About

How to get there?

There are a few ways to get to Volcanoes National Park. The most common way is to fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, and then take a bus or taxi to the park. The drive from Kigali to the park is about three hours.

Alternatively, you can take a flight directly to the nearby Musanze Airport, which is just a short drive from the park. You can also reach the park by car from other cities in Rwanda, such as Gisenyi or Butare.

About the weather

The weather in Volcanoes National Park is quite variable. The park is located at a high elevation, so the weather can be quite cool and wet. The average temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), and the park receives a lot of rainfall, especially during the rainy season from March to May. However, the weather can change rapidly, so it's best to be prepared for anything.

Medical matters that affect your visit.

Here are some more medical matters to be aware of before visiting Volcanoes National Park:

Yellow Fever

Although the risk of yellow fever is low in the park, it's still a good idea to get a yellow fever vaccination if you're visiting from a country where the disease is common.

Malaria

As mentioned before, there is a risk of malaria in the park. It's important to take precautions like using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a real concern when visiting Volcanoes National Park. The park is located at a high elevation, and the symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.

It's important to take it easy when you first arrive in the park, and give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude. If you start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, it's best to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms persist, it's important to seek medical attention.

Other Diseases

There is also a risk of diseases like typhoid, cholera, and meningitis. Again, it's important to make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations before visiting the park.

Additionally, be sure to wash your hands frequently, drink bottled water, and avoid eating undercooked food. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from these diseases.

Cultural etiquettes at Volcanoes National Park

There are some specific cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting the Volcanoes National Park. First and foremost, it is important to dress modestly. Men should wear long pants and women should wear skirts or dresses that cover their knees.

In addition, visitors should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing. Secondly, it is customary to greet people with a handshake. Women should wait for a man to offer his hand before shaking it, and men should not offer to shake a woman's hand unless she extends hers first.

When greeting someone, it is also important to maintain eye contact and give a small bow of the head as a sign of respect. Additionally, it is considered polite to refer to someone by their title, such as Mr., Mrs., or Dr., followed by their surname.

Finally, it is important to show respect for the environment and the wildlife in the park. Visitors should stay on designated trails and refrain from littering. By following these cultural etiquettes, you can ensure that your visit to the Volcanoes National Park is enjoyable and respectful.

Dress Code At The Volcanoes National Park

When visiting Volcanoes National Park, it's important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. Women should avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, or low-cut tops. Men should avoid wearing tank tops or shorts that are too short.

It's also a good idea to avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or revealing. In addition, it's important to dress appropriately for the climate. Layered clothing is recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable. Lastly, it's a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Language and communication at Volcanoes National Park

The Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination in Rwanda, and visitors will find that communication is relatively easy, as the official language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda. However, most of the people who work in the park speak English and some also speak French.

In addition, many of the local guides are trained in both Kinyarwanda and English, making it easy to communicate with them. In addition to spoken language, it is also important to be aware of the use of body language and facial expressions when communicating with the locals.

Safety at Volcanoes National Park

Safety is a priority at the Volcanoes National Park, and there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it is important to stay on designated trails at all times. Not only is this for the safety of visitors, but it also helps to protect the delicate ecosystem of the park.

Secondly, it is important to be aware of the risks of encountering wildlife. While the park is home to a number of endangered species, including mountain gorillas, they can be dangerous if provoked. It is important to follow the instructions of the park rangers and to never approach or touch the animals.

Vital information on money matters.

Money matters are pretty straightforward in Volcanoes National Park. The local currency is the Rwandan franc, and most major currencies can be exchanged at the park headquarters or in nearby towns. Most businesses in the park accept US dollars, euros, and British pounds.

However, it's a good idea to have some Rwandan francs on hand for small transactions. Credit cards are also widely accepted in the park. ATMs are available in some nearby towns, but they may not always be reliable.

Fun Things To Do at Volcanoes National Park

There are many fun things to do in Volcanoes National Park. Of course, the main attraction is gorilla trekking, but there's so much more to do! Here are a few other fun activities:

Golden Monkey Trekking

Trekking to see the rare golden monkeys is an unforgettable experience.

Hiking

There are several hiking trails in the park, including the hike to Dian Fossey's grave.

Bird Watching

The park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Cultural Tours

You can visit local villages and learn about the local culture through cultural tours. You can also visit local markets, traditional healers, and potters. These tours provide a great opportunity to interact with the local community and learn about their way of life

Finally, you can also visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, which are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer beautiful views.

Who can travel to Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is open to anyone who is interested in visiting. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the park is located in a high-altitude area, so it's important to be in good physical condition. Second, the gorilla trekking experience is not recommended for young children or people with certain health conditions.

Third, it's important to follow the park's rules and regulations to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the animals.

Travel Documents

You will need a valid passport and visa to enter Rwanda. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel date and check if you need to obtain a visa before traveling.

What time of the year is best to visit?

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and from December to February. During these months, the weather is usually dry and sunny, making it the ideal time to visit the park.

The wet season, from March to May and from October to November, can be quite rainy and muddy, which can make the trekking experience more difficult. However, the wet season is also a great time to see the lush vegetation and the waterfalls in the park.

Packing Essentials for your Trip

When it comes to packing for a trip to Volcanoes National Park, there are a few essential items you'll need, including:

Comfortable hiking boots

It's important to have good footwear, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Lightweight rain jacket

The weather can be unpredictable, so it's good to be prepared.

Warm clothing

The park is located at a high elevation, so it can get quite chilly.

Water bottle

It's important to stay hydrated, especially when hiking.

Snacks

Bring along some snacks to keep you energized during your hike.

Sunscreen

To protect yourself from the sun, as the UV rays can be quite strong at high elevations.

Insect repellent

To help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

First-aid kit

For any minor cuts, scrapes, or other injuries that may occur during your trip.

A camera

To capture all the amazing sights of the park.

Binoculars

This can be useful for spotting wildlife in the park.

A flashlight

The park can be quite dark at night, so a flashlight will come in handy.

And don't forget to pack your passport and other travel documents!