Volcanoes National Park is among the four national parks in Rwanda, widely known for its fascinating endangered mountain gorillas. This Rwandan national park was established in 1925, making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa and the world. The national park was originally called Parc National des Volcans but was later renamed to Volcano National Park in English. The park was created to protect important wildlife, like the mountain gorilla, and to keep its natural resources safe from thieves.
The park is in Kingi Ruhengeri, in northwestern Rwanda, and it covers about 160 square kilometers. The park is part of the Virunga protection area in Rwanda. It is next to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park has five beautiful Virunga mountains along Rwanda’s borders: Mount Bespoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gashing, Mount Mahabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. Volcanoes National Park is well-known for having half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. However, the park also has other attractions that draw many tourists.
Volcanoes National Park is a place where there are rare monkeys. If you want to see rare primates and apes, Volcanoes National Park is the best place to go. The park has many of the last threatened mountain gorillas in the world. You can find these interesting primates not only in Rwanda’s mountains but also in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. You can find mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. There are 10 groups of mountain gorillas that are used to people, including the Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Umubano, Karisimbi (Susa A and B), Agashya, Ugenda, and Bwenge groups. In addition to the endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to rare golden monkeys. These monkeys are interesting primates that live in the Virunga Mountains, especially in this park.
Volcanoes National Park
The park is one of the few national parks in East Africa where you can find the beautiful rare golden monkeys. The park is safe and accessible because the golden monkeys eat on the lower slopes of the Virunga mountains. Golden monkeys are special, affectionate animals with a striking golden body. They can only be found in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the surrounding mountains. You can see these amazing primates while on a gorilla trekking safari, as both activities include going through the green forests of the Virunga Mountains. Hiking and walking to see these amazing primates is exciting. You will get to watch the monkeys eat, groom each other, and swing from one baboon to another. Trekking is an amazing and nice-looking thing that is always done in the morning, just like any other activity carried out in the park.
Volcanoes National Park is blessed to have the highest volcanoes among the Volcanoes Mountains in the Virunga area. Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano located in the Virunga Mountains, which are on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Karisimbi is the tallest volcano in the Virunga range and is located in the Albertine Rift, which is the western part of the East African Rift. Mount Karisimbi is located between Mount Mikeno to the north, Mount Bisoke to the east, and Mount Nyiragongo to the west. Karisimbi is the 11th tallest mountain in Africa, reaching a height of 4,507 meters (14,787 feet) above sea level. Mount Karisimbi is surrounded by Mount Mikeno to the north, Mount Bisoke to the east, and Mount Nyiragongo to the west, across the Rift Valley. The name Karisimbi comes from the Kinyarwanda word that means “little white shell.” This mountain is one of the toughest to walk in the Virunga mountains, but it’s also one of the most rewarding hikes you’ll ever experience. Hikers on these mountains can see many beautiful animals, including monkeys, various birds, and other wildlife, along with a lovely green landscape.
Dian Fossey’s grave in Rwanda is a famous attraction in Volcanoes National Park and one of its main highlights. There is a path to her old study camp and grave. The hike to Dian Fossey’s grave takes about 2 to 3 hours, including breaks along the way. During the walk, you will be rewarded with all kinds of animals on the way. Dian Fossey’s grave is located at an elevation of about 3000 meters above sea level. Dian Fossey is a famous primatologist and tireless supporter for the endangered mountain gorillas. She may dedicate her life to studying and saving these beautiful animals in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Dian Fossey was the first person to study and comprehend the complicated behavior of mountain gorillas. She understood how they communicated, played with them, and gained their trust. She battled poachers and made many friends by using harsh methods to drive them away. Dian Fossey was later found dead in her house, which she built between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke to help control thieves. People could visit it for $75 USD.
To go climbing with mountain gorillas in Volcano National Park, you need a gorilla permit. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues these permits. They are in charge of all tourism events in Rwanda. Right now, a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 for outsiders, $500 for foreign residents of Rwanda, and $200 for East African citizens, including Rwandans. Contact us, and we’ll help you plan a Rwanda tour that includes a trip to Volcano National Park.
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