Self Drive Guide to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, founded in 1925, was the inaugural protected area in Rwanda, including 160 square kilometers in the Northern Province. The Virunga Massif comprises a series of eight volcanic mountains situated along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, within which the park encompasses three dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Sabinyo. Mount Karisimbi, at 4,507 meters (14,787 feet), is the tallest volcano in Rwanda, and is relatively younger than Mount Bisoke, which is at 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) and features a crater lake at its peak. Mount Sabinyo, located at the intersection of two nations, is the oldest volcano, having been established in the early Pleistocene Epoch approximately 2,600,000 years ago. Its early creation has resulted in a summit with a serrated peak that resembles the teeth of an elderly man. The park experiences a temperate tropical climate throughout the year, with daytime temperatures fluctuating between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. Nights can be cold, ranging from 11 to 14 degrees, at higher elevations during the rainy season from April to May and October to November.
Flora
Volcanoes National Park has three dormant Virunga volcanic mountains: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Gahinga. The flora on the lower slopes of the volcano, ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 meters, comprises woodlands and mixed woods, succeeded by an extensive bamboo zone at elevations of 2,500 to 2,800 meters, and a sub-alpine Hagenia-Hypericum zone above 3,600 meters. This area features Volkensia shrubs and uncommon afro-montane flowering plant species, including giant lobelias, dendrosenecio, hypericum, erica arborea, rubus (red raspberry), and helichrysum, which provides essential oils commonly utilized in Mediterranean regions. Individuals planning to ascend the summits of the Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes with a guide can recognize these plants along the pathways. A swamp crater lake containing water is located at the summit of Mount Bisoke.
Animal life
These ecosystems possess high biodiversity, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga massif. The park is renowned for birdwatching, hosting over 178 species, including 16 endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as Ladgden’s bushrike, Rwenzori apalis, and brown woodland warbler. The Scarlet-tufted sunbird is likely the rarest of all birds, seen during the Bisoke volcano trip. Volcanoes National Park is home to 34 mammal species, including forest buffaloes, bushbucks, and black-fronted duikers. Large mammals are difficult to observe because of the terrain’s characteristics.
Points of Interest
Volcanoes National area is renowned for its mountain gorillas; however, the area also features several attractions, including golden monkeys, volcanoes, and avian species. Individuals seeking inspiration for their vacation to Rwanda may arrange their activities via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a tour operator.
Gorillas inhabiting mountainous regions
Volcanoes National Park hosts more than 200 mountain gorillas, contributing to the total population of 603 Virunga mountain gorillas. For those seeking to observe gorillas on safari in Africa, Rwanda provides one of the premier experiences, featuring over 20 habituated families, 12 of which are accessible to guests. The gorilla trekking experience is meticulously regulated, permitting only 8 tourists to visit a single troop of gorillas for 1 hour each day. The census of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park reveals a population growth, yet the habitat remains unchanged. Consequently, Rwanda has initiated a conservation initiative to increase the protected area by over 32%, so providing additional habitat for gorillas. Monitoring gorillas in Rwanda aids in the continued success of this conservation initiative.
Karisoke Research Center and the Tomb of Dian Fossey
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can explore the Karisoke Research Center and gain insights into Dian Fossey’s endeavors to prevent gorilla extinction. Fossey founded the institute in 1967 in a depression between the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, where she resided in a cabin and undertook extensive research on mountain gorilla behavior. Although George B. Schaller had examined the ecology of Virunga gorillas, Fossey is recognized as the pioneer in habituating gorillas to human presence and tourism. She implemented active conservation strategies, such as ranger monitoring, which were adopted by the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) in 1991, proving effective in safeguarding gorillas from poaching and encroachment, thereby establishing Fossey as a prominent environmentalist figure. In her book “Gorillas in the Mist,” gorillas are portrayed as more friendly and benign creatures than previously believed. Fossey was violently assassinated in 1985 due to her unwavering commitment to anti-poaching efforts aimed at preserving gorillas. In 1972, she founded Digit Fund to finance conservation efforts through gorilla tourism, aimed at preserving gorillas and safeguarding their habitats. The Digit Fund subsequently transformed into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DGFI), the preeminent organization employing scientific research to assist communities and conserve gorillas. Fossey was interred in the center alongside other gorillas, and the derelict facilities are nearly obscured by moss in the jungle. Ascending to Karisoke and the Dian Fossey Tomb resembles a journey into the past. You will follow her path and gain insights into the life of the primatologist. Furthermore, remember to visit the newly established Ellen DeGeneres Campus, designed to preserve Fossey’s legacy.
