A Brief History of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

A Brief History of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda : Volcanoes National Park, located in north-eastern Rwanda, is the number one tropical destination for every traveller visiting the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” The park’s rich history extends back to 1925, when the Belgian colonial administration designated it as a national park.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a famous tourist destination owing to its habituated mountain gorillas, which are the park’s principal attraction. The park, which is part of the Virunga Volcano Massif, is home to around 300 mountain gorillas, which may be trekked by tourists all year.

The national park is situated in Ruhengeri, in Rwanda’s north-western province. The national park is home to a variety of bird and plant species. It has a rain forest and bamboo cover of 160 square kilometers. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Bisoke are among the five volcanoes that make up the Virunga volcanic area.

Among the animal species found in the park are bushbucks, vervet and white and black colobus monkeys, spotted hyenas, forest elephants, buffaloes, and giant pigs. It includes 178 bird species, 13 of which are located in the Virunga Conservation Area and 16 of which are found in the Rwenzori Mountains.

A Brief History of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was established in 1929 and was formerly known as Albert National Park after King Albert 1. At the time, the park was managed by the Belgian Colonialist administration.

Following attaining independence in the 1960s, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo partitioned the national park. This effectively cut the park in two, giving birth to the world-famous Virunga National Park in Congo.

Dian Fossey, a prominent researcher, began researching mountain gorilla tribes in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in 1966, and in 1967 she established a base there. She was buried in a cemetery location within the park following her murder in 1985.

In the early 1990s, the park became a battleground for the Rwandan civil war. The genocide conflict not only had a significant impact on the lives of Rwandans, but it also limited tourism activity in the area until 1999.

However, in 2005, the Rwandan government instituted the ‘Kwita Izina‘ infant naming ritual for baby gorillas. This was done in order to revitalize the park’s tourist and conservation efforts. The ritual for naming infant gorillas takes place every year and involves both the local population and tourists.

The park’s headquarters are presently located in Kinigi, a tiny village in Musanze, which was originally known as Ruhengeri. The park headquarters at Kinigi is where trekking permits are granted and people entering the national park are briefed.

Activities offered in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Here are some intriguing things that you might do during your visit to Volcanoes National Park when planning your trip.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas:  The most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking. Rwandan gorilla hiking licenses cost USD 1500. It is vital to remember that travelers planning to undertake gorilla trekking in the park should reserve their permits at least 6 months in advance. This is to avoid any hassles, especially during the busy season of June to September, when permits are in short supply. In the park, gorilla trekking is done in small groups of up to eight people per gorilla family.

Golden monkey trekking: Another fantastic activity available at Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey trekking. It is an excellent alternative, particularly for those who cannot afford to go gorilla trekking in the park.

Dian Fossey Trek: The Dian Fossey hike entails going to Dian Fossey’s tomb as well as touring the Karisoke Research Facility, where Dian and her team conducted multiple research studies on mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park.

Other activities available in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include guided nature hikes, visiting Musanze caverns, bird watching, and a community tour of Iby’iwacu village.

Where to Stay during your visit to Volcanoes national park.

There are several alternatives for lodging in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, including Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain gorilla view, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi guesthouse, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park.

The Volcanoes National Park is accessible by road and air. The park is approximately 212 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital. Akagera Aviation may also arrange a domestic flight from Kigali International Airport to the park.