Nature walks in Volcanoes National Park

Nature walks in Volcanoes National Park, Taking a nature walk is a leisurely stroll or gentle foot movement   through the natural environment to appreciate the gift of nature and ecosystem and biodiversity. Guided nature walks are always conducted for visitors in different tourism destinations ain Rwanda. Guided nature walks around Volcanoes national park take you to  deep park jungles and the neighboring forested areas to   search for wildlife,  research, learn , and ejoy the cool breeze of the natural wilderness.

With your experienced tour guide, spend some quality time looking for interesting wildlife species, like trees and plants, as well as the animals that call these desig nated catchment areas home.  Most nature walks in Volcanoes National Park focus on gorilla tracking.  However, there are other wildlife creatures including the chanty golden monkeys   with their   beautiful greyish- golden colour as they jump over and over in the  the bamboo forested areas. Apart from the popular gorilla and golden monkey nature hikes, there are several nature walks carried out in Volcanoes National park and the surrounding areas including:

Nature walks /hikes to Dian Fossey grave site.

This is a bucket-list experience that should not miss your  itinerary as you vist Volcanoes national park. It is a unique , informative and  and meaningful  adventure.  this nature hike connects you  both  the beautiful natural wilderness and the legacy of dian fossey, a great primatologist who devoted all her efforts  to   protecting the mountain gorillas and conserving their natural habitat.

The hike begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, later, with the lead of park guides and rangers, you will walk through dense forest, bamboo grooves, and scenic views of surrounding volcanoes. The hiking trail to the grave site lies between Mount Bisoke and mount Karisimbi. Reaching the grave is the highlight of the hike, its a very quiet and peaceful place that offers moment of commemoration and commitment she had to gorilla conservation.  At this site, she was buried with other gorillas but close to her gorilla friend Digit.  This grave site is just adjacent to the Karisoke Research Centre where she based her research and findings.

This hike takes 3-4 hours depending on your pace as it involves walking through rough terrain. Dian Fossey ‘s legacy still stands and was first reflected in the film, “Gorillas in the Mist”. This has resulted into Volcanoes National Park being one of the most successful conservation areas for mountain gorillas.

Lake Ngezi nature trail

This is an easy and picturesque hiking trail that leads you through the park’s dense forests to a small, shallow crater lake Ngezi at the foothills of Mount Bisoke. this is the easiest nature trail and is highly recommended for children / younger hikers.  Its a relaxing adventure that offers a 4 hour round trip.  As you hike, you may luckily spot some wildlife including golden monkeys, antelopes and elephants. On a lucky day, you will meet gorillas, you will be allowed to watch them for a few minutes but no taking photos. More wildlife that can be seen along the hiking trail is the beautiful forest vegetation and several bird species including Papyrus Gonolek, and the Grauer’s Swamp Warblers among others. If you proceed with this trail to the summit of mount Bisoke, you will enjoy breathtaking views  of a crater lake,  the DR Congo ,and the surrounding volcanoes that comprise the Virunga Massif.

Nature walks in Buhanga sacred forest

Buhanga sacred forest is a protected natural, historical and cultural treasure in Rwanda located 8 km west of Musanze town in Nyakimana village close to volcanoes national park. This forest is considered sacred because of its cultural history as this is where Rwandan kings were crowned. The cultural attachment of this place is still maintained and respected by the locals as different symbols are still present and some of them include the ritual caves that were used for royal coronations, a natural spring for ritual cleansing, and the unity tree (Inyabutatu), a unifying symbol of Rwandan tradition.

As you walk through the forest, you will also be exposed to different tree species, and birds.   The hike is easy lasting for 1-2 hours as you walk on lava paved paths under a dense canopy. This forest is so convenient for birding activities especially in the morning hours.  Guided hikes are conducted from 8am to 6pm.

Waterfall nature walks (Rusumo waterfall hike)

When you visit the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo for a boat cruise, you may decide to also enjoy a three-hour guided hike to the Rusumo waterfalls. This hike is another deep connection into nature.

As you get closer, you are welcomed by the sound of rushing water that fills the air as an alert to the amazing scene. The falls are formed where the Akagera river plunges into a 15-meter gorge creating a magnificent image. its so captivating for everyone who gets chance to witness this mesmerizing natural beauty displayed by mist and rainbows. The local communities around this place consider the falls as sacred site and are always happy and ready to share the cultural and spiritual importance of the falls. Are you an adventurer, photographer or seeking a place for an admirable snap, Rusumo falls offer an untouched, and breathtaking scenery.

Nature walks through Musanze caves

A guided nature walk through this enormous cave, which has existed for over million years makes you feel as though you are in a new a natural world due to its incredible beauty.

Enjoy geological natural beauty, unique platforms, pillars, cool temperatures and other wonders that are good for tourists and geological researchers.

The caves are known for have provided refugee to many people during the 1994 Rwanda genocide era. They were also used to store food and supplies for ancient Rwandan kings. A guided 1- 2-hour nature walk through the caves exposes you to several bats that can be seen on the rock ceiling. The caves have clear passages from one end to another though some places are dark and the use of a head torch is highly recommended.

Guidelines / tips for a nature walk experience.

• Always stay and follow the orders of your guide. this is because the guides know most of the places along the hike.
• Wear comfortable clothing  that are appropriate for the hike. Light clothes with dull colours are always the best.
• Hiking boots should be good and comfortable enough to enable you traverse varying terrain along the hiking trails.
• Respect the wild environment and its in habitats: Always be silent or use a very low voice/sounds, this will help you to listed closely to passing birds, insects and other wild animals.
• Take your time observing one thing; this will help you to learn more about it as you also get more knowledge from your guide.
• Choose hiking along a trail that matches your physical fitness.
• Bring your camera or binoculars for photography.
• A first aid kit and insect repellent should not miss your package.
• Bring enough energizing supplies like snacks and water to remain energetic to complete your adventure.