Regarding vegetation, the bamboo forest covers 30% of Volcanoes National Park. The highly endangered mountain gorillas and other park animals eat primarily bamboo stems since they are hollow and woody. Additionally, hagenia-hypericum woodland covers 30% of the humid slopes in the south and west. Grasslands, lichens, Hagenia-hypericum, swamps, ferns, thickets, gigantic lobelia,bushes, and meadows are some of the numerous types of vegetation in the park. The variety of plants in the national park supplies food and a home for animals and birds, boosting tourism in the area. Among the most often sighted creatures in Volcano National Park are:

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

These are one of the most valued animals in the volcanoes national park that draw the most tourists from around the globe. The ultimate wildlife adventure that a visitor to Africa ought to not miss is going gorilla trekking.
Over 340 mountain gorillas are housed in the Volcanoes National Park; 10 of these habituated families are accessible for hiking. Each visitor to Rwanda must get a gorilla permit, which costs 1500 USD, in order to witness these amazing creatures.

Although gorillas may climb trees, they often live on the ground and in groups. These troops are set up in interesting social hierarchies. One dominating, older adult male, known as a silver back because of the silver hair that adorns his usually dark fur, leads the troops. Numerous other young males, some females, and their progeny are also included in the troops. Activities such as feeding, building leaf nests, and wandering around the home range are coordinated by the leader. Compared to their relatives the lowlands, mountain gorillas have arms that are shorter and longer hair. They also frequently have a bigger stature than other gorillas.

The Titus family, Kwitonda family, Susa group, Karisimbi family, Amahoro family, Umubano family, Sabyinyo family, Agashya family, Hirwa family, and Ugenda family are just a few of the gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park that may be trekked with every day. Visitors are allowed to spend an hour with each family in a day and the group should have a maximum of eight persons.

GOLDEN MONKEYS

Volcanoes National Park doesn’t not only host mountain gorillas but also the golden monkeys, both of which are endangered species. Golden monkeys are sub species of the blue monkeys and they live in groups of up to 60 members in the family. The species is vegetarian and only consumes plants, fruits, and shoots.
There are about 5000 individuals of golden monkeys left in the entire world and these wonderful creatures are inhabited by the Virunga ranges in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fortunately, golden monkey sightings are relatively inexpensive (cost: $100), which is a bonus for tourists.
The golden fur on their backs sets golden monkeys apart from other monkey species, making them a unique species. Golden monkeys are gregarious animals who constantly peep and tweet.

There are at present two habituated golden monkey teams in Volcanoes National Park that are open for visitors to the region. Habituation has assisted them get over their original nervousness and tolerate the frequent presence of tourists and researchers. Both golden monkey and gorilla trekking involve small groups of not more than eight people, and after you locate the monkeys, you are allowed to spend an hour with them. The creatures of the endangered species are quite active and bounce from tree to tree, which is really fascinating but a little challenging to capture on camera.
If your passion is in animals, the golden monkey hike is a unique and beautiful adventure not to be missed while visiting Volcanoes National Park.

FOREST ELEPHANTS

Forest elephants are also seen in Volcanoes National Park. These are usually visible on hikes and woodland walks to the grave of Dian Fossey. Despite the fact that few visitors specifically go to the park to view forest elephants, the chance to observe these enormous animals enhances the entire visit. Buffalos, black faced duikers, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, black and white colobus, white colobus, baboons, and red-tailed monkeys are among the numerous wildlife you can observe in volcanoes national park.

BIRD LIFE

The park is a sanctuary for birders, with more than 200 species of birds living there of which 17 are Albertine Rift Endemics. Visitors can visit Volcanoes to watch a variety of bird species that are rare and unique in this wonderful forest. Birdwatching is best done while taking a stroll through a forest, where visitors may take in the pleasant sounds of birds singing high in the treetops. The odd weaver, black cuckoo shrike, Red-faced woodland warbler, Browned backed honeybird, Archer’s ground robin, Palm nut vulture, dusky crimson-wind, Grey backed fascal, Francolins, Kivu Ground thrush,Rwenzori batis, Lagen’s busg shrike, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Lesser honeyguide, Bat Hawk, and Rwenzori Turaco are just a few of the birds to look out for at Volcanoes National Park. You can find these birds and learn about the specific characteristics of each bird species from knowledgeable birding guides.

The national park of the volcanoes is therefore incredibly diverse. Your Rwanda safari is complete with a range of animals, birds, and vegetation in addition to the Virunga volcanoes. Booking a safari to the Volcanoes National Park will allow you to witness a life-altering encounter with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, hike the volcanoes, and enjoy a quiet stay.