Honeymoon Adventures in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Embarking on a honeymoon adventures in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is a dream come true for couples seeking a unique and adventurous way to celebrate their love. This renowned national park has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Rwanda, drawing travelers from around the world. Volcanoes National Park is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas, captivating golden monkeys, an array of bird species, and the awe-inspiring volcanic mountains that dominate the landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the enchanting activities you can engage in during your honeymoon safari, the best times to visit, and where to find the perfect accommodations for an unforgettable experience.

Activities to Cherish in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Undoubtedly, the most iconic and captivating activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking. This awe-inspiring adventure allows you to venture into the heart of the tropical rainforest on foot in search of habituated mountain gorillas. Once you find them, you are granted an incredible one-hour encounter with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately 10 habituated gorilla families, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of these remarkable primates. These families include the Karisimbi gorilla family, Hirwa gorilla family, Amahoro gorilla family, Umubano gorilla family, Agashya gorilla family, Sabyinyo gorilla family, Susa A gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Bwenge gorilla group, and Ugenda gorilla family.

Gorilla trekking typically starts early in the morning with a briefing, where experienced guides provide important information about the rules and regulations to be followed during the trek. The trek itself can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you locate the mountain gorillas, you are granted precious moments to observe their behavior, watch them carry out their daily activities, capture stunning photos, and record videos, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Golden Monkey Trekking

A close runner-up in terms of exciting activities for your honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey trekking. These charming creatures are a unique and captivating species native to the region. Similar to gorilla trekking, your adventure begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you are introduced to the rules, regulations, and expectations of the trek.

Golden monkey trekking involves following trails through the forest, tracking these elusive primates through their natural habitat. The trek usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, during which time you may also encounter other primate species. Once you locate the golden monkeys, you will have the privilege of spending one hour with them, allowing you to witness their feeding habits, playful interactions, agile tree-climbing abilities, and providing ample opportunities for photography and video recording.

Bird Watching

For couples with a passion for ornithology or those simply seeking moments of serenity in nature, Volcanoes National Park offers an incredible bird watching experience. The park boasts a rich avian diversity, with over 200 bird species calling it home. Bird enthusiasts can revel in the opportunity to spot a variety of species, including Albertine rift endemics, forest birds, and migratory birds, making Volcanoes National Park a true haven for birdwatchers.

To make the most of your bird watching experience, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who possesses an intimate knowledge of the park’s avian inhabitants. Some of the avian treasures you might encounter include the Black-crowned Waxbill, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Archers Robin-chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Baglafecht Weaver, Brown Woodland Warbler, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Strange Weaver, and many more.

Mountain Climbing

Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, each offering a unique challenge for adventurous spirits. These majestic peaks include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhavura. While mountain climbing is an exhilarating activity, it is important to note that it is only permitted on four of these volcanoes due to the sharp ridges on Mount Sabyinyo, which make it dangerous for climbing.

Mount Bisoke stands at 3,711 meters above sea level and offers a challenging hike that typically takes about 6 hours for a round trip. Mount Karisimbi, the highest of the Virunga volcanoes, soars to 4,507 meters above sea level and requires a two-day trek for its ascent. Mount Muhavura, at 4,127 meters above sea level, offers a slightly less demanding hike, typically lasting 6 to 8 hours for a round trip. Finally, Mount Gahinga, the shortest of the volcanic peaks, rises to 3,474 meters above sea level, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a less strenuous climb.

Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience

In addition to the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife encounters, Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the local people.

The Iby’iwacu cultural experience allows you to connect with the communities living in the vicinity of the park. During this immersive cultural encounter, you can learn about the local way of life, traditions, and captivating stories. Highlights include visits to traditional healers, savoring authentic local dishes, witnessing traditional dances, and even learning the art of crafting local beer from bananas. Engaging with the local community adds a meaningful and enriching dimension to your honeymoon safari, fostering a deeper connection to the region’s heritage.

Additional Safari Activities

While the activities mentioned above are the main attractions in Volcanoes National Park, there are other intriguing experiences you can explore during your honeymoon safari. These include visiting the Dian Fossey tomb, paying a visit to the twin lakes of Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, and more. Each of these activities contributes to the holistic experience of exploring this remarkable national park.

Best Time for a Honeymoon Safari in Volcanoes National Park

Planning the timing of your honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park is crucial to ensure the most enjoyable experience. While you can visit the park year-round, the best times to consider are during the dry season, often referred to as the peak season, which occurs from June to August and again from September to February. During these months, rainfall is minimal, resulting in dry and passable trekking and hiking trails. This ensures that activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and mountain climbing are easier and more comfortable to undertake.

However, don’t discount the possibility of a memorable honeymoon during the low or rainy season, which spans from March to May and from October to November. These months offer a unique opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts to observe a vibrant array of colorful and migratory bird species. The lush, green landscape during the rainy season can also provide a romantic backdrop for nature lovers.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape, a cozy midrange lodge, or a budget-friendly stay, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate after your thrilling adventures. Some of the notable accommodation choices in the area include:

1. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
2. Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge
3. Virunga Inn Spa and Resort
4. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
5. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
6. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
7. Gorilla Solution Lodge
8. Virunga Lodge
9. Le Bambou Gorilla Village
10. Amakoro Songa Lodge
11. Bisate Lodge
12. Sambora Kinigi Lodge
13. Eagle View Lodge
14. Hotel Muhabura
15. Kinigi Guesthouse

Each of these accommodations offers a unique experience, allowing you to tailor your stay to your specific desires and preferences. Whether you’re seeking intimacy and seclusion, breathtaking views, or close proximity to the park’s activities, you’ll find the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved one.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Reaching Volcanoes National Park is an exciting part of your journey. The park is conveniently located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is easily accessible by road. To embark on this incredible adventure, you can follow these steps:

Arrival in Kigali: Start your journey by arriving in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, which is well-connected to major international airports.

Road Trip: From Kigali, you’ll embark on a scenic road trip that takes approximately 3 hours. During the drive, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque Rwandan countryside as you make your way to the park headquarters.

Park Headquarters: The road trip culminates at the park headquarters, where your unforgettable honeymoon safari in Volcanoes National Park begins. Here, you’ll receive a warm welcome and be briefed on the various activities and experiences that await you.