|
Volcanoes National Park:
Gazetted in 1925, the Volcanoes National Park is located in the north west of the country (see the Map of Rwanda), and is the most endearing and famous national park in Rwanda. It is also the precious jewel in Rwanda’s tourism crown.
The earliest recorded Western visitors were Schiller, Von Berengei, Walter Baumgartel, and in the more recent historical times, the indomitable the late Dian Fossey, whose works and her book, inspired the movie “Gorillas in the Mist“
Activities In and Out of Volcanoes National Park:
The Classic Gorilla tracking:
This is the most popular tourist activity in the park, as it is also the most enchanting, and lifetime memorial experiences derived from tracking and being in very close proximity to these rare “Gentle Giants “, otherwise known as the mountain gorillas.
There are 5 Gorilla Groups/Families that have been habituated for tracking by the tourists.
The Groups are SUZA, AMAHORO A, AMAHORO B, SABYINYO, and Group 13. One requires a tracking permit to visit the gorillas. The current price of one gorilla tracking permit is fixed at US-Dollars 375, BUT with effect from the 1st June 2007, it will be fixed at US-Dollars 500 .
Golden Monkeys trekking:
Mountain Climbing:
You have the possibility of climbing Mt. Karisimbi (4507 meters), which requires 2 days, and Mt. Bisoke (3711 meters), which may be done in only one day.
 The Dian Fossey Grave:
Located at the Karisoke Gorillas Research Center, it takes one day to visit the grave of Dian Fossey, and pay deserved respects to the woman who dedicated all her life to the survival and well being of the mountain gorillas.
The Nature Walks:
You may simply enjoy the fresh air, and see a variety of birds’ species, by taking Nature Walks/hiking in the park, including visits to the numerous crater lakes between Mt Bisoke and Mt. Sabyinyo.
 The Exploration of Musanze Cave:
On the road to Gisenyi from Ruhengeri town, there is a semi-circular cave that is the home to hundreds of Bats. If you have a free afternoon, it is worthwhile visiting the cave.
The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo:
These two lakes are not far from Volcanoes national park, and they provide fabulous views and scenery of the Volcanoes Mountains, and the serene twin lakes.
The Gisenyi town/ Lake Kivu:
After the strenuous gorilla-tracking ordeal, the nearby Gisenyi town (68 Km from Ruhengeri town) comes in handy as a place for resting, relaxing, and recuperation.
There are facilities for swimming in the Bilharzias-free waters of Lake Kivu; sunbathing on its beaches, or take motorboat excursion trips on the relatively calm waters of the lake.
Nice places to spent the night are:
|
