VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
BEST TIME TO GO
March to May and October to November
HIGH SEASON
June to September and December to February
VOLCANOES PARK ANIMALS
L’Hoest’s monkey, the colobus monkey, the golden monkey, and hundreds of bird species
Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in gorilla trekking, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences. With its unique wildlife and stunning landscape, it is truly one of the most special places in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda and is part of the Virunga Mountains, which are a chain of eight volcanoes that span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park covers an area of 160 square kilometers and is home to one of the last remaining populations of endangered mountain gorillas in the world. It is also known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can go on a guided trek to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging, but it is an unforgettable experience. There are only a limited number of permits available each day, so it is important to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The cost of a permit is $1500 per person.
In addition to gorilla trekking, there are other activities to enjoy in the park. Visitors can go on guided hikes to see the volcanoes, visit the Karisoke Research Center, which was established by Dian Fossey to study the gorillas, or take part in community tourism activities such as visiting local villages and learning about Rwandan culture.
Regarding vegetation cover, volcanoes national Park is 30% covered by a bamboo forest (Arundinaria alpine), which spread from 2500m to 3200m above sea level. Bamboos contain hollow and woody stems, which form the main diet for critically endangered mountain gorillas and other animals in the park. Also, 30% of the humid slopes in the south and west are covered by agenda-hypericum forest. Other vegetation in the park includes grasslands, ferns, lichens, giant lobelia, Hagenia-hypericum, swamps, thickets, shrubs, and meadows among others. The variety of vegetation provides food and habitation for animals and birds in the national park hence enhancing tourism in the area. The most seen animals in volcanoes national park include among others.
The Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather is mild, and there is less rainfall, making it easier to trek through the park. The rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November, can make the trekking more challenging due to the muddy and slippery conditions.
BEST TIME TO GO
June to September and December to February
HIGH SEASON
March to May and October to November
VOLCANOES PARK ANIMALS
L’Hoest’s monkey, the colobus monkey, and the golden monkey, and hundreds of bird species
Accommodation and Accessibility
There are several options for accommodation in and around the park. Visitors can stay in lodges or guesthouses within the park or in nearby towns such as Musanze. Some of the lodges offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and provide a luxurious experience. Visitors can also choose to stay in budget-friendly guesthouses or campsites.
Activities and Attractions Volcanoes National Park.
In addition to gorilla trekking, there are other activities to enjoy in the park. Visitors can go on guided hikes to see the volcanoes, visit the Karisoke Research Center, which was established by Dian Fossey to study the gorillas or take part in community tourism activities such as visiting local villages and learning about the Rwandan culture.
Here are some interesting facts about Volcanoes National Park:
- Volcanoes National Park was the first national park to be created in Africa in 1925.
- The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the African green broadbill, the red-faced woodland warbler, and the Kivu ground thrush.
- In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is also home to other primates such as golden monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.
- The park was made famous by the American zoologist Dian Fossey, who lived in the park for over 20 years and studied the behavior of the mountain gorillas. Her work and legacy are commemorated by the Karisoke Research Center, which is open to visitors.
- The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.
- The Virunga Mountains, which are part of the park, are also home to the highest point in Rwanda, Mount Karisimbi, which stands at 4,507 meters (14,787 feet) above sea level.
- The park is also home to a number of volcanic lakes, including Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, which are popular spots for birdwatching and scenic walks.
- The park is managed by the Rwandan government in partnership with the local communities, who receive a share of the revenue from tourism activities in the park. This approach is known as community-based conservation and is aimed at promoting sustainable development in the region.
Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in gorilla trekking, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences. With its unique wildlife and stunning landscape, it is truly one of the most special places in Rwanda.
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