A Safari in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park exists in the north-western part of Rwanda to serve enthusiasts of safari and nature exploration. The park protects and homes the famous mountain gorillas as well as the only known subspecies that exist in the Virunga Mountains. This article explores tourist activities at Volcanoes National Park while discussing its optimal time of year to visit along with transportation options to the location.
Tourist Safari Activities
The available safari activities within Volcanoes National Park match multiple attraction needs for different visitor preferences. These are the top activities which draw tourists to visit the park:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Mountain gorilla Trekking is the Primary activity, Gorillas exist in numbers of about 600 species in this park so each day there are about 80 permits granted for gorilla trekking activities. Visitors experience their life’s single adventure during gorilla trekking since it lets people truly meet mountain gorillas in their wild environment.
Golden Monkey Trekking: Volcanoes National Park hosts golden monkeys as one of its unique inhabitants since they are the only monkey species located within the Virunga Mountains. These are found by tracking in areas of the park, they are a bit stubborn and playful, and visitors enjoy finding them along the way
Hiking and climbing: Active outdoor enthusiasts can explore Volcanoes National Park through light to advanced hiking trails which lead to the iconic Karisimbi summit hike. Visitors can scale Mount Bisoke to enjoy spectacular views across the entire landscape since this dormant volcano stands ready for climbing.
Guided Nature walks: Professional guides accompany visitors during these walks in order to present the park’s forests while showing them grasslands and wetlands and the numerous wildlife species that live there including birds antelopes and monkeys.
Best Time to go for a safari in Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Following are general suggestions for planning a trip to Volcanoes National Park.
Tourists should choose to visit Volcanoes National Park during the Dry Season months of June to September because the trails are accessible and effortless to traverse. While it is crowded during this period you need to carefully plan your permits and accommodation dates in advance.
The rainy season from October to May provides the best conditions to view wildflowers and watch birds since the park exhibits its densest vegetation. The walking terrain becomes difficult due to its slippery mud conditions.
From December to February, you will have better chances to observe active golden monkeys because the dry conditions increase their movement. The rainy period stands as the optimal time to track gorillas since the thick vegetation allows greater visibility of these animals while they display enhanced movement.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located about 120 km north of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Visitors have several different ways to reach the park including the following connexions.
Driving from Kigali toward the park will require 2-3 hours depending on road conditions as well as traffic levels. Different taxi companies and rental car services operate between Kigali and the park.
You can reach Volcanoes National Park from Kigali by riding with Stella and Express bus services among others. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.
Travellers heading to the park from abroad can reach Rwanda via RwandAir as well as through other airline flights that access the Kigali International Airport.
Transfers to the park are available through Tour Operator packages. Using a tour operator provides you with a comfortable solution because they handle your transportation and accommodations in addition to organising your activities.
Accommodations while on a safari in Volcanoes National Park
There’s a wide range of tourist accommodations here, from cheap to luxury. Here are some of the most common choices:
The Mountain Gorilla Lodge: this lodge, situated on the grounds of the national park, provides fabulous views of the area, and luxurious accommodation. This is a lovely place to stay for those looking to kick back and relax.
Bisoke Lodge: This lodge is at the park’s entrance, it is simple but clean/comfortable. It is ideal for travellers on a budget.
Karisimbi Lodge: High on the slopes of the Karisimbi summit, this lodge offers breathtaking views of the landscape. Just a perfect option for travellers looking for a remote-located, affordable, no-clutter stay.
Range of Accommodations: The park and its vicinity have several guesthouses and bungalows that cater to both budgeted and luxury travellers.
Safety and Precautions while on a safari in Volcanoes National Park
Despite its stunning landscape and exotic wildlife, there is much to consider before venturing to Volcanoes National Park. Here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
Vaccination preparation along with necessary medications must be completed before entering the park.
The doctor or the travel clinic should provide you with expert advice. Tourists visiting the park should reverence both its natural environment and the wildlife.
All visitors need to obey every safety protocol as well as park rules and must not spread trash or provide food to park wildlife.
Safety Equipment should include sturdy boots with gloves together with a rain jacket that protects visitors from weather conditions. A first-aid kit together with a map of the park must accompany you.
Potential visitors should only enter the park with professional guides through permitted tour operators.
Your safety as well as wildlife spotting and scenic experience at the park becomes possible when you follow the safety recommendations provided by park staff.
Volcanoes National Park provides visitors with extraordinary experiences which blend safari adventures with natural attraction exploration. Proper planning combined with adequate preparation allows visitors to see the park’s untouched natural landscapes while experiencing the famous African gorillas in their native environment.
