The final plan for the expansion of Volcanoes National park Rwanda is underway! Due to increased population of mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes Park, the government of Rwanda together with Rwanda Development Board are to acquire more 10,000 hectares of land to expand the land area of Volcanoes National park. According to the last gorilla census, Volcanoes National Park apparently shelters roughly 600 mountain gorillas which figure is surely high compared to reside on in Volcanoes National Park, there are roughly 600 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This figure is undeniably big for the small 160 square kilometers of land covered by the park. Over time, the population of mountain gorillas has been steadily increasing from 380 in 2003 rising to 480 in 2010 and then to 600 in 2016. The increased numbers of mountain gorillas is therefore a major reason for expansion. The limited land for the increased population of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park has led to funny behaviors among the primates such as fighting, colliding and infanticide among other weird behaviors. Fights for food and territories are also common among gorilla families all due to limited land.
More so, mountain gorillas are lively animals that live together in families. 21 gorilla families have so far been habituated in Volcanoes National Park. The social free characters of gorillas require expanded land where they can play and interact freely. Each family has a territory it occupies headed by a silver back.
Also, it has been discovered that the small size of Volcanoes National park is not favorable for the infant gorillas. In most cases, mountain gorillas live in high altitude areas with cold weather not favorable for the bay gorillas. This has led to the death of many infant gorillas hindering gorilla trekking safaris in the area. Due to excessive coldness in high altitude areas, most gorillas shift to the low altitude areas, which is not part of the garzetted parkland. This expose the endangered gorillas especially the infants to harsh treatment by local people hence need for park expansion.
Mountain gorilla families living in over populated areas cross each other’s territories in search for food and resources. This leads to fight between gorilla families, which leave some family members dead and injured.
Size of land to be acquired
Altogether, Rwanda Development Board is seeking to acquire 10,000 hectares of Land. 6000 hectares will be reserved a buffer zone while 4000 will be added to the current Volcanoes National park expanding on the gorilla habitat. Both local communities will use the buffer zone land and the park at the same time, its no man’s land and gorillas can therefore freely roam there with no any disruption from local people.
Plans for local communities adjacent to the park
Rwanda Development Board is planning to relocate over 3,600 households adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. These people will be resettled in new areas far away from the park boundaries under the free housing scheme in Rwanda. The government will go on to provide all required services in these village models such as schools, health centers, roads, water sources and power among others
About Volcanoes National Park
The Park is located in northwestern art of Rwanda and its Rwanda’s number one tourism destination, which receive the highest population of travelers on Rwanda Safaris. The bamboo forest is home to the highest number of gorillas in the Virunga massif compared to the neighboring Mgahinga park n Uganda and Virunga Park in Congo. In addition to the endangered gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, forest elephants, colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species.
Top travel experiences in Volcanoes National Park
Travelers to Volcanoes National park are assured of a lifetime experience. Gorilla Trek Africa brings you a list of top things to see and do in Volcanoes Park to ensure a lifetime Rwanda wildlife safari. These include:
Gorilla Trekking
With over 600 mountain gorillas living here, Volcanoes National Park is your best spot for gorilla trekking in Africa. The gorillas in this park have been habituated into 21 gorilla families to ease trekking and allocation. Interestingly, Rwanda offers luxury gorilla tours at $1500 permit, which make it exceptional, and worth exploring. Those who have trekked gorillas in Rwanda before testify that the $1500 is surely worth the money. Some of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National park include Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Hirwa, Susa A, Kwitonda, Umubano, Agashya, Karisimbi, Ugenda, Bwengye, and Titus gorilla family among others. Each gorilla family is visited by eight people and travelers allowed to spend an hour with the gorillas.
Volcano Climbing
Volcanoes National Park is a center of volcano climbing in Rwanda. Enjoy a hike to the summit of Mt Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area standing at 4,507 meters above sea level. Our 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour is the best package to conquer this iconic Volcano. The slopes of Mt Karisimbi shelter the endangered gorillas, which you may meet on a good day. The other hiking adventure is Mt Bisoke climbing also done in Volcanoes National park. Fortunately, this can be hiked in one day, hence best for short time travelers. Gorilla Trek Africa helps you arrange a Rwanda hiking tour and book permits at discounted rates.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Besides mountain gorillas, enjoy a trek to see the endangered golden monkeys in Volcanoes national Park. A combination of gorillas and golden monkeys is a lifetime primate experience you will live to remember. Interestingly, the permit to trek golden monkeys is quite cheat at $100, which is affordable for budget travelers. Two communities of golden monkeys have been habituated for trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Musanze caves
Do not miss visiting the mystical Musanze caves on your trip to Volcanoes National park. The 2 kilometers long cave is home to numerous bats seen hanging on its walls. Enjoy an underground walk through the cave with the help of light torches and walking stick. You enter and exit the cave at different locations. Musanze cave was used as a hiding place for people during the 1994 genocide massacre between the Hutu and Tusi tribes, which claimed the lives of many people.
Twin Lakes
Still in Volcanoes National Park, visit the famous twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera for a lifetime boat cruise and scenic views of Virunga Volcanoes and beautiful vegetation. You will cruise alongside local people who do fishing at the lakes and others connecting to their farms. The shores of the lakes shelter various bird species, which make a best place for bird watching.
In conclusion, the expansion of Volcanoes National Park is essential for the sustainable gorilla safaris in the Land of a thousand Hills. Travel with Gorilla Trek Africa and enjoy the treasures in VNP.
