parc national des volcans
Rwanda is synonymous with gorilla trekking, particularly in the volcanic peaks of Rwanda where the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys live, you will experience a unique gorilla trekking safari experience that is truly unforgettable.
Residing high in the mist, the primates have found sanctuary among the dark green, dense vegetation of the Parc National Des Volcans. Tracking the powerful, but gentle, creatures takes in some of the finest views in Africa: mountainscapes of thick moors, glistening lakes and forests of dense bamboo.
Roaming the vegetation are elephants, giant hogs and spotted hyenas. The keen-eyed adventurer might have the chance to glimpse the endangered Golden Monkey.
Deeper into the park, there are other natural wonders to behold. Caving beneath the volcanic rock offers travellers a completely different perspective. For those that trek up to the Musanze Caves, there is the chance to descend down into the darkness below, and once on the floor look up where the vegetation twists high towards the sunlight above.
Visitors with a mind to conservation will want to walk the Dian Fossey trail while in Rwanda. The Karisoke Research Center, which the Gorillas on the Mist author established, is still going strong today and is a fitting tribute to her legacy, while her grave is a reminder of the centre’s importance.
Only among the gorillas themselves will your realise what a very special country Rwanda is.
The Parc National des Volcans is home to endangered primate species, including the peaceful mountain gorilla and elusive golden monkey. The main base for gorilla trekking is at Musanze – participating in Somak's five-night Chimps & Gorilla safari in Rwanda will see you enjoying a restful night in the mountain-town Musanze, before setting off to trek gorilla in Parc National des Volcans on the following morning. After spotting the mountain gorillas, you spend an hour with them before heading back down the volcano slopes.
Other mammals to see in the area are the black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and the bushbuck. With over 178 bird species to spot, 13 of which can only be found in the Virunga Mountains, this national park is also a haven for birders.
The flora within the national park varies greatly due to the altitudinal range. Heading up the mountains, the forest diversifies, varying in tree and flowering plant species. 30% of the park contains African Redwood trees and this is one of the largest forests of this tree species in the world. A further 30% of the park area is covered with a bamboo forest, which is where you’ll most likely find golden monkeys as bamboo makes up a large part of their diet.
Only 80 permits are granted a day for gorilla trekking in Park National des Volcans in Rwanda. The permit fees may not be cheap, but a majority of what you pay goes towards maintaining the park and conserving the wildlife including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. About 10% of your fees also go to local projects. In other words, your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda won’t just enriching your life experience, it also helps the animals and local people.
