Volcanoes National Park
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“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virunga’s.”
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.
Tracking endangered mountain Gorilla through the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area.
Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption.
Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and village experiences offer something for everyone to enjoy.
The government body responsible for managing the Volcanoes National Park is the Rwanda Development Board with support from several wildlife conservation Agencies. In case one isn’t interested in Gorilla trekking which the main activity in the Volcanoes Np, you will be required to pay up to $75 as park entry although when you buy a gorilla permit at $1500, it includes the park entry. For the Golden monkey trekking you will have to part away with $100
Chimpanzee trekking and hiking in the Volcanoes National Park is open throughout the entire year. Although March, April and November being the peak of the rainy season we don’t recommend that time for any of the Nyungwe Activities.
While in Volcanoes National park slightly heavier clothing is useful. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.
The greatest health risks in Rwanda are accidents and malaria. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.
Travellers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider, and should consider bringing a small first aid kit. A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required.
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and all land borders.
Volcanoes can be reached by air and road. The nearest airport and link to the park is Kigali international airport in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. RwandAir Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM all have flights to Kigali international Airport. Rwanda being a small country we don’t advise any domestic flight to any of the Rwandese National Parks. Road transport is the best way one can enjoy the full beauty of this magnificent Country
More Information
Costs
A single entry tourist visa costs US $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 30 days.
A single entry conference visa costs US $30 and is valid for 30 days.
A multiple entry business visa costs US $50 and is valid for one year.
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs US $100 and is valid for 90 days.