Reasons to visit Volcanoes National Park
Reasons to visit Volcanoes National Park : Volcanoes National Park is Africa’s oldest rainforest, it is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda and covers an area of approximately 970 square kilometers. It contains the highest amount of biodiversity of any forest in Africa and contains a large variety of different plant species as well as the more than 300 different types of mammal found in the park.
Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable place, with an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. Visitors will be amazed at the sheer size and magnitude of this World Heritage Site, home to endangered species such chimpanzee, black and white Colobus monkey and the L’Hoest’s Monkey. It is also an important site for birdlife with over 300 species recorded here. It is an attractive destination for birdwatchers from all over the world. Other species found in the park include bushbuck, buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino.
Most tourists on their Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris visit the gorilla family groups that live in the Albertine Rift Mountains. The mountain gorillas are highly intelligent and highly endangered. They live in families consisting of a dominant male and several females and their young offspring. When the silverback alpha male dies, the new dominant male challenges the current one to take over the family group. This process is known as succession and can be quite violent at times. Usually the new male will attack and kill the older alpha male and then take his place as leader of the pack. This process usually takes a few days, after which the new leader becomes the protector of the family group.
Volcanoes National Park is a great place to visit on your Rwanda Safari tour during any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful during the dry season from June to September. When the rainy season begins in March, it usually lasts until May and it is during this rainy season that the area attracts many different kinds of butterflies, which are known to attract tourists in large numbers, Reasons to visit Volcanoes National Park
There are several accommodation options in and around the park for those wanting to stay a while longer and explore the area more thoroughly. These include basic campsites and lodges as well as a more luxurious option in the form of a private lodge which is run by a private owner and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. For those on a budget there are also a couple of hostels in the area which offer a more affordable accommodation option for those looking to enjoy a few days exploring the park and the surrounding area.
Gorilla trekking is a popular tourist attraction in Volcanoes National Park and is an activity many visitors come to enjoy during Rwanda safari at the park. Although the gorillas are usually to be found along the higher slopes of the Albertine Rift Mountains they can also be found in swampy areas or on the forest floor where they can often be seen foraging for food. Visitors have the opportunity to track the gorillas through the forest and watch as they interact with each other in their natural habitat.
The minimum age required to trek with the gorillas is 15 years and this must be adhered to in order to ensure the safety of both the gorillas and the tourists who visit the park with them
