VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Background
In 1929, volcanoes national park was extended into Rwanda and then Belgian Congo and was named Albert national park managed to run by the Belgian colonial authorities. During the early 1960s, the park was divided as Rwanda and Congo gained their independence and by the end of that decade, the park was almost half of its original size.
In 1967, the American primatologist Dian Fossey who had been doing research on mountain Gorillas in the forests of Congo fled from insecurity and established her research base at a place between Visoke and Karisimbi volcanoes that was yet to be known as Karisoke research centre. She spearheaded the conservation campaign of the mountain gorillas and mobilized resources to fight against poaching in this area, a fight she put up until her murder in 1985. She was buried at the research centre next to the grave of her favourite gorilla called Digit.
The park continued to suffer at the mercies of poachers through conservation efforts were also underway. In the early 1990s, the park became a battlefield for Rwanda’s civil war which paralyzed tourism activities until 1999. In 2005, in a bid to boost conservation and gorilla tours in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda introduced the annual baby naming ceremony for baby gorillas known as ‘Kwita Iziina’ which has seen great results in as far as gorilla population in volcanoes is concerned.
Wildlife in volcanoes national park
There are many and the most famous inhabitants of volcanoes national park are mountain gorillas. They have successfully placed volcanoes national park on the world map thanks to the work of Dian Fossey and the movie “Gorilla in the Mist”. The park also hosts the beautiful, rare and endangered golden monkeys only found in the Virunga region. Other animals found in the forest include, forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, duikers, spotted hyenas, bush-bucks and other primates.
Gorilla groups in volcanoes national park
There are several gorilla families in volcanoes national park with some habituated for gorilla tourism and others for research whereas others are not habituated. To track gorillas in Volcanoes national park, you need to purchase a permit through your tour operator with specific dates before embarking on this fulfilling bucket list experience. Each Gorilla group is given a name depending on different circumstances and is lead by a silverback. When a young silverback challenges the dominant silverback, he must steal some females from an existing group in order to form his own family.
Amahoro gorilla group
Amahoro means peaceful and is led by the calm Ubumwe. The group mainly resides uphill which requires you to endure a steep climb to eventually come into its territory but the climb always worth it.
Hirwa gorilla group
Hirwa gorilla group in volcanoes national park emerged from different existing gorilla families including group Susa and Sabyinyo. Munyinya the silverback after leaving Susa with 2 females, got others along the way and eventually formed a group.
Sabyinyo gorilla group
This group is led by Guhonda, named after one of the volcanoes “Mt Sabyinyo. The members within this family are generally fewer but is an impressive family and it is closest to the park headquarters. If you are weary of tracking long distances, this is the group to request if available.
Kwitonda gorilla group
This group is led by silverback Kwitonda and the name is translated “humble one”. This gorilla group migrated from Democratic Republic of Congo and settled permanently in Rwanda. It is moderately difficult to trek because it ranges far in the upper slopes of Mt Muhabura.
Agashya gorilla group
Agashya gorilla group is also known as group 13 and this was adopted during habituation where it had only 13 members but currently has a membership of approximately 25 members and is led by silverback Agashya which explains the name change.
Umubano gorilla group
This group is led by silverback Charles who broke off from Amahoro group with some females to form Umubano. The name Umubano means living together.
Ugenda gorilla group
This group was named after its unique behaviours of roaming from place to place around the Karisimbi area, come ready to hike this volcano as you follow this gorilla group.
Susa[A] gorilla group
This is the largest gorilla group in the park with 41 gorillas and is the group which was studied by Dian Fossey. The group is known for having the rare twins named Byishimo and Impano. This family ranges in the high mountains making it difficult to trek but the rewards come after sighting on it.
Susa [B] gorilla group.
This group also known as Karisimbi but it split from the original name Susa[A] group and has 2 Karisimbi. Susa[B] gorilla group is one of the hardest to trek, residing on the upper slopes of mount Karisimbi. It is the best seasoned hikers who enjoy hiking experience as much as sighting the gorillas.
Titus gorilla group
Titus gorilla group in volcanoes national park was named after silverback Titus which was born during the days of Dian Fossey research at Karisoke.
Bwenge gorilla group
This group was formed by silverback Bwenge after breaking away with females from other groups. Bwenge is translated “wisdom”, the group occupies mainly the slopes between Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains.
