Volcanoes National Park is one of the best national parks or safari destinations in Rwanda and Africa at large. It is one of the oldest national parks in Africa since it was gazette in 1925 as a conservation area.
Are you looking for the best place to do a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda or East Africa? Volcanoes National Park should not be missed on your travel list. The park is a mountainous and rainforest area that supports hundreds of ecosystems and is a biodiverse home to wildlife, plants, and bird species. Volcanoes National Park is an extension of the great Virunga Conservation Area which stretches to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
About the Park
Volcanoes National Park is famous for being home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park usually cross to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Taking on a combined Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo gorilla trekking safari will give you a chance to explore these amazing destinations in a single trip. Book your Volcanoes National Park budget gorilla trekking safari now and create a signature of memories.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northern parts of Rwanda at the border of Uganda and Congo. The park is part of the Virunga conservation area which comprises Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers comprising highlands, rainforests, woodlands, swampy areas, and bamboo forests. The vegetation, riverine streams, and altitudes support hundreds of animals and wildlife species. The park is a reliable birding spot since it is home to over 400 bird species. A trip to Volcanoes National Park will give you a chance to see golden monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, and many wildlife.
What to see and do in Volcanoes National Park?
Wondering about what to see and do on a safari to Volcanoes National Park? The park is a hidden game that has many things to see and do in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is one of the best mountain gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is a hub for mountain gorillas as well as many monkey species.
On your Rwanda gorilla safari, you will get up close with the 10 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Did you know that mountain gorillas live in social groups called families? Each mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park is headed by an adult male known as Silverback. The silverbacks are responsible for protecting the families and mating with the female gorillas to reproduce.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Other than the famous mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park gives travelers a chance to observe and learn the behavior of these magical apes. Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is done in the morning hours. It usually starts with a morning breakfast followed by a briefing at the park headquarters.
Trekkers enter the forests in search of the golden monkeys. Trekkers are led by experienced guides who spend time searching where the monkeys spent the previous nights. Golden monkeys are social animals that live in families. Upon meeting the golden monkey family, trekkers are allowed to spend in their presence. This is the time to watch them dine, mate, and play.
Birding in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a prime birding area with some birds that cannot be seen anywhere else. The park is home to Rift Valley endemics and travelers get a chance to spot these birds.
On your combined Rwanda birding and gorilla trekking safari, you will spot these birds in the Volcanoes National Park.
Some of the birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include; the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, dusky turtle dove, and African hill babbler, among many others.
Cultural Encounters in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park goes hand in hand with community tours in Rwanda. The Rwandans living on the edges of Volcanoes National Park are worth your attention. These people have long lived with the animals in the park and they have equally enjoyed the benefits of wildlife conservation in Volcanoes National Park.
Do not miss an amazing tour of the Gorilla Guardian’s Village formerly known as the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village. Visiting the neighboring communities in Volcanoes National Park allows travelers to learn about the culture, traditions, and customs of the indigenous tribes of Rwanda. They participate in crop harvesting, weaving baskets, singing and dancing to traditional songs and folk tales, and brewing local beer, to mention but a few. The fees collected from the community tours directly go to supporting local community projects like constructing schools, and hospitals and improving the general infrastructure of Rwanda.
Dian Fossey hike or Dian Fossey grave tours
A trip to Volcanoes National Park is incomplete without a visit to the Dina Fossey Research Centre. Here, you will visit the grave of Dian Fossey who spent her life conserving the gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park has Susa A gorilla family which was once trekked by Dian Fossey. You will also learn about the conservation stories of the Virunga Conservation Area. The area has the largest number of gorilla population in the world.
Other activities that are done at Volcanoes National Park
- Cycling tours
- Guided nature walks
- Mountain climbing or Mountain hiking
Accommodation / Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park has well-structured lodges and tent camps crafted in an eco-friendly manner. The lodges are in budget, mid-range, and luxury ranges depending on the needs of the travelers. They provide 24/7 internet connectivity to help you keep up with your family and friends while visiting the park.
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park can be visited at any time of the year depending on the needs of the travelers. The park is open on weekends and public holidays. However, most activities are easily done during the dry season (June to September and December to February). The wet season is best for birding safaris in Volcanoes National Park and other parts of East Africa.
How to access the Park?
Volcanoes National Park can be accessed by both air and road from Kigali International Airport. It is better you book your transportation to Volcanoes National Park through a reputable tour operator in Rwanda for an ultimate adventure.