PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS
OVERVIEW
Rwanda is known as Le Pay des Milles collies (the land of a Thousand Hills) for the endless mountains more majestic than the peaks of the Virunga volcanoes in the far northwest of the country, forming a natural boundary with Congo(Zaire)and Uganda. Rwanda shares much of the flora and fauna of its large neighbor in the region, Due to its small size Rwanda only has a small set-up of national Parks. The most popular protected area and the most popular visits to Rwanda is PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS: The Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range-home to the world’s last surviving mountain Gorilla population mere 700 individuals..The park cover an area of 12,500 Hac. Location: the Virunga Mountains, along a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the north of the country, the park forms part of the extensions of the Congo-Nile divide, separating two of Africa’s most important watersheds An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Wildlife: Five families of gorillas are habituated for tourist. These are:
Access: Volcanoes National Park is located Ruhengeri 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Kigali to the Northwest of Rwanda. To do: Apart from Gorilla tracking other activities in the vicinity of Ruhengeri and Volcanoes include:
Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House, Gorilla Nest, Muhabura Hotel, and Hotels in Gisenyi. No accommodation is available inside the park. |
Serengeti National Park
Best Time To Visit
December to March: Calving season is the ideal time to witness the birth of thousands of young animals. It’s also when predators are most active, hunting vulnerable newborns.
April to June: The migration begins, as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other species start moving northward across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.
July to October: Peak migration season, especially notable for the dramatic and dangerous crossings of the Mara River, where many animals fall prey to crocodiles.
November: Short rains signal the return of the herds to the Serengeti after months away, revitalizing the landscape and offering another spectacular wildlife display.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Road: The Serengeti is accessible by a roughly 7-hour scenic drive from Arusha, allowing travelers to pass through various landscapes, including villages and countryside along the way. It’s a great option for those who enjoy road trips and want to see more of the Tanzanian landscape before arriving at the park.
By Air: For a faster, more convenient option, regular flights operate from Arusha to multiple airstrips within the Serengeti. These flights significantly reduce travel time, offering stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.
TIPS FOR VISITORS
- Pack Smart: Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for varying temperatures, along with a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure to carry plenty of water, especially during extended game drives to stay refreshed.
- Respect Wildlife: Always observe animals from a safe distance and avoid interacting with or feeding them.
- Follow the Rules: Listen carefully to your guide and follow all park regulations for both your safety and the preservation of the environment.
