3 Best Things To Do In Volcanoes National Park

Experience unforgettable things to do in Volcanoes National Park, where adventure and nature collide. From witnessing the raw power of flowing lava at active craters to exploring lush rainforests filled with native wildlife, there's no shortage of excitement. Take guided hikes through volcanic landscapes, spot endemic birds and animals, or relax at the steaming vents that surround the park. For the thrill-seeker, venturing into volcanic craters or trekking through hardened lava fields provides a truly unique adventure. Whether you’re looking for serene moments in nature or adrenaline-pumping activities, Volcanoes National Park offers something for every visitor to enjoy.

Discover the Beauty of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is in the northwest of Rwanda and is a real wonder of nature. It has green lands and many kinds of animals. This special place, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s top spots to visit. The park has rare mountain gorillas, and its tall volcanoes give visitors a trip they won’t forget.

Where Is Volcanoes National Park?

Found in the northeast of Rwanda, in Musanze town (once called Ruhengeri), this park is Africa’s oldest park. It borders Virunga Park in Congo and Mgahinga Park in Uganda. The park is a safe place for mountain gorillas, and visitors can join gorilla walks to see them up close.

The park covers 160 km2 of bamboo woods and thick rainforests. It has five volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Muhavura.

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northeastern region of Rwanda

How To Get To Volcanoes National Park?

Going by road is the best and cheapest way to get to Volcanoes National Park. If you booked a gorilla trip with a tour company, they will likely give you a private car to take you from Kigali to the park. The drive is a lovely trip, passing through rolling hills and pretty views, giving travelers great sights to enjoy.

For a quicker way, flying is the fastest option. Akagera Aviation runs daily helicopter rides from Kigali’s main airport to the park in Musanze, making the trip easy and fast.

Amazing Creatures Living In Volcanoes National Park

Mammal Species

Volcanoes National Park is known for its rich wildlife. It is home to many bright and unique animals. Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are the most famous. The Virunga volcanoes are the only place they live on Earth. The park has many animals, but they are hard to see. The land is steep, rough, and covered in thick forest. Tracks show animals like forest elephants, buffalo, wild pigs, bushbucks, big forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and colobus monkeys. Other monkeys also live in the park.

Mammal species in Volcanoes National Park

Bird Species

Volcanoes National Park sits where West Africa's forests meet East Africa's grasslands. The Virunga volcanoes lie here, joined by the East African rift. Lake Kivu is close by, just a few kilometers away. This lake brings many kinds of birds to the park and shapes the bird life there. Known as a key spot for bird safaris in Rwanda, the park has over 200 bird types recorded. It is a top place for bird lovers, with chances to see rare Albertine rift birds.

3 Highly Recommended Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park

1. Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is a top place to visit in Rwanda. It is famous for trips to see mountain gorillas. These trips are one of the best ways to enjoy wild nature in Africa. Travelers get a chance to see animals up close.

On these trips, people walk through the Virunga hills to find gorilla groups. For instance, the Karisimbi group lives on Mount Karisimbi, while the Ugenda group stays on Mount Sabyinyo's slopes, along with other families.

Seeing gorillas is a thing must-do in Volcanoes National Park. You may also see many birds and playful golden monkeys. In the bamboo forests, you can watch the big, gentle gorillas. You might see how they eat or watch baby gorillas with their mothers.

 Gorilla trekking is an unmissable Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

What to pack for Gorilla trekking?

When preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are essential items that travelers should prepare if they plan to engage in gorilla trekking:

• Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots. 

• A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. 

• A waterproof jacket or poncho and jacket for cooler temperatures in the higher elevations.

• A hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent can be handy.

• Water, snacks, and personal items, as well as a camera with a zoom lens to capture the incredible moments with the gorillas. 

• Necessary gorilla trekking permits and identification documents for smooth entry into the park.

2. Musanze Caves Hike

Musanze Cave got its name from Musanze District, where it sits. In 2013, it was set up for tourists by Rwanda’s Tourism and Conservation group. The cave has paths, stone steps, and rails but has no electric lights. Visitors get helmets, rain gear, and hand lamps to explore.

This young lava cave in the Albertine Rift Valley began from volcanoes about 65 million years ago and still grows. Lava from Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes shaped it. The cave has big entrances 10 meters high and stretches two kilometers with 31 total openings.

A trip to Musanze Cave is a thrilling time for those visiting Rwanda. The wild lands around the cave let visitors feel close to nature and see how it shapes the world. Inside the cave, guests find many bats clinging upside down in small spaces. Plants grow on the cave's walls, bringing green hues that make it perfect for photos.

Musanze Cave is worth a visit in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

3. Engage in cultural activities

Near Volcanoes National Park, a local group has joined hands to form the Mountain Gorilla Guardians, once called Iby'wacu Cultural Village. They work to show why saving wildlife and protecting gorillas matter. Visitors to Rwanda often stop here to meet the people and share stories. The visit lets them take part in songs, dances, tales, art, rituals, games, and see homes up close. Through this, they learn much about African life and culture. 

At Iby'wacu Cultural Village, guests watch the Intore dancers perform with songs and stories. They can also try cooking local food, making banana brew, milking cows, and creating items by hand. This visit helps people learn more about how the community lives and works.

From the stunning volcano views to close moments with rare gorillas, a trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one to remember. You likely don’t need us to say it, but the amazing sights and fun things to do in the park make it worth your visit to Rwanda. Get a Rwanda visa now and plan a fun trip to "The Land of a Thousand Hills" in East Africa.