Exploring Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a game park set among eight ancient volcanoes that span the distance known as the Virguna Mountains. It’s a popular destination for travelers looking to track large populations of golden monkeys and mountain gorillas living in the region.

The volcanoes here are shared among the countries of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but it’s the former where you’ll find the largest wealth of experiences to be had. The breathtaking landscape is home to hundreds of hiking trails, nature treks and monkey trekking, while also serving as the home base for dozens of conservation groups who set up camp in the region. Whether you’re looking to explore the region or want to volunteer to save the ecosystem, there’s something for every traveler.

Gorilla and golden monkey tracking is the most popular reason for travelers to visit the area, and well worth the trip, but you can also spend days discovering the Buhanga EcoPark or the wind your way through the lava flows of the Musanze Caves. Don’t worry, they’re rock solid after 65 million years of forming the landscape. Right outside of the park you can also explore the Iby’lwacu Cultural Village, a living museum that highlights traditional Rwandan society through dance rituals, music and other lively performances.

If you’ve got time, it’s well worth it to take a cruise along the Twin Lakes of Burera, followed by a trek to the stunning Russumo Falls. Many of the region’s indigenous birds can be found here, including the long-crested eagle, African marsh harrier, pink-backed pelican and grey-throated tit.

Exploring all of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park would probably take weeks and is certainly a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.