Caving is one of the top travel activities on Rwanda safaris. YES, most travelers prefer to add caving on their gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences in the land of a thousand hills. Are you visiting Rwanda to see gorillas or big five-game in Akagera National Park? Spare time and visit one of the ancient caves in this country. Altogether Rwanda is known to have 52 caves mostly located in the northern province of Rwanda. Most of these caves were formed as a result of Cenozoic volcanic rocks that have turned into tourist attractions in the country. The caves vary in size and length and their wall shelter numerous bats and other birds. A walk through any cave require you to have a torch for light since they are dark inside, walking closed shoes and walking stick since some grounds are slippery. Caving is normally done a gorilla trekking add on in Volcanoes National Park. African Apes Tours is your best guide to explore and enjoy different caves in Rwanda. The popular caves in Rwanda include
1. Ubuvumo Bwibihinga
This is the longest cave in the whole of Rwanda, This caves is comprised of a multi level systems if parallel lava tubes with a length of 4.530m.
2. Musanze caves
Located in the heart of Volcanoes National park in Musanze province. Musanze caves are the most visited caves in Rwanda. The musanze caves are believed to have been formed over 65 millions years ago when the lave flow layers contributed to creation of the Albertine Rift Valley. Musanze caves g has 31 entrances, which gives travelers chance to start and entre from wherever they like. The caves are believed to have been formed by the basaltic layers that collapsed from Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes. Thousands of bats are seen hanging on the walls of Musanze caves. The collapses within the cave have formed different kind of rooms and corridors where one can even hide.
3. Busasamana Cave
This caves stretches 1 kilometer long connecting to a system of other caves, which are Kanzeze and Mudende. These three caves further lead you to Mugongo.
Other caves in Rwanda include Mugongo, Bweza caves and Kabari caves
Other things to see and do in Rwanda
Besides, caving, travelers on Rwanda safaris have many more things to see and do in Rwanda for a memorable experience. These include:
Mountain gorilla trekking: This is the number one travel experience, which bring the highest number of travelers to Rwanda. Gorillas in Rwanda lie in Volcanoes National Park and 10 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking. Volcanoes Park is the most accessible gorilla park located roughly 3 hours drive from Kigali International airport. The ease of access to Volcanoes make it a favorite gorilla park compared to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga in Uganda and Virunga National park in Congo which are located some long distance from the airport. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for all travelers. Rwanda is therefore a luxury gorilla safari destination but worth it.
• Big five game
Done in Akagera National Park, game viewing is yet another interesting travel experience you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Guided morning, evening and night game drives offer you chance to see numerous wild animals, which live in this park. Expect to see the “big five”, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards and Rhinos plus many other animals which include zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Kobs, Elands, Topis, Bush pigs and wild dogs among others. You will enjoy how predators hint down their preys while herbivores graze and browse in open savannahs.
• Chimpanzee trekking
Go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. Over 1000 chimpanzees are habituated in Nyungwe Forest for trekking. Chimpanzees share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. Interestingly, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest are trekked at a cheaper price $90 which is surely favorable even for budget travelers. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest can either be done in the main forest or in Cyamudongo Forest.
• Canopy walk
Enjoy a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park for great aerial views of the forest, wildlife, birds and the Virunga Volcanoes.
• Volcano climbing
Hike any of the top volcanoes in Rwanda for a great hiking experience. The most hikes volcanoes in Rwanda include Mt Karisimbi and Mt Bisoke, which are all located in Volcanoes National park. A 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hike takes you up t the summit of the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation area while 1 Day is enough to hike to the top of Mt Bisoke. African Apes Holidays is your best guide on your Rwanda hiking tour.
Conclusively therefore, caving is a not miss on your Rwanda safari. Book today, visit any one cave in Rwanda and enjoy this magical experience.
