3 Must-Do Activities in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Located in northwest Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of a stunning mountain range. This area is known as the habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla and features a diverse array of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, swamps, and heath. Volcanoes National Park is always on every traveler's bucket list when it comes to exploring nature in Rwanda, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Our guide on planning a perfect trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda includes essential information about the location, landscapes, the best time to see gorillas, what to pack, unmissable activities, and much more. If you are interested in discovering the untouched natural wonders of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, don’t miss reading the article below.

Where Is Volcanoes National Park?

Located in the northeastern region of Rwanda, in the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), Volcanoes National Park is considered the oldest national park in Africa. The park shares its borders with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. It is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda, where tourists have numerous opportunities to engage in gorilla tracking activities. 

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda encompasses 160 km2 of bamboo forests and tropical rainforests, with five volcanic mountains: Mt Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Muhavvura.

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northeastern region of Rwanda

How To Get To Volcanoes National Park?

Traveling by road is the most efficient and cost-effective means to reach Volcanoes National Park. If you've arranged a gorilla safari through a tour operator, you'll likely be assigned a private car for the journey from Kigali to the park. The drive offers a captivating experience as it winds through undulating hills and picturesque landscapes, treating travelers to magnificent and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

For those seeking the fastest mode of transportation, air travel is the optimal choice. Akagera Aviation provides daily scheduled helicopter flights from the international airport in Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, ensuring a swift and convenient journey.

Amazing Creatures Living In Volcanoes National Park

Mammal Species

Volcanoes National Park is best known for its diverse ecosystem, serving as a habitat for various vibrant and distinctive mammal species. Among these, mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys stand out prominently, especially since the Virunga volcanoes region is their exclusive earthly habitat. The park is abundant with mammals, though travelers can hardly spot them due to the hilly and rugged terrain within the dense and secluded rainforest. Signs indicate the presence of various mammals, including forest elephants, buffaloes, bushpigs, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and colobus monkeys, as well as other primate species living in the park.

Mammal species in Volcanoes National Park

Bird Species

Volcanoes National Park is situated at the edge of the West African rainforests and the East African savannas, where the Virunga volcano region meets the great East African rift. Lake Kivu is located just a few kilometers away, and this geographical feature draws a diverse array of birds to the area and significantly influences the bird population in Volcanoes National Park. Recognized as a crucial birding destination for Rwanda birding safaris, the park boasts over 200 recorded bird species sightings. It stands out as a prime location for bird enthusiasts, offering opportunities to spot numerous Albertine rift endemic bird species.

3 Highly Recommended Activities In Volcanoes National Park In Rwanda

1. Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is a top-rated destination for Rwanda safaris, primarily due to the captivating Mountain gorilla trekking expeditions it offers. Considered one of the finest wilderness adventure activities on the African continent, mountain gorilla trekking provides travelers with a close encounter with wildlife. 

During the trek, participants hike to various Virunga mountains, each hosting different gorilla groups. For example, the Karisimbi gorilla group resides on Mount Karisimbi, while the Ugenda gorilla family is typically found along the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, among other gorilla families.

The fascinating gorilla trekking is an unmissable activity in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, providing the chance to spot diverse bird species and charming golden monkeys. As you venture into the bamboo-covered areas where the gorillas reside, you witness the gentle giants' behaviors in the wild, such as observing their feeding patterns and witnessing infant gorillas nursing from their mothers.

 Gorilla trekking is an unmissable activity in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

What to pack for Gorilla trekking?

When preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are essential items that travelers should prepare if they plan to engage in gorilla trekking:

• Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots. 

• A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. 

• A waterproof jacket or poncho and jacket for cooler temperatures in the higher elevations.

• A hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent can be handy.

• Water, snacks, and personal items, as well as a camera with a zoom lens to capture the incredible moments with the gorillas. 

• Necessary gorilla trekking permits and identification documents for smooth entry into the park.

2. Musanze Caves Hike

Musanze Cave was named after the Musanze District, where it is situated and designated for tourism development in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board's (RDB) Tourism and Conservation Department. The cave has trails, stone staircases, and railings, yet lacks electric lighting. Visitors are facilitated with helmets, raincoats, and hand lamps for exploration.

As a relatively young lava cave in the Albertine Rift Valley, Musanze Cave originated from volcanic activity that commenced in the Cretaceous period, approximately 65 million years ago, and is still ongoing. The cave was formed by a lava flow from the Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes. It boasts substantial 10-meter-high entrance portals and a length of two kilometers, with a total of 31 entrances.

A journey into Musanze Cave is an exhilarating experience for travelers exploring Rwanda. The natural landscapes surrounding the cave allow travelers to immerse in the wilderness and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural forces shaping the geography. Upon entering the cave, visitors encounter a significant population of bats hanging upside down in numerous small rooms. The cave's walls are adorned with various plant species, adding a touch of greenery that enhances its beauty for photography.

Musanze Cave is worth a visit in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

3. Engage in cultural activities

On the edge of Volcanoes National Park, an indigenous community has come together to form the Mountain Gorilla Guardians, formerly known as Iby'wacu Cultural Village, which aims to underscore the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of gorillas. Travelers exploring Rwanda visit this community to get close to its members and share life experiences. The immersive tour allows tourists to engage in activities such as songs, dances, storytelling, art, cultural rituals, ceremonies, pastime games, and insights into homestead structures. Through these experiences, travelers gain valuable knowledge about African culture and lifestyles.

Visitors to the Iby'wacu Cultural Village are entertained by the traditional Intore dance group, featuring dance performances, folk tales, and songs. Additionally, guests can participate in traditional cooking classes, learn the preparation of local banana brew and milking cows, and even make local products. This enriching encounter provides a deeper understanding of the community's way of life and its commitment to wildlife conservation.

From the awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes to the intimate encounters with endangered gorillas, a visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is an unforgettable adventure. We probably needn't remind you, but all the extraordinary sights and exciting activities in the park are enough for the reason of your upcoming visit to Rwanda. Let's get a Rwanda visa today and plan an enjoyable journey to "The Land of a Thousand Hills." in East Africa.