Volcanoes National Park is an exceptional destination that guarantees a myriad of experiences beyond gorilla trekking. But first, here is what you need to know about gorilla trekking, the leading primate adventure offered in Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. A gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park mainly takes you on an adventure journey to explore the rare mountain gorillas. These Apes reside in only Africa and in specific countries, that is, Rwanda, Uganda, & Congo.
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, about 13 gorilla families/groups have been fully habituated and are ready for gorilla tourism. To be able to engage in this rare adventure, visitors first assemble at the Kinigi region to meet the park official, who introduces them to the rules and regulations. Later, the gorilla groups and park ranger guides are assigned to guests, still, during the briefing session at Kinigi.
Trekking with the Volcanoes mountain gorillas mainly involves a guided foot walk through a natural forest and unmarked trails. On a normal day, you can spend 2-6 hours looking for your gorilla group, but at the end of it, you can rest assured for 1 hour up close with mountain gorillas and take their pictures. To get involved in the trek with the Volcanoes gorillas, you should obtain a valid permit for USD 1,500 per person and ensure that you are above 15 years old.
What to do in Volcanoes NP apart from gorilla trekking?
Beyond trekking the Volcanoes mountain gorillas, there are several other activities that you can add to your bucket list. They include golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey grave hike, nature walks, Mount Bisoke hike, Behind the scenes gorilla experience, Mount Karisimbi hike, Iby’Iwacu cultural tour, Musanze Cave tour, Twin Lake tours, and birding.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey tracking is a unique primate adventure that you should expect to engage in besides trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With golden monkey treks, the target is to explore the unique behaviors of golden monkeys. You also have the opportunity to take pictures. Golden monkeys are native primates to the Virunga region, and they are among the Old World monkeys. They are gorgeous, featuring bright colored fur and long golden hair mixed with orange. The majority of the habituated golden monkey troops reside in Volcanoes National Park, comprising 80-100 members. A normal trek with the Rwanda golden monkeys can last for about 2-4 hours, which includes 1 hour, but to engage in it, expect to secure a permit at USD 100 per person.
Volcano hiking
Are you interested in volcano hiking adventures? Then a visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park should be a must-do. During a guided hike, expect to explore some of the amazing Virunga Mountain ranges in Rwanda, including the Karisimbi Volcano (4507m) and Bisoke Volcano. A complete hike through Mt. Karisimbi requires at least 2 days, with one day to be dedicated to ascending and the second day you return from the summit. The Karisimbi volcano hiking permits are available for booking at USD 400 for non-residents, USD 250 for foreign residents, and for East African citizens, USD 200.
Mount. Bisoke hike takes a single day, about 6 hours, with 4 mainly spent ascending and 2 hours for you to descend. As you ascend to the summits of Bisoke, expect to enjoy the scenic and diverse vegetation cover. Then, on top, you can come across Crater Lake, accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes. To hike Bisoke volcano, you should have cleared the hiking fees that range from USD 75 per person for non-residents, USD 60 for foreign residents, and East African citizens at USD 55, and Rwandese at RWF 4,000.
Birding
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best birding areas in Rwanda, home to about 200 species of birds. The park holds a variety of Albertine Rift endemic species and also resident species. They include Archer’s ground robin, Dusky crimson wing, African green broadbill, African long-eared owl, Doherty’s bush shrikes, Handsome francolins, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, Bronzy sunbirds, Kivu ground thrush, Lagden’s bush shrike, marina trogon, and crested barbets, among others.
Dian Fossey grave hike
The Dian Fossey grave/tomb hike offers you an inspirational conservation journey. Dian Fossey pioneered a research study on gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. She spent 18 years studying more about gorillas till she was murdered by an unknown group of people in 1987. She was laid to rest near the lovely gorillas, once monitored, including Digit silverback that she loved the most. Dian Fossey played a great role, especially in line with gorilla conservation, including establishing the Karisimbi Research Centre primarily to help her during her research activities in the Virunga Volcanoes. The research centre is located between the mountains. Bisoke and Karisimbi Volcanoes. A hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb/graveyard costs USD 75 per visitor.
The Twin Lake Tours
A visit to the Twin Lakes should be a must–do. The twin Lakes are lying close to the park and include Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera. These formed as a result of volcanic activity and are known for their unmatched natural beauty. While on the Twin Lakes tour, expect to enjoy bird-watching excursions, boat ride tours, and guided hikes.
Musanze cave tours
The Musanze caves are located outside Volcanoes National Park. The caves consist of an extensive lava tube and are among a few geological sites also formed due to volcanic activity. These caves also played a historical role as a hideout during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Besides, they were once the crowning site for the ancient kings. A guided hike through the Musanze cave can last for 2-3 hours, and guests can be led by an experienced guide.
The best time to explore Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers all-year-round experiences. But to enjoy most of the adventures, like gorilla trekking or volcano hiking, the dry season is the best time. The dry season often occurs twice a year, with the longest recorded from June to mid-September, while the short dry months with favorable conditions extend from December to February. The advantage of planning a tour in the dry season is that the hikes are easier due to less muddy trails.
Where to stay (Accommodation options)?
The budget, midrange, and luxury lodges are all available for visitor overnight stays in and around Volcanoes National Park. They include Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Amikusi Hotel Musanze, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Foothill Farmhouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Eagle View Lodge, and Fravan Eco Resort.
How to reach Musanze’s Volcanoes NP?
Visitors can easily reach Volcanoes National Park in Musanze within a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali City. The park lies in the northwestern province, Rwanda, and there is also an option of traveling from Kisoro/Kabale via Chanika/Katuna border. Air travel offers the fastest option for reaching Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.
How to book a tour to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda?
Trust Monteero Safaris for all your tour plans in Rwanda and beyond. Book with us Rwanda safaris to experience the captivating adventures like gorilla trekking and more in Volcanoes National Park. Our method is generally flexible, offering guests a chance to incorporate other enriching destinations in Rwanda and beyond.