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Experiences

What to do in Volcanoes

Volcanoes is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking, so there are no prizes for guessing what you’ll be getting up to. There are several habituated gorilla families in the forest so it’s (slightly) easier to gauge trekking times, but there’s still no guarantee how long you may need to walk for. Pack those comfy boots! Treks depart with the sparrows, are led by seasoned guides and scouts, and will take you through the juicy, green forests of the lower volcanoes. After you first lay eyes on your gorillas, you’ll spend an hour with them before heading back. Aside from the furry star attraction, there’s a good selection of activities in Volcanoes making a longer stay attractive. If you’re keen to dig deeper into the forest and all its inhabitants, try trekking with endangered golden monkeys or hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and seeing what you can spot along the way. Possibilities include lots of monkeys, gorgeous flora, and small antelope. We also recommend taking a walk into the local villages and meeting the communities, and exploring the crater lakes, time allowing.

Spot mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

It's one of life's greatest joys to tread through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, hear a hushed, "there they are", and see the surreal figure of a fully-grown mountain gorilla for the first time. You will leave in the early hours and be led by your seasoned guide through the jungle that covers the volcano foothills. After walking for up to four hours (directed by the findings of a scout), you will spend an magical hour watching the antics of these mysterious creatures. See the fascinating family dynamics, youngsters at play and the comical grooming process. The gorillas can be up to three times the size of an average man yet are still remarkably tolerant of human visitors. The best time to go is the dry season (June - Sep). Known as one of Africa's most beautiful rainforests, it is home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population (300) and it's one of the best places to see them in the wild. And every cent goes back into protecting them and their home!
Spot mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Find the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

Journey into the verdant forests of Volcanoes National Park, one of the only places in the world where endangered golden monkeys are found - and you are able to get as close. You'll make tracks in the early morning to follow your seasoned guide on a trekking adventure to find these fascinating and animated primates. There are two habituated troops, the largest of which has between 80 and 100 monkeys, which can be found at the foot of soaring Mount Sabyinyo. You'll spend an hour there and be fully immersed in their world, surrounded by the bronze-backed primates as they scamper through the undergrowth, leap through the bamboo branches and investigate their guests (that's you!). It's also less strenuous compared to other activities in the area thanks to the relatively flat terrain and length of treks (it can take as little as 30 minutes to locate the troop).
Find the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

Meet the locals in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking may be Volcanoes' claim to fame, but for a more leisurely glimpse into the area, join your guide for a walk through the local village. Leave your lodge for a scenic stroll through the fields and farms, before stopping to peruse the marketplaces where you could pick up colourful baskets, hand-made souvenirs or local delicacies. Enjoy the chance to meet and speak with members of the community, who may share their story with you, try your hand at grinding sorghum in a local home or get to know the rhythm of Rwanda with a few moments of song and dance.
Meet the locals in Volcanoes National Park

Hike to a piece of history - Diane Fossey's grave

In the location of the real-life Gorillas in the Mist, spend a poignant morning trekking to the resting place of Dian Fossey and the ruins of her research centre. Led by your experienced guide, this hike pays homage to a pioneer of gorilla discovery and conservation. As you trek through miles of craggy trails and forested foothills - the smoky silhouettes of far-off volcanoes as your constant view, learn how Fossey forged the relationship between humans and apes, chronicled their lives and social habits, and worked to preserve their future. Hidden away between the Bisoke and Karisambi volcanoes, and sitting at 3000 m above sea level, you'll visit the grave site of Fossey's favourite gorillas laid beside her own, which refers to her locally-given name, Nyiramachabelli - 'the woman who lives alone in the mountains'. For the easiest conditions, the best time to visit is the dry season, between June and September.
Hike to a piece of history - Diane Fossey's grave

Hike around the crater lakes of Mount Bisoke

Out of the five towering massifs in Volcanoes National Park, Mount Bisoke lures you on a hike to the top with its glistening crater lakes. Depart in the early morning mist to trek through the leafy forest, perhaps even spotting elephant, buffalo and golden monkey along the way. You can make a pit stop at the midway lake, but the real drawcard is the lake at Mount Bisoke's summit, where the views of its neighbouring volcanoes are enchanting and a picnic on the shore is just what's needed. The terrain is not terribly demanding but with a height of 3700 m, the hike still needs a good level of fitness. The weather also determines how long you stay at the lake and rainy season brings muddy trails, so the dry months of June to September are your best bet.
Hike around the crater lakes of Mount Bisoke

More experiences

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund

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