Gorilla trekking in Parc National Des Volcans

Rwanda is a country in East-central Africa, and is surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. It is slightly smaller than Maryland. Steep mountains and deep valleys cover most of the country.

A lot of national park can be found on this country. Abundant wildlife, including rare mountain gorillas, have resulted in tourism becoming one of the biggest sectors of the country's economy. Some famous national park such as Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Parc National Des Volcans.


Parc National Des Volcans

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains in northwest Rwanda, ideal for gorilla trekking. The park protects the slopes of this magnificent mountain range and its several ecosystems, which include evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Volcanoes National Park or usually called Parc National des Volcans is known as a haven for the mountain gorilla. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems.

Parc National des Volcans bordering Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park.

What to See in Parc National des Volcans :
- The bustling market town of Ruhengeri (Musanze) has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas.
- On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze - a solidified lava flow - is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area.
- Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo.
- Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel Gorilla's nest.

Visiting the Park
Visitors could also base themselves in Gisenyi or Kigali and - with an early start - head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip



Rwanda travel blog in Parc National Des Volcans

Rwanda is a beautiful country, the roads are fantastic and the people are really friendly, the children wave and call out “how are you?”. The best day we have had on the whole trip was in the rainforest of the Parc National Des Volcans where we went gorilla trekking. With thick rainforest blocking our way, the tracker used a machete to cut down the forest to make a path, while we walked up to our knees in undergrowth and stinging nettle.



We were lucky to be visiting the Susa group, the largest and most famous of the seven habituated groups. What made our visit even more special is that this group is usually the hardest to reach, normally you need to trek for 3-4 hours up the slopes of Karisimbi at an altitude of more than 3000m. This group was habituated by the famous Dian Fossey. At one stage they were a group of 45 until they split and the group that we visited was around 28, this group included the first twins to survive as well. The gorillas are extremely important to Rwandan tourism, it makes up around 40% of the government's revenue so they are well protected from The other young twin enjoying a snackpoachers, although poaching does still occur.

It was the most incredible wildlife viewing experience and well worth the extortionate US$500 fee. The similarity to humans is hard not to notice. We spotted three massive silverbacks which came pounding through the undergrowth. The silverbacks weigh about 200kg and eat 30kg a day. On some occasions we got to within 1m of these majestic creatures. They surrounded us while they ate while the twin babies played and swung from the vines, doing back flips and kicking each other in the head. To be so close was nothing short of amazing and the maximum one hour viewing time went far too fast.



After our wonderful day we then headed to Kigali to visit the Kigali Memorial Centre, a harrowing museum exhibiting the horrific genocide that occurred here in 1994 where one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus men, women and children were massacred, butchered and raped in 100 days while the international community turned a blind eye. The last section of the museum was particularly difficult, with large photographs of children detailing their age, character, last words they spoke, favourite food and how they died - butchered, set on fire, stabbed through the eyes and smashed against a wall. A powerful message to all those who leave the museum with images that will never leave us.

Following this we then jumped on a boda boda and went to Hotel de Milles Colline of “Hotel Rwanda” fame, a luxurious hotel where we had a drink and reflected on the events that happened there. Considering the horror that occurred here only 16 years ago, the country seems to be progressing and the wounds healing, although it is still evident with huge mass graves continuing to be discovered. The Rwandans capacity for forgiveness could teach us all a lesson.



Many of Rwanda’s younger habituated mountain gorillas frequently approach human visitors.


Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains in northwest Rwanda and ideal for gorilla trekking.





On the boda boda at Parc National Des Volcans


Parc National Des Volcans children


Gorilla's Nest Hotel
Gorilla Nest is situated in Kinigi at the base of the Virunga Mountains. The lodge is located 2km west of the Kinigi Park Headquarters in a lovely rural setting. There is no electricity in Kinigi so the lodge operates a generator.



Parc National Des Volcans Map


Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), Rwanda



Tracking the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas is one of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters one can have. Only an estimated 750 mountain gorillas are left in the wild, and can be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently it is safe to trek in Bwindi, Mgahinga (both in Uganda), and in Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) in Rwanda. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is beyond comparison. If you wish to track gorillas, call your safari expert, toll-free 1-877-GO-ON-SAFARI (1-877-466-6723), and let us plan YOUR amazing safari to see the mountain gorillas. (It also combines easily as a three- to four day add-on excursion to any safari in Kenya or Tanzania.) - Video clip/pictures shot by Christine Eichin, Your Safari Expert, Above and Beyond Africa, in the Virunga mountains, while visiting the Sousa and the Hirwa gorilla groups mid January 2009 (Olympus SP550-UZ camera). Music: 'Twararutashye' (coming home) by Jean Paul Samputu, Album: Testimony from Rwanda.

