Volcanoes National Park is a natural forest in northwest Rwanda, home to the mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species.

The place attracts a large number of tourists from various parts of the world.

According to the 2022 Rwanda Development Board (RDB) report, revenues from gorilla tourism increased from Rwf 176 billion in 2020 to Rwf 220 billion in 2021.

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Although the mountain gorillas are the most famous tourist attraction at the park, there are many more activities that people can do when they visit the place.

In this article, The New Times looks at some of those.

Mountain Bisoke hike

Mount Bisoke is an extinct volcano in the Virunga mountain range. It stands at 3,711 meters with a crater lake at the summit, known as Lake Ngezi.

Hikers need about six hours to both climb the volcano and get back down to where they started.

On the day of hiking, hikers converge at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am for a briefing as well as getting a ranger to go with them.

READ ASO: FEATURE: A journalist's gruelling hike to the summit of mighty Mount Bisoke

Tracking golden monkeys

The golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis khanti) is a subspecies of blue monkeys found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes Massif in Central Africa.

The Volcanoes National Park currently has two habituated golden monkeys’ troops that are available for visiting by tourists. The two troops comprise about 80 members.

They live in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes. They are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree.

Golden monkey tracking takes place in the Volcanoes National Park where it begins at the headquarters in Kinigi at 7AM.

READ ALSO: Rescuing endangered Golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Mount Karisimbi Hike

Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At 4,507 metres, Karisimbi is the highest of the eight major volcanic mountain ranges, which is a part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift.

It has a white-capped summit which is often seen on its top. The volcano also includes Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east and Nyiragongo to the west.

Climbing Mount Karisimbi starts in the morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi. It takes six hours and involves navigating through the Bisoke side before reaching the first stopping place which is at an altitude of 3,700 metres.

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Visiting Dian Fossey’s tomb

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and anthropologist who committed her life to the conservation of the Mountain Gorillas by conducting an 18-year comprehensive study about the apes.

Dian was murdered in 1985 in her tent by unknown people. Fossey was buried at Karisoke, at a site that she herself had constructed for her deceased gorilla friends.

Visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb is an activity carried out while on a tour at the Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is a world-class research and education centre established to carry on with Dian Fossey’s legacy and advance the work of saving gorillas from extinction.

It offers immersive and educational experiences, such as watching mountain gorillas on film in the 360 degree Irmelin DiCaprio Theater.

The campus is located near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is open to the public every day. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of over 55 years of gorilla conservation.

ALSO READ: Ellen DeGeneres Campus: Saving gorillas, taking Rwanda to the world

Touring Musanze caves

Musanze caves were formed by centuries of geologic activity centred around the volcanoes mountain range.

The two kilometres long caves are located at the heart of Volcanoes National Park on the outskirts of Musanze town.

The place has a huge number of bats residing in it. In pre-colonial times, the caves were used as a shelter during wartime for many centuries.

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Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Iby’Iwacu cultural village is a community-based tourism initiative where you meet local people and get a taste of their culture and traditions.

ALSO READ: How rehabilitated poachers became champions saving Volcanoes National Park wildlife

Nightlife in Kingi

Musanze's nightlife offers a variety of options, combining local culture, entertainment, and natural scenery. Kinigi has 27 hotels according to Tripadvisor.

Visitors can start their evening with a dinner at any restaurants and hotels in Kinigi, as they feature the views of Volcanoes National Park.

There are a variety of bars that provide live music by local artists and cater to sports enthusiasts looking to watch local and international sports on pay TV. There are also nightclubs that feature music from DJs.