Birding Tours in Volcanoes National Park
Birding Tour in Volcanoes National Park: Bird tours in Volcanoes National Park is one of the interesting activities enjoyed during Rwanda gorilla safaris and gives visitors an insight to the rich fauna in the popular lush rain forest of Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern region of this little East and Central African country, is home to approximately 180 remarkable bird species. This 160 square kilometer national park is well-known for gorilla trekking, but it has more to offer than only the endangered Mountain gorillas, and the birds are one of its most magnificent attractions. Thirteen of the total bird species found in this Park are native to the Albertine Rift, while 16 are endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
Notable Bird Species spotted during Birding Tours in Volcanoes National Park.
Expect to witness the lovely francolin, weird weavers, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sun birds, Archer’s ground robin, Collared Apalis, Red-faced woodland warblers, and Dusky Crimson wing among others when you visit Volcanoes National Park for bird watching.
Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park, like other activities, begins in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters before traveling into the bush to find some of the Park’s residents. You’re likely to observe buffaloes, bushbucks, primates, and butterflies when looking for bird species in the national park.
What to pack for your birding tours in Volcanoes National Park?
A pair of binoculars for spotting small and distant species, a good camera with a good lens and enough memory, a guidebook, bird journal, long trousers and long sleeved shirts to protect your hands from being scratched, a hat, sunglasses, closed shoes, cotton socks, a rain jacket because you can’t predict the rains, a backpack for carrying the items you will need during bird watching, energy snacks and a first aid kit to mention but a few.
What is the best time for birding tours in Volcanoes National Park?
Although Volcanoes National Park is frequently enveloped with mist and forest paths are wet, muddy, and treacherous during the rainy season in the months of March, April, May, October, and November, the ideal time for bird viewing is all year. The wet season, particularly between April and November, is good for seeing migrating birds.
Where to stay during birding tours in Volcanoes National Park?
There are numerous places you can stay during bird watching in Volcanoes National Park but some of the popular ones are Bisate Lodge, Volcano Manor, Bishop’s house, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Resort Inn & Spa Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Le Palme Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Fatima Hotel, Virunga Lodge, One & Only Gorillas’ Nest, Amakoro Songa Lodge and Gorilla Solution Lodge among others.
Other Activities to combine with birding tours in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park is one of only four national parks in the world that is home to mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is the principal activity that draws so many visitors to this stunning location. Because mountain gorillas are endangered, seeing them in their natural habitat is extremely satisfying and produces lifelong memories.
Mountain gorillas may be found in three nations across the world: Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Mountain gorillas may only be seen in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which has 12 habituated gorilla groups available for trekking. Agasha, Amahoro, Umubano, Ugenda, Susa, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Karisimbi, and other habituated gorilla families may be found at Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park begins at 7 a.m. with a briefing at Kinigi park headquarters, after which tourists are allocated to a gorilla family and begin a guided trip in search of the gorillas. Trekking can take 2-5 hours depending on the family being monitored and the participants’ walking speed. When they discover gorillas, guests get to spend an hour with them, studying their activities, learning about them, and taking photographs.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
The Dian Fossey tomb hike takes between 1 and 3 hours to complete, depending on your level of fitness. Proper hiking shoes are required because the pathways are usually quite muddy and slippery because it rains most of the time. Trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are also essential for protection from stinging nettles and prickly plants.
Golden Monkey
The national park is one of only two national parks in East Africa where golden monkey tracking is possible; the other being Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is situated in the southwestern part of the country. Golden monkeys are a rare and endangered species of monkey. Golden monkey tracking is less arduous than gorilla tracking since the monkeys’ forage on the lower slopes of the mountain, which are easily accessible. It may be combined with gorilla trekking and is less expensive, with the permit costing USD 100.
Ibyi’ wacu Village Tour
If you want to go on a Rwanda cultural trip adventure, you could go to Ibyi’wacu village, which is located close Volcanoes National Park. It’s always interesting to learn about Rwandan culture and how they live, as well as their history.
Mountain Climbing/Hiking
Lake Ngezi, a picturesque tiny lake hidden in a volcanic depression at the foot of Mount Bisoke, is the shortest climb. It takes around three hours in total and is quite easy travelling, with the prospect of sighting wildlife and gazing across to the Congolese woods along the route.
A crater lake awaits those who choose to climb Mount Bisoke, which stands at 3,700m. This trek might take anywhere from five to a full day to complete. Mount Karisimbi, which translates as “white shell,” refers to the white-capped cloud cover that regularly covers the top. At 4,507m, it is a tough but rewarding two-day trek with camping along the route. Because this is gorilla, ape, and bird habitat, trekkers may be rewarded with a fortuitous encounter along the way.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda, approximately 105 kilometers/2-3 hours’ drive from the capital city-Kigali, which also serves as the journey’s beginning point. This park may be accessible by both air and road travel, with the former offering scheduled flights or chartering a plane from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport and then driving to the park. Private and public transportation can take you to the park, however buses will stop in Musanze Town and you will need to rent a cab or a motorbike to go to the park headquarters.
