8 Days Wildlife Encounters in Rwanda
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research Centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey
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Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is Rwanda’s most visited park, attracting nature lovers across the world who come to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. This park shelters 30 percent of the 1063 mountain gorillas that are left in the wild and comprises of 12 habituated gorilla families. The park protects more than mountain gorillas in a single habitat making it a treasured destination of its own.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is positioned geographically in the Northwestern side of the country. It expands in the former Ruhengeri region right within the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA). As a national park, Volcanoes NP was established in 1925 making it one of the oldest parks in Africa. The other parks that fall within the Virunga Region include Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The journey of Dian Fossey can also be traced around the Volcanoes N.P and it is here where she set up a research base to aid her activities. She transferred from Tanzania to the Virunga Volcanoes in 1963. Dian Fossey is brain behind the established Karisoke Research Centre located at the base of Karisimbi Volcanoes.
The unfortunate side though is that Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985, but she had played a significant part in mountain gorilla protection and research. By then, mountain gorillas were listed under the IUCN red list as the critically endangered species and their plight as heard when she published the “Gorillas in the Mist” –first it was a book and later it was changed to film.
The park boasts of its remarkable landscape featuring Rivers, Lakes, green forests and bamboo forest. These serve as the main habitats of wildlife in Volcanoes NP. Within Volcanoes National Park, hikers have five volcanoes to explore out of the eight that make up the Virunga Mountain ranges and they include Sabyinyo (3634m), Bisoke (3711m), Gahinga, Karisimbi (4507m) and Muhabura (4127m). At the slopes of these Virunga Volcanoes, there are exist distinct vegetation zones consisting of hagenia, afro-alpine, sub-alpine and bamboo.
Volcanoes National Park is a special primate destination, and the best spot to find other mammals, reptiles and more. Besides mountain gorillas, the park supports a good number of golden monkeys, hyenas, forest elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, buffaloes, forest hogs and more.
At Volcanoes NP, over 200 bird species can be spotted including endemic rift and forest species. The bird record of Volcanoes NP include archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori batis, palm nut vulture, lagden’s bush shrikes, handsome francolins, red-faced woodland, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, blue-spotted wood dove, African goshawk, bronze sunbird, bat hawks, Nirana trogon, bateleurs, palm nut vultures, Rwenzori turaco, African swamp hen, Kivu ground thrush and others.
Gorilla trekking adventures are the top experiences that Volcanoes National Park is most popular for. This is an adventure of a lifetime, offering tourists a chance to wind through the lush forest in search for mountain gorillas in the wild. Trekking to see these large apes starts with briefing and a gorilla family is allocated to you. The park contains 12 habituated gorilla family groups including Pablo, Hirwa, Karisimbi, Titus, Ugenda, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, and Amahoro.
It is a special primate adventure done by persons above 15 years and these are eligible group to secure gorilla permits. The Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD 1500 per visitor on gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park. In addition to carrying gorilla permits, you need other items including the insect repellents, long trousers, gardening gloves, camera, high energy giving snacks, long-sleeved shirt, snacks, cameras, and first aid kit.
Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park presents you a remarkable chance to explore the park’s diverse bird species including the blue-spotted wood doves, lagden’s bush shrikes, palm nut vultures, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turacos, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, baglafetch weaver birds, handsome francolin, red chested sunbird, grauer’s rush warblers, red faced woodland, archer’s ground robin, bateleurs, and many more.
Golden monkey tracking safaris are second most popular primate adventures that are enjoyable in Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkey trek is all about exploring the unique golden monkeys in the wild. These primates reside within the Virunga Mountains and each of their troops can comprise of 100 individuals.
The Dian Fossey tomb trek offers exhilarating hike and exposure to the Dian Fossey and her gorilla conservation legacy. Exploring the Dian Fossey trail requires all participants to have hiking permits each costing USD 75. Dian Fossey hike takes 2-3 hours depending on the speed of trekking of visitors.
If you have always wanted to explore the Virunga Volcanoes, this is an incredible opportunity for you. Visit Volcanoes NP and hike through some of the finest Virunga Volcanoes including Bisoke or Visoke, Muhabura Volcanoes and Karisimbi. The park has five volcanoes, but these 3 are the only ones hiked on Rwandan side and the rest are hiked on a visit to Mgahinga.
Outside Volcanoes National Park, there is a chance to also visit and tour the twin lakes; Lake Ruhondo and Burera. They provide the perfect relaxation environment to visitors on Rwanda safaris in the park. You can pay a visit before or after gorilla trekking experience.
Cave exploration is another remarkable experience that is enjoyable on a trip in Ruhengeri/Musanze region. The must-visit caves are the Musanze caves that date back to over 65 million years. The caves measure 2 km and you may spend 2-3 hours to complete walking through it and back.
The best time to travel for a safari in Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season which is from June, July, August to September and December to February. These come at an advantage to trekkers visiting to see mountain gorillas because the ground is drier making it easier walking through the forest. Abundant flora and water are available during the wet or rainy season and gorilla families keep within their home range.
The safari accommodation properties are many thus providing visitors a wide range to choose from budget to luxury. They include Muhabura Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, Le Palme Hotel, Garr Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, and others.
Volcanoes National Park is located close to Kigali city center, accessible about 2 to 3 hours’ drive. You will use a good 4×4 safari vehicle and the other alternative is connecting from Uganda side via Kisoro to Chanika border or Kabale to Katuna border to Musanze.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, in the rainforest of Rwanda. Visit a research Centre set up by Dr. Dian Fossey
Head into the lush Rwandan jungle in search of the world’s largest primate – the mountain gorilla. Book this 4 Days Gorilla Express Safari
Book this 3 days gorilla tracking tour in Rwanda and have a luxury look at the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
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We strongly advise you to book your gorilla tours at least three (3) to six (6) months before your arrival date. Kindly note that gorilla permits have limited availability, and can be fully booked in a short period of time.
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