Volcanoes National park is part of the Virunga volcanoes located in the north if Rwanda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It harbors the remaining population of mountain Gorillas in the high mountains of Rwanda. Volcanoes has a total number of 10 habituated gorilla families that are available for tracking without any trouble caused by these wild animals.
The park covers over 160 sq.km in the northern parts of the republic of Rwanda. The lush vegetation is more favorable for the inhabitants who basically feed on the plant roots ad shoot. Some of the animals in this park include the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys and many bird species among other wildlife within the forest. The major activity in Volcanoes National park is Gorilla tracking which is actually the major tourist activity in the country and remains the backbone of the tourism sector in Rwanda.
WHAT TO DO AT VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla tracking
Gorillas is the largest primate in the world and are undoubtedly the most interesting relatives of human beings in the forest. Tracking the Gorillas happens in the Volcanoes National Park allowing visitors to spend one full hour. The Gorillas feed on the plant leaves, roots, seasonal forest fruits and insects on some occasions. The Gorillas are tracked at a fee of 1500USD per person and this figure cuts across all the visitors that would love to engage in the activity.
Golden monkey tracking
Volcanoes National Park is also home to another very rare type of primates the Golden Monkeys. These are found in the Virunga volcanoes dominated by Rwanda, Mhgahinga and Kahuzi Beiga in the DRC. Tracking the Golden monkeys is more/less similar to the search for Gorillas but the difference is that the Golden monkeys leave less evidence of their presence and are a little more silent making it hard to see them. They are uniquely identified by their bright Golden fur as you watch them from a close distance as they play jumping from tree to tree. The feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, roots, insects and seasonal forest fruits.
Dian Fossey Hike
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and researcher who dedicated her entire life to the conservation of the mountain Gorillas. She left the comfort of her good life in America and decided to stay in Rwanda to help in caring for the endangered mountain gorillas. This lady was unfortunately brutally murdered by poachers in 1985 and was buried in the forest. Her burial grounds have since become a tourist attraction as people visit this park to see and learn about a person who offered her life to save the Gorillas.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best experiences at Volcanoes National park, Hiking takes place on the different mountains like the Sabyinyo, Bisoke and the Karisimbi enjoying great views of the entire volcanoes National Park. the highest hike will be at mount Bisoke which stands at 3711 meters above sea level, the second highest is Mount Karisimbi. On top of these mountains you will enjoy great views of the other five volcanoes and the Twin Lakes.
Boarding
Volcanoes National park is the birders haven due to the dense forest that favors the livelihood of birds. It has a recorded number of about 2000 bird species that are seen all over the park during your visit. The key bird species to look out for include; Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, ground robin, dusky crimson wing, and the red-faced woodland warbler among others.
