The number one attraction to visitors to Rwanda is a rare encounter with the breathtaking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda along the border with Congo and Uganda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, swamp and heath. It’s one of the most beautiful sites in Africa.
The volcanoes NP is not only about mountain gorillas or golden monkeys trekking. Visitors can go for nature walks, climb up to the top of one or more volcanoes. 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. Around the volcanoes, there is Lake Burera or Bulera and the best way to explore is to take a canoe or boat ride. Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park are Buhanga Eco-Park – an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed million years ago after the volcanic eruption.
Getting there: Road transfer mainly.
What to do: Gorilla and golden monkey trekking, bird watching, nature walks, hiking the volcanoes, boat or canoe safari on Lake Burera or Bulera, local community & cultural encounter.
