Musanze Caves in Rwanda
Exploration of the Musanze caves in Rwanda is another prospect that adds value and makes a Rwanda trip successful and so adventurous. The Musanze caves are a hidden treasure trove in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. This park is popularly known as home to the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world. The caves are found in Musanze district, particularly in Ruhengeri. The caves are said to have been a result of volcanic activity and are found at the base slopes of Mount Bisoke and Sabinyo.
The Musanze caves are one of the 52 caves in the northern province of Rwanda, are believed to have been formed way back 60 million years ago, and are part of the Albertine Rift Valley.
Musanze Caves
Before visiting the caves, you need to first get involved in a briefing at the park headquarters as it is one of the tourist attractions in the Volcanoes National Park.
The Musanze caves were fully opened for tourism in 2013 and have since then attracted and welcomed many tourists. The caves have about 31 entrance points.
The entrance is big enough and covers 10 km with set-up walkways and stairs where needed, trails are set up for safety and to avoid accidents.
The caves are famously known for harboring a considerable number of bats. The enticing green scenery around the cave and at the top also draws the attention of visitors. When you visit this place, take photos and get lost in several points of the cave. The caves offer a clear view of the Virunga ranges of Muhabura, Gahinga, and Karisimbi.
The caves are under the management of the Rwanda Development Board and manned by the Rwanda defense forces to ensure the security of visitors. It was also a hiding place for the local people during the Rwanda genocide.
The site is mostly frequented by geographers and geologists who always desire to know more about this cave in comparison to other caves. The cost of visiting the Musanze caves is 55 USD and is exclusive of accommodation and transportation costs.
It’s more advantageous and fruitful when you top up the Musanze caves visit with the Buhanga eco-park which has a cave that was formerly a coronation site for Rwanda’s ancient kings. Therefore, these sites are suitable sites for a Rwanda Cultural tour.
How to Access the Musanze caves.
Musanze caves can be accessed after 2hours drive from Kigali city You need to first reach the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a simple briefing about the exploration details and conduct. When visitors reach the caves, the activity takes two to three hours. Traversing the caves involves negotiating a two-kilometer dark tunnel with hardened rocks. There is total silence, what you will hear are the whispers from human voices and flying bats. One will need a strong torch, gloves, helmet, boots, and head cap.
Visiting the Musanze caves gives an opportunity to the members in the local community to showcase and sell their crafts to tourists who take a walk to their homesteads.
Best time to visit Musanze caves.
It is important to know the time and weather conditions of your planned destination before fixing your travel dates. The Musanze caves are found in the Volcanoes National Park which has both the dry and wet seasons. Visiting the caves can be done throughout the year but the most suitable time for visiting the Musanze caves is the dry season.
However, it is not a guarantee that there will be no rain because of being in a rainforest zone. Endeavor to carry hiking shoes, rain jackets, and any other materials that are needed for any hiking or tracking expedition.
For a successful trip on any gorilla expedition to the Volcanoes National Park and a top-up visit to the Musanze caves in Rwanda, look no further than Active African Vacations as your best tour operator.