RWANDA SAFARIS

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is notably the most accessible gorilla destinations of all the parks where mountain gorillas live. Getting to Volcanoes NP for gorilla trekking can take you between 2 and 3 hours’ drive from Kigali. There is also an alternative of visitors connecting from Kabale/Kisoro via Katuna/Cyanika border.

With just 2-3 hours required for you to drive to Volcanoes National Park, it is possible to plan and book short gorilla tours ranging from 1 day, 2, 3 to 4 days. You can set off from Kigali, get briefed at Kinigi and start the trek then return in the evening.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP primarily takes you on a search for already habituated gorilla family. Within Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP, there are 12 gorilla groups for the park official to allocate to you. Standard rule is each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 visitors per single trek. Rwanda gorilla families include Ugenda, Umubano, Agashya, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Susa A, Hirwa, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Susa B, and others.

While you some of you have ever come across gorillas at zoos, especially lowland gorillas, striking your eyes with a massive silverback mountain gorilla and its members amazingly leaves lasting memories. The entire experience is adventurous involving setting foot into the African jungles with an expert and spend time searching for these apes then once located, you have a maximum of one hour to enjoy their presence and taking pictures.

It is inspirational experience encountering a family of mountain gorillas in the wild. In the entire globe, these apes remain not more than 1063 individuals surviving only in the 3 countries (Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo) and 4 parks (Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga, Bwindi and Virunga NP).

Rwanda for decades has enjoyed prevailing peace and stability making it a safe and secure destination for gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park is safe and is an all year-round gorilla destination. Even on actual gorilla trek, visitors are accompanied by fully trained park guides.

Rwanda positioned itself as a high-end destination for a good reason. A significant number of classic accommodation options are available offering distinguished night stay experience to guests on gorilla safaris. These are distributed inside and around Volcanoes National Park. Some the high-end accommodation properties to consider for a night stay at Volcanoes NP include Wilderness Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge and more.

Only eligible trekkers are allowed to participate in a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. This adventure is done by persons above 15 years and a valid gorilla permit is required. Each Rwanda gorilla permit is issued at USD 1500 per visitor and this is valid for a single gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Obtaining a valid Rwanda gorilla permit is easier through a reliable tour operator on ground and considering the high demand, we encourage all guests to secure their permits at least 2-4 months before the actual gorilla trekking.

The dry season is the best time of the year for visitors to enjoy the most of Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking adventure. The park records both short and long dry spells. The long dry season is marked by months of June, July, August and September and short dry months run from December, January to February.

• A pair of good and long trousers
• Long sleeved shirts
• A tin of active insect repellent
• Energy giving snacks
• Good and waterproof hiking boots
• Decent light rain jacket.
• A camera free of a flashlight.
• Daypack
• Gardening gloves
• A sweater

Trek golden monkeys

Golden monkeys are among the special primates awaiting you to explore in their natural habitat. A trek through the bamboo forest of Volcanoes NP allows you to search for a troop of habituated golden monkeys and when you come across them, you have quality time observing their daily behaviors and taking pictures. Rwanda golden monkey permits are issued to guests at USD 100 per person.

Dian Fossey tomb trek with a guide

Set off on a trek through the Dian Fossey trail as you explore the legacy of Dian Fossey. This is a 3 hours trek and hiking fees cost USD 75. Dian Fossey is remembered for her tireless efforts to save the lives of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild and she established the Karisoke Research Centre set between the Bisoke and Karisimbi Volcanoes.

Conquer the Virunga Volcanoes

Virunga Volcano hikes in Rwanda involve conquering Bisoke, Karisimbi and Muhabura Volcanoes. Bisoke (Visoke) volcano lies along the western arm of the East African rift valley area, rising up to 3711m. Karisimbi Volcano, the highest of all the 8 (eight) Virunga Volcanoes straddles within Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP and stands at the height of 4507m. Muhabura Volcano –the 3^rd highest Virunga Volcano stands at an altitude of 4127m and is ideal for climbers interested in a challenging ascent.

Birding

Over 200 species of birds make Volcanoes NP a special birding destination in Rwanda and these include endemic species. The notable birds in Rwanda’s Volcanoes N/P include the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Black-crowned waxbill, Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori turacos, baglafetch, common stone chat, handsome francolins, scarlet-tufted sunbird, Rwenzori nightjars, dusky turtle doves, brown necked parrot, brown woodland warblers, African long eared owl, strange weavers, Doherty’s bush shrikes, and more.

Birding in Volcanoes NP is ideal all year-round. However, the most preferred months are June, July and August when weather conditions are favorable. In case you are interested in migratory birds, then consider spending your vacation in this park around April and November.

Musanze cave expedition

The Musanze cave experience involves exploring the extensive Musanze cave with a local. This cave is rich in Rwanda’s unique history and culture. It is 2km long and is top attraction in Musanze area dating back to millions of years.

Cultural encounter

Combine a cultural experience with a gorilla tour in Volcanoes NP and stand a chance to explore the unique traditions and cultures of Rwandese. You will be led by an experienced local guide and expect to engage in a number of activities including hands-on experiences like basket weaving, banana juice making and more. Get the best dances and music performance showcased by locals at Iby’Iwacu village.

Game viewing

While Rwanda is most visited because gorilla trekking, there is more to explore in this destination aside from mountain gorillas. A game viewing expedition in Rwanda is excellently enjoyed in the sweeping savannas of Akagera National Park. This allows you look out for diverse savanna game species including white and black rhinos, lions, leopards, the Maasai giraffes, leopards, African elephants, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, roan antelopes, impalas, klipspringers, bush bucks, cape elands, duikers, topis and more.