Volcano National Park

Volcanoes National Park, or Parc National des Volcans (PNV), is one of Africa's most iconic and essential destinations, particularly renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, it offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, unique wildlife, and historical significance.

Here is a detailed breakdown for a traveler:

Key Highlights and Attractions

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking (The Main Draw):

   • Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains and is home to a significant population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

   • The Experience: Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. After an early morning briefing, you hike through dense montane forest and bamboo to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Once found, you are allowed a precious one hour to observe them in their natural habitat.

   • Permits: Permits are mandatory and typically expensive (often $1,500 USD for international visitors) and should be booked well in advance due to limited availability.

2. Golden Monkey Tracking:

   • The park is also the home to the playful and beautiful Golden Monkeys, a subspecies of the blue monkey endemic to the Virunga Mountains.

   • The Experience: This trek is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking and involves hiking into the bamboo forest where the monkeys reside.

3. The Virunga Volcanoes:

   • The park is named for the chain of dormant volcanoes it protects, forming a dramatic backdrop of towering peaks, including five of the eight Virunga Massif volcanoes:

     • Mount Karisimbi (4,507m, Rwanda's highest point, a challenging 2-day hike).

     • Mount Bisoke (3,711m, known for its beautiful crater lake, a popular one-day hike).

     • Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.

   • Activities: Hiking these volcanoes offers incredible views and a challenging adventure.

4. Dian Fossey's Grave and Karisoke Research Center:

   • You can hike to the site of the former Karisoke Research Center, established by the famous American primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the conservation of the mountain gorillas and was featured in the book and film Gorillas in the Mist.

   • The Experience: A poignant hike to pay tribute to her legacy and see the graves of Fossey and her beloved gorilla, Digit.

5. Community and Cultural Visits:

   • The Gorilla Guardian's Village (formerly Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village) provides an opportunity to interact with the local community, learn about traditional Rwandan culture, and see how the park benefits the surrounding population.

Practical Information for Travelers

• Location: Northern Province of Rwanda, near the town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri). It borders Virunga National Park in the DRC and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

• Getting There: It is one of the most accessible gorilla parks. The drive from Kigali International Airport (KGL) to the park headquarters in Kinigi takes approximately 2 to 3 hours on generally good, paved roads. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the final stretch to the park entrance.

• Park Entry and Briefing: Visitors are required to arrive at the Kinigi Park Headquarters by about 7:00 AM for the pre-trek briefing.

• Climate & Weather: The Park has a cool, montane climate. It is generally cold and wet, and rain can occur at any time of the year due to the altitude and rainforest ecosystem.

• Best Time to Visit: While gorilla trekking is possible all year round, the dry seasons (December to March and June to September) are generally preferred as the trails are less muddy and challenging.

• What to Pack for Trekking:

  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.

  • Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect from stinging nettles and cold).

  • Rain gear (lightweight jacket).

  • Gardening gloves (to help grip vines and branches).

  • Water and a packed lunch/snacks.

  • A good camera (flash photography is forbidden with the gorillas).

  • Porters are available for hire and highly recommended.

In Summary

Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable destination offering a profound connection with nature, primarily through the unparalleled experience of meeting the mountain gorillas. It combines challenging trekking with rich biodiversity and a powerful conservation history.