History of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 as a small area to protect mountain gorillas from poachers, making it one of the oldest in Africa. It’s located in northwestern Rwanda. The Park covers an area of 160 km2, engulfed by dormant volcanoes in Virunga massif, and these are; Karisimbi, Bisoke with its green crater on top, Gahinga and Muhabura. In 1929 the borders of this park were extended to form vast Albertine National Park by the Belgian colonial authorities who were in charge of the park. In 1967, Dian Fossey – American primatologist arrived in the park and set up Karisoke research center between Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes.
Dian Fossey is highly credited for protecting mountain gorillas from extinction; however, in 1985 she was murdered by unknown assailants and was buried in the park, her grave is near the research center, the crime was imposed on poachers she had spent most of her career fighting.
In 1992, Volcanoes National Park became a battlefield, and tourism activities were no more until 1999 when the park was again secure and safe for tourists. There have been occasional attacks by the Rwandan rebels from Democratic Republic of Congo but these are always stopped instantly by Rwandan National Army.
Uniqueness of Volcanoes National Park.
It’s one of the oldest national parks in Africa, as we all know old is gold, the park boasts being the oldest of all national parks and this makes it very unique compared to other national parks in Rwanda. It is a peculiar home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which makes it very unique compared to other parks surrounding it. This Park is bounded by dormant volcanoes of which one has a crater on top and this is Bisoke mountain.
Attractions and activities in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park harbors over 380 mountain gorillas which are major attractions here. There are 12 gorilla families protected in this park with over 150 habituated. Some of the habituated gorilla families include; Sabyinyo, Bwenge, Umubano, Titus, Agashya, Ugenda, Hirwa, Amahoro, and others. Gorilla trekking adventures in the park make it very prominent and a tourist stop-center.
Golden monkeys.
Golden monkeys can only be found in the great Virunga massif with in Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo. Tracking these monkeys has been a great activity and adventure. Golden monkeys are only found in three countries and these countries are occupied by the Virunga mountains, including Rwanda, Uganda and D.R. Congo.
Virunga Volcanoes.
Hiking Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains can be intertwined activities, which give the visitor an extra pleasure when one has to trek gorillas while hiking one of these mountains.
Birding tours.
Birdwatching is another amazing activity in Volcanoes National Park since it is located in the Albertine rift. This provides ample space for birds to prosper. There are over 360 bird species including endangered species like handsome francolin and Rwenzori turaco.
Nature walks.
Guided nature walk is an amazing activity and adventure for visitors, which allows them to explore wild animals, birds and butterflies in and around the park, they always get first-hand information.
Hike to Dian Fossey Tomb.
Visiting Dian Fossey tombs is a fascinating activity. It is always advisable to visit Dian Fossey’s tombs, an American scientist who sacrificed her life to save gorillas and later was murdered, her stories came to be known to the world after the release of a movie ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
While you are on a hike, you will be able to see her research camp – Karisoke research center which is between Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains. The hike will take you between 3-4 hours depending on your hiking speed and weather.
Visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
A tour to Burera and Ruhondo lakes will take 3 hours and when you reach you might decide to take a boat or hike to the falls for spectacular views and you might watch some birds such as paradise flycatcher, grey-throated tit, African mashed harrier and many others.
When to visit Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park can be visited during dry season from June to September when the temperatures are between 250c and 270c during day and 13.50 C and 150C in the night.
