Tourist Attractions In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park was the first protected area in Rwanda, established in 1925, it covers 160 sq.km in Northern Province. It lies in the Virunga Massif, a chain of 8 volcanic mountains along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to s 3 dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke and Sabinyo. Mount Karisimbi is the tallest volcano in Rwanda, reaching 4,507m (14,787 feet), and is relatively young compared to others. Mount Bisoke standing at 3,711m (12,175 feet), features a crater filled lake on the summit. Mount Sabinyo, which straddles the borders of both countries, is the oldest volcano having been formed during the early part of the Pleistocene Epoch about 2,600,000 years ago. Due to its early formation, its summit has a jagged peak that resembles an old man’s teeth due to its formation. The park enjoys a cool tropical climate throughout the year, with daytime temperatures typically between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. During the rainy seasons from April to May and October to November, nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.
Attractions
Volcanoes National Park is well-known for mountain gorillas, but the park offers several attractions including golden monkeys, volcanoes and birds. Here is the detailed information about the tourist attractions in Volcanoes National Park;
Tourist Attractions In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda : Mountain gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is home to over 200 mountain gorillas, forming part of the 604 Virunga Mountain gorilla population. For those seeking a safari experience in Africa, Rwanda provides one of the best opportunities to see these remarkable animals, with more than 20 habituated gorilla families, 12 of which are accessible to visitors. The chances of seeing the mountain gorillas are 99% as you are guided by trackers, guides and park rangers. Gorilla trekking starts every day in Kinigi at 7:00am with briefing on guidelines to follow while on the trek, even though the gorillas have 99% DNA as the humans, they still remain wild and you are advised to follow the dos and don’ts from the guides. The gorilla trekking experience is conducted responsibly, with only 8 tourists permitted to visit a single group each day for one hour. Although the gorilla population in Volcanoes National Park has increased, their habitat remains unchanged. In response, Rwanda has launched a conservation initiative to expand the protected area by nearly 32%, creating additional space for the gorillas. Participating in gorilla tracking in Rwanda supports the ongoing success of this conservation effort.
Tourist Attractions In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda :Golden monkeys
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine rift valley, with an estimated with a population exceeding 5,000 individuals. These primates are classified endangered, primarily due to habitat loss and being conserved through tourism. In Volcanoes National Park, the monkeys have been habituated, enabling visitors to observe them in their natural environment. The main home range of golden monkeys is the bamboo zone between 2,500 m – 2,800 m, where they spend most of their time eating bamboo shoots. This habitat at preference makes it easier to locate them compared to mountain gorillas. The trails originating from Kinigi visitor center meanders through mixed forest and lead directly to the upper slopes of the volcano. The golden monkey trekking permit costs USD100 for all nationals and can be obtained from Rwanda development board to allow you visit the endangered golden monkeys. The activity starts at the park headquarters at 7:00am with briefing on dos and don’ts by the park wardens and later the park guides and rangers lead you to the forest to find them. Depending on their location, the golden monkey trek can last for 2-5 hours. Typically, these monkeys live in troops ranging from 30 to 80 members, led by an alpha male who influences the group’s home range. The behavior of golden monkeys is interesting to watch for keen photographers, the primates are highly social but move very swiftly as they feed and swing in trees.
Tourist Attractions In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda : Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. it is one of the most frequently climbed peaks within the Volcanoes National Park and the whole of the Virunga Massif. The stratovolcano rises to an elevation of 3507 meters above sea level, making it the tallest Volcano among the eight. Hiking from the trailhead to the top lasts 4-5 hours depending on the pace of hikers and can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. Getting a porter can be helpful. The trail winds through crop fields, mixed forest and bamboo zones.
At the lower elevations of Mount Karisimbi, the habitat is home to the Karisimbi gorilla family and various other primates like pot golden monkeys that may be seen during a trek. The guides can allow you to stop for any possible wildlife encounters. The volcano is named after the snow” Amasimbi” seen on the volcano’s summit in the dry months of June, July & August. Mount Karisimbi is bordered by Mount Mikeno in the north, Mount Bisoke in the east, and Nyiragongo in the western side. Mount Karisimbi is the 11th-highest mountain in Africa
Dian Fossey Graveyard
A visit to Dian Fossey’s graveyard is a highlight of your Rwanda hiking safari in Volcanoes National Park. Born in 1967 and tragically killed in 1985, Dian Fossey was an American Primatologist whose lifelong dedication focused on saving endangered gorilla and conservation and sustainable tourism in East and Central Africa.
During your hiking safari in Volcanoes National Park, you’ll learn about how Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center, situated between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. This center was the hub for her extensive research on gorillas and played a vital role in raising awareness about their conservation. Her efforts are credited with helping gorillas avoid extinction, mainly through her campaigns against poaching and habitat destruction.
Unfortunately, she was killed by Poachers in 1985 and her remains were laid to rest in the park dedicated to her work. Hiking to her graveyard offers a moment to reflect on her remarkable conservations that continue to benefit gorillas today. On your hike to the graveyard, you may meet some wild animals such as Forest Elephants, African Buffalos, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and mountain gorillas among others.
Birdlife
Volcanoes National Park is home to over 200 bird species have been documented at Volcanoes National Park, including 17 of the 25 Albertine rift endemics, the afro tropical highlands biome, and migratory birds. While on your bird watching tours, expect to see different colorful bird species such as Lagden’s Bush-shrike, African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Ruwenzori Batis, Black Cuckoo, Archers Robin Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Red Chested Sunbird, Strange Weaver, White Collared Silverback, Crested Barbet, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, African Goshawk, Lesser Honey Guide, Grey-backed Fiscal, Bronzy Sunbird, Brown-backed Honey Bird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Red Faced Woodland Warbler, Dusky Crimson-wing, Collared Apalis, Nirana Trogon, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, Dusky Turtle Dove, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bateleur, African Long-eared Owl, Brown-necked Parrot, Baglafecht Weaver among others.
