The 160km2 Volcanoes National Park protects the volcanic Virunga mountains ranges that lie within Rwanda territory. Comprising a chain of five dormant volcanic ranges, it forms the Virunga mountain conservation area that lies across Uganda, DRC and Rwanda protecting more than half of the global population of the endangered mountain gorillas.
It’s here on the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo where the first specimen of mountain gorillas was collected and introduced to western science by the Belgian Captain Robert von Beringie in 1902. Since then, notable scientists led by George Scheller and the popular Dian Fossey have studied the unique lifestyle and adaptations of these endangered apes. These studies have led to awareness for protection and conservation efforts that have saved these species from the blink extinction.
Volcanoes NP is a premier destination offering life-time trekking experience along the mountain gorillas, the golden monkey both Albertine endemics. The park is also a to birding hotspot with up to 200 species of birds including 17 Albertine Endemics (ARE). Other mammals include forest buffalo, black-fronted duiker and bushbuck.
Getting here from Kigali is through a well-paved 112km road taking some two and half hours of drive. A great accommodation selection of all comfort and budget from super luxury to mid-range lie within the visitors center at Kinigi village but also within Musanze town 12-km away.
Things to do at Volcanoes National Park
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Trek along the Mountain Gorilla
A major highlight to visitors to Volcanoes National Park is an up-close encounter with the mountain gorillas. The park has 12 habituated gorillas’ groups available for trekking daily where visitors can have a rare face-to-face interaction with these endangered species. Permits ought to be pre-booked and paid before as the demand is so high. On tracking day, early check-in at the visitor’s complex at Kinigi at 7am is required, where after the briefing the trek begins.
Guided treks hike up to various gorilla families’ home ranges and on locating them an hour is offered to observe, photograph, and study these endangered apes. The experience duration varies with the group’s home range but anywhere between 3-6hrs is normal. Mountain Gorillas range over high altitudes and visitors are encouraged to prepare well mentally and seek their medical practitioners’ advice on altitude-related challenges. Average fitness is recommended.
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Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
The next exciting excursion while at Volcanoes National Park, is a trek up the habituated troops of the Golden Monkey. Formerly belonging to the Blue Monkey complex, this Albertine endemic occurs mainly in the bamboo zone in troops ranging up to 50-strong. Mobile, beautiful and active the Golden monkey troops are led by a dominant male noticeable with blue genitals and size but also consists of several young females.
Diet largely includes bamboo shoots, leaves, and insects. Like other primate experiences, an hour is offered to interact with these species. The trekking experience begins with a brief session at the visitors’ center, where ranger guides lead up visitors to the feeding range of the troops. Dress code advisory and safety regulations are just the same as gorilla trekking. Permits can be booked online or paid by Visa card at the visitor center on the day of tracking.
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Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park
Excellent birding on these volcanic slopes produces the much sought-after Albertine endemic 17species out of 180 species recorded here. Here several endemics are easily seen like, Handsome francolin, the high-altitude Scarlet-tufted Sunbird ticked on flowering Lobelia, Rwenzori Double-colored Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimson-wing, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s robin, Regal sunbird. Common species include the colorful Lagden Bush-shrike, Mountain and Augur Buzzards, Kandt’s Waxbill, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Western Citril, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Tropical Boubou, plus healthy forest-edge specialists. The birding activity begins early morning with checking in at the visitors center for ranger guides.
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Visit Dian Fossey’s Museum
Sitting high and overlooking the Virunga Mountain range peaks in the Kinigi, the famous Diana Fossey’s Karisoke Research now sits in the expansive complex named The Ellen DeGeneres Campus, housing the museum and research department continuing the Dian Fossey’s dream. A visit here offers insights and explores the groundbreaking study works about mountain gorillas and the conservation efforts not only to these great apes but also their fragile ecosystems and the neighboring communities. The complex is open from 8-4pm daily where entrance is free, however donations to the great work is highly encouraged.
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Hiking at Volcanoes National Park
Five of the eight Virunga volcanic mountain ranges are accessed through Volcanoes NP. For adventurers, a hike to any of these peaks provides insights into the flora and fauna at these higher altitudes but also gives outstanding 3600 views across the entire Virunga landscape. Reasonable fitness is required, and high-altitude advisory precautions must be sought.
The most popular hike is.
- A One-Day Trek to Dian Fossey’s former station and now her final resting place some 2980m asl.
This highly recommended hike (up to 6-hours on average) takes one through the footsteps of the most celebrated gorilla researcher to date! It was on these slopes that in 1967 that the young and unknown Dian Fossey dedicated her life to learning about the mountain gorillas. Her work brought to the attention of the world deep insights into the ecology of these endangered apes, raised awareness of their conservation and protection within their native rainforest homes. Her untimely death on 26th Dec 1985 was unfortunate but her legacy leaves on and her ape friends now flourish. Her lifetime work on Gorillas is recorded in the Gorillas in the Mist book and film.
Other hikes include;
- Two-Day hikes to Mt. Karisimbi peak 4507m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Bisoke peaks at 3711m with an outstanding crater lake.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Sabyinyo 3634m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Gahinga 3474m.
- One-Day hike to Mt. Muhabura at 4121m, suitably arranged as a 2-Day hike.
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Cultural Experience at Ibyi’wachu Village
Located on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park edge lives a vibrant community at Gorilla Guardian Village formerly (Ibyi’wachu village) that offers a community experience that showcases a typical Rwandan history and traditions, great entertainment, and a chance to share smiles, dance, and aspirations. This highly recommended experience includes a tour through agricultural farms to learn about various local crops and a chance to interact with a typical local lifestyle, taste local menus, and shop local handcrafts made by local women and community cooperative groups.