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Volcanoes National Game Park
Volcanoes National Game Park: Found in the northwestern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking unforgettable place where culture, adventure, and conservation intersect.
The Volcanoes National Park lies along the Virunga Mountains with ancient volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In just a short two-hour drive from Rwanda’s capital Kigali, to the small town of Musanze, the park is a central location for the exploration of some distinctive Rwanda adventures, while a visit to the Mountain gorillas is often at the top of the visitors’ list.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region spanning Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. It was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the Mountain gorillas that were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching.
Volcanoes National Park is the only stop center for all gorilla trekking safaris and a shelter for quite a good number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. Its strategic location of only about a two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport makes it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world. Besides mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a home for golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects among other creatures which together make a complete Rwanda safari package.
Volcanoes National Game Park is also one of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters where many nonprofit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her Tomb or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day.
Tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park
Besides mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are other exciting attractions that Volcanoes National Park has to offer. Unlike gorilla trekking, tracking golden monkeys in the park is much cheaper and convenient though both activities have the same regulations.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, Spotted Hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, black-fronted duiker, and bushbuck. The park also harbors 178 bird species including at least 29 endemics to Rwenzori mountains and the Virungas.
Hiking
There are 3 Volcanic summits within Volcanoes National Park including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura. Mount Karisibi is the most popular for volcano hiking given its beautiful snow-capped top and the wonderful views it offers to hikers for the surroundings.
Musanze caves visit
Musanze caves are also located within Volcanoes National Park and were declared a tourist site by the Rwanda Development Board in 2013. Since then, travelers to the park have been visiting the site to see the unique and amazing features of these caves.
Also available is the Dian Fossey Tomb Trail- a beautiful yet challenging hike to 3000 meters up the slopes of Mount Bisoke or a hike to the beautiful Nyanzi Centre Lake at the Top.
Costs of permits per person per activity in the Volcanoes National Park.
- Crater Lake Hike 75 USD
- Dian Fossey Hike 75 USD
- Mountain Gorillas 750 USD
- Golden Monkey Tracking 100 USD
Important to note is that Permits should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during Rwanda’s high season of Travel between June and September.
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