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Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is a stop centre for all Rwanda gorilla safaris sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area.
Introducing Volcanoes National Park
Spanning on a 160 sqkm area in the northern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes national park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region spanning to cover Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the Mountain gorillas which were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching. There are about 10 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that are visited by tourists everyday.
Experience the Volcanoes National Park
Wildlife 
Birdlife
Wildlife at the Volcanoes National Park
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. In addition to mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), Volcanoes national park is home to golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), buffaloes (Syncerus caffer), elephants, black-fronted duiker (Cephalophus niger), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). The park also harbors 178 bird species including at least 29 endemics to Rwenzori mountains and the Virungas.
Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption.
Birdlife at the Volcanoes National Park
Birding in Volcanoes National Park offers birders a remarkable opportunity to look out for some of the interesting birds in Rwanda. With over 200 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is amazingly a destination worthy visiting not only for mountain gorilla trekking but also for enthusiastic birders to go birding. The park protects 17 Albertine rift endemic species and local specialties, especially the scarlet tufted sunbirds and grauer’s swamp warblers. Bird watching is perfectly done with lead of an experienced park guide. There is even possibility of combining other experiences including mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.
There are over 290 species of birds that are protected in the Virunga Region. These include 17 of the total 25 Albertine Rift endemics, three globally threatened bird species such as the Kivu ground thrush, Lagden’s bush-shrike as well as the African green broadbill.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place throughout the year though the dry season is preferably the best time to visit the park. Here is the full guide on when to visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s weather, seasons, what to carry for your trip, among others. The best time to travel to Rwanda is during the drier seasons, periods between December to early March and June to September. December to March is a long dry season for Rwanda, with temperatures going up to 29 degrees Celsius for some days while the months of March – Mid May, July to September, on the other hand, are regarded as the rainy in the country.
Overall Rwanda has a good whether throughout the year but the dry season is more preferable. The weather is generally good in addition wildlife viewing is also more common during this time. For tourists interested in visiting gorillas – this is also the best time for gorilla tours since there is a minimal chance of rain during the trek and a good hiking terrain in the rainforest.
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