Virunga Volcano Climbing Rwanda …
Virunga Volcano Climbing Rwanda is yet another one of activities to be done in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. There is more to Volcanoes National Park than the Mountain Gorillas and Golden
Monkeys that you can track here. There is also Hiking and Volcano Climbing, the visit to ancient and magical forests, Caves, Lakes and more. The possibilities are endless here for the outdoor enthusiast, he will find this close to his kind of heaven as he climbs some of the volcanoes he will be, this is simply a great place for those that want to do something off of the beaten tourist path. The answer is that one explores Volcanoes National Park beyond Gorillas and Golden Monkeys.
One can easily spend a week in and around Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda – if you are into out-door adventurism – Volcanoes National Park is the place for you to explore and discover.
Ngezi Lake Trail – shortest Hike in Volcanoes National 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 encounter, birds and monkeys.
The lake its surroundings are a birding area and home to a number of sought after birds, one of these being Grauer’s Swamp-Warbler.
There are some scenic view into the Democratic Republic of Congo and its Virunga Volcanoes National Park and its seeming endless forest.
Lake Ngezi Trail gives you a taste of the Virunga Volcanoes Foothills, a crater lake, scenic views near and far, wildlife, birds and monkeys – a taste of the Virunga Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Climbing Mount Visoke (aka Mount Bisoke) – Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda:
The elevation of Mount Visoke at the summit is 3700 meter above Sea-Level. Mount Visoke appears as what most consider the perfect Volcano from the base of the mountain. At the top of Mount Visoke a splendid Crater Lake awaits you.
It is not a most demanding climb, however many would find it a tough hike due to the elevation and some steep stretches along the trail.
Mount Visoke is both in the Democratic Republic of Cong and in Rwanda – the summit and its crater lake is all in Rwanda.
You pass through several vegetation zones including the Afro-Montane Zone with its unique plants such as large Lobelias.
The ascent for most takes around 3 hours – the round-trip is 5 hours or longer depending on you. Guides will escort you and porter service is available. A hearty lunch should be packed and plenty of bottled water for the climb-hike.
Sturdy boots, long-sleeved shirt, long-trousers, rain-jacket, day-pack, hat with wide-brim, and anything else you normally take on hikes.
The scenic views along the hike-climb will be most stunning and those that venture up to the summit of Mount Visoke – enjoy it.
Dian Fossey’s Research Camp – Gravesite – Hike:
Her former home, the gorilla graveyard and her gravesite are at an altitude of 3000 meters. Roundtrip of about 3 hours.Many embark on the hike to see where Dian Fossey labored for years in her dedication to the Mountain Gorillas
Climbing Mount Muhabura – Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda:
Mount Muhabura is the second highest peak inside of Volcanoes National Park – it is also in Virunga Volcano Chain the most easterly Volcano and straddles both Rwanda and Uganda and can be climbed on either side of the border.The views from the top of Mount Muhabura are stunning as you view the other Volcanoes- Rwanda – Uganda and on into the DRC in the distance – on clear days one can look even further.
If you are up for a swim in the crater lake you can swim from Rwanda to the Ugandans side – you can also walk around the crater lake.
Getting to the top of Mount Muhabura is not easy – it takes some effort but is done in one day. Mount Muhabura – the Sentinel as it is called awaits you – you will love exploring the mountain and its various vegetation zones – especially the Afro-Montane one.
2 Day Mount Karisimbi Climb – Hike:
This guided – two day Mount Karisimbi (white shell Mountain) to the 5th highest snow-capped peak in Africa is a most amazing journey – not soon forgotten.
The first day – you spend 6 hours hiking and climbing to the 3700 meter level where you stay overnight (camping gear is required for this journey – and though you are in Africa – it gets cold here at night including food.)
The next day you continue to the summit and the scenic wonders that await you – simply most amazing.
The descent takes about 6 hours.
A two-day hike and climb that is not for the faint of heart but for the adventurous. Another one of the adventures of Hikes and Volcano Climbing 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.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.
At the waterfalls you have a chance to not only see the natural wonders but it also a good place for birding and you will come across the Long-crested Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, Stonechat, Plain Martin, Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater, White-tailed, Grey-throated Tit, Paradise Flycatchers, Pink-backed Pelican, Common Moorhen.
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 hours long.
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.
You can walk beneath the tall and quite majestic trees and observe the birds and colorful butterflies all around.
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 the daylight…an amazing experience.
There are lots of opportunities for Hikes and Volcano Climbing, cave and lake explorations in and near Volcanoes National Park – most come to the see the Mountain Gorillas and miss out on the beauty and natural wonders that are all around. Enjoy – Volcanoes National Park on Foot along with its Hiking and Volcano Climbing
If you are interested in Hikes and Volcano Climbing – Nature Walks Caving and want to add to your Safari Itinerary – Please Contact us.