Busasamana Cave in Volcanoes National Park

Busasamana Cave is one of the 52 caves located in Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, and was formed from Cenozoic volcanic rocks. This cave extends over one kilometer and links to a network of multiple other caves in the Busasamana, Kazenze, and Mudende districts. This cave connects to Kabari, Mugongo, and Bwezi Caves.

This site is among the least investigated and is situated around 4.9 kilometers from the primary Rubavu-Musanze Road near Busasamana Catholic Parish. This remarkable cave was created over centuries of geological action associated with the Virunga Volcanoes and has existed for millions of years.

 

In addition to Busasamana Cave, numerous more exquisite caves may be explored during your Rwanda safari, including the 1.25-mile-long Musanze Caves, which have existed for over 65 million years and extend 21 kilometers inward. They constitute the Lava Basaltic strata extending from Mount Bisoke to Sabyinyo.

Another essential cave is “Ubuvumo Bwibihonga,” a multi-tiered labyrinth of parallel lava tubes recognized as the longest cave in the nation.

Adjacent to the Imbabazi Orphanage (Rosamond Carr property) is the remarkable Mugongo Cave, renowned for offering exhilarating caving adventures.

Best time visiting Busasamana Cave on the Volcanoes

Busasamana Cave, akin to the majority of caves in Rwanda, is accessible throughout the year; nonetheless, the timing of your visit may significantly influence your whole experience. To encounter minimal crowds, visit the Cave during the wet season, specifically from March to April or October to November. These months are typically characterized by rainfall, resulting in muddy and slippery roads and cave environs, so complicating navigation.

The optimal walking conditions occur from December to February and June to September when the walkways are drier and less slippery. At this time of year, precipitation levels are down; however, anticipate significant crowds as the majority of tourists favor visiting during these months.

Essential items and attire for your tour

For your Busasamana Cave Tours, it is advisable to possess a layer of warm attire (long-sleeved shirts and safari pants), a flashlight or head torch as an alternative light source, gardening gloves to safeguard your hands while gripping the cave walls and floors during the hike, a reusable water bottle for hydration, a backpack for transporting necessary items, a first aid kit due to the likelihood of minor accidents or falls, energy-boosting snacks, cave directions or map, durable hiking boots, cotton socks, a quality camera, among other essentials.