Gorilla safaris and activities in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla tracking is the number one activity in the Volcanoes national park -Rwanda. The tracking happens once daily with 8 individuals visiting a gorilla group per day. The visitors are expected to arrive at the Rwanda development Board offices at 7am where they are briefed about expectations and later distributed among different gorilla groups. Once allocated a gorilla group and the briefing is concluded you follow your ranger guide and start your trek in search of these gentle giants. Your trek can take anything from a few minutes to 6 hours depending on the location of the group that you are tracking. Once in sight of the group, you will be able to stay in their presence for only one hour. Remember the details shared in the briefing and endeavour to follow them for your own safety and that of the gorillas, if in doubt ask your ranger guide.
Gorilla trekking guidelines
Golden monkey trekking safaris in volcanoes national park
Golden monkey trekking in volcanoes national park once a day in early morning much like Gorilla trekking. You are expected to arrive at the briefing about hoe to behave and relate with these creatures in the wild. You will then be divided into groups if you are many and start your trek led by experienced and jolly ranger guides. You can also enjoy the traditional dances from local troupe and a hot cup of coffee before your briefing.
Safaris for birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park
The uncommon Albertine Rift endemics can be found in Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda's three Important Birding Areas (IBAs). To photograph some of the amazing species in the Virunga, begin your birdwatching day prepared with binoculars and a camera, along with your bird guide. The endemics of the Albertine Rift will be your primary focus for the day; take in the breath taking views while you bird.
Trekking up mountains in Volcanoes National Park
Mount Bisoke Hiking
Hiking Mount Bisoke is a pleasant experience because of the amazing crater lake at the summit of the volcano. Including the two hours spent going back down, the hike takes roughly six hours. Nonetheless, some of the more seasoned hikers descend in as little as three hours or fewer. As with all events, hikers gather at the RDB offices at 7 am, receive a briefing, and begin the hike with their designated ranger guide. Your professional ranger guide is eager to share the mountain experiences with you. Porters are available to assist you with your luggage for a little price, and it is strongly advised that you do so. This gives the porters a job while also allowing you to enjoy the walk at your own pace.
Trek up Mount Karisimbi
At 4507 meters above sea level, Mount Karisimbi is the tallest of the Virungas and the fifth highest in Africa. It is on the western rift valley, which borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its name comes from the Kinyarwanda word "amasimbi," which means "white shell," due to the white-capped top caused by accumulated sleet and hail. The Karisimbi hike, which begins in Bisoke and takes two days to complete, is demanding but worthwhile. Birds, various primates, including gorillas on rare occasions, and breath-taking scenery are all possible sights to behold.
Caves of Musanze
A volcanic outburst created the Musanze Caves, a subterranean area big enough for people to access. They have stairs and pathways that lead to the caverns' dark depths, and they are two km long. You can complete this task following your morning gorilla tracking.
Volcanoes National Park: Dian Fossey's burial tour
You can learn more about Dian Fossey's life and gorilla conservation in the Virunga region by trekking to her burial. You will discover more about her fascination with gorillas and how gorilla tourism developed as a result of gorilla conservation's persecution throughout the years. For a portion of the route, you will drive to the trailhead, where you will begin your one to two-hour trek. Elephants, buffaloes, forest hogs, and several bird species are among the forest wildlife you may be able to see.
You arrive at the home of Dian Fossey, who was buried next to Digit, her favourite gorilla buddy, after being inexplicably murdered in 1985. About 20 gorillas that were murdered by poaching or natural causes are interred in the gorilla graveyard.
Cultural excursions close to Iby'Iwacu/Gorilla Guardians Village in Volcanoes National Park
This is an effort for locals who are now on the conservation path after formerly participating in gorilla poaching. As a warden at Volcanoes National Park, Edwin Sabuhoro founded the hamlet because he wanted to turn the infamous poachers into conservationists. Many of the locals rely on your presence to support their livelihoods and to further the conservation efforts in this area.
Participate in the events to get a taste of the village; become a member of the royal family by winning the title of king or queen for the day; discover the customs of the people; and take in the music and dance.
Where to stay in and around volcanoes national park
The following are places that can provide accommodation near the volcanoes national park which ranges from luxury, upmarket, mid-range to basic establishment. Depending on your interests, most establishments are found in Kiningi, Musanze and some as far as an hour from the park headquarters.
Access to volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is 2 hours’ drive from Kigali and it is a 30 minutes’ drive from border with Uganda at Cyanika in Kisoro. You can also contract the services of Akagera Aviation to fly by helicopter.