Top Things to do and see Volcanoes Park
What not to miss but the top things to do and see in and around Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) in Rwanda
Most visitors to Rwanda come to do Gorilla Tracking, some might track the Golden Monkeys, while others may visit the former Dian Fossey Research Camp and her gravesite. Most however come and go after Gorilla Tracking and yet there are many more things to do and see at, around and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Enjoy the Land of a Thousand Hills and all that there is to do and see at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda:
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s Gorilla Park. Located in the Virunga Volcanoes that make up Volcanoes National Park which provide a stunning scenic, backdrop to the gorilla trek of thousands that flock each year to Rwanda to have their one hour with the Mountain Gorillas.
There are only three countries in the world where you can see Mountain Gorillas up-close on a gorilla Trek and one of those countries is presently not safe to visit which leaves only Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla Tracking is #1 on the list of things to do and see in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is the park in Rwanda to see Mountain Gorillas up-close on a Gorilla Trek.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Volcanoes National Park:
The rare and endangered Golden Monkeys are found only in the Virunga Volcanoes foothills and one of the best place to track and see them is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
There are several large groups of Golden Monkeys that have been habituated for visitors, to see them flit about in the bamboo forest regions of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Since they have become habituated in the Park, Golden Monkey Tracking has become a most popular activity.
Golden Monkey tracking is an activity to do and see and not to be missed in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey – Research Camp and Grave site Hike
This 3 hour hike is for those who have seen “Gorillas in Mist” movie about the life of Dian Fossey and her research camp in the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda.
See the graves of her beloved Gorillas and her final resting place among them. There are also the ruins of her formerKarisoke Research Center and home that she referred to as a mausoleum.
The hike itself is quite scenic and wildlife, monkeys, birds are often observed along the trail.
This is one of the most popular activities, after Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking.
Volcanoes National Park offers visitors some of the best options in Climbing and Hiking up its Volcanoes. There are day-hikes and climbs and also an overnight hike on Mount Karisimbi which is a snow-capped Volcano in Rwanda. The Mount Karisimbi climb is a real challenge and often one is pelleted by rain snow and has to deal with ice on the ground.
For the outdoor – adventurist this is heaven filled with amazing sights, amazing challenges and passing through various vegetation zones including the most interesting Afro-Montane Zone.
Rwanda is much more than Mountain Gorillas – it is outdoor adventure.
Ngezi Lake Trail – shortest Hike in Volcanoes Park:
Ngezi Lake is is a small scenic, shallow crater lake at the foot of Mount Visoke in Volcanoes National Park.
On the hike, that takes 3 to 4 hours round-trip you are accompanied by a Park Ranger – along the trail you can see various birds and monkeys.
Lake Ngezi Trail gives you a taste of the Virunga Volcanoes Foothills, a crater lake, scenic views near and far, wildlife, birds and monkeys.
Taking this trail gives you taste of the Virunga Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park.
Twin Lakes of Burera -Ruhondo -Trek to Russumo Falls:
Visit Rwanda’s scenic lakes of Burera – Ruhondo . You can take a walk to the view – point – an afternoon cruise on Lake Ruhondo – preferably toward sunset.
This is outside of Volcanoes National Park.
On arrival you have the choice of taking a three-hour hike to Russumo Falls. Follow your guide along a most scenic trail through a beautiful valley before coming upon some impressive waterfalls.
The water fall trek is about 3 hours in length and it is best done in the morning and if the afternoon you can explore the lakes including a cruise on Lake Ruhondo that is about an 1 1/2 boat ride.
Buhanga Sacred Forest Nature Walk – Hike:
Buhanga Sacred Forest Hill- now a small forest it comes with large track of history, culture and meaning to many Rwanda.
Buhanga Sacred Forest was the place where the kings of Rwanda came and bathed in the waters of before their coronation. The forest became sacred grounds in that those who lived locally refused to cut down trees or plant and cultivate gardens and farms nearby.
It is said that the forest takes on different colors, even different dimensions depending on the season of year, the weather, light and more.
The trails are made of lava stones and the trails run throughout the forest. Buhanga forest – a peaceful place to gather,to be refreshed in spirit.
Exploring the Musanze Caves:
The ancient Musanze Volcanic Caves – millions of years old. When you enter the massive cave complex you think you stepping into a natural cathedral – the size alone is simply amazing.
Musanze caves are one of the many caves in or near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The caves are not ancient but have provided a place of refuge for many including the storage of supplies and food by Rwandan Kings during times of war.
The silence of the caves that go deep into the earth are overwhelming – the only sounds you will here is that of your footsteps and drops of water hitting the ground.
If you look high above you will see hundreds of bats having from the ceiling which become visible as you shine your light to the ceiling.
There is a well constructed path that leads you to the other side of the cave and out into daylight…an amazing experience.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Located close to Volcanoes National Park and gorilla tracking is the Iby’Iwacu Village – Iby’Iwacu means “Treasures of our Home and Heritage. Here Rwanda past and present come alive and real with visitors having hands-on cultural experiences that for many are most meaningful.
Here at Iby’Iwacu Village you can visit for a few hours or stay overnight in a traditional style Rwandan home which would be quite an experience, with the overnight stay there would be many cultural experiences, traditional meals and drinks such as Banana Beer or one can have Banana Juice.
You will have an amazing cultural experience at the by’Iwacu Village .
If you like to include the Things to do and see – Volcanoes National Park in your safari – Please contact us.