Golden monkeys
Golden monkeys are indigenous to the Albertine Rift Valley, with an estimated wild population exceeding 5,000 individuals. They are endangered species as a result of habitat destruction and are being preserved through ecotourism. In Volcanoes National Park, the monkeys have been habituated, enabling people to observe them in their natural habitat. The primary habitat of golden monkeys is the bamboo zone at elevations of 2,500 m to 2,800 m, where they predominantly consume bamboo shoots. This facilitates their identification in contrast to mountain gorillas. The paths from the Kinigi visitor center traverse the mixed forests directly to the top slopes of the volcano. The duration of the golden monkey walk varies from 2 to 5 hours, contingent upon the location. These monkeys typically inhabit troops comprising 30 to 80 members, governed by an alpha male who delineates the group’s home zone. The activity of golden monkeys is captivating for avid photographers; these primates are highly gregarious yet move rapidly while foraging and traversing through trees.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano in Rwanda and the entire Virunga range, standing at an elevation of 4,507 meters (14,787 feet). It is situated to the southwest of Volcanoes National Park and requires a two-day walk to attain its peak, including overnight camping. The Karisimbi walk does not necessitate any technical equipment; nonetheless, guests should carry camping kit. All arrangements are coordinated from the Kinigi visitor center, encompassing the hire of the RDB guide, porter, or cook. The journey often commences early in the morning, via a mixed forest and bamboo, and endures for 6 hours to arrive at the campsite. The initial night will be spent at 2,800 meters on the lower slopes of the volcano in the subalpine zone, followed by a further ascent to the top through the afroalpine zone, with flora such as enormous lobelias and dendrosenecio. The summit offers a lovely vista, frequently shrouded in dense fog. The descent to Kinigi requires 6 hours and is significantly shorter than the ascent.
Mount Bisoke
The Bisoke volcano, standing at 3,711 meters (12,175 ft), features a crater lake at its peak and is the most remarkable trekking destination in Rwanda. The trek from the trailhead to the summit takes 4 to 5 hours, contingent upon the hikers’ speed, and can be arduous due to the terrain’s characteristics. Engaging a porter can be advantageous. The path meanders past agricultural fields, diverse woodlands, and bamboo areas. Along the trek, one may encounter golden monkeys and occasionally unhabituated gorillas, although deviation from the designated path is prohibited. However, the guides permit you to pause for any potential wildlife encounters. Reaching the summit provides a glimpse of the crater lake, contingent upon clear weather conditions. Upon reaching the summit, tourists may remain for approximately 15 minutes before descending, a process that takes 4 hours.
Regardless of whether you ascend Bisoke or Karisimbi, preparation for both is advisable. Visitors must arrive at the Kinigi visitor center by 7:30 AM. The cost of a hiking permit is $75 for each volcano that can be reserved via RDB or a tour operator.
Lodges
Accommodations at Volcanoes National Park vary from eco-luxury to cheap lodges, predominantly situated within the natural foliage at the base of the volcanoes. Your accommodation selection might be determined by your trip preferences and financial constraints. Reservations should be made in advance via a tour operator, particularly during peak season when accommodations may be scarce.
Directions to the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is located 107 km (a 2-hour drive) north of Kigali, the capital city, and 60.3 km (a 1-hour and 17-minute journey) from Gisenyi, a tourist town on the northern banks of Lake Kivu. The roads are paved but necessitate 4×4 vehicles because of the terrain’s characteristics. Travelers from southwestern Uganda can access the park via the Cyanika border town in Rwanda, approximately 123 km (a 3-hour journey) along the Kabale-Kisoro road. The park is accessible via private helicopter flight from the Musanze helipad. The journey to Kinigi, the park visitor center, takes 30 minutes by car. Helicopters may alternatively land at the Singita Kwitonda lodge, located 7 kilometers from the gorilla center. Flights are operated by Akagera Aviation, and their occurrence is contingent upon the day’s weather conditions. Musanze, often referred to as Ruhengeri, is the largest town next to the park, located 10 km from Kinigi, the park’s visitor center. No entrance fees are required for the park, and the Kinigi visitor center, which is equipped with facilities, operates 24 hours a day.