. This area turned into a major plant and wildlife conservation areas in the early 1920’s at the same time as the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Mgahinga National Park Uganda. However, the three parks form what is known as the Virunga conservation regions for the major purpose of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.
Due to the arrival of Dian Fossey in the park in 1967 and set up of the Karisoke Research Centre brought more publicity to the park thus leading to the reduction of poaching and human encroachment.
The park is famous on Rwanda Safaris and on world tourism hub because of the rare endangered mountain gorillas but the mountainous landscape, lakes, green forests, rivers and many other wildlife species. Other major attractions are the four Volcanoes which include; Bespoke ‘’3,711m’’, Karisimbi ‘’4,507m, Gahinga ‘’3,474m’’ Sabyinyo ‘’3,634m’’ and Muhabura ‘’4,127m’’. More so, Volcanoes National Park boosts with both high and low altitudes, on its lower slopes covers Bamboo vegetation and Hypericum/Hagenia on the higher altitude below 3,300m, sub-alpine vegetation at altitudes above 3,300 and Afro alpine vegetation above 4,000meter.
Volcanoes National Park is home to primate’s species mainly the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys as well as mammal species like forest Elephant and Buffaloes which can be found in small groups, leopard, Duikers, forest hogs, Bush pigs and the spotted Hyena. The park is also home to numerous bird species such as Francolin and Rwenzori Turaco among others.
Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda;
Well, Gorilla trekking is the major activity done in the Volcanoes National Park though there are several remarkable activities to choose from. The main attraction include; gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, Mountain Hiking, Visiting the Lakes Ruhondo and Burera.
Gorilla trekking -Tracking;
Fact, Volcanoes National Park sounds as one of the four national parks where gorilla trekking can be conducted. Other parks include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park both found in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a home to over 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking under the guidance of skilled rangers.
The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing at the visitor’s Centre and then after be grouped in a group of eight people to assigned gorilla group. The trek can take about 30 to 7 hours depending on their movements in their natural habitat. Once the gorilla family is allocated one hour is given to you to spend with them as you learn from their behaviors, play, feed, take photos.
Take note, permits can be purchased directly from the ‘’RDB’’ Rwanda Development Boards or through the services of a tour operator.
What to wear; Long sleeve shirts and trousers, hand gloves, rain jackets and hiking shoes.
Tracking Golden Monkeys;
Golden monkey species are known as active primates and have gained popularity over the years. The activity starts in the morning led by experience guide who leads you into their tracking trails. They live a group of 100 individuals and always led by a dominant male. The experience is rewarding as start following them as you view their unique appearance, play along the tree branches among others. Golden Monkeys like feeding on the Bamboo shoots that grow at the base of the volcanoes.
Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey
This is one of the famous historical sites you wouldn’t miss on safari to Volcanoes. Fact is that, Dian Fossey is one of the most prominent primatologists who impact a lot to Rwanda’s Tourism Hub. The person who carried out a researching Centre on how make gorillas get used to human presence by imitating their sounds and gaining the acceptance. Today the research Centre has become a visitor’s site to tourists who visit the park, through visiting her grave and former Karisoke Research center which is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. One visiting her graves or research center, you will get enough experience on how she had a great passion for gorillas.
Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera;
One visiting Volcanoes National Park can engage in visiting these twin lakes for relaxation and boat cruise. A boat cruise carried out on this water’s rewards with beautiful views of birds and the vast hilly landscape with waterfalls. You can visit the local around the lakes and be able to learn about their rich heritage.
How to get to the Volcanoes National Park;
From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes only two hours drive.
From Uganda Kampala or Entebbe, you can drive via border to access the Volcanoes National Park.
Best time to visit the Volcanoes National Park;
The activities in Volcanoes National Park can be arranged throughout the year. However, most of the tourists prefer visiting the park during the drier months between June to Mid-September and December to February. Best time for hiking and photographers since it gives clear photos.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
The accommodation facilities found around the Volcanoes National Park are arranged into three categories that is; Luxury, Mid-range and Budget. The hotels and lodges are of good quality amenities. Lodge includes; Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, The Virunga hotel, Five Volcanoes Hotel, La Palm Hotel, Kinigi Guest House, Jack Hanna cottages, Villa Gorilla lodge among others.
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