Vacationing in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on an African safari. Because it cares for and protects some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world—animals that had almost vanished from the planet by the 1980s—Volcanoes National Park is cherished. Due to widespread trophy hunting, the number of mountain gorillas has decreased to between 240 and 250. Currently, there are roughly 600 mountain gorillas in the world thanks to support and community sensitization.
In an effort to raise awareness of mountain gorillas' danger, American philanthropist Dian Fossey oversaw a drive to increase their population. The 1988 movie " Gorilla in the Mist " raised public awareness of the plight of the world's sole mountain gorilla population.
Many tourists are adding gorilla trekking to their bucket lists since the whistleblower's urgency to carry out mountain gorilla conservation was linked with tourism visits. In addition to being a shelter for mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to other primates . A variety of birds live alongside some primates, such as golden monkeys, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and pottos monkeys.
When is the best time visit Volcanoes National Park?
The greatest time to enjoy the activities in the Volcanoes National Park is from June to September, while Rwanda is open to tourists throughout the entire year. Even though Volcanoes National Park is renowned for unexpected downpours, this time of year gets less rainfall. Due to the dense forest cover that prevents sunlight from penetrating as much, the rains keep the ground moist. During this time, the trails leading to the majority of activities both inside and outside the park are drier.
Tour Highlights in Volcanoes National Park
- Transfer to Volcanoes National park
- Gorilla trekking In volcanoes National park
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Tour to Dian Fossey Gorilla fund International
- Tour to Gorilla Guardian Village
- Kigali City Tour and Departure
Day 1 Transfer to Volcanoes National park
The drive to Volcanoes National Parks from Kigali Airport takes between two and three hours as it meanders via twisting roads that curve from hill bottoms. Rwanda is known as the "country of a thousand hills" because of the lush vegetation that covers the majority of its mountain slopes, which resembles the Swiss Alps. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park and unwind while assembling your gorilla trekking equipment for the following day. Some tourists could like to spend the night in Kigali City , but you have to rise earlier than normal on the day of the gorilla trek in order to make the briefing at 7:00 a.m. Due to the potential for unforeseen events on the route to Volcanoes National Park, we do not recommend that our guests follow this plan. There are numerous lodging options with various price ranges, including Sambyinyo Silver Back Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, and Hotel Mille Collines. Check in at the Lodge of your choice in accordance with your reservation.
Day 2 Gorilla trekking In volcanoes National park
Trekking gorillas is the main focus of this trip to Volcanoes National Park. Only after obtaining a Rwanda Development Board gorilla trekking permit is this feasible. Rwanda currently charges $1500 for a gorilla permit. This cost comprises, among other things, park fees, ranger guide costs, local community support fund fees, and conservation fees.
You can get through the majority of your journey to find the mountain gorillas by starting your day with a warm cup of coffee. Don't forget to pack a light waterproof bag with all of your gorilla trekking supplies, including cameras, binoculars, and a packed lunch.
Join other tourists at the ranger station for a briefing where the rangers will walk you through the gorilla trekking regulations. Pay close attention to the little things because breaking one of the most important regulations could prevent you from going gorilla trekking.
A group of up to 8 trekkers is led into the bush by armed ranger guides following tracks that
have been established by frequent gorilla trekkers and Rwanda birdwatchers. Be on the lookout for additional primates, such as groups of olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest, and a variety of others. You might come across a variety of birds, including some IUCN red-listed Albertine endemics.
The ranger guide signals for energy refreshment stops along the trip. Although rangers follow the slowest hiker, do not use this as a justification to put off the other trekkers because it is unknown when the mountain gorillas will be found.
After finding the mountain gorillas, wait for the ranger guide to give you instructions on how to capture pictures. Mountain gorillas are usually calm, although depending on the forest's conditions, they might become moody. Like humans, mountain gorillas become depressed after losing a family member. Infants bring delight to the family, so the ranger guide must make a lot of observations initially.
As a memento of your gorilla safari, take lots of pictures. Mountain gorilla encounters are limited to an hour before you must return to your accommodation on foot.
