Musanze Caves in Rwanda
Are you aware that on the Rwanda safari package, there is a new destination that has been added called Musanze Caves? The caves are located in the northern part of Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the destinations that is thriving in the tourism sector. The country is within the East African region which is neighbored by Uganda, Burundi, the democratic republic of Congo, and Tanzania. These caves are near Musanze – a few kilometers away from town. They are also near Volcanoes National Park which is home to mountain gorillas.
How were the Musanze caves formed?
Musanze caves were formed by volcanic activity where this volcanic eruption occurred years back on the mount Bisoke. The larva had to flow forming a thick layer around the mountain which later due to some factors led to the formation of the cave. The caves are also part of the Virunga region. In 2013, Musanze Caves were established as a tourist destination for travelers on their Rwanda safaris by the Rwanda Development Board and the Rwanda Defense Forces. They worked hand in hand to ensure the safety of the clients during the visit to the site. Through the developments made in the caves, trails, steers, walkways, and many other things were done to ensure the safety of travelers. These caves hold a historical significance dating from the Rwanda genocide of 1994. The caves were the hiding place for the Tusti during the genocide.
Religious Significance
Additionally, Musanze Caves were used by some religious leaders for meditation. They were also used by the accent Rwandese as a place of crowning the kings. During the visit to the caves, travelers are escorted by a guide and security official who takes you through the caves and its history. In the visit to the caves, travelers are given shin guards, face masks, and gloves to ensure the safety of travelers. Musanze caves offer great research on the geological development of the earth. They were formed by volcanic activity which took place years ago. This is a good destination for the locals since they showcase the locally made crafts to the tourists. Musanze Caves are usually encountered by travelers on their Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes National Park.
How long does a tour of Musanze caves take?
The tour of the Musanze caves takes about 2 to 3 hours. It takes through the seeing of different artifacts within the caves. Travelers on their safaris to the Volcanoes National Park, usually make stopovers to these caves. The caves are within the Virunga volcanoes.
Are there self-guided tours to Musanze caves?
While in the Musanze caves for a tour, travelers are not allowed to take self-guided tours. The tour is guided by professional safari guides who take you through the caves. During the tour, you are escorted by armed security officers to ensure the safety of travelers during the safari. Contact us now for a guided tour of Musanze caves in Rwanda.
What to pack for the tour to Musanze caves in Rwanda?
As you plan a tour of Musanze caves, there are several things to pack for the tour. The things to pack for the tour include;
- Sturdy comfortable hiking shoes.
- Helmets
- First aid kit
- Water bottle keeps you hydrated
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Insect repellents
What are the guidelines to follow as you plan a tour of the Musanze Caves?
Travelers planning a tour to the Musanze caves are supposed to follow the following guidelines and they include;
- Travelers are supposed to report at the visitor’s center at 0700hours for the tour.
- Foreign residents are supposed to have a minimum of 4 conservative months within Rwanda and East African community.
- East African citizens are supposed to present their National identification cards.
- Children below the age of 12 are not allowed to this tour.
How much is a permit to the Musanze caves?
The visit to Musanze caves requires travelers to have acquired the permits to allow them to access the caves. The price of these permits includes 50 dollars for foreign nonresidents,30 dollars for the foreign residents in Rwanda,30 dollars for the East African residents, and 4000 RWF for the Rwandese and East African citizens.
Which activities can easily be combined with the Musanze Caves tour in Rwanda?
There are several activities that travelers on their Rwanda safaris to Musanze caves and they include;
Gorilla trekking
The caves are near the Volcanoes National Park which is just 2 kilometers away from the park headquarters in Kinigi. The gorilla trekking in the park takes through the forested areas in search of the mountain gorillas. The tracked gorillas are usually first habituated for them to get used to human interference. Travelers are supposed to have booked a gorilla trekking permit to ensure availability at the time of tracking. Gorilla permits are limited in number and travelers are supposed to engage with the tour operators to ensure availability. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost about 1500 for foreign nonresidents,500 dollars for foreign residents and the rest of Africa, and 200 dollars for Rwandese and East African citizens.
Golden Monkey trekking
Golden monkeys are other primates living with the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. The tracking of these small primates takes about 2 to 5 hours of the day. Travelers to see these small primates are supposed to have acquired a permit to ensure the activity space is available that day of the safari.
How to get to Musanze caves
Musanze Caves are located 90 kilometers away from the Kigali International Airport. Travelers take about 3 to 4 hours to reach the caves. The caves are usually accessed by road only. Most travelers visiting the caves are usually on their gorilla safaris to the Volcanoes National Park which is near the caves.
What is the best time to visit the Musanze caves?
Musanze caves are open and available for travelers throughout the year. The best time is usually the dry season June to September and December to February is the best time since the caves are dry and clear for visiting.
