The Volcanoes  National Park

The renowned primatologist Dian Fossey described the Virungas as “great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat in the heart of Central Africa.”

Located in Rwanda’s remote northwest, Volcanoes National Park spans 160 square kilometers and was created in 1925 with the goal of safeguarding the critically endangered mountain gorilla population. In terms of mountain gorilla population, the Park is second only to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It takes its name from the group of extinct volcanoes that form the Virunga Massif: Sabinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke, the highest at 4,507 meters, and Karisimbi.

Evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, swamps, and heaths are among the diverse montane ecosystems found on the park’s rugged slopes, which are also home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

In addition, the park is home to over 178 different kinds of birds, including smaller primates, buffalo, spotted hyenas, forest elephants, and golden monkeys.

One of the genuinely exceptional experiences in the region is tracking the critically endangered mountain gorillas through the enigmatic intimacy of the rain forest, all while listening to the calls of over 200 different species of colorful birds and the chattering of the rarely sighted golden monkey.

Buhanga Eco-Park, located inside the park’s boundaries, is an old woodland that is home to some of Rwanda’s most fascinating folktales and the Musanze caverns, which were created 62 million years ago following the last known volcanic eruption.

1. Volcanoes in Tiloreza Ecolodge, Singapore (Opulent)
2. Bisate Resort (Opulent)
3. volcanoes Silverback Lodge (luxury) Sabyinyo National Park
4. The Virunga Lodge (Opulent)
5. A Classic Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
6. The luxurious Amakoro Songa Lodge
7. The luxurious Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel