Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda covering an area cover of 160 square kilometers of rainforests encompassed by five out of the eight Virunga Mountains namely Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. This National Park is bordered by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
It is a renowned home to the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates in Rwanda as well as having been a base for a primatologist Dian Fossey who decided to study mountain gorillas in Rwanda for her entire life. Therefore gorilla trekking is the Park’s top tourist activity.
Other activities include golden monkey trekking, volcano hiking, caving, birdwatching, community and cultural tours, visiting the twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and visiting Dian Fossey tombs to mention but a few. Volcanoes National Park can easily be accessed from Kigali which is Rwanda’s capital city it takes about 2 and a half hours of driving from the airport to Kinigi Park headquarters in Volcanoes National Park. From Uganda, Volcanoes National Park can be accessed by enduring a long drive from Entebbe International Airport through Mbarara to Kabale and crossing through the Katuna border after which you connect to Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park can also be accessed by use of public means from Kigali or Gisenyi to Musanze and then hire a private car to the Park headquarters which is about a 20-minute drive. This however isn’t the best alternative since it may turn out to be expensive, insecure, and strenuous. It is therefore advisable to use a reputable tour operator and travel for your pickups and drop-offs as well as your entire safari planning.
Volcanoes National Park can also be accessed by taking a domestic flight operated by Akagera Aviation from Kigali International Airport to Musanze airstrip which is very close to the Park headquarters as well as several accommodation facilities. This is the best option for those who are not comfortable with long drives since it only takes 30 minutes to access Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is open throughout the year regardless of which activity one chooses to do in this National Park. However, the best time is most preferably the drier months and period of the year. This dry period annually falls between June to late September and December to February when there is no or less rainfall.
This is usually the best time to do several activities in the Park for example mountain gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching to mention but a few. During this period of the year, the mountain slopes, access roads, and trekking trails are dry and much easier to hike compared to when the Park receives heavy rainfalls.
During this period of the year, one is guaranteed clear weather conditions and thus not disturbed and interrupted by heavy rainfall downpours. The months of March through May and October to November are characterized by heavy rainfall that makes the major hiking and trekking trails full of mud and slippery making several activities in the Park very challenging and strenuous. However, this could preferably be the perfect time for budget travelers to visit Volcanoes National Park because safari costs are always low compared to the peak season that’s to say the dry season since accommodations like high-end lodges and hotels offer discounted room rates due to low business. The rainy season is the best time for nature lovers and photographers due to the evergreen lush scenery that is so spectacular to capture and marvel at.
Packing list for Volcanoes National Park safari
There are some requirements one should personally carry to the Park premises before they start any Park activities and these include;
Hiking shoes
For any activities in Volcanoes National Park, comfortable hiking shoes are a top priority for one to have a comfortable hike through the mountainous terrain of the Park. Volcanoes National Park is entirely mountainous implying that one has to go through challenging steep slopes that tend to be slippery while carrying out any activity in the Park. These hiking shoes provide adequate support to the ankle and the feet by preventing them from twisting while moving since these shoes always have support on their sides to ensure that one’s legs remain straight.
Binoculars
In addition to the thrill of seeing things with your naked eyes in Volcanoes National Park, with binoculars one can see things more up-close and more clearly adding a whole new dimension to your enjoyment of travel and the outdoors.
Camera with extra batteries
A camera is a save button for the mind’s eyes as stated by Roger Kingstone the photographer. Therefore taking pictures while
traveling or on a safari is the best way to hold on to memories, experience more from your trip, and share your memories with friends and family. A camera should therefore not be left behind on your visit to Volcanoes National Park.
Insect
repellent
This is a top safari essential since it’s meant to protect one from insect bites for example mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and many more. This further prevents from insect-borne diseases such as sleeping sickness, malaria, tick-bite fever, and many more. This will therefore help you from being bitten by African insects and pests while on your safari to Volcanoes National Park.
Hiking attire
The hiking outfit should be light, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, water and wind-resistant, seam-sealed, and breathable to ensure comfortability while carrying out activities like mount hikes, gorilla trekking, and many more.
Raincoat
A waterproof and quick-drying raincoat is a lifesaver during a rainy safari in Volcanoes National Park since sometimes the weather is unpredictable. This will help one carry on their Park activities regardless of the unfavorable weather conditions.