Kruger National Park Wildlife Animal Reservations

South Africa is full of surprises. South Africa offers excellent safaris, diverse cultures, beautiful beaches, world class wines and gourmet food. The best places to visit in South Africa include the stunning coastal towns of Hermanus, Knysna, Cape Town and Durban. Enjoy the mountain air in the Drakensberg and Hogsback. Enjoy a safari in the oldest and best Wildlife Park in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park.



Africa is the home of the natural wildlife. So many wild animals are living there, and most of them are protected. Therefore, we can find many National Park and resever in Africa such as Bostwana Central Kalahari Game Reserve at Botswana, Maasai Mara Natural Reserve at Kenya, and The Kruger Nationaal Park at South Africa.



The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld. Located in north east South Africa, it is over 2 million hectares in size.

As far as tourist destinations go, the Kruger National Park is the most popular in South Africa and probably one of the most famous in the world. People come to South Africa for no other reason than to visit this world class game reserve. You can see South Africa’s “Big 5”, which include the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and the black rhino, as well as 142 other types of mammals and 517 different species of birds. The Kruger Park is brimming with sights to see, rock paintings, archaeological sites and, of course, the majesty of the animal kingdom.

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. It covers 18,989 square km (7,332 sq mi) and extends 350 km (217 mi) from north to south and 60 km (37 mi) from east to west.



To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.



Lion in Kruger National Park

The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve (the “Biosphere”).

The park is almost 2 million hectares in size, with a large variety of accommodation to suit all types. There are 21 rest camps available, 7 private lodges and 11 designer private safari lodges. The park is the largest game reserves in South Africa and, if it can be believed, larger than the country of Israel. The park extends between the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and has recently been included in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which joins it with game reserves in Zimbabwe and Mozabique, bringing the total size of the combined parks to a staggering 35 000 square kilometers.

What to Do Whilst in the Kruger Park

Game Drives
Game drives are what the Kruger National Park is all about. If you’re on a kruger park safari then the highlight to any day is venturing out on the back of an off-road vehicle, binoculars clutched in one hand whilst the other hangs on for all you’re worth to the constantly rolling vehicle as it makes its way through the bush in hot pursuit of the latest pride of lions, sighted feeding on a kill just over the rise.

Bush Walks
Nothing can possibly beat the heart stopping excitement of tracking rhino, elephant and lion on foot through the heat of the bush. But it’s also one of the most incredible ways to learn about the fragility of the ecosystems of the Kruger Park and to see the smaller, but in no way less exciting, animals and insects of the park like termites, spiders, snakes and plants that tend to be ignored when on the more fast paced game drives. Bush walks can last up to four hours and stops are made to allow replenishment and a chance to take in the beauty of an area. In the Kruger Park it’s advisable to take your own snacks and sunscreen and most of the camps do morning and afternoon walks.



Foot Safaris:
Foot Safaris in the Kruger National Park - Time spent on foot in a Wilderness area is the very embodiment of a memorable safari experience. And this experience can be appreciated at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. Tony and his team value the essence of a Foot Safari and are privileged to be able to share the Bush with their guests. To see the full article and get extra info please see: Foot Safaris in Kruger National Park.

Wilderness trails
There are a few incredible wilderness trails in the Kruger National Park, some in areas virtually untouched by humans, with names like Metsi-Metsi, Napi, Massingir and the Sweni Wilderness. Most of these trails are about 2 days with 3 overnights in rustic huts with basic ablution in reed-walled showers and flush toilets, but on the whole, they’re in such demand that they’re booked out way in advance. These are aimed at smaller groups than bush walks and one needs to have a reasonable level of fitness as one averages 20 kilometres a day, although this is at a leisurely pace.

The Lebombo overland trail
This incredible five-day 'wilderness experience on wheels' takes you from Crocodile Bridge to Pafuri, and deserves a mention here. It’s an eco trail that takes you along the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park along the Lebombo hills (hence the name) from the extreme south to the farthest northern edge.


Blog : Family Safari – Great Kruger National Park – July 2009

“How many more sleeps?” this became our sons wake up call as the days neared for his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.

We made our way the following morning, not too far away to the Manyaleti Reserve and Honeyguide Khoka Moya. I LOVE tented camps, so for me this really was a treat and although a rather cold evening – the beds were more than warm and inviting!! A great touch are the hot water bottles, not only in your bed, but on the evening and early morning game drives. Very geared up for children, with kids meals on request (although the grown up food was much appreciated by Xavier), activities for kids around camp and guides who really do know how to talk to smaller first time safaris goers. Thanks again to another Richard for keeping up the breaking of the leopard hoodoo – a fine sighting of a female feasting in a tree after a kill (which we just missed)!

