Located at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, Musanze caves are among the top tourist attractions in Volcanoes National Park. The historical caves were formed roughly 65 million years ago due to Volcanic Activity of the Virunga Volcanoes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Karisimbi.
The lava that flowed from the volcanic eruptions cooled and solidified, creating the tunnels, which turned into the beautiful caves. The 2-kilometer-long caves shelter butterflies. Altogether, there are over 50 caves in Rwanda, and guided tours to Volcanoes National Park give you the chance to explore these caves
In ancient times, Musanze caves were used as a ground for crowning new traditional kings of Rwanda. Also, different tribes of Rwanda held different cultural and conventional functions in the Muzanze caves. In 1994, the Musanze caves were hiding places for thousands of people who sought refuge. Local guides are available to guide you into the caves and explain in details the historical and cultural attachments of these caves to Rwanda people.
Tourism Experience in Musanze Caves
Whereas Volcanoes National Park is famous for luxury gorilla tours, Musanze Caves is globally known for gorilla tours; a visit to Musanze Caves is not to be missed on your Rwanda safari. The caves were officially opened for tourism in 2013, and they attract a significant number of travelers from all over the world. The Musanze Caves were officially opened for tourism in 2013 and have since become a popular attraction. The inside of the cave has a network of passages, and the walls of the cave shelter a large colony of bats, seen hanging
In some areas, light filters through openings in the ceiling, creating stunning contrasts and photo opportunities. The cave floors are paved, and there are walkways and stairs to make exploration easier.
What to wear to Musanze caves
To ensure a stress-free and enjoyable visit to the historical caves, travelers are advised to wear sturdy walking boots and hand gloves. Also, you are advised to bring a headlamp to walk through the dark, quiet corners inside the caves. Also, the head helmet is highly recommended for safety. Also, remember to bring warm sweaters and jackets since the inside of the cave is cold, with droplets dripping from the cave walls
Other activities in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to visiting Musanze caves, travelers to Volcanoes National Park have a lot more to do and see. The other interesting activities in Volcanoes National Park include
Mountain gorilla trekking
Sheltering over 400 mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking is a number one travel experience done in Volcanoes National Park. 10 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking at $1500 per permit. You can either book for Rwanda gorilla permits through the Rwanda Development Board or Superfine Safaris Limited. Rwanda gorilla tours reward you with an hour’s interaction with the endangered primates in their natural habitats. Gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park include Agashya Group, Umubano Group, Pablo Group, Titus Group, Hirwa Group, Karisimbi Group, Amahoro Group, Susa A Group, and Sabyinyo Group.
Each family is visited by 8 people per day, and hence, 80 gorilla permits are available per day. Volcanoes National Park is located roughly 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali city. This makes it the most accessible gorilla tour destination, hence the best option for travelers with limited time. Some of the popular gorilla safari packages in Rwanda include 3-day Rwanda gorilla safari, 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek, and 5 5-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee safari
Golden Monkey trekking
Still in Volcanoes National Park, travelers engage in the adventurous golden monkey trekking experience. Several golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking in this bamboo forest park. You will be amazed by the lively characters of golden monkeys seen jumping across tree branches. Golden monkeys are so funny and enjoyable creatures whose company you will enjoy
Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike
Hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey in respect to her gorilla conservation efforts in the Virunga Conservation Area. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who was killed by poachers during her campaign to save gorillas that were on the verge of extinction.
Bird watching
Bird watching is yet another interesting activity done in Volcanoes National Park. The area is home to over 200 bird species, 17 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Some of the notable birds in Volcanoes National Park include Ruwenzori Turaco, Black Crowned Waxbill, Common Stonechat, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Baglafetch Weaver, African Long-eared Owl, and Brown Woodland Warbler. The dry season between June and August is the best time for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
Cultural Experiences
A cultural tour to the gorilla guardian village, the former Ibyiwacu Cultural village, is not to be missed on your Rwanda tour to Volcanoes National Park. The cultural tour introduces you to the traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs of Rwanda local people. Local people will perform their traditions, norms, customs and beliefs, which tell more about themselves and what makes them unique from other people.
Volcano climbing
For adventure seekers, Volcanoes National Park is home to Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, all ready for hiking. Mount Karisimbi is the highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation area, standing at 4507 meters above sea level, while Mount Bisoke stands at 3711 meters above sea level. The lower slopes of both mountains are covered by forests that shelter endangered gorillas, birds, and other primates. The 2-day Mount Karisimbi hike offers you a chance to conquer the tallest volcano in the Virunga Massif
Nature walking, and a visit to the twin lakes (Bulera and Ruhondo) are also not to be missed on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park
Conclusively, Musanze caves hold a significant historical and cultural value in Rwanda. Do not miss visiting the beautiful caves on your Rwanda safaris
