Volcanoes National Park | National Parks in Rwanda
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL GUIDE, RWANDA
Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, Musanze District's Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of the magnificent mountain range - home of Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems.
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.
Location Of The Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcans, is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. This park is part of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes that spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Geographical Position of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park lies in the Virunga Mountains, which are part of the Albertine Rift, a branch of the East African Rift.
The park covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and includes five of the eight major volcanoes in the Virunga range: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
Borders and Accessibility to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
North: The park borders Uganda, specifically Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
West: It borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly Virunga National Park.
East and South: The park is surrounded by Rwandan communities and agricultural lands.
The park is conveniently located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, making it easily accessible by road. The drive from Kigali to the park takes approximately two hours.
Major Features of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes: The park is named after the series of dormant volcanoes that dominate its landscape. These include:
Mount Karisimbi: The highest volcano in the park, standing at 4,507 meters (14,787 feet).
Mount Bisoke: Known for its crater lake at the summit.
Mount Muhabura: A prominent peak that offers challenging hikes.
Mount Gahinga: Known for its bamboo forests.
Mount Sabyinyo: Famous for its rugged peaks and the point where the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet.
Flora and Fauna: The park is renowned for its biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The vegetation ranges from dense bamboo forests to open grasslands and swamps, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Historical Significance of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 as a small area intended to protect the mountain gorillas from poachers.
Volcanoes National Park was the first national park to be created in Africa. The park gained international fame through the work of American primatologist Dian Fossey, who conducted extensive research on the mountain gorillas and established the Karisoke Research Center between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
Volcanoes National Park is a significant conservation area and a major tourist attraction in Rwanda. The park’s strategic location in the Virunga Mountains, rich biodiversity, and historical importance make it a unique and valuable destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