Again with just the one night, we really were lucky to see Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, amazing birds as well as plains game in abundance around the main dam. For me Honeyguide Khoka Moya has that real ’safari feel to it – I guess it’s the tents!. For those not wanting to take the kids with – Honeyguide Mantobeni is no under 12’s – so an option for everyone in this wonderful community based reserve.




The Sabi Sand is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hollywood of the bush’ – although the 5 star lodges have just about every convenience you can think of and rarely do you leave without seeing the Big Five – it really is a special place. We were lucky enough to have a night at Chitwa Chitwa and were totally spoilt with our night in the new Chitwa House! WOW what a great place for the family to just sit back, chill and relax. The lodge had most of the public areas destroyed by fire earlier this year and although incredibly heartbreaking, what has risen from the ashes is nothing short of ’stunning’. If you want a bit of luxury in your life, just that once, do yourself a favor and have a night or two (if not three) here.

We were fortunate enough to be able to take a private vehicle out and Dean made the drive well worth it. With James very much the photographer of the family, he was able to concentrate on not only stills, but video for some great moments. Xavier thoroughly enjoyed a shorter drive, but that was nothing compared to the boma dinner and his only private fire for roasting marshmallows!

The northern Sabi Sand lodges work together nicely and most have very good ‘off road’ traversing rights, so is it all ‘Tinsel Town’? … not really and lets face it – who ever didn’t dream of living it up just a little!!



Our longest drive would take us from the Sabi Sand to one of the furthest lodges in the Timbavati Reserve. This has long been a favorite reserve of mine and it was great to touch base with the lodges here. Often not considered by many travellers, the reserve boasts the Big Five, great birding and lodges that offer a real ‘wildlife’ experience. Motswari being no exception to this. It has been ‘in the family’ for so long that when you arrive as a repeat guest, you feel like a long lost cousin who is popping in after time away – you catch up where you left off.

Even though the lodge was full and we were unable to secure a family room (with two bedrooms) the room we had for the three of us was more than ideal. If only travelling with one small child, the elephant room right at the end is a great option! Although like most of the camps we stayed at, unfenced, Xavier amused himself on our stoep and even braved listening to the elephants come past that night and of course the curious warthog the next morning.

For that little bit extra a private vehicle and guide can be arranged (especially if there aren’t a lot of young child families in residence) and Chad made sure we had one of the best drives for our time away! What a breathtaking sight to watch 4 herds of elephant come together at the dam; I’m not sure who was more curious us of them, or the young bulls of us in are Landrover! We were also lucky to see one of the huge male lions that roam the reserve; he even posed for a couple of photos!



We also visited Gomo Gomo Game Lodge, which has recently relocated from one side of the Timbavati to the other (now very close to the Klaserie reserve). Their main areas overlook a wonderful dam and Xavier and I passed on the afternoon game drive to relax and take in the sights and sounds. Family rooms are more than spacious (with two bedrooms), but just watch the gas geysers – if the pilot light goes out and you don’t notice you could end up with one full cold bath!! But I think we really did save ‘the best’ till last. Being on safari and the choice of lodge that one stays in really is just that a personal ‘choice’. We have always been a big supporter of Umlani Bush Camp and what we encountered summed up why. With no electricity and their fire as the hub of their camp – it really was a back to basics wilderness, bush experience. Don’t get me wrong though, the donkey boiler showers are hot – and there’s something about an outdoor shower that gets you feeling like you are on safari. The meals are without a doubt some of the best we had encountered and the ambiance and bib of the lodge as a whole takes some beating.


Lion Cubs in Kruger National Park

Quite often it is the people that make a place and Umlani has some of the happiest, most knowledgeable, welcoming people working for it – a real credit to the local community. This was also Xavier’s favorite place – he was fascinated that the fire could be the ‘life’ of the lodge and all that it was capable of doing – starting the boilers, making the hot water for the morning coffee and of course cooking our fine supper.

Travelling with small ones can often be tiring and exhausting for parents, but a safari into what lies on our doorstep really need not be this. There is so much to see, do learn and experience. Xavier has nothing but fond memories of his first safari and an album of pictures to prove it. The only problem now…..
“How many more sleeps till we next go to Kruger Park??”


Photos of Kruger National Park


Leopard in Kruger National Park



Kruger National Park Map Location


Kruger monument in front of the Paul Kruger Gate.


Watch Hotel Hamiltons Tented Camp in Kruger National Park / National Park / South video