Why visit Volcanoes National Park?
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is more than just another national park; it is a place of immense importance, an international champion of conservation, and a home to some of the most famous and critically endangered species on the planet. Set in the often cloudy and misty Virunga Mountains is an ancient rainforest park offering experiences beyond wildlife viewing, to deep emotional experiences unraveled and never forgotten.
For any traveler looking to meet nature where it breathes, Volcanoes National Park should be on every souvenir hunter’s list, producing more than just a safari: a journey into a conservation miracle.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
The unequivocal first reason to visit Volcanoes National Park is this once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking. This is by far the most sought-after wildlife activity in Africa, and for good reason. The park itself is home to a significant portion of the world’s mountain gorilla population, which numbers just over 1,000 individuals.
After hiking up through a thickly forested area, guests are granted one hour in front of a habituated gorilla family. Seeing a majestic silverback, gorillas playing around, and mothers passionately grooming their infants is an emotional and humbling experience.
Gorilla trekking is a calm and personal experience that stimulates the feeling of a strong bond with nature. Everyone who buys a permit for gorilla trekking is also supporting the incredibly difficult conservation programs that have helped protect these magnificent primates from extinction, and each visit is thus part of the solution for their survival. This personal moment spent with nature’s gentle giants is a transformative experience for many, and it stays with travelers long past their time in the misty mountains.
The Playful Charm: Golden Monkey Tracking.
While gorillas may be the star of the show, Volcanoes National Park also offers another fascinating primate experience: golden monkey tracking. Golden monkeys are beautiful monkeys that are endemic to the area. Their golden-orange coat and social nature make them simply delightful to observe. Golden monkeys live in active troops of dozens of individuals located in the bamboo forests lower in the park, and as a result, the trek is generally shorter and less strenuous than the trek to the gorillas.
Golden monkeys are also incredibly playful; they leap through the bamboo forest, chase one another, and dig through the ground for shoots. The one-hour of viewing time with the monkeys is often filled with high-energy movements and interactions, contrasting well to the serene moment spent watching gorillas. Tracking golden monkeys has been an excellent activity for families (min age of 12) and offers great photo opportunities.
An International Centre for Conservation and Research.
While Volcanoes National Park is a tourist destination, it is also an important centre for conservation and scientific research. These forests were once home to the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who studied mountain gorillas and established the now famous Karisoke Research Center.
Rwanda is an outstanding example of conservation commitment. With its expensive tourist permits and many regulations, the “high-value, low-impact” tourism model ensures tourism directly funds anti-poaching initiatives, ranger patrols, gorilla veterinary care, and, eventually, projects for the betterment of local communities. By participating, you are directly supporting a model that has resulted in one of the greatest conservation programs in history. This research and education benefit greatly impacts you and is an ethical decision made by conscientious travelers that uses a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to aid global biodiversity.
Beyond the Primates: Incredible Scenic Natural Beauty and Volcanic Landscapes
In addition to its wonderful primates, Volcanoes National Park includes an area of fantastically scenic natural beauty and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The park contains five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes, presenting beautiful scenery of mountains shrouded in mist, ancient forests, and montane moorland.
For those hoping for more activity, you can take on the tougher volcano hikes, which include the hike up to the top of Mount Karisimbi (Rwanda’s tallest peak), or the hike to the crater lake of Mount Bisoke. Both of these hikes feature amazing sweeping views over the whole Virunga Massif and into the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The ecosystems of the park are also home to many different birds and other forest animals, which will keep even those people’s interest who explore beyond the primate trek. The cool mountain breeze and unspoiled forest resting in untouched wilderness will also feel refreshing.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable and Meaningful Journey
Volcanoes National Park offers what is possible through prioritizing conservation. It provides a rare opportunity for unique wildlife experiences in the stunning natural beauty. A visit to the park is more than a visitor experience; it is a full, educational, and inspirational UNESCO World Heritage experience that touches the very soul and allows for an unforgettable visitation and the feeling that you have made a contribution to the future of earth’s special inhabitants.
