Volcanoes National Park : One of the smallest national parks in northwest Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. It was gazetted in 1925 as a proactive zone that guards against poaching and supports the expanding gorilla population. A small portion of the 160 square kilometre volcanic area is made up of the Virunga Mountains’ volcanoes, including Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Muhabura, and Bisoke.
Volcanoes National Park shares boundaries with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. From 1966 until her death in 1985, Dian Fossey—the first American primatologist—camped in Volcanoes National Park to study gorilla behaviour.
Volcanoes is home to Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorilla. Because more than 340 gorillas and ten habituated groups of gorillas can be seen here, Volcanoes National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Africa, drawing visitors from all over.
This area is home to a variety of other animals, including over 180 bird species, more than 16 endemic subspecies of the Rwenzori Mountains, African buffaloes, harnessed bushbucks, duikers, spotted hyenas, and golden monkeys.
The oldest national park in Africa is called Volcanoes National Park. It was established in 1925, and four years later, in 1929, its boundaries were expanded into Rwanda and the Belgian Congo to form the Albert National Park, which was overseen by the Belgian colonial government and covered 8,095 square kilometres. A portion of Albert’s Park was set aside for human habitation a few years later.
Safari Tour activities in Volcanoes National Park
Hiking Tours:
A unique tour to Ngezi Lake would be an excellent addition. Climbers prefer hiking on Mount Bisoke, which extends three thousand metres heights and is one of the best outdoor hiking activities in Rwanda. Climbing volcanoes is a must activity in Rwanda Safaris.
Primates tracking tour:
Seeing gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with golden monkeys is one of the best safari experiences in Rwanda. This trip can be combined with a visit to Dian Fossey’s tombs to learn about the contributions she made between 1966 and 1985, before poachers killed her in her Karisoke cabin. Dian Fossey also founded the Karisoke Research Centre, which is dedicated to studying the lifestyle of gorillas. An adult gorilla permit costs $1,500.