Explore Musanze Caves

Located in the Musanze region in northwestern Rwanda, Musanze caves are among the top attractions in Rwanda. The historical caves are normally visited as an add-on to gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. The Musanze caves are lava tubes that were formed due to the volcanic eruption that took place in the region millions of years ago. It is believed that when the surface of the volcanic lava cooled, the molten lava beneath continued flowing, which left a tunnel-like hollow behind, making the geological caves.  The Musanze caves carry a big cultural and historical significance in Rwanda. In ancient times, Musanze caves were used as a sacred place for crowning Rwanda’s traditional and local leaders. The crowning ceremonies would be held inside the caves, attended by top cultural and traditional leaders from all parts of Rwanda

Also, Musanze caves served as a hiding place for refugees, especially from the Hutu tribe, who were running away from the Tutsi during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In 2013, the Rwanda Development Board officially demarcated and launched Musanze caves as a tourism destination in Rwanda. The 2-kilometer-long cave has 32 entrances, but only one is used by clients

Guided Tours to Musanze

The tours to Musanze caves commence at the Kinigi headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Travelers are first briefed on the safety precautions and what to expect on this 2-3 discovery. You will be assigned a ranger guide to lead you. Kindly note that no person is allowed to access the caves without the ranger guide from the park headquarters. The guides explain details about the Musanze caves, the formation process, and cultural significance.

The inside of the caves is cold, quiet, and also dark, which requires you to have some light. The dripping waters from the ceiling and halls of the vane make the grounds slippery, requiring you to have closed shoes or gumboots. The walls and ceiling of the Musanze caves shelter large colonies of bats, which you see hanging. Travelers are advised to follow the paved walkways and stairs when visiting the Musanze caves. These stairs were put by the Rwanda Development Board to ensure easy access.

Cost of visiting Musanze Caves

Tour to Musanze comes with a small cost charged by the Rwanda Development Board.  The cost is $50 per person for foreign nonresidents. $30 for foreign residents, $30 for East African residents, while Rwandan citizens pay RWF 4000.

What to pack when visiting Musanze caves

Among the things to carry when visiting Musanze caves include closed shoes/boots, hand gloves, a head helmet, and a head lamp. You also need a walking stick and a warm sweater/scarf t since inside the cave is cold and wet. You are also advised to wear long trousers and sleeved shirts

Best time to visit Musanze Caves

Whereas Musanze caves can be visited all year round, the best time is the dry season/peak season between June to September and December to February when the external trails are dress and easy to walk through.

Other tour activities in Volcanoes National Park

Besides Musanze caves, travelers to Volcanoes National Park can engage in other amazing activities in and around Volcanoes National Park. These include

Mountain gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is the number one travel adventure in Volcanoes National Park.  10 gorilla groups are open for trekking each day, which gives a chance to 80 travelers to meet these endangered primates. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500, slightly higher than Uganda and Rwanda, which makes Rwanda a luxury gorilla safari destination. The habituated gorilla families include Hirwa Group, Susa A family, Karisimbi Family, Sabyinyo Family, Pablo Family, Titus Family, and Amahoro Family, among others. All gorilla safari bookings are done through the Rwanda Development Board. More so, you can contact us at Superfine Safaris Limited for customized and affordable Rwanda gorilla tours

Golden Monkey trekking

Yes, golden monkey trekking is yet another interesting adventure to do in Volcanoes National Park. An up-close encounter with golden monkeys in their natural home is an exciting encounter you should not miss.  Different golden monkey communities have been habituated in the park to make it easier for travelers. Each permit to see golden monkeys costs $100

Dian Fossey Grave tour

A hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey is a sign of respect and commemoration for her selfless conservation effort in the Virunga Conservation Area. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who sacrificed her life to spread the gorilla conservation campaign, encouraging conservation and sustainable tourism. The gorilla lover was killed by poachers in Volcanoes National Park

Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village

Formerly known as the “Iby’iwacu cultural village, a tour to the gorilla guardian village is a must for any traveler to Rwanda. The tour is a chance to meet and interact with local people, an opportunity to learn about their traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs. Engage in local practices such as preparing local foods, making local beers, peeling matooke, grinding millet and dressing as kings and queens in the palace

The other popular activities include bird watching, forest/nature walks, Mount Bisoke/Karisimbi hiking, and visiting the twin Lakes

Rwanda safari booking guide

Superfine Safaris Limited is your reliable tour agency for personalized and pocket-friendly Rwanda tours. We customize all Rwanda trips featuring different activities and attractions to suit all travelers’ interests, time, and budget.  Contact us today, let us know about your travel plan, and we shall craft a Rwanda package specifically for you!