Buhanga Forest Hike

Buhanga Forest Hike – Volcanoes National Park

Buhanga Forest Hike: The Buhanga Eco Park, which covers 31 hectors of land, is one of the wonderful Rwanda Safari locations that surround Volcanoes National Park. Buhanga Eco Park is located in the community of Nyakinama, approximately 8 kilometers west of Musanze town, and its significance stems not from its gorgeous flora but from the cultural tradition linked with it.

Buhanga is a Kinyarwanda term that literally translates as “creation,” and legend has it that Rwanda’s origin began here. The first King of Rwanda, Gihanga, is said to have founded the Kingdom of Rwanda from this location. As a result, prior to the monarchy’s demise, all of Rwanda’s Kings used to perform ceremonies in this forest, making it a hallowed site and a source of terror among the residents.

Because of the holy nature of this forest, it has remained intact despite when the destination Rwanda is facing significant levels of land fragmentation and shortage. Buhanga Forest appears to be dominated by a large number of drago and ficus trees, which combine to provide a very lush canopy beneath which Rwanda Wildlife Safari visitors may wander in peace. The guided woodland walk in Buhanga takes place on paths built of lave stones.

Buhanga Eco Park in Volcanoes National Park has a cave where Rwandan kings’ coronation rites used to take place. It is an incredible location that is crucial to ancient Rwandan rituals since the Kings of Rwanda would move from the southern territories of Nyanza and Butare to Buhanga for coronation. The woodland also contains another cave where the Kings would bathe for cleaning before being crowned Kings, popularly known as ‘Umwami.’

Following the mandatory ceremonial bath, the King would be covered with regal oil and escorted to the lava rock that served as the conference platform to receive the instruments of power presided over by the Advisory council of the kingdom, elders, clan leaders, and royal sorcerers. According to legend, the King obtained significant benefits from this location as well as the protection of the gods over the Kingdom.

Buhanga woodland also includes a spectacular natural spring of water called Gihanda, named for the first King of Rwandan Monarchy. It should be mentioned that the waters utilized for the ceremonial bath are sourced from this spring. According to folklore, a local leader once ordered his soldiers to drain the noted spring, but it was already running again by night-time. The next day, the chief’s home was besieged by large snakes for seven days until the chief and his entire family died.

The Buhanga forest hike in Buhanga Eco Park introduces visitors to amazing trees such as the ‘Inyabutatu ya Rwanda,’ roughly translated as the Unity Tree, which seems to be three trees in one. According to local tradition, the tree depicts Rwanda’s three ethnic tribes, notably the Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa. Umusando, Igihondohondo, and Ibigabiro are some of the other trees, some of which are over 300 years old. The Buhanga Sacred Walk also exposes visitors to approximately 150 different bird species. The Buhanga Eco Park hike costs $40 and is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What can you combine your Buhanga Forest Hike with?

Volcanoes national park in Rwanda offers visitors a range of activities which you can combine with your Buhanga forest hike. Here are some of the activities that you might want to consider;

Gorilla Trekking

One of the attractions of a Rwanda safari is gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans. Tourists can follow mountain gorillas in the national park for a cost of USD 1500. Gorilla trekking may be done at any time of year depending on when people book; however, the ideal time to hike gorillas is between June and September, which is peak season. All tourists wishing to hike must get a gorilla trekking permit, and trekking is only permitted for people aged 18 and over. Tracking activities begin at 7 a.m. at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi, so visitors should be on time. For additional information on this activity, please check the link Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Trekking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is a thrilling and challenging adventure. Tourists may see two habituated groups of Golden monkeys in the national park. Both of these groups have 80 members, and monitoring activities begin at 7 a.m. Permits for golden monkey trekking cost USD 100 and are valid across Rwanda and Uganda.

Mountain Climbing

Hiking adventures on the Mountains Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, or Gahinga are part of this activity. Tourists on a trekking excursion to Mount Karisimbi can see birds, animals like as mountain gorillas and forest elephants, and bug species. While trekking Mount Bisoke, visitors may see sights such as Crater Lake on the mountain’s peak. Hiking in Volcanoes National Park costs between $75 and $100 per person.

Hike to Karisoke Research Centre & Dian Fossey Gravesite.

Visitors to Volcanoes National Park may enjoy a trek to Dian Fossey‘s mausoleum as well as a visit to the Karisoke Research Centre, all of which are located inside the park. For further details, please see our Dian Fossey article. This activity costs $100 USD per person.

Ibyi’wacu Community Tour.

It is impossible to visit Volcanoes National Park without also seeing the surrounding settlements. Tourists on cultural tours may visit Ibyi’wacu community village, where they can engage with the locals, be entertained by the local intore dance troupe, and roam about the hamlet.

Other activities offered in Volcanoes national park include birding and visiting Musanze caves. Contact our team of expert tour consultants for bookings.