Gorilla trekking is conducted in Volcanoes National Park and is the most icon activity in Rwanda’s National Park. Volcanoes National Park situated in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is known as rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkeys. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo), and spans 160 km2 covered in rainforest and bamboo in the northern part of Ruanda in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is comprised of flora and fauna which co-exist in the National Park. Different wildlife is found in different altitudinal ranges both in highland and others in lowland areas. The Park is home to Mountain Gorilla and other mammals include golden monkeys Spotted Hyena, buffaloes, forest elephants, black-fronted duiker, and bushbuck and is home to over 300 bird species, which has made birding safaris a success to bird lovers. The commonly seen bird species include African marsh harrier, common moorhen, long-crested eagle, grey throated tit, paradise flycatcher, red-faced woodland warbler, archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, and handsome francolin among others. Volcanoes National Park currently has 10 gorilla families available for trekking which include Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Karisimbi, Ugenda, Bwenge, and Titus Family
Gorilla trekking is conducted in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda every day and 80 gorilla permits are sold every day at $ 1500.00 per person per trek which is much expensive than Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Being your day for gorilla trekking with morning breakfast and then you will be transferred to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi where you are briefed by the ranger about the rules and regulations governing Gorilla tracking before you head off to the jungle in search for these gentle giants. The gorilla trek can last from an hour to six hours depending on the gorilla’s movements, though the trek is strenuous but much rewarding at the end. During your mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you are most likely to see other primates, birds and rare tree species. You will be given an hour with the gorilla to take as many pictures of your choice and later returning from your trek, you will be awarded a certificate for participating in gorilla trekking and thus contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas.
Other activities which took place in Volcanoes National Park include Golden monkey trekking, is one of the most endangered primates in Africa which is another popular tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The Golden monkeys have a striking golden fur coat and add to their spritely character, are quite lovely to watch and offer excellent photography making it exciting adventure that offers an epic encounter with a rare beautiful species of Golden Monkeys. Bird watching is an ideal and stunning landscape for bird enthusiasts and is a home of over 300 bird species such birds can be observed are the Red-Faced Barbet, Shoebill Stork, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek and the Miombo Wren-Warblers which can appeal to every level visitor – from the absolute novice. Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a strenuous yet very rewarding hike which is normally done as a complement to gorilla trekking and all done within Volcanoes National Park. Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. Trekking to the Dian Fossey Tomb is one of the most interesting activities after Gorilla trekking activity while visiting Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trip. The nature walk is the best way to explore and experience Volcano National Park. The Park has numerous walking trails, one of the most popular walks will lead you to the Musanze market, where visitors can interact with the local people, and other nature walk leads you to the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera, Ruhondo, and the Nyange Community walk