There are several things to see in Volcanoes National Park. From the rare mountain gorillas to scenic lakes and rivers there is a lot to see in the park and the Musanze area. Here are the major attractions within the park;
Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park hosts almost half of the endangered mountain gorillas found in the Virunga Region. These great apes are categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Tourists can take gorilla visits daily within the park and there are several habituated gorilla groups that are visited.
Caves
The area is home to numerous caves, a number of cultural and community tourism initiatives, as well as being an excellent location for bird watching.
Golden Monkeys
Other than gorillas and golden monkeys, primates are not well represented as compared to other forested areas in Rwanda and Western Uganda. There are no exact details about the current standing of large mammals available, although an estimation of more than 70 species have been recorded in the Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, most of which are commonly found in the bigger Rwanda part of the Virungas. Elephants as well as buffaloes are still quite uncommon; basing on the sum of spoor met on forest paths, although is very shy and rarely observed.
Other Animals within the Park
Also present are huge forest hogs, spotted hyenas, bush pigs, black-fronted duikers and bushbucks, in addition to a numerous species of small predators. Latest extinctions, most caused as a result of deforestation, include the leopard and the yellow-backed duiker. Rwanda Volcanoes National Park brought a collection of about 180 bird species in 1980. The Grauer’s rush warbler a vulnerable local bird species living in the swamp, and at least sixteen Albertine Rift endemic are also present, among which are the handsome francolin, Archer’s ground robin, dusky crimson-wing, Rwenzori turaco, red-faced woodland warbler , Rwenzori double collared sunbird, collared apalis, Rwenzori batis and the strange weaver.
The Twin Lakes
The twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo are some of the attractions not to miss on your visit to the Volcanoes National Park. These lakes have stunning scenery and are good for birding.
The people living around Rwanda’s many lakes try to make a living out of what these lakes have to offer. There is a local community group who use traditional fishing methods at the twin Lakes. The work is carried out either from the lake shore or from self-made traditional canoes that consist of a single piece of wood.
Visit an island where you will get a boat or dug out canoe ride to the respective island in lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Enjoy the nice scenery and excellent birding opportunities. Bring packed lunch and have picnic on the island. Discover nature in traditional canoes, enjoy the breathtaking landscape, wetland habitat and water birds.
Lake Karago
This is a beautiful lake located between Lake Rubavu and Musanze Districts.
Lake Nyarakigugu
This is a magnificient lake with good fishing and birding opportunities.