Volcanoes National Park

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“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.”

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.

Tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area.

Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption.

Volcanoes National Park is a national park in northwestern Rwanda.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is Volcanoes National Park Rwanda important?

The Volcanoes National park has been made famous because of the endangered mountain gorillas but the mountainous landscape, green forests, lakes, rivers and a sizeable population of other wildlife also makes the park stand out. Four major volcanoes can be found in the Volcanoes National Park.

How many gorillas are in Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is home to 340 of the earth’s 780 Mountain Gorillas remaining in the wild.

Where is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The national park shares borders with Mgaahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park only encompasses an area of 62 square miles (160 sq km).

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