Musanze Caves

Musanze Caves are wonderful physical features north of Rwanda in Musanze town in Ruhengeri district, adding a visit to the caves on your Rwanda safari is one of the most thrilling things you can experience on a Rwanda safari. The caves were formed as a result of volcanicity, the region is geographically said to be apart of the mountains Sabinyo and Muhabura, and the caves have several passages within them. Underneath them, they cover approximately 2 kilometres on the ground. The cave is an addition to Rwanda’s attractions, they can be visited as a combined safari together with the Mountain gorillas of the Volcanoes National Park., the caves were officially established in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board and were open to the public for viewing.

Musanze caves are the most frequently visited caves of Rwanda, the volcanic region in which the caves are found is said to date back to over 65 million years ago, during the formation of the Albertine rift valley, the remains of the mountains of Sabinyo and Muhabura, the cave entrance is a home a large colony of bats, the caves were used as hideouts to the locals more so during the time of war in Rwanda. All the cave sizes are estimated to be about 32 caves spread along the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park, together with the 52 other caves in the northern province of Rwanda.

The caves are part of the 5 series of the great Virunga volcanic region(Mountain Mgahinga, mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabinyo, mountain Bisoke and Mountain Karisimbi), the caveshave improved trails, walkways and staircases that lead visitors to the darker interior points of the park. The experience and feeling of being in a creepy room is incredible, travelers to the region are always provided with protective gear for safety, including a helmet, hand gloves, and mask. It is also important for one to take on items of a personal nature like long-sleeved shirts and trousers, closed hiking boots, and insect repellants.

The caves are guided by residents, they have a large local significance and stories will be narrated to you by the local guides on a trip it takes 2-3 hours to do the activity viewing all corners of the caves to the dark interiors, most of the safaris arranged to the caves are combined with experiences in the volcanoes national park, including Mountain gorilla trekking which begins at the park headquarters in Kiningi, gorillas are the most sought after primates of the conservation area, they live amicably with other creatures without being captivated.

Musanze caves can be visited all year round from December- January and July – September when it is dry season for Volcanoes national park and high visitor numbers, where to stay during your tour is around the foothills of the conservation area, there is available accommodation ranging from the best budget to Luxury, example facilities include Bisate lodge, five volcanoes lodge, mountain gorilla view lodge to mention a few. It is possible to stay in Kigali city as it is a short distance drive to the caves about 2 hours drive.