Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda (Things to see)

Tourist Attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The major attractions include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, mountain hiking, and touring the twin lakes.

Mount Karisimbi

With a name derived from the Kinyarwanda word ‘amasimbi’ loosely translated to mean ‘white shell’, Mount Karisimbi rises about 4507m above sea level. Not only is it the highest of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga region, but also boasts to be the fifth highest in Africa. Her magnificence rises from the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo over to Mikeno in the North, Bisoke in the East, and Nyiragongo in the west. Mount Karisimbi is no doubt an ideal hiking location at the park.

Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke Hiking

Lying along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Bisoke is another dormant volcano in the Virunga ranges. With an elevation of 3711m high, Mount Bisoke is home to a variety of wildlife including but not limited to; Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, Buffaloes, and plenty of bird species.

Dian Fossey grave site

Dian Fossey Grave Hike

“There was no way that I could explain to dogs, friends, or parents my compelling need to return to Africa to launch a long-term study of the gorillas. Some may call it destiny and others may call it dismaying. I call the sudden turn of events in my life fortuitous.” Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and anthropologist who committed her life to the conservation of the Mountain Gorilla by conducting an 18-year comprehensive study about the fateful ape. She founded the Karisoke research center in 1967 and anti-poaching campaigns with her staff to protect the mountain gorillas.

Unfortunately, Dian was murdered in 1985 in her tent at her research institute by unknown murders in the early morning of 27th December 1985. Fossey is buried at Karisoke, in a site that she herself had constructed for her deceased gorilla friends. Hike the Dian Fossey grave site and Pay tribute to her great work of protecting the Volcanoes mountain gorillas.

Musanze caves

Explore the Musanze Caves

In the heart of Volcanoes National Park lies Musanze caves, a beautiful spectacle in the twilight hours of the day after tracking gorillas. The caves have a dark interior which illustrates a picture of a house with several rooms and corridors. For easier movement, the floor is paved with some stairs to ease accessibility. Musanze caves are therefore a good add-on for geologists and all nature lovers on a Rwandan safari.

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo

Lying at the base of Muhabura volcano close to the border of Uganda and Rwanda, are the famously known twin lakes; Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Separated by a 1km stride of land, the lakes are excellently photographic and ideal for bird watching. Enjoy the sight and breathtaking views of the Virunga mountains, heavily terraced slopes as well as a tall waterfall with outlines in the volcanoes.