Rwanda is one of the three lucky countries in the World to have Mountain Gorillas. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcano National Park inhabits our cousins that share Human DNA 98%.
The Park is part of the Virunga Volcanos that have eight Mountains stretching to three countries namely; Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
How to get there
Onto arriving at Kigali International Airport, it is two and a half hours drive from the City to Kinigi at the Park's Headquarters. Expect to be blown away by the beautiful scenic landscapes of Rwanda through the mountainous countryside consisting of the ever-green vegetation covers, farmlands and rivers crossing beneath the valleys.
Activities to do at Volcano National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Tracking Gorillas resumes at exactly 7:00 AM Rwandan time. The activity begins with registering of Tourist permits and allocating them a Gorilla group. Every group is assigned 8 Tourists accompanied by a Ranger guide and trackers that search for Gorillas. Tracking may take 2-7 hours depending on how far or close the group may be. Tourists are offered an hour of viewing after allocating them. Before Gorilla trekking, you are advised to carry enough drinking water at least 2 litres, packed lunch, Rain gear, closed shoes, hut, gloves and face masks. Hiring a porter is highly recommended so as to use extra help in carrying your backpack. It is also one way of supporting the community. The cost for a porter is 20 Us Dollars.
Cultural experience
After tracking Gorillas, immerse yourself in the cultural symposium of the Rwandese people who's population consists of three groups; the Twa, Tutsi and Hutus. The Gorilla Guardian Village that is located on the boundaries of Volcano National Park, introduces you to their culture in terms of their Kingdoms, marriage norms, cuisines, Herbal medicine, local brewing of banana juice, beer and Gin, Traditional dances and hunting skills among others.
What to do around Kigali City
In case you would like to explore the Rwandese daily lives, Culture and History, spend a night in the City before departure. Visit Kimironko local Market, which is located 5 minutes away from the airport before arriving in the city center. Know more of Rwandese History by visiting the Genocide memorial Museum to get first hand information of what could have transpired before, during and after the Genocide.
5 Days of Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda