PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS

PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANSThe park is located in the far northwest of Rwanda, bordering Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park. It is a home of the rare mountain gorillas and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Vegetation varies considerably due to the large altitudinal range within the park. Because the park is on 4,500m altitude, this enables an exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas, offering stirring views in all directions.

Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.

Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

The busy market town of Ruhengeri (Musanze) has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo Ruhengeri 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 Gisenyi or Kigali and - with an early start - head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day tripThe different activities for tourists, including:

>>>Gorilla visits - there are four habituated groups open to tourists, allowing for a total of 32 permits per day. Tourists spend an hour with the gorillas.

Golden monkey visits.

Climbing of Karisimbi volcano - this is a two day trek with overnight camping at an altitude of 3,800 m.

Climbing of Bisoke volcano - one day.

Lakes and Cave tours

Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey.