Volcanoes National Park has a wide range of flora and fauna. From the rare mountain gorillas to wild animals, birds and reptiles, the park protects an impressive record of wildlife. The park’s animal checklist form the basis for the development of tourism in Rwanda, and the Volcanoes National Park is the most popular destination in the country.
Mountain Gorillas
The Volcanoes National Park protects half of the population of the Virunga gorillas.
Golden Monkeys
Most visitors to Rwanda visit the Volcanoes national Park for mountain gorilla tracking. However the endangered golden monkeys are another endangered primate that you should not miss within the park. This rare monkey lives in the bamboo forests and golden monkey trekking is another unique experience that you should not miss.
Other Wild Animals
There is a variety of other primates, including the forest elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs (Africa’s largest swine), bushpigs, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, spotted hyenas, and around 200 species of birds. Bird life in volcanoes Park is many and varied. The park is home to the majority of Rwanda forest birds.
Fauna
Even without mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park would be a fascinating place to visit in Rwanda. The park’s altitude ranges from about 2,500m to the peak of Karisimbi, at 4,500m. The area is covered by extensive bamboo forests and some of the last remaining afro-montane forest habitat on the planet. On the higher slopes you’ll find an almost otherworldly habitat of thick moors with endemic giant lobelia and groundsel. You can take an ethno botany tour to learn about the ecology of the Volcanoes National Park.