A day trip in the volcanoes national park Rwanda
A day trip in the volcanoes national park Rwanda can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary for making the most of your day
Morning:
Early Start: Begin your day early to maximize your time in the park and avoid crowds.
Visitor Center: Drive to the park’s visitor center. Here, you will be briefed on the rules and regulations of tracking gorillas.
Guided Tour Option: Consider joining a guided tour led by park rangers or authorized tour operators. They can provide valuable insights into the park’s features, safety tips, and help you navigate the area efficiently.
Hiking: Choose a hiking trail that suits your preferences and fitness level. Some popular options include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes you through a lush rainforest and across a solidified lava lake, or the Devastation Trail, offering views of the barren landscape caused by past volcanic eruptions.
You will then get to the jungle and start searching for the endangered mountain gorillas. Once you come across these primates, you will be given a maximum time of over 1 hour to stay with them as you are having fun and taking photos.
Midday:
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas within the park. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely drive along Crater Rim Drive or Chain of Craters Road to explore various viewpoints, overlooks, and scenic spots. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as nēnē (Hawaiian geese), ‘io (Hawaiian hawks), and the unique flora of the park.
Afternoon:
Thurston Lava Tube: Explore the Thurston Lava Tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava. Walk through the illuminated tube and marvel at the volcanic formations and unique ecosystem inside.
team Vents and Sulphur Banks: Visit the steam vents and sulphur banks to witness volcanic activity up close. These areas emit steam and gases from underground volcanic activity, providing a fascinating glimpse into the park’s geothermal features.
Jaggar Museum and Halema’uma’u Crater Overlook: End your day with a visit to the Jaggar Museum, where you can learn about the park’s geology, history, and ongoing volcanic activity. Don’t miss the overlook of Halema’uma’u Crater, where you can often see plumes of volcanic gas rising from the active lava lake below.
Evening:
Sunset Viewing: If time allows, stay until evening to witness a breathtaking sunset over the volcanic landscape. The colors of the sky against the backdrop of the glowing lava can create a truly magical experience.
Stargazing: On clear nights, Volcanoes National Park offers excellent stargazing opportunities. Find a dark, open area away from artificial light sources and marvel at the brilliance of the night sky, with the stars twinkling above the silhouette of the volcanic terrain.
Remember to respect the park’s rules and regulations, stay on designated trails, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this unique natural environment for future generations to enjoy.
