Rwanda is a land- locked country in Central Africa. Also as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda has five volcanoes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers. The country lies 1,270km west of the Indian Ocean and 2,000km east of the Atlantic- literally in the heart of Africa.
The 160km Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwanda sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that straddle the Ugandan and Congolese borders and protect more than half the world’s population of the charismatic mountain gorilla. Also sometimes referred to by its French name, Parc des Volcans, it forms part of a contiguous 433km trans-frontier conservation unit that also includes Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which respectively protect the Congolese and Ugandan sectors of the Virunga mountains. Volcanoes National Park is also an immensely scenic and ecologically diverse destination, spanning altitude of 2,400m to 4,507m, and dominated by the string of volcanoes after which is named. The tallest mountain in the chain is Karisimbi (4,507m) on the border with the DRC. Moving eastwards, the other main peak within the national park is Visoke on the DRC border, Sabyinyo, Muhavura and Mgahinga at the junction of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC, border.
Volcanoes National park was first gazetted in 1925, as a small area bounded by Karisimbi, Visoke and Mikeno, intended to protect the gorillas from poachers. It was the very first National Park to be created in Africa. Subsequently, in 1929, the borders of the park were extended further into Rwanda and into the Belgian Congo, to form the Albert National Park, a huge area of 8090 km2, run by the Belgian colonial authorities who were in charge of both colonies. In 1958, 700 hectares of the park were cleared for a human settlement.
After the Congo gained independence in 1960, the park was split into two, and upon Rwandan independence in 1962 the new government agreed to maintain the park as a conservation and tourist area, despite the fact that the new republic was already suffering from overpopulation problems.
The park later became the base for the American naturalist Dian Fossey to carry out her research into the gorillas. She arrived in 1967 and set up the Karisoke Research Centre between Karisimbi and Visoke. From then on she spent most of her time in the park, and is widely credited with saving the gorillas from extinction by bringing their plight to the attention of the international community. She was murdered by unknown assailants at her home in 1985, a crime often attributed to the poachers she had spent her life fighting against. Dian Fossey’s life later was portrayed on the big screen in the film Gorillas in the Mist, named after her autobiography. She is buried in the park in a grave close to the research center, and amongst the gorillas which became her life.
Getting there
Ruhengeri (Musanze) and Surrounds
Volcanoes National Park is located in a small village called Musanze previously well-known as Ruhengeri. This park is hosting almost all tourists visiting the world famous mountain gorillas. Musanze has long been the base point for gorilla visit and is cradled against a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.
To / From Kigali
Kigali and Ruhengeri are linked by a 96km surface road. It’s in fair condition, though the combination of outrageous bends, the occasional pothole, and some seriously manic local drivers requires caution. Even so, you should cover the distance in 90 minutes. No public transport is connected to Ruhengeri to the park headquarters at Kinigi, but they are minibus- taxi but they don’t go as far as the park headquarters and they cannot be relied upon to get you to Kinigi in time for the 07; 00 assembly. Because of this most travellers hire a vehicle and driver for the morning activity.
When to go gorilla trekking
It doesn’t matter when you want to see mountain Gorillas, you can see gorillas all year round. Most visitors take on month from June to October and then December to February since this is the time of the year where it does not rain heavily. During the peak season, July and August, the permits are always on high demand so booking the trip 3 months to your trekking date is very important.
Cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda
The actual cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit is $750 USD per person per trek
Things to see and activities to do in volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking is the main pull; other activities like golden monkey trekking, bird watching are equally fascinating. Scaling or Climbing Karisimbi, Climbing Bisoke, Climbing Muhabura, visiting local communities, is activities that you can participate in.
Gorilla trekking experience
For gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park is one of the thrilling magical experiences one can never miss on her trip to Africa. Looking straight into eyes of a gorilla, experiencing a close encounter with tranquil mountain gorillas is a gratifying experience that will remain memorable, neither is a hike through the moist fertile undergrowth, frequently dense with mist. However the challenges you go through while hike will all be forgotten when you set eyes for the first time on the Rwanda gorillas and the impression of affiliation is very overpowering.
Habituated gorilla group can be visited by a maximum of 8 people in a day and the minimum age for visiting the gorillas is 16 years and this is the standard limit. It applies in Uganda and Rwanda and it is strongly enforced in all the National Parks. It is such a great privilege to come face to face with our distant cousins.
Golden monkey
Trekking the golden monkey through the bamboo forests they live in, is another unique experience. The golden monkey is an endangered species. Once spotted Watching them you will realize how aptly named playground equipment such as monkey bars and jungle gyms are; only here the equipment is bamboo. Seeing these endangered animals in their natural habitat is worth an extra day in the area. There’s only one tour per day for the monkeys and one overlapping tour for gorillas, so you can’t visit both the big and small primates in the same day.
