Volcanoes National Park - Gorilla Trekking Tours
If you are after exploring part of Rwanda’s natural wonders, Volcanoes National Park should be included on your wish list in Rwanda.
Positioned in the northwestern part of Rwanda, this Park covers a total area of 160 square kilometres. It is home to a diverse range of the rarely seen species of Mountain Gorillas, five of the eight Virunga volcanoes and numerous primates. It is magnificent and its chain of freestanding Mountains spans altitudes between 2400m and 4507m. These volcanoes are; Mount Karisimbi, Muhavura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Bisoke. Of all volcanoes, Karisimbi is the tallest standing at 4507m high.
Not only that, the Park boasts lush habitats that consist of tropical rainforests, bamboo forests, Swampy areas, Savannah and grasslands. Volcanoes’ grand habitat is the reason for the abundant Wildlife species that call it home.
Getting There
All activities offered in the Park start from the Park headquarters in Kinigi, just 12 km from Musanze – the biggest town near Volcanoes National Park. Getting to this Park from Kigali is by two options, namely road and air transport.
By road, it takes about 2 hours for the scenic drive from Kigali city to the Park headquarters; you will pass by numerous sceneries including rolling hills, farmlands and more. There is no further transportation from this town up to the park headquarters, therefore public means are not recommended to tourists.
Other than road transport, air transport is the only option to choose from. Private charters are tailored from Kigali airport up to an airstrip in Kinigi. From here you are transferred by your guide up to your hotel in Kinigi.
Gorilla Trekking Experience.
Trekking Gorillas is an unrivalled experience every traveller would wish to be part of while in Rwanda. This usually includes meeting with the Gorillas face to face. These apes are herbivorous in nature and feed on tree leaves, coconuts, fruits and grass. While in Rwanda for an encounter with the Gorillas, you can only have it in Volcanoes National Park. The Park lies in the northwestern part of Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is often done in a group. For conservation purposes, only eight visitors are allowed in a group to trek one habituated Gorilla family per day.
It starts with a briefing and later the journey to the jungle starts in a group with ranger guides via trails that lead you to the main location of the Gorilla family you are tracing. Time taken and distance moved in the Jungle depends on where these apes spent their last night.
After locating them you are allowed to stay in their presence for only one hour. See them feeding, playing, resting and strolling around. During this one hour, you are free to take plenty of photos and videos.
All trekkers are required to come with packed food from their lodge and drinking water. After an hour-long session, the next step is to start the Journey back to the Park offices.
Golden Monkey Tracking - Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Adding to Mountain Gorillas, other species like Primates (Golden monkeys, Colobus monkeys, baboons and more), wild animals, reptiles, insect species and multiple bird species are typical residents in the Park. Gorilla trekking is the main highlight for the most customized safaris to this land of the thousand hills. However, there are other activities you can indulge in after a stunning Gorilla trekking experience. Golden monkeys are rarely seen, but many travellers pack to have some great times with these primates. If you also wish for this experience, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is an ideal place to be. Like Gorilla trekking, the expedition starts with a briefing and later joins the trek to the Jungle in search of the Golden monkeys. After locating them, you are allowed to be in their presence for some time while following their movements. Take lots of photos of these primates while posing in the bamboo trees, feeding and more. These primates are found in the mountainous bamboo forested areas; therefore physical fitness is a must for anyone who wishes to be part of the adventure.
