Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is commonly known as Parc des Volcans’’ is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is one of the country’s most famous national parks. The park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes that dominate the park’s landscape, including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. The park covers an area of 160 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park was created far back in 1925, the first-ever national park to be demarcated, and the oldest national park in Africa. Over time, the Belgian government in the year of 1930 ordered an additional 8000 square kilometers to Volcanoes National Park to make it bigger in size. After Diana Fossey, an American zoologist,t also fell in love with the beauty of the place and embarked on researching tourism in the area, unfortunately, she was killed in 1985 by unknown people and buried there.
Volcanoes National Park is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most famous heritage sites, called Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is famous for being a haven for the endangered mountain gorillas in the land of a thousand hills (Rwanda).
One of the main attractions of Volcanoes National Park is the opportunity to trek the mountain gorilla at a cost of around USD 1,500 to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. The park is home to approximately 600 mountain gorillas, which represents over half of the world’s remaining population. Visitors can join a guided trek through the dense forest to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Gorilla trekking is an incredible and unforgettable experience that provides a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
In addition to the mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park is also home to a variety of other primates, including golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and baboons. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 170 bird species recorded within its borders.
Volcanoes National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails that provide visitors with stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and the park’s beautiful landscape. One of the most popular hikes is the Bisoke Crater Lake Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Bisoke and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another popular hike is the Dian Fossey Grave Trail, which leads to the grave of the famous gorilla researcher and conservationist.
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can also take part in cultural experiences, including visits to nearby villages to learn about the local traditions and customs. The Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is a popular attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and food.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Volcanoes
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the most popular lodges include Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rwanda. The opportunity to track the mountain gorilla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the park’s stunning scenery and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With a variety of hiking trails, cultural experiences, and accommodation options, the Park has something to offer every type of traveler.
