Volcanoes National Park , home to the Iconic Mountain Gorillas
In the heart of Africa, a place of incredible natural beauty and astonishing biodiversity. This place is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, nestled in the...
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Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Heritage Area, where adventure meets conservation in the heart of Africa. Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of Rwanda, this pristine sanctuary is renowned for its iconic mountain gorillas, captivating wildlife encounters, and rich cultural tapestry.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a Wildlife Heritage Area of global significance. It is renowned for its diverse and endangered wildlife, particularly the mountain gorillas and for its contributions to conservation.
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Stories
Experiences
Gorilla Trekking
Guided wildlife walks
The main attraction at Volcanoes National Park is undoubtedly gorilla trekking. You'll have the chance to hike through the dense forest in the company of experienced guides and trackers to locate one of the habituated gorilla families. Observing these gentle giants in the wild, going about their daily activities, is an unforgettable experience.
Scenic Hikes
Guided wildlife walks
Beyond gorilla trekking, the park offers several scenic hikes that take you through lush rainforests, bamboo forests, and along picturesque mountain trails. These hikes provide opportunities to appreciate the park's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Guided wildlife walks
In addition to gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, which are another endangered primate species. You can embark on a guided trek to encounter these playful and unique creatures in their natural habitat.
Species & habitat
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) population is considered stable or slightly increasing. Conservation efforts and measures, including anti-poaching activities, habitat protection, and responsible tourism, have contributed to the stabilization and growth of the mountain gorilla population in recent years. These efforts have been driven by organizations such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, government agencies, and local communities, among others. Efforts to habituate gorilla groups for tourism purposes have also played a role in raising awareness and generating funding for gorilla conservation.
Apart from mountain gorillas, the park also shelters various other wildlife species, including golden monkeys, buffalo, forest elephants, and a wide array of bird species. The diversity of the ecosystem provides a rich experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
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Threats
Some of the primary threats faced by Volcanoes National Park include:
Habitat Loss and Degradation, Poaching, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Disease Outbreaks, Tourism Pressure, Climate Change, and Lack of Funding and Resources.
Efforts are being made by the Rwandan government, conservation organizations, and international partners to address these threats and ensure the long-term survival of the park's unique wildlife and ecosystems. These efforts involve a combination of law enforcement, community engagement, sustainable tourism practices, habitat restoration, and research to mitigate the challenges facing Volcanoes National Park.
Supporters & Assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Supported by World Animal Protection
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Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
