The Virunga Volcanoes are part of the afro-montane forests of the Albertine Rift, covering southwestern Uganda, western Rwanda and Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This region was once uniformly covered with forest, but demographic pressures in recent centuries have led to intensive deforestation- a process that accelerated to unsustainable levels in the 20th century. The region around the Virungas is one of the remnants of that original vast forestland.
Dr. Dian Fossey described the intensely beautiful mountain range on which she spent the las two decades of her studying Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Parc National des Volcans, situated in the far nothwest of Rwanda, home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen rainforest – the Virungas and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The lushly forested slopes of the Virungas form an appropriate dramatic natural setting for what is arguable the most poignant and memorable gorilla tracking experience to be had in the wilds Africa. The main base for gorilla tracking, Ruhengeri is an agreeable place to spend the night before tracking, from which one can explore the little known but compellingly lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
There are no more than 700 Mountain Gorillas remaining in the world today, of which around 400 live in the Virunga Volcanoes. In the past poaching and habitat destruction were the main cause for concern. However with publicity, tourism and education regarding the plight of the Mountain Gorilla, the authorities have been able to halt this rapid decline. There are few animals in Africa about which so many legends circulate. Their enormous size, extraordinary strength and the fact that they live in mysterious forests of luxuriant vegetation have contributed to his mystique.
The troop consists usually of a dominant male and up to five or more females and their young. It is basically a stable family with the young only leaving after they reach sexual maturity. Females join another group while young males remain solitary until they have an opportunity of forming their own troop. This primate is of impressive dimensions; some males (such as Guhonda the silverback of Sabinyo Group that you may visit) attain over six feet in height and weigh more than 440 pounds. The head is massive and the huge jaws are equipped with powerful teeth. Far from being an aggressive animal, as the legends claim, the gorilla is gentle and peaceful in its habits. It is only when threatened that he adopts an intimidating attitude in which he howls in a most frightful way and beats his chest with his fists.
Should visitors find themselves in a silverback’s presence at this moment, they will be advised to assume a submissive, non-threatening attitude. Once his confidence has been restored, the gorilla goes on about his business, accepting the intruder. They are very sociable animals, living in groups of three to thirty. Being sedentary, they are continually looking for food in a living space that is comparatively restricted. Gorillas are active only during the daytime and build nests in which they pass the night. The nests built in trees are occupied by the females and young ones, while the males seem to prefer nests on the ground. Their food consists mainly of leaves, buds, tubers and sorts of wild celery from the umbelliferous family
Most of the common activities at Volcanoes National Park include the following: Gorilla trekking, Hiking Karisimbi volcano (3,800 m), One day Mount Bisoke volcano hike, Visiting Dian Fossey Memoratorium, Visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.
Musanze Caves:
Rwanda’s caves date back 65 million years and lie withing the volcanic region where lava flow layers long ago created the Albertine Rift Valley. The caves offer easy hiking 2 kilometers in distance and have brilliant views of cascading lights from the surface, unique rock formations, and a colony of bats.
Buhanga Eco-Park:
Despite its small size, this serene forest packs a great deal of biological and cultural significance. Meditative trails cross through towering trees home to a variety of bird and butterfly species. The location is built on an ancient sacred site that was used for coronation rituals of Rwandan kings.
Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village:
Located just outside the national park, this living museum highlights aspects of traditional Rwanda society. Visitors can expect to be greeted by thunderous drumming, joyful dancing, and the kind of hospitality that has permeated Rwandan society for centuries. The village features hands-on activities related to the rituals and ways of life in the ancient Rwandan kingdom. Some of Iby’Iwacu’s presenters and performers were previous poachers who’ve now been able to make a new livelihood through this memorable, interactive stop designed for visitors of all ages. The village also offers extended trips into the countryside as well as overnight lodging that can be arranged in advance.
The “Parc National de Volcans” (or PNV as it’s known by locals) lies along the Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences. While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys.
PNV is also one of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters, where many non-profit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day.
Near the park, the bustling and vibrant markets of Musanze are a place to immerse yourself into everyday Rwandan culture. Go deep into the earth with Musanze’s caves – one of the area’s newest attractions.
East Africa Top Destinations, Where to go, What to do
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