Volcanoes National Park Safari – Oldest National Park in Africa

The mountain gorillas are the biggest attraction in Volcanoes National Park. In the early 1990s, these primates were considered endangered but saved by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey protected the mountain gorillas with her life, which is why they thrived in Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated Gorilla families. These primates live in groups called Gorilla Families. The park’s Gorilla population offers tourists opportunities for Gorilla trekking.

Alongside the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to golden monkeys. These primates are known for their golden-orange fur and can often be seen leaping through the park’s bamboo forests. Golden monkey trekking is a popular activity for tourists on a Volcanoes National Park safari.

Volcanoes National Park derives its name from the volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. The Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains, includes several peaks such as; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo.

These volcanoes add to the park’s scenic beauty and contribute to its unique ecosystem. The volcanoes provide tourists with a hiking opportunity that suits both beginners and pros.

Dian Fossey is one of the greatest primatologists who settled in Volcanoes National Park. She was a passionate wildlife conservationist, especially for mountain gorillas. Because of her, poaching in Volcanoes National Park was significantly reduced. She was killed in the mountains in her line of duty. Today, her tomb is one of the park’s attractions. Tourists go to pay homage to her by visiting her grave.

Volcanoes National Park is the go-to destination for Rwanda birding safaris. The park has over 200 species of birds, including rift-endemic species. The varied habitats within the park, from bamboo forests to open grasslands, support a diverse bird population. At the park, tourists can spot species such as;

Volcanoes National Park is home to several other wildlife besides gorillas and golden monkeys. During Volcanoes National Park tours, visitors get to spot the following animals in the park;

The main activities and attractions at the Volcanoes Crater and Conservation Area include:

Mountain Gorilla trekking is the primary activity in Volcanoes National Park. This is contributed to by the large numbers of gorillas in the park. During gorilla trekking, tourists embark on hikes to different Virunga mountains. The mountain you hike will depend on the Gorilla family to which the group is assigned.

The Gorilla trekking process is quite interesting because of the many trail attractions. Among the attractions are the golden monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. After finding the gorillas, tourists are given an hour to interact with them and photography sessions.

Golden monkey trekking is yet another most-done activity in the Volcanoes National Park. It attracts several tourists worldwide. Golden monkeys are playful and exceptional primates one wouldn’t want to miss seeing on their Rwanda Safaris. Unlike Mountain Gorilla, spotting Golden Monkeys is easy since they don’t go to high altitudes to search for fresh food.

The Volcanoes National Park is home 5 number of the Virunga Volcanic mountains, that is; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo

The park offers permits for volcano hiking, which is among the most done activities there. Tourists experience the volcanoes at different altitudes and explore vegetation at different hiking levels. From the mountains, hikers get a beautiful aerial view of the vegetation transition from bamboo to afro-montane.

Caving at Musanze caves is a must-do activity on a Volcanoes Mountain National Park tour. The park’s guide will lead you to the caves as they tell the mysteries of the caves, history, and all other facts about Rwanda.

Dian Fossey was buried in a Gorilla cemetery at Karisoke Research Station, a site she built for the deceased Gorillas. She was buried in the gorilla graveyard next to Digit (A Gorilla hero) and near other Gorillas. Her Tomb has become a major attraction in the Volcanoes National Park. On reaching her tomb, tourists are briefed about her history.

The guided hike lasts about three hours. During this hike, tourists climb the volcanoes to her former base. The hike immerses one in what she had to endure, her determination, and her passion for the gorillas.

Volcanoes Mountain National Park is Rwanda’s IBA (Important Birding Area). The Park has rare birds, like the Albertine Rift endemic species. Morning and evening hours in the park are the best for bird watching and photography. Embark on a Volcanoes Mountain National Park safari to enjoy a birding experience in the Volcanoes.