There are several interesting nearby places in the Virunga Region where the Volcanoes National Park lies. The Virunga Region hosts half of the remaining population of the world’s mountain gorillas. This region stretches through three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
National Parks
There are three gazetted national parks protecting the mountain gorillas and this is the same forest that stretches from Southern Uganda to the slopes of Mount Rwenzori in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Also referred to as Parc National des Virungas, this is the first place where gorilla tourism was started. Find information on gorilla tourism in the park, location – directions/map, history, weather conditions and more.Established in 1925, Virunga National Park is the Africa’s first national park. The national park stretches from the Virunga Mountains in the south, the Ruwenzori mountains in the north, the volcanoes national park in the eastern part of the Democratic republic of Congo and Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda.The national park covers a land area of 7,800-square-kilometre (3,000 sq. mi) and is a UNESCO designated world heritage site since 1979 when poaching and Congo civil wars had become serious threats to the wild life in the national park and was founded primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif that were controlled by the Belgian Congo. Later, Virunga was expanded north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains. - Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
Attractions in Musanze
- Musanze Caves
- The Gorilla Guardian Village (former Ibywachu Cultural Centre)
- Buhanga Sacred Forest
- Dian Fossey Museum
Nearby Towns
- Musanze Town
- Changugu
- Gisenyi
- Kisoro
Virunga Mountains
The Virunga Mountains also known as the Virunga Volcanoes are a series of eight volcanic mountains along the northern border of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This chain of volcanoes stretch from the Rwenzori Mountains to border of Uganda and Rwanda. Also known as the Mufumbiro Ranges, these volcanoes extend over about 50 miles (80 km) along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The range runs east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley in which lie Lakes Kivu and Edward.
Quick Facts
- Of the Virunga Volcanoes, Karisimbi is the highest rising to an elevation of 14,787 feet (4,507 metres).
- Two of the eight Virunga volcanoes are active i.e Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira while the remaining six are dormant.
- The Virunga Mountains protect mountain gorillas and these great apes only inhabit the ranges of the dormant volcanoes.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is another interesting attraction within the Virunga. Lying along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is one of the beautiful places to relax from.
This Lake Kivu is the sixth largest lake in Africa and because of its volcanic origin, the water is not ideal for hippos or crocodiles, which means it’s good to go for swimming. Tours around Lake Kivu are offered and a good number of lodges have been built on the shores of the lake in both Rwanda and Congo.
Tours to the islands of the lake are conducted in boats. You can also enjoying seeing the local fishermen catching tilapia, a delicacy you should taste.
Visoke Crater Lake
Visoke volcano is on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Visoke Volcano is located on the Democratic Republic of Congo / Rwanda border. An eruption in 1957 formed two small cones on the north flank, 11 km from the summit.
Visoke (12,175 ft./3,711 m, above sea level) has a beautiful crater lake and requires four hours of hiking, up a steep trail from the Visoke departure point, to reach the summit. The walk around the crater rim is highly recommended. Allow seven hours for the entire trip.<strong> Lake Ngezi </strong>(9,843 ft./3,000 m), a small, shallow crater lake, is the easiest hike in the park; it takes only three to four hours round-trip from the Visoke departure point.
Gorilla guardians Village
A visit to Gorilla Guardians Village promises a rich and immersive journey into Rwandan culture. Guests are welcomed with traditional warmth, treated to vibrant cultural performances, and encouraged to engage in interactive activities such as traditional dances and artisan demonstrations. The village provides insights into rural life, offers a taste of authentic Rwandan cuisine, and often integrates conservation and educational initiatives. With the opportunity to explore traditional huts, learn about local customs, and support artisans through souvenir shopping, a visit to gorilla guardians is a holistic and memorable experience that fosters a deep connection with Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Ibere rya Bigogwe – Cow Experiences
Explore the unique offerings at Bigogwe with their cow-centric experiences, where you can learn the art of milking, participate in the making of traditional ghee, stroll through lush green farms, engage in exciting cowboy-themed games, savor the flavors of local traditional cuisine, enjoy a rustic camping experience in the heart of farms, and embark on a hiking adventure to conquer the Ibere rya Bigogwe rock, with the added thrill of rock climbing.
Buhanga Eco-Park
This park is named after the first King of Rwanda. It is found in the sacred Buhanga forest where the Kings of Rwanda would be crowned after undergoing various ceremonies and rituals. The chosen king would be taken to the forest in a carriage all the way from the Royal palace in Nyanza. On reaching the forest, he would be showered in the spring water and then seek the blessings of the elders and gods. The facility has been redesigned with more trails to allow visitors explore all the caves, ditches and boulders. While on a guided tour, you can learn about the history and myths surrounding the place.
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus, situated adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, spans multiple acres and stands as an eco-friendly facility. This campus serves as a vital entry point to conservation for local communities, students, emerging scientists, and global tourists – the upcoming generation of conservationists. It boasts cutting-edge laboratories, educational classrooms, dormitories, and an interactive public exhibit narrating the tale of mountain gorilla conservation. The campus also houses artifacts from Dian Fossey’s era, including a faithfully recreated forest cabin, along with captivating exhibits like a 360-degree theater and a virtual reality experience, providing an engaging and immersive.
Lake Burera and Ruhondo
These two lakes are close to each other and are often referred to as the twin Lakes of Rwanda. They are located in an area with remarkable scenery, tranquility and at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. The lakes have a similar natural beauty as lake Bunyonyi, Mulehe and Mutanda in Uganda with great opportunities for birding.
Inshuti Art Gallery (and cafe)
This unique art gallery is home to incredible works by Rwandan artists and one of the best things to do in Musanze. Check out all the sculptures too. From a fork and spoon gorilla to an elephant with a hidden space inside, and (my favorite) a boat treehouse big enough for a whole crew, you’re bound to find something that amazes you. This is my top suggestion for things to do in Musanze. It’s such a cool spot.
Musanze Arts Studio Hub Adventure
This studio connects young and experienced artists together to provide mentorship opportunities for young artists. They also host workshops for kids. Beyond the cool space and artwork, the cafe has great tea and food with plans to expand to evening music events.
Musanze Caves
These caves are over 1 million years old. They were formed during the creation of the volcanoes in the area. Lava spewed out, flowed, cooled at the top and left molten rock moving underneath. The molten rock moving underneath left behind tunnels which are what we now call as the Musanze caves. The caves are a complex group of tunnels some stretching over 20 kilometers. These caves were used as shelter by the kings of Rwanda during war with neighboring tribes. To explore the Musanze caves, everyone is assigned a torch, helmet and gloves.