Volcanoes National Park has intrigued very many primate lovers, it’s no wonder that it is the most popular Gorilla trekking destination in the World. This 160-square-kilometer Protected Area is Rwanda’s most incredible safari destination, with one of the best mountain gorilla sightings as well as the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the African Continent.
Established in 1925, Volcanoes National Park has been an inspiration for generations, considering it is a pillar of what mountain gorilla protection and sustainability can look like. It is undeniably a living testament to the country’s relentless efforts in the protection of one of Earth’s most sought-after wildlife species. This Park is therefore the ultimate gorilla trekking destination that provides something special for primate lovers. In this article, we provide information on what makes Gorilla Trekking in the Park so special;
It is easy to get to Volcanoes National Park
Whether you are interested in a fly-in safari (helicopter transfer) or a road trip, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is very accessible. Musanze airstrip, which is the closest airport/airstrip to the Park is only a 20 to 30-minute’ drive to most accommodation facilities around Volcanoes National Park such as One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge among others. However, if you are staying at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, be prepared for a 60-minute drive from Musanze Airstrip. The majority of the helicopter flights to Volcanoes National Park/Musanze Airstrip are from Kigali International Airport.
By car, Volcanoes National Park is only about 3 hours from Kigali City/International Airport hence making it possible to undertake a one-day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. This makes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park special.
Breathtaking Luxury stays and World-renowned hospitality
Most accommodation facilities around Volcanoes National Park have sustainability at their core, while simultaneously catering for every visitor’s budget. Among the three countries that offer mountain gorilla trekking (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), Volcanoes National Park offers the most exceptional level of luxury, albeit on the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is also the high level of comfort, luxury, and sustainability of the Lodges that add to the magic of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. From gastronome dishes to the breathtaking views as well as stupendous Safari Lodges, luxurious facilities, dedication and a high level of hospitality that the people have to the incredible Volcanoes National Park can be felt at the accommodation facilities.
Gorilla trekkers to Volcanoes National Park can experience real luxury in One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. However, there are also plenty more that can suit the budget and expectations of other visitors as well.
Unique vegetation
One of the reasons why visitors keep choosing gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is because of its outstanding vegetation and landscapes. Visitors who have tracked mountain gorillas in other places (especially Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) can attest to the dense vegetation which isn’t the case with Volcanoes National Park. The 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park mainly occupy the bamboo zone, which is sparse compared to the gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
An opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Dian Fossey
Another interesting fact that makes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park so special is the fact that you can walk in the footsteps of Dian Fossey. She was an American primatologist who established her Research Center (known as Karisoke Research Center) between the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke, to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. She dedicated almost two decades of her life to protecting and studying these Giant Apes which eventually became part of her life.
Dian Fossey habituated some of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, participated in law enforcement activities such as patrols to protect these exceptional creatures, and even lost her life in the 1980s while trying to safeguard them. Therefore for your gorilla trekking adventure, you can add the hike to her gravesite to learn about her journey, and see how her legacy still lives on in Volcanoes National Park. This is something you can’t experience anywhere else but Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park offers groundbreaking mountain gorilla conservation
Volcanoes National Park stretches across an area that comprises 16,000 hectares of pristine vegetation zones. It also shares its borders with neighboring National Parks (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo), Volcanoes National Park is a haven for at least 35% of the World’s mountain gorillas. Terrestrial biodiversity and conservation programs in and around the Protected Area consider lots of things from expansion of the Park’s borders, waste management and recycling, and community development through revenue sharing, to plastic elimination
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park depends on whether you are uncomfortable with wet weather or wish to save more money during your trip. Rwanda generally has two seasons- the rainy/wet season and the dry season, which provide different experiences.
March, April, May, October, and November are the wettest months in Volcanoes National Park. Generally, gorilla trekkers avoid these months because forest trails become muddy and slippery. However, there are several benefits of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park during these months. These months are the best for visitors looking for cheaper and quieter gorilla trekking adventures.
It will interest you to know that most Safari Lodges around Volcanoes National Park provide low season rates during these wet months. As most gorilla trekkers avoid the wet months, forest trails are not crowded and are instead quieter.
January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are the driest months for a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park. These are often marked by mud-free and less slippery forest trails which make it less challenging to navigate the forest while searching for the habituated gorilla families.