Top 9 Must Do Activities in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda has a variety of adventurous activities in Volcanoes National Park to offer to adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts from the famous known gorilla trekking experiences to impressive birding, golden monkey tracking and cultural encounters.
The park is located in the northwestern regions of the country occupying an area of 160 square kilometers. It received the wildlife conservation status in the early 1920s because of its rich biodiversity.
A combination of Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga national park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga gorilla park of Uganda form what is called a Virunga conservation region whose major purpose is protect the endangered mountain gorilla species.
Therefore a traveler enjoying the adventurous activities in Volcanoes National Park can also combine them with those in the neighboring countries that’s Uganda and Congo for a more immersive and a unforgettable experience.
some of the best activities in Volcanoes National Park more thought of by tourists to this destination while on Rwanda safaris include;
Best 9 Activities in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Tracking
Volcanoes national-park is one of the 3 national parks of the Virunga massif which offer gorilla trekking adventurous activities. Other gorilla trekking destinations include Virunga national park in Congo and Mgahinga gorilla park in Uganda. Gorilla Trekking is also offered at Bwindi Impenetrable National park of Uganda, which holds the largest gorilla groups compared to other gorilla parks.
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit will cost an individual only USD 1,500 to acquire it. It is only issued by the Rwanda Development board therefore a Traveler can get it directly from their offices or through a licensed tour operator.
Trackers to get more rewarding experience from the activities in Volcanoes National Park, are advised to dress lightly on neutral-Colored Clothing, long sleeved shirts and trousers, light rain jacket, a light pair of waterproofed hiking boots, a sun hut, carry insect repellents and essential trekking gear and accessories.
For an ultimate gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, consider our short gorilla trekking safaris such as 2 day gorilla trekking Rwanda and 3 day gorilla trekking Rwanda.
Golden monkey Tracking:
Watching golden monkeys swinging around, jumping from one branch to another, grooming, feeding, going about all their daily activities in Volcanoes National park Is an amazing experience, very enjoyable and worthy a couple of dollars.
A golden monkey trekking permit of Rwanda only costs USD 100 and it is accompanied with other wildlife adventurous activities like nature walks and bird-watching.
A traveler can decide to combine the two trekking adventures, that’s golden monkey trekking and mountain gorilla tracking by doing one before the other on different days.
Tracking golden monkeys is way much easier than tracking gorillas as they are found at low altitudes and not very deep in the thick forests. They much prefer inhabiting the bamboo forests which are usually found at the base of the volcanoes.
They don’t wander off to distant places like gorillas in search of food. With a golden monkey tracking permit, you don’t have to worry about booking it in advance to secure it as it is characterized with less traffic but we recommend you a early booking for a good, convenient planning.
Visiting the Tombs of Dian Fossey:
Dian Fossey is one of the greatest primatologist who played a very big role in conservation of Mountain gorillas. During her time, poaching of the gorillas which was at its climax, leading to extinction of these primate species drastically reduced particularly in the volcanoes national park.
She deeply researched about gorillas for example about their natural habitats, behaviors, breeding, feeding , interaction with humans among others which helped her to come up with different strategies of conserving them and making them feel comfortable in their habitats and in presence of humans.
Hundreds of travelers from around the globe to enjoy activities in volcanoes National park embark on a Dian Fossey grave hike to visit her final resting place found in gorilla cementery at Karisoke research station as a way of showing respect and her appreciating her unforgettable deeds in the lives of mountain gorillas.
A Dian Fossey grave hike is a 3hour hike to a location between mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke costing only USD 75. visit volcanoes national park as a way of appreciating the works of the legendary Dian Fossey, the Primatologist.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi:
Mountain Karisimbi is the the fifth highest mountain in Africa. It is is an extinct volcano with a height of 4,507 meters above sea level. It is a popular destination most especially for mountain climbers. Hiking mountain Karisimbi requires both determination and physical preparations as it is a 2 days hike featured with conquering dense forests on rugged and steep terrains.
The first stop for day 1 is usually at 3700m were you camp and rest for the night. It is extremely cold at night because of the high altitudes therefore travelers are advised to mind so much about their gear. For example they should include warm blankets, thick jackets, stockings, gloves, thick clothes, long sleeved, among others.
Early in the morning, they embark on their last portion to the peak of the mountain. At the peak, you get uninterrupted views of volcanoes national park canopy, and all other mountains and lakes around the region.
Hiking Mount Bisoke:
Mount Bisoke also called Visoke is an extinct volcano with an height of 3,711m / 12175 feet above the seal level, part of the the Virunga range. Hiking the mountain only takes the climber 1 day to get to its summit however the climber needs to still be physically fit and well prepared to get through all the adventure to its climax.
Mount Bisoke hiking permit only costs USD 75 and porter are available at USD 15 to help the hikers with their hiking gear. A mountain climbing at Bisoke starts with a small briefing at the park headquarters just like any other activity at the park and then the hikers accompanied by an experienced guide, porters and a park ranger embark on the trails to the base of the mountain where all the hiking starts. Go on a thrilling mountain Bisoke hiking adventures with our 1 day Mount Bisoke hike.
Hiking Mount Muhavura:
Mount Muhavura is an extinct volcano with a height of 4,127 meters above the sea level, part of the Virunga ranges. Hiking mount Muhavura starts at a height of 1,200 meters involving going through different rugged steep terrains found among the tropical forests. The hiking takes only 1 day and it is embarked on very early in the morning.
Visiting Twin Lake:
The twin lakes at the volcanoes national park are Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burere . you get to explore their boundaries while on a boat. They are featured with stunning scenery, different water wading birds, botanical gardens good for nature walks, sand beaches for relaxing and locals on the landing sites going on with their daily activities.
After a long gorilla trekking adventurous activities in Volcanoes National Park, a traveler can decide to relax at this stunning destination, on a sunset boat cruise for a rewarding experience.
Bird watching;
This activity is one of the best activities in Volcanoes National Park offering a serene and captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. Venture into the park’s lush landscapes, guided by expert ornithologists, to observe a diverse array of avian species in their natural habitat.
Volcano national park is documented to have at least 200 impressive bird species of which 17 are Albertine Rift Endemic making it a prime birding destination in Rwanda. The birds range from very small birds to large raptors and are best seen during guided nature walks, during golden monkey and gorilla trekking adventures flying around the forest.
Community walks:
You can experience Rwanda’s local culture by visiting the local communities leaving just adjacent to the park. This offers you deep insights into the lives of those people by watching them going about their daily activities.
A traveler may visit Iby’lwachu cultural village also known as the guardian village , a cultural and traditional museum of Rwanda where lifestyles, traditions and heritage of the country are celebrated offering visitor an immersive experience into the traditions of Rwanda. The villages also offers different traditional performance to the guests inclusive of beating drums accompanied with captivating dances, songs and poems.