The Volcanoes National Park has claimed the protection of the mountain gorilla. The park includes 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains and is one of only 2 places in the world that offers gorilla safaris.
Volcanoes National Park Highlights
Volcanoes National Park lies in north-western Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is home to 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. The mountainous park is adorned with a variety of forest types, occurring at different altitudes, providing a number of different habitats.
Gorilla safaris are conducted in Volcanoes National Park, after having re-established this unique tourist experience in 1999. There are 300 of these gentle giants residing in the park and 4 habituated families that tolerate the presence of humans in their midst.
The gorillas have the freedom to roam far and wide within the park, so the effort involved in tracking them can sometimes involve a substantial amount of hiking and trekking. This, however, is all part of the experience and is an incredible and unique forest and bamboo environment that is an extremely special place to be in.
Mystery Gorilla Safaris Says
Volcanoes NP was the very first National Park to be created in Africa. It was first gazetted in 1925 intended to protect the gorillas from poachers and is now best known for the mountain gorilla safaris offered only here and in one other country.
Volcanoes is known for the famed work by zoologist Dian Fossey, who spent 20 years in the park among the gorillas, conducting valuable research and campaigning for their protection. She was tragically killed in the park - a murder suspected to have been committed by poachers.
The famed film 'Gorillas in the Mist' was a film based on Fossey and her life in the Volcanoes National Park, and it was filmed in the renowned park itself.
The Volcanoes NP is home to 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, some of which can be hiked to view the dark lakes that have formed in their craters.
Volcanoes Park Game Viewing and Activities
Volcanoes National Park is most famous for its mountain gorillas, which are comfortably viewed on organised gorilla safaris. Tracking the gorillas and spending an hour with the habituated families is a unique and fascinating experience. There is also the existence of other intriguing mammals, including the golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and bushbuck.
There are also reported to be some elephants in the park, though these are now very rarely seen. Out of the 178 recorded bird species, at least 13 species and 16 subspecies are endemic to the Virunga and Ruwenzori Mountains.
A variety of activities allow visitors to absorb the surroundings and view the stunning terrain that makes the Volcanoes National Park so unique. Climbing Karisimbi volcano is a two day trek with overnight camping at an altitude of 3 800m. Alternatively guests can do a one-day climb of Bisoke volcano, tour of the lakes and caves, or take part in the baby gorilla naming ceremony.
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| Golden monkey in volcanoes NP |
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| Mt. Karisimbi hikiing |
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| Gorillas in the Volcanoes |
How to Get There
All Rwanda safaris begin in the capital city, Kigali. Mystery Gorilla Safaris will arrange ground transport for their guests depending on prior arrangements.
Volcanoes National park is one of the famous tourism destinations on the continent. its is also Africa’s oldest park. It Lies along the virunga volcanoes which are shared between Rwanda, Uganda and DRC and its home to five of the 8 volcanoes.
Its covers the Districts of Burera, Musanze, Rubavu and Nyabihu. Its just a two hours drive from the capital kigali. The Park is Central for all people who come to Rwanda. The Normal and easy point to getting there is through Musanze.
Its very possible for you to drive from Kigali to the tracking point on the day you are tracking the gorillas but this is only reliable with the private means and experienced driver guides at mystery gorilla safaris.
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| Bisate lodge |
Volcanoes National Park Seasons and Climate
The country of Rwanda is at a high elevation level, the lowest lying areas estimated at about 900m above sea level. The mountainous topography, particularly in the gorilla trekking areas, means that the altitude can reach up to 3000m.
The elevation, combined with Rwanda’s proximity to the equator allows the country to experience quite a tropical climate with temperatures remaining fairly constant throughout the year. Average temperatures are at mid to low 20s (degrees Celsius).
Rainfall defines the seasons in Rwanda. There is a ‘long rainy season’ that lasts from March until May, during which time the rain is heavy and persistent. June to September brings the ‘long dry season’, which maintains some cloud cover and might bring rare, light showers. The short rains follow in October and November before a short dry spell returns from December to February.
The best time for a gorilla trekking safari is in the dry seasons when the hiking conditions are ideal.
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