Birds in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park brought together a sum of 180 bird species in 1980. Close to 15 formerly recorded bird species were noted during a biodiversity survey conducted in 2004, however it is probable that a number of additional forest specialists have actually gone off track since the year 1980. The Grauer’s rush warbler a vulnerable local bird species living in the swamp, whereas at least sixteen Albertine Rift endemic are also present, including the handsome francolin, Archer’s ground robin, dusky crimson-wing, Rwenzori turaco, red-faced woodland warbler , Rwenzori double collared sunbird, collared apalis, Rwenzori Batis and the strange weaver.
Dian Fossey Tomb Trail
The American primatologist Diana Fossey arrived in Rwanda to study mountain gorillas in 1967, supported by the eminent Kenyan paleontologist Louis Leakey, who had earlier been responsible for placing Jane Goodall at Gombe stream in Tanzania. She founded the Karisoke Research Centre high on the forested slopes mount Karisimbi, and for next 18 years used it as the base for her ongoing studies of volcanoes National Park. Thanks to Dian Fossey, a researcher who was buried at her research centre alongside these mountain gorillas to which she dedicated her life. The trail heading to her tomb and Karisoke Research Centre is a beautiful one yet challenging 1 hour 45 minute hike up steep slopes where orchids, bird life and even occasional mountain gorillas can be seen.
Mount hikes and nature trails
Mount Bisoke
Hiking to the Crater Lake requires four hours up a steep trail from the Bisoke departure point to reach the summit. The walk around the Crater Lake rim is highly recommended. Allow seven hours for the entire trip. Lake Ngezi, a small, shallow crater lake, is the easiest hike in the park. It takes 3-4 hour round trip from the Bisoke departure point.
Karisimbi volcano hike
Karisimbi mountain name in Kinyarwanda means ‘’white shell”, which refers to the white capped summit which is often seen, Karisimbi is the fifth highest mountain in Africa which is a 2 days hike. The climb starts early in the morning and takes 6 hours. You will climb further via the Bisoke side, before reaching the first stopping place at an altitude of 3,700m for overnight (camping)
Rwanda Gorilla Families Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Gorillas are social animals staying in groups or families of 6 to 40 or more individuals. A family comprises of the Alpha male (called the silver back), subordinate males (Black backs), females, juveniles and young ones. Each family has its own territory and a home range, where they forage for food. Territories are aggressively or physically defended against male intruders. Territorial fights are fatal and may lead to the death of the territorial or alpha male. Besides humans and diseases, a mature mountain gorilla has very few enemies.
Gorilla groups in Rwanda also called families are divided into two. The study groups/ families which are accessible to scientists and the tourist groups/families which are open for tourist tracking. The Study groups have the largest number of individuals. Study groups include Beetsme, Pablo’s, Shida’s and Bwenge. Besides these, there are seven (7) tourist groups-Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Group 13(Agashya), Umubano and Hirwa. Sometimes, these are joined by a migrant group from Uganda. Most of the potential gorilla trackers have diverse questions ranging from the best time to track, the existing gorilla families, accommodation facilities, when to buy permits, tracking rules and regulations and what to bring. We will answer most of these questions and many more on request.
What to bring and wear when in volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is both hilly and cold. The grounds are usually wet and the paths are full of stinging-nettles. Besides, the rains are random. Proper preparation is important in terms of dressing and equipment’s. Please bring the following items with you,
- Long trousers/ pants to avoid stinging nettles. The trousers must be strong enough to withstand occasional pulls from thorns.
- Long sleeved shirts/ t-shirts. To avoid stinging nettles
- Gloves- These are required to avoid injury to your hands. Remember the grounds are wet and slippery.
- Hiking boots- Please bring average waterproof sturdy walking boots reaching ankle level not mountain climbing boots. Something light and hardy will do.
- Warm cardigan- Volcanoes can get extremely cold. A warm cardigan is required to keep off cold.
- Long sleeved Rain Coat or anorak -it can rain anytime in Volcanoes National Park even on hot days. The downpours are heavy and extremely cold.
- Water proof container for your cameras. Yes I know there are waterproof cameras but even they to be sure just put them in a waterproof container. When you are slipping and falling in muddy grounds you do not want your precious photos damaged nor do you?
- If you desire headgear (hats), a baseball cap is recommended as gorillas are familiar to them.
- Enough water- minimum of 2 liters of drinking water to avoid dehydration. Carry four just in case the hike proofs longer than expected. Sometimes it can be 8 hours.
- Film Camera- A film camera for domestic use is recommended.
- A camera
- If you are interested in birds, you can bring Field guide to birds of East Africa by Fans awe and a pair of binoculars.
Where to Stay
There are quite a number of cool places where you can stay before or after Rwanda gorilla trekking. It’s all about how much money you are willing to spend. From the luxury option to the moderate and budget safari lodges, every tourist is catered for. See our list of safari lodges in Volcanoes area that we recommend.
- Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge
- Virunga Gorilla Lodge
- 5 Volcanoes Hotel Boutique
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
- Lapalme Hotel
- Gorilla Hotels, Ruhengeri
- Davince Gorilla Lodge
- Muhabura Hotel
