5 Top Activities Done in Volcanoes National Park
5 Top Activities Done in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was designated as one of Africa’s first national park in 1925. Dian Fossey, a biologist, performed mountain gorilla studies in this park until her death. Her work with these magnificent primates has made Volcanoes National Park associated with gorilla trekking, Rwanda’s most popular safari activity. Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda, about two hours from Kigali, the country’s capital.
5 Top Activities Done in Volcanoes National Park.
The park has appropriately been hailed as one of Rwanda’s best locations, and here are the top 5 activities to do while on safari in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a must-do experience when on a gorilla safari in Rwanda, with 11 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park alone. Only three nations in the world have a declining and endangered gorilla population: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. The Volcanoes National Park is home to nearly all of Rwanda’s gorilla population. Among the families to visit are Amahoro, Ugenda, Umubano, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Susa, and Hirwa.
The hike begins with a briefing at the park’s headquarters, followed by a climb up the mountain’s bamboo landscape. There are guides for each group of trekkers who will bring you to the gorilla families’ habitats, and the maximum number of trekkers per group is 8. Once you’ve spotted a family of gorillas, you get an hour with them to capture photographs, films, and observe these magnificent creatures.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species that should be on your bucket list if you go on a safari in Volcanoes National Park. They have been trained to improve the visitor experience. The bamboo forest near the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes is home to the majority of the golden monkeys. The golden monkey tracking experience includes a guide who will help you along the trip by sharing the Park’s history, facts about the primates, and directing you to the golden monkey hotspots.
Volcano Climbing
If you enjoy hiking and find yourself at Volcanoes National Park, you will have two hiking options: the Day Hike and the Overnight Hike. The Day Hike takes you to Mount Bisoke, one of the Virunga Mountains’ volcanoes. It is 37,000 meters tall and has a crater lake at the summit.
The Overnight Hike follows Mount Karisimbi, the Virunga Ranges’ second highest volcanic peak. This route passes through a variety of plant zones, including bamboo, Afro-Montane, and savannah. This trek is also renowned as one of the most difficult hikes in the Volcanoes National Park, with a snow-capped peak, particularly during the dry months of June, July, and August.
Explore Musanze Caves
These ancient tunnels were formerly utilized to store food supplies for Rwanda’s rulers during times of conflict. They are now quite a sight to witness while visiting Volcanoes National Park. The cave ceilings are strewn with bats, whose eyes gleam when you shine a spotlight on them. All you’ll have heard in the midst of the cave’s quiet as you approach towards the cave’s end and into the sunshine are your footsteps and the thick dew drops hitting the cave’s floor. A visit inside these caverns is a trip down memory lane.
Experience Rwanda’s unique cultures at Iby’iwacu Village
Iby’iwacu Village, currently known as Gorilla Guardians Village, is adjacent to the park, making it a great spot to explore before leaving Volcanoes National Park. The activities available here may be done whether you stay for a few hours or overnight. Are you in the market for a new menu? Try making or consuming traditional meals and drinks like banana juice or brewing banana beer. Try the local herbal remedy harvested and brewed fresh from the garden for the botanist or medical staff. After your curiosity has been satisfied, relax to the traditional music, dancing, and folklore performed by the locals and dance groups.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda also offers accommodation options which range from budget to midrange and luxury options. Among some of the accommodation options include; Muhabura Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou, Five Volcanoes, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Bisate Lodge to mention but a few.
