Located in northwestern Rwanda, Musanze is a must-visit region if you want to have an enjoyable and memorable Rwanda safari. A Rwanda tour to Musanze region offers travelers with an endless list of tourist attractions and activities to meet, satisfy and even exceed everyone’s travel expectations. A combination of beautiful sceneries, rich history, mountain ranges, and endangered wildlife, Musanze is undeniably a central point for Rwanda safaris. The district spreads over 530 square kilometers split into over 15 sectors including Shingiro, Gataraga, Nyange, Rwaza, Muhoza, Gacaca, Busoga, Nkotsi, Kimomnyi, Remera, Kinigi and Muko among others. Musanze is a gateway to Volcanoes National park, the leading tourist destination in Rwanda. The top things to see and do in the Musanze region include:
Mountain gorilla trekking
Trek gorillas in Volcanoes Park
Done in Volcanoes National park, gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Musanze region. The region is home to over 400 mountain gorillas offering travelers with a magical gorilla trekking experience within the shortest time possible. Rwanda’s gorilla families in Volcanoes National park include Karisimbi gorilla family, Hirwa gorilla group, Umubano family, Kwitonda family, Amahoro family, Agashya gorilla family, Sabyinyo gorilla family, Titus family, Susa A family, Bwenge family, Isimbi gorilla family and Mafunzo family among others. A Rwanda gorilla trek costs $1500 for a permit but the magical feeling of meeting face-to-face with the endangered gorillas is worth the cost, energy and time. the nearness of volcanoes National park to Kigali city makes it a suitable gorilla safari destination for a short-time traveler who wants to see gorillas within the shortest time possible. A 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trek starts at 4:00 am from Kigali Rwanda to Volcanoes park and back to Kigali.
Dian Fossey hike
Spare time and hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey to remember and commemorate her selfless love towards the mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who lost her life to save the endangered mountain gorillas, which were on the verge of extinction. Upon her arrival in the Virunga region, Dian Fossey launched a campaign to preach the gospel of mountain gorilla conservation and fighting against gorilla poaching. Dian Fossey was later murdered by the believed-to-be locals who were against her campaigns for gorilla conservation. However, her campaign continued and it has seen the number of mountain gorillas increase to 1004 at present, which gives hope for sustainable gorilla tourism in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. on reaching the gravesite, travelers are taught the history of gorilla tourism in the Virunga conservation area and the general lifestyles of the endangered gorillas
Golden Monkey trekking
Trek golden monkeys
Trek golden monkeys in Rwanda[/caption]Still in Volcanoes National park, trek the playful and beautiful golden monkeys which offer you a lively and memorable encounter. The permit to trek golden monkeys costs $100, which is far cheap, and more affordable compared to mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is one of the two destinations o trek golden monkeys together with Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwestern Uganda.
Musanze caves
Explore the Musanze caves located in the heart of Volcanoes National park. Believed to be million years old, Musanze caves are a must-visit on a Rwanda safari. a walk through the dark tunneled 20 kilometers caves is an adventurous experience you will live to remember. Every traveler visiting the Musanze caves must have a torch, hand gloves, and helmet to ensure safety. Inside the cave is so dark that you cannot walk through without a torch. the tour to the caves costs $50 per person but the experience gained is worth it.
Ibyiwacu cultural village
If you want to experience Rwanda’s traditions, culture, norms, and beliefs, visit the Ibyiwacu cultural village for a great cultural performance. Enjoy and be part of Rwanda’s traditional dance, listen to the poems and songs that all tell Rwanda’s history, norms, taboos, and beliefs. You will also see a variety of traditional weapons including spears, arrows, drums, hoes, pangas, shields, bows and hits which all portray the Rwanda culture. Also, taste Local foods and breweries are also prepared for you to enjoy local foods that make you feel at home. Kingship and royal regalia are also performed at Ibyiwacu cultural village.
Hike the Virunga Volcanoes
Musanze is the best starting point for hiking the Virunga volcanoes. The days Mt Kasrimbi hiking tour and a 1 Day Bisoke hike offer you great hiking experiences with less difficulty. The other volcanoes which share borders with Musanze are Mt Sabyinyo, Mgahinga and Mt Muhabura which are easily hiked from Uganda side. The summit of any Virunga volcano offers you great scenic views of the Virunga conservation area (Volcanoes, Mgahinga gorilla and Virunga gorilla national parks), local communities, cities and other Virunga volcanoes. However to avoid difficulty, make sure you are physically fit and mentally ready since hiking is quite challenging at some points.
Conclusively, Musanze offers it all you need to see and do on your Rwanda safari. Visit Musanze to trek gorillas, golden monkeys, hiking and cultural tours for a memorable experience. Africa Adventure Safaris is your ultimate guide to and in Rwanda.
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