Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park / Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda)

"In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas". This was written by one of the eminent Primatology - Dian Fossey.

Location and Features
The Parc des Volcans is situated in the far northwest of Rwanda; it protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range; home of the rare mountain gorilla and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. This is regarded as The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’. One should not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans consisting of 125 Km2 of mountain forest and home to the six Virunga Volcanoes and the world famous mountain gorillas. It is the lushly forested slopes of the mountains that form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: Gorilla tracking.

Nothing can prepare one for the impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors.

Trekking in the Parc des Volcans
It is exhilarating to trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas which offers stirring views in all directions. The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkey. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.

Mountain Gorilla Tracking
A gorilla visit can entail anything from a 1 to 4-hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. At the end of your visit you will understand what kept conservationist Dian Fossey living in this same forest for 18 years protecting these wonderful animals. Your trek will

be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss-covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. You may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life. But the high point, of course, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, will be spending an hour with the gentle giant gorillas as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, and raising their young.

Golden Monkeys
In the Volcano National Park there are now fully habituated Golden Monkeys and they are accessible to tourists.

Ruhengeri town
The Ruhengeri town has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas with its bustling market. On the outskirts of town, you find the natural bridge at Musanze, which is, a solidified lava flow. This is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Ruhondo, Burera and Karago. Ruhengeri town offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel - Gorilla's Nest. Visitors could also base themselves in Kigali or Gisenyi  and with an early start, head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip.

Parc National des Volcans Management

The Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) manages Parc National des Volcans. Access begins in the lively town of Musanze, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Musanze has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Mgahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

Musanze town
Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. If one intends to make a gorilla visit, he or she will need to organise transport With Niche Africa Holidays partners from Musanze town to the park boundaries, where she or he will continue with the trip on foot. One can get to Musanze from Kigali either by private vehicle or by public taxi minibus. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town. Musanze is also only a 45-minute drive away from Gisenyi and the stunning Lake Kivu.

Accommodation
The Kinigi Guest House on the foot of Mount Sabyinyo is one of the preferred accommodation places. It offers very comfortable accommodation in cottages for two, four or eight people. It also offers a good restaurant and bar. Hotel Muhabura in Musanze town also offers comfortable accommodation in reasonably priced single and double rooms. The hotel also features a reasonable restaurant and bar and fax and telephone facilities.

Mountain Gorilla & Golden Monkeys Permits, Booking and Fees:

Permits
All permits to visit the mountain gorillas and Golden Monkeys are booked through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Musanze.

This is inclusive of park entry fees. It is advisable to organize your own transportation to take you up to the park boundaries.

Time to Visit the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
On the day of you are scheduled to trek, you must present yourself for briefing at the ORTPN offices situated at the prefecture offices in Musanze at 7:00 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French or English.

Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Visiting Guidelines:

• If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
• To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
• Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
  
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
  
• Maximum 8 visitors per group.
  
• Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
  
• When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
  
• Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
  
• Do not litter.

Enhance your enjoyment during the Tracking:

• Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.
  
• The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.
  
• Musanze, at 1,700m above sea level, is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised.
  
• Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
  
• The security of our visitors is our highest priorities. There is no need for concern about personal security.
  
• Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings.
  
• Study walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find raingear useful.
  
• Photography is permitted, although you may not use flash
  
• Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.

   
Niche Africa Holidays, being a tour operator based in this region offers safaris in a 4x4 land cruisers to Parc National des Volcans from Kigali.