Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park are diverse and they are the leading attractions tourists on Rwanda safari come to explore. The park’s wildlife consists of distinct floral and faunal species that co-exist in its varied habitats. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the oldest parks in Africa, founded 1925 primarily to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
Today, the 160sq.kms protected area shelters several other wildlife which tourists on Rwanda safari enjoy great sight besides a section of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas that thrive here and make it one of the leading gorilla trekking safari parks. Mountain gorillas (gorilla beringei beringei) share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives. They exist only in 3 African states; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Volcanoes National Park currently has 10 habituated mountain gorillas; Ugenda, Hirwa, Umubano, Agashya (Group 13), Amahoro, Karisimbi (Susa B), Sabyinyo, Susa A, Bwenge and Kwitonda. At $1500 per gorilla permit, tourists on Rwanda safari can have opportunity to trek anyone of these gorilla families.
In addition to mountain gorillas, other wildlife in Volcanoes National Park to expect to enjoy good sight on Rwanda safari holiday include golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis Kandti). These exist in Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda and the Virunga National Park in Eastern DRC. They thrive mostly around the bamboo forest at elevation of about 3000m and in Volcanoes National Park, there are 2 habituated troops presently available for golden monkey tracking.
Volcanoes National Park also shelters duikers, bushbucks, forest elephants, bush pigs, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Some of these can easily be spotted on Rwanda gorilla safari or golden monkey tracking tour.
Birds in Volcanoes National Park
Over 200 bird species exist in Volcanoes National Park with the largest population comprising of Albertine rift endemic species. Visitor wildlife safari experience in Volcanoes National Park also includes bird sighting and some of the amazing birds to expect to keep an eye on include; the dusky crimson-wing, paradise flycatcher, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, grauer’s rush warblers, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, strange weavers, red faced woodland warbler, handsome francolin, African marsh harrier, grey throated tit, archer’s ground robin and many more.
Flora/vegetation in Volcanoes National Park
30% of Volcanoes National Park’s vegetation cover largely consists of bamboo forest (at elevation of 2500-3200m). Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys dwell mostly around the bamboo. There is also hagenia-hypericum forest, ferns, giant lobelia, swamps, thickets, grassland, lichen, shrubs and many more. Each vegetation zone in Volcanoes National Park plays a significant role; first source of food for the inhabited wildlife in Volcanoes National Park and also as their habitat.
When to visit Volcanoes National Park
The dry season is considerably the best time to go for Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park to enjoy amazing wildlife experiences. This season is characterized by low rain-fall, relatively dry trails/wildlife habitat making it the best especially if you are interested in gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking or nature walks in Volcanoes National Park.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
There are numerous most comfortable places to stay while on wildlife safari in and around Volcanoes National Park. They include Muhabura Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, La Palme Hotel, Garr Hotel and many more.
How to access Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is in Northwestern Rwanda, accessible about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali capital and 3-4 hours’ drive from Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.