Day 3 golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Among the rarest species of monkeys with golden hair are those that are called golden monkeys. Cercopithecus Mitis Candits is the scientific name for them. During the entire quest, these monkeys keep you intrigued and alert. Because they are larger than other monkeys, their physical characteristics set them apart. A listing of globally endangered species is becoming more likely as a result of their declining population. With the Alpha male leader, they dwell in groups of roughly 100 individuals. Be on the lookout for additional monkeys that may be present in this virgin tropical forest.
Day 4 Tour to Dian Fossey Gorilla fund International in Rwanda
Without Dian Fossey's unselfish work, there would be no gorilla trekking. She spent her entire life working to protect mountain gorillas, but in 1988 she was cruelly murdered. Her remains were interred among the gorillas in the mountain range. You can learn about her labor-intensive efforts by hiking to the Dian Fossey Gorilla International Fund. Her research has been used to support numerous scientific discoveries on mountain gorillas. Visits to several of her projects during her tour help spread the word about how crucial gorilla conservation is.
Day 5 Tour to Gorilla Guardian Village
Reforming poachers is a part of the mountain gorilla conservation effort. Former poachers now own the local non-profit cultural community known as Gorilla Guardian Village. Craft making, and basket weaving are the order of the day during this village visit, making it a hands-on experience. Participate in the intriguing imigongo cow poo painting; previous reservations are recommended. Prince Kakira began this painting mechanization in the ninth century to complete the interior design. If offered, you are welcome to sample some of the regional Rwandese foods and beverages. Return to your lodge to spend the night.
Day 6 Kigali City Tour and Departure
Although leaving Rwanda after your safari vacation is difficult, you must do so in order to make your departing flight. If you skipped the first day's city tour of Kigali, you can still take it today. The check-in time for your flight will, however, determine this.
Kigali City Tour
Established by Dr. Richard as a modest colonial outpost in 1907 in what is now Kigali City. It serves as the main commercial hub of Rwanda. Visit the largest market in Rwanda, Kimironko. You can get a taste of what happened during the 100 days of terror by visiting the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, St. Families Church, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. On the walls are lists of some of the genocide victims' names, along with photographs from the hall, demonstrations of sculpture, and some of the victims' possessions. Visit Rwanda's largest and most exquisite mosque. Keep an eye out for the winding roads that were cut into the valleys of the hills that make up Kigali city.
Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?
For your time inside or outside of Volcanoes National Park, a variety of lodging options are offered in various price ranges. Volcanoes National Park may be reached from the city center on the same day as gorilla trekking, unlike its contemporaries Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Hotel Mille Collines, Best View Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Village, and Kinigi Guest House are some of the luxurious, midrange, and affordable lodging options available.
How to reach Volcanoes National park?
Volcanoes National Park can be reached primarily by road. It takes roughly two and a half hours to get from Kigali to Musanze, the location of Volcanoes National Park. In order to go to
the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, you must arrange private transportation from Kigali City Center to Musanze. By way of the Cyanika Border, Volcanoes National Park is reachable by road from the Ugandan Bwindi Forest National Park. This route between Uganda and Rwanda is the best option for anyone scheduled to go cross-border gorilla hiking. Through Akagera Aviation, charter helicopter transportation to Volcanoes National Park can be reserved. Our all-inclusive Rwanda safari packages at Dav Safaris include transportation using 4x4 vehicles.
How to obtain golden monkey and gorilla permits in Rwanda?
Golden monkey licenses for gorilla trekking are sold by the Rwanda Development Board. Foreign visitors must pay $1500 for each trek to see the gorillas in Rwanda. Each trek permit for the golden monkeys in Rwanda costs $100. 18 gorilla trekking families are currently available for reservations from tourists each day. Each day, a maximum of 8 tourists are permitted to trek a gorilla family. Send us an email at info@davsafaris.com for more details on the trip to Volcanoes National Park and how to reserve a Rwanda tour with Dav Safaris.