This park hosts considerable populations of forest elephants and buffalo. Sure there are lots of Duiker and Bushbuck too, but seriously, who cares…in Volcanoes it’s all about the mountain gorillas. It currently hosts close to 400 individuals inclusive of 12 habituated families that can be trekked by anyone above 15 years.
Following the rebranding of Rwanda as an upmarket destination, the cost of gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park doubled to $1500 four years ago. This is quite not cheap, especially considering that your time with the gorillas is limited to one hour. However, it pays off immensely, offering travelers guaranteed encounters. During your visit, you will watch their families interact, sulk, eat, doze, play, tease, and groom each other as a way of showing affection. Sitting quietly in their midst is a bucket list experience for any serious wildlife enthusiast. In no exaggeration, it is an extraordinary hour that you will cherish for eternity!
Before 2016, some of the gorilla families here used to migrate temporarily from it to its neighbor on the Ugandan side, Mgahinga National Park. However, this hasn’t happened in a long time due to the abundance of food in the park.
While the gorillas are the star attraction at Volcanoes, there are also golden monkeys which are usually about 100 per troop. This strikingly marked primate species is listed as endangered. Their population elsewhere has shrunk so much as a result of the destruction of their habitats. Today, their main stronghold is the Virungas, where they spend much of their time in the bamboo zone eating tender shoots. Occasionally, they wander outside the park to raid crops of surrounding farms.
What else to do in Volcanoes
Another highlight for history and conservation lovers is the undemanding hike to Dian Fossey’s old research center and grave. Adjacent to it is the impressive new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Its mission is to engage the many stakeholders in conservation students, scientists, tourists, conservation partners, and community members to advance our collective goal of saving gorillas and more broadly, the planet.