Buhanga Forest Hike: Nature Walks in Volcanoes
The Buhanga Eco Park, including 31 hectares, is a remarkable destination for safaris in Rwanda, situated adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. Buhanga Eco Park is situated in the Nyakinama hamlet, around 8 kilometers west of Musanze town, and its importance arises not from its beautiful vegetation but from the associated cultural heritage.
Buhanga is a Kinyarwanda phrase that translates to “creation,” and according to mythology, Rwanda’s origin commenced here. Gihanga, the inaugural King of Rwanda, is reputed to have established the Kingdom of Rwanda from this site. Consequently, before the monarchy’s dissolution, all of Rwanda’s Kings conducted rites in this woodland, rendering it a sacred spot and a cause of fear among the inhabitants.
The sacred character of this forest has preserved its integrity, even as Rwanda confronts substantial land fragmentation and scarcity. Buhanga Forest is characterized by a significant presence of drago and ficus trees, creating a verdant canopy under which tourists of Rwanda Wildlife Safari can stroll peacefully. The guided woodland walk in Buhanga occurs on pathways constructed from lava stones.
Buhanga Eco Park, located within Volcanoes National Park, contains a cave that historically served as the site for the coronation rites of Rwandan kings. This area is significant to traditional Rwandan rites, as the Kings of Rwanda would transition from the southern regions of Nyanza and Butare to Buhanga for their coronation. The woodland also has an additional cave where the Kings would cleanse themselves prior to their coronation, commonly referred to as ‘Umwami.’
Subsequent to the obligatory ceremonial bath, the King would be anointed with royal oil and led to the lava rock designated as the conference platform to receive the instruments of power, overseen by the kingdom’s Advisory Council, elders, clan chiefs, and royal sorcerers. Legend states that the King derived substantial advantages from this site, along with divine protection for the Kingdom.
The Buhanga woods features a remarkable natural spring known as Gihanda, named after the inaugural King of the Rwandan Monarchy. The waters employed for the ceremonial bath are derived from this spring. Folklore recounts that a local leader commanded his soldiers to deplete the renowned spring, however it had resumed flowing before nightfall. The following day, the chief’s residence was besieged by numerous snakes for seven days, resulting in the demise of the chief and his entire family.
The Buhanga woodland trail in Buhanga Eco Park presents visitors with remarkable trees, including the ‘Inyabutatu ya Rwanda,’ commonly referred to as the Unity Tree, which appears to be a singular entity composed of three trees. Local folklore holds that the tree symbolizes Rwanda’s three ethnic groups: the Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa. Umusando, Igihondohondo, and Ibigabiro are among the trees, with some exceeding 300 years in age. The Buhanga Sacred Walk showcases around 150 distinct bird species to tourists. The Buhanga Eco Park trek is priced at $40 and operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What activities can you pair with your Buhanga Forest hike?
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides guests with a variety of activities that can be included with their Buhanga Forest trip. Here are few activities you may wish to contemplate;
Gorilla Trekking
A primary allure of a Rwanda safari is gorilla trekking at Parc National des Volcans. Visitors may track mountain gorillas in the national park for a fee of USD 1500. Gorilla trekking can occur year-round based on booking preferences; still, the optimal period for gorilla hikes is from June to September, coinciding with peak season. All tourists intending to hike must get a gorilla trekking permit, and trekking is restricted to individuals aged 18 and older. Tracking activities commence at 7 a.m. at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi; therefore, visitors are advised to arrive punctually. For further details regarding this activity, please refer to the website for Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Trekking for Golden Monkeys
Hiking with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is an exhilarating and demanding experience. Visitors may observe two acclimatized groups of Golden monkeys within the national park. Each group comprises 80 participants, with monitoring operations commencing at 7 a.m. Golden monkey trekking permits are priced at USD 100 and are applicable in both Rwanda and Uganda.
Alpine Ascension
This activity includes hiking excursions on the mountains Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, and Gahinga. Tourists on a trekking expedition to Mount Karisimbi can observe avian species, fauna such as mountain gorillas and forest elephants, and several insect species. During the ascent of Mount Bisoke, visitors may observe features such as Crater Lake at the summit. The cost of hiking at Volcanoes National Park ranges from $75 to $100 per individual.
Trek to the Karisoke Research Centre and the Dian Fossey gravesite.
Buhanga Forest Hike, Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can partake in a hike to Dian Fossey’s mausoleum and explore the Karisoke Research Centre, both situated within the park. For additional information, please refer to our article on Dian Fossey. The expense for this activity is $100 USD per individual.
Ibyi’wacu Community Tour.
Visiting Volcanoes National Park inherently involves observing the adjacent towns. Tourists on cultural excursions may visit the Ibyi’wacu community village, where they can interact with residents, enjoy performances by the local intore dance group, and explore the area.
Additional activities available at Volcanoes National Park encompass birdwatching and exploring the Musanze Caves. Reach out to our team of skilled travel advisers for reservations.