Located in the northern province of Rwanda in Musanze, Volcanoes National Park is famous for being a reliable gorilla trekking in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is located in the Virunga Massif which stretches to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park was gazette in the year 1925 and boasts over 300 bird species some of which are Rift Valley endemics. Volcanoes National Park is also home to many primates including mountain gorillas, white colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys.
Taking on a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park is a dream come true. The evergreen forests, swampy, and rivers support hundreds of ecosystems in Volcanoes National Park.
How many gorilla families are in Volcanoes National Park? Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is home to several gorilla families some of which are habituated and ready for gorilla trekking. Some of these families go all the way to Virunga National Park in Congo and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Each gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park is given a name that reflects its history or a significant conservationist or location. The most famous naming ceremony in Rwanda is known as the “Kwita Iziina” Ceremony. The ceremony is conducted in Volcanoes National Park annually and it involves high-profile dignitaries like professional footballers. Gorilla naming in Rwanda has been made famous by the famous Hashtag Visit Rwanda.
Some of the gorilla families include;
- Amahoro gorilla group
- Hirwa gorilla group
- Sabyinyo gorilla group
- Kwitonda gorilla group
- Group 13 or Agashya gorilla group
- Umubano gorilla group
- Ugenda gorilla group
- Susa (A) gorilla group
- Karisimbi or Susa (B) gorilla group
- Titus gorilla group
- Bwenge gorilla group
Note: To be able to take on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, you must buy a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board. It is also advisable to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
The Dian Fossey Conservation Center in Volcanoes National Park
A visit to Volcanoes National Park will introduce you to the history of a great American Primatologist Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey spent all her life time fighting for the rights of gorillas in the Virunga Massif. She was killed by poachers and she was buried in the land of mountain gorillas – Volcanoes National Park.
You will hike to the Karisoke Conservation Center and learn the great works of Dian Fossey. Here, you will have a glance at the famous movie that was created in the Volcanoes National Park titled “Gorillas in the Mist.”
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a premier destination for gorilla trekking tours and gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. With over 10 gorilla families habituated, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a rewarding experience. Gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park start with a briefing at the park headquarters.
Trekkers follow a certain gorilla group. Only eight people are restricted to one gorilla family per day. This is meant to not make gorillas stressed. At about 8:30 am, the gorilla trekking adventure starts. Travelers get into the thickest of Volcanoes National Park in search of these magical apes. Upon encountering the gorilla family, travelers are given one hour to spend in their presence. They learn about their behavior, enjoy them play, dine, and mate.
Other than Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. Book your Combined Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour and get an exceptional adventure on your African safari.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is yet another amazing safari activity done in Volcanoes National Park. As the saying goes; Every cloud has a silver lining, Volcanoes National Park is home to many families of golden monkeys.
The park allows travelers to spend time 9in the presence of the golden monkeys while monitoring and learning their behaviors. Like gorilla trekking, travelers are required to have purchased a Golden Monkey tracking permit if they are to undertake this activity. Golden monkey tracking permits go for USD 100 Per person per day. The other reliable golden monkey tracking destinations in Africa are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Cultural Tours in Volcanoes National Park
To be able to support wildlife conservation efforts and reduce human-wildlife conflict, the local people started cultural villages around Volcanoes National Park.
While on your Volcanoes National Park safari, make time and visit the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village and dive into the life of Rwandese.
You will participate in their day-to-day activities like weaving baskets, making crafts, brewing local beer, and preparing local meals. It is here that you may donate to the community as a way of practicing responsible tourism and sustainable development goals.
Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park
Are you a professional birder or just a beginner looking forward to an amazing birding safari in Africa, visiting Volcanoes National Park for your Rwanda birding tour is such a rewarding experience.
The park is home to over 300 bird species inclusive of Rift Valley endemics. You will encounter birding making their nests, conquering new territories as well as singing lovely melodies.
With the help of an experienced bird guide in Rwanda, you will be able to spot some of Africa’s elusive bird species. Some of the bird species found in Volcanoes National Park include; the California quail, Hawaiian hawk, Apapane, grey-crowned crested crane, Rwenzori turaco, Abyssinian ground hornbill, hummingbird, nectar suckers, beaters, to mention but a few.
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is open for tourism any time of the year including weekends and public holidays. The dry months of June to September and December to February are usually considered the best time for gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park?
Accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park range from budget to mid-range and luxury. All the lodges are strategically located and crafted in wilderness settings and provide scenic views of the surrounding areas.
