Overview
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda close to Musanze town at 160km2. Established in 1925; Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest parks in Africa and is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, home to some of the most iconic volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain range. The park was established as Albert National Park, named after King Albert I of Belgium, and was created to protect the mountain gorillas from poaching and encroachment in 1925 making it one of the first national parks in Africa. In 1929, the park was extended into the Belgian Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo), covering an extensive area of the Virunga Mountains. The park was later divided following the independence of Rwanda and Congo in the 1960s. The Rwandan section became known as Volcanoes National Park, while the Congolese portion was named Virunga National Park.
The mountains support a wide range of biodiversity, including rare plant species, birdlife, and other wildlife. The varying altitudes create different ecological zones, from montane forests to bamboo zones and afro-alpine zones near the summits. The park boasts diverse vegetation types that vary with altitude and topography. The park has bamboo forests covering about 30% of the park which is crucial for the mountain gorillas, African redwood, sub-alpine, and alpine zones.
Much as the park is known for the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, it also home to a wide variety of other species including mammals like buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, hyenas, civet cats, leopards, golden cats, duikers, serval cats and birds like Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori Apalis, dusky Crimsonwing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, handsome francolin, strange weavers, Rwenzori turaco and many more making the landscape very ideal and stunning for this various avian life and animals.
Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight volcanoes in Virunga which are Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, and is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife with Mountains Nyamuragira, Mikeno, and Nyiragongo to complete the eight. These mountains form a dramatic and rugged backdrop to Volcanoes National Park, contributing to its status as one of the most beautiful and ecologically important regions in Africa.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in the Virunga mountain range and the tallest volcano in Rwanda at 4,507 meters above sea level. The mountain is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a prominent feature of the landscape known for its climbing, stunning views, and rich biodiversity.
The name Karisimbi is derived from the Kinyarwanda word amasimbi meaning white shell, which refers to the occasional snow that caps the summit during the dry season even though it is located near the equator as the peak sometimes experiences snow due to its high altitude. The hike to the peak takes 2days as it is strenuous due to the steep ascent, altitude, and varying weather conditions with steep and muddy paths sometimes.
The mountain is covered in diverse vegetation, plants, birds, and mammals including the beautiful mountain gorillas which also be encountered on the lower slopes as the higher altitudes are not a primary habitat for the gorillas. Mount Karisimbi stands as a symbol of Rwanda’s natural beauty and ecological significance, offering both a physical challenge and a deeply enriching experience for those who venture to its summit.
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke also known as Mount Visoke standing at 3,711 meters above sea level, is an active stratovolcano located in the Virunga Mountain range between the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name Bisoke is derived from local languages however the exact translation is unclear and is one of the more accessible and popular volcanoes to hike in the region with a beautiful crater lake for a highlight at the summit.
The hike to the peak is about 6-7 hours with regards to the weather conditions with steep sections and varying terrain, including dense forests, muddy paths, and open moorlands making it moderately challenging. The mountain is classified as an active volcano though the last known eruption was in 1957 which created the Crater Lake.
Mount Bisoke is covered in rich vegetation including dense montane forests, bamboo zones, and afro-alpine moorlands making it home to various species of wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and a diverse range of avian life like collared apalis, Rwenzori turaco, African fish eagle, strange weaver, barbets and more. The combination of its scenic views, unique Crater Lake, and rich wildlife makes it one of the most popular hikes in the region.
Mount Muhabura (Muhavura)
Mount Muhabura also known as Mount Muhavura is one of the prominent volcanoes straddling between the border of Rwanda and Uganda and is often called The Guide, by the locals which has served as a landmark or guide for travelers. It is the third-highest peak in the Virunga range as it stands at 4,127 meters above sea level and is known for its striking, conical shape and the panoramic views it offers from its summit.
The slopes of Mount Muhabura are rich in biodiversity, including various species of plants, birds, and other wildlife. The lower slopes are covered in dense bamboo forests, which are home to golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, hyenas, duikers, monkeys, and other wildlife with birds like sunbirds, dusky turtle doves, olive woodpeckers, Rwenzori batis, flycatchers, pigeons and more. Hiking Muhabura can be challenging due to the steep slopes and high altitudes making it perfect for experienced hikers as the reward is magnificent. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, offering a unique ecological experience as the mountain is a remarkable experience for travelers and nature enthusiasts.
Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is located at the Tripoint of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at 3,634 meters above sea level. It is one of the most distinctive and culturally significant volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain range as holds a unique distinction of marking the intersection of the three countries which also makes it a popular destination for adventurous hikers.
The name Sabyinyo comes from the local Kinyarwanda language meaning Old Man’s Teeth; a reference to the mountain’s jagged peaks, which resemble worn-down teeth. This name reflects the mountain’s rugged and eroded summit, which stands in contrast to the smoother cones of other volcanoes in the Virunga range. This makes the hike to the summit one of the most challenging in the Virunga range taking between 8-10hours due to the steep and muddy trails on top of the rugged peaks. The summit of Mount Sabyinyo is particularly special because it marks the point where the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet hence a hiker can be in all three countries at once with panoramic views to enjoy and appreciate.
The slopes of Mount Sabyinyo are covered in dense vegetation ranging from bamboo forests to montane and sub-alpine zones making a suitable habitat for various wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and bird species like crowned hornbill, bush shrike, sunbirds, cisticolas, bee-eaters and many more.
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga is one of the smaller volcanoes in the range at 3,474meters above sea level and is positioned between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo; located at the border between Rwanda and Uganda within Mgahinga and Volcanoes national parks. The name Gahinga means a small pile of stones in the local language, which reflects the volcanic activity that formed the mountain and is also indicative of the smaller size of Mount Gahinga compared to its neighboring peaks.
The hike up Mount Gahinga is less strenuous compared to the other Virunga volcanoes as it typically takes 6 hours for a round trip making it a good option for those looking for a more moderate trek. The summit of Mount Gahinga features a shallow crater, which is often filled with water, forming a small swamp or lake and views of the surrounding volcanoes and the lush landscapes below.
The mountain is covered in bamboo forests which are a major habitat for the endangered golden monkeys and a variety of avian life including cape robin-chat, blue-headed coucal, black kite, speckled mousebird, dusky crimsonwing, bee-eaters, olive pigeons, and more. There are cultural trails around Mount Gahinga that highlight the traditions and way of life of the Batwa people, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s human history alongside its natural wonders as they were the original forest people before the establishment of the national parks.