{"id":94210,"date":"2022-07-04T19:48:33","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T16:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/?p=94210"},"modified":"2022-07-28T11:32:41","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T08:32:41","slug":"volcanoes-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pridedrivetours.co.ke\/fr\/volcanoes-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Volcanoes National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Volcanoes National Park<\/h1>\n

\"www.theafricaspecialists.com\/sites\/default\/files\/s...\"<\/p>\n

You will first see five immense ancient volcanoes, now covered in a dense green rainforest \u2013 these are the\u00a0Virunga Mountains<\/b><\/strong>. It is here you will find the wonders of\u00a0Volcanoes National Park<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 mysterious\u00a0mountain gorillas, rare golden monkeys, towering massifs, bamboo forests, and pristine mountain lakes<\/b><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve arrived at one of the most dynamic national safari parks in Africa. No experience compares with trekking for gorillas and that heart-stopping moment when you come upon an immense silverback staring at you in the forest. Surrounded by adorable gorilla babies and the others in its family group, it\u2019s a moment no one ever forgets.<\/p>\n

Of the 1,000 mountain gorillas in the world, the Virunga area hosts over 600<\/b><\/strong>. The park itself is home to 12 gorilla families \u2013 each with a silverback male, several females and their young. On a hosted trek you can spend up to an hour in their presence \u2013 plenty of time to observe their family dynamics, snap pictures, and make lifetime memories.<\/p>\n

\"Gorilla<\/p>\n

But the park hosts many other natural surprises \u2013 you can trek for rare golden monkeys. Take a trek to find a habituated troop and spend an hour or so with these shy but active primates as they curiously look you over while scampering overhead from tree to tree.<\/p>\n

Other animals you may spot on your wildlife safari are the black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena, and the bushbuck. And throughout you\u2019ll hear the calls and catch the flitting colors of over 200 species of birds.<\/p>\n

The park was also made famous by the zoologist\u00a0Dian Fossey<\/b><\/strong>, who fled from the troubles in the Congo to establish her research center here. Fossey studied the gorillas and created a conservation campaign to stop their poaching. She is credited with saving their population from extinction, publicizing their endangered plight to the world. Fossey was murdered by unknown assailants in 1985 and her story was told in the film,\u00a0Gorillas in the Mist<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong>.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n

But Fossey\u2019s conservation efforts continue. To publicize these endeavors and the wonders of gorilla safaris, the park began an annual naming ceremony for baby gorillas called\u00a0\u201cKwita Izina\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong>.<\/i><\/em>\u00a0The mountain gorilla infants born during the year are named based in the traditional Rwandan ceremony for naming human babies.<\/p>\n

About Volcanoes National Park<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The park encompasses 160 sq. km (62 sq. mi), including 5 of the 8\u00a0Virunga Volcanoes<\/b><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Climate:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Expect lots of rain and mist. The park\u2019s high elevation \u2013 almost 4572 m (15,000 ft) \u2013 means a cool or cold climate with daytime temperatures dropping to 160\u00a0<\/sup>C \/610<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Location<\/b><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n

The park is in north-western Rwanda, about a 2-hour drive from Kigali.<\/p>\n

Operating Hours:<\/h3>\n

The park is open from 6 am to 4 pm.<\/p>\n

When to go:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June through September.<\/p>\n

Getting there:<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

By road \u2013 you can book a tour with\u00a0Pride Drive Tour Solutions\u00a0from Kigali..<\/p>\n

Things to do and see<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gorilla Trekking<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are few places in the world where you can take a guided trek to visit these rare but noble apes. You\u2019ll walk in small groups through bamboo forests and up dense hillsides to spend an unforgettable hour marveling at the family dynamics of these powerful, yet gentle creatures. Don\u2019t forget to take sturdy walking shoes and rain gear. This could well be the highlight of your African safari.<\/p>\n

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Trekking for Golden Monkeys<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

These are a rare and endangered species. Coming upon them can be an exciting moment. Like a gorilla trek, this is also a small-group excursion. The park hosts two troops of these unique monkeys, about 80 in all. Initially shy, they will gradually emerge and you\u2019ll enjoy their antics as they caper about and jump through the trees.<\/p>\n

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

An annual celebration in which the year\u2019s gorilla babies are given names. There are guided tours to the naming ceremony which features music, dancing, and opportunities to meet the park\u2019s staff in an atmosphere of celebration. It\u2019s a wonderful time to visit the park.<\/p>\n

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