Musanze Caves - Gorilla Uganda Safaris

Visit Musanze caves

The historical Musanze caves have joined the large catalogue of tourist attractions in Rwanda. While Rwanda had been known for its nature and fauna that grace its lands, cultures and traditions, and the people in the country. The Musanze Caves are another interesting tourist sites. It has come to join the latest edition of the new tourist points in Rwanda. The Rwanda government saw much need to preserve and conserve them so as to benefit the economy.

This has been part the cultural heritage sites in the country and registers thousands of visitors per year. In just the first year of operation as being open to tourists, it registered over 400 visitors, and that was in 2014. That number alone, was registered within the first 2 months, and has since registered more numbers than that. This showed the world that Rwanda apart from being regarded as one of the smallest countries in the world, it was capable of pulling thousands of tourists into the country to view these caves and more tourist attractions.

The caves have been a focal trade point for the arts and craft community because it’s a converging point for them to exhibit the art to the visitors.

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ABOUT MUSANZE CAVES IN RWANDA

History.

These caves were great during the old days of past, and were significant to the tribes of the time for having been the center at which new kings to the various kingdoms of Rwanda at the time were crowned. However, the events of 1994 Rwanda Genocide changed the trajectory of history, as the caves became escape options for the refugees.

Formation

This cave is over 2 kilometers long, and doubles as the mostly visited cave in Rwanda. The caves were formed as a result of volcanic activities in the region around 65 million years ago. The lava flew over the ground, and internal cracks in the Earth’s crust, which lava was a major factor to the formation of the Albertine rift valley’s Western arm. This feature therefore makes it part of the lava basaltic layers of the Sabinyo and Bisoke volcanoes.

Uniqueness.

Musanze Caves have a mixture of history from both the cultural aspect, and the 1994 Rwanda genocide. A blend of these two brings with it great a remarkable visitation. The cave also measures up to over 2 kilometers in distance.

What to see while at Musanze

Bat colonies are known and can be seen in large numbers while in the cave. These are some of the most fascinating creatures to come by because of their general nature.

The Sabinyo, Visoke, and Karisimbi volcanoes are also equally well visible when seen from these caves. They stand at a long distance, but since they are standing mountains, these giants can be seen at great heights showcasing their beauty.

Cultural showcasing of the arts and crafts makers that set up around the cave. These showcase the rare traditions and cultures of the tribes if Rwanda, depicting the present and historical perspective of Rwanda.

How to Access Musanzi Caves

The Musanze Caves have over 32 entrances. Majority of the entrances were formed as a result of collapsing of the roof of the cave, that collapsed as a result of the constant drastic changes in the earth’s reactions. The main entrance has the size as big as that of a cathedral. Because of the constant cracks, light has been given way into the cave which light is a great array. Therefore, visibility while in the cave isn’t challenging.

How much is a gorilla permit per visitor?

There is no standard price for Uganda, Rwanda or Congo gorilla permit –each country has its rates. In Uganda, the charges vary depending on the visitor category. The foreign non-residents are charged USD 700 to have their gorilla permits booked, USD 600 for foreign residents and Ugandans (East Africa citizens) pay shs. 250,000 per person. To have a gorilla permit secured/booked, you need USD 1500 for Rwanda and this is most ideal for luxury/high-end travelers interested in visiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Which are the best Gorilla safari destinations?

When booking a gorilla permit, it is also a good thing to have a destination of your desire in mind. The key places to consider a must-visit on gorilla tour include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –these are gorilla trekking destinations for tourists on a tour in Uganda. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is where you can locate habituated mountain gorilla families and crossing the D.R. Congo, you can explore Virunga National Park.

When is the best time to book your gorilla permit?

It is a good thing to also understand when best to book your gorilla permits to avoid having issues on actual date of gorilla trekking. Considering our experience, we always recommend our clients to have their permits booked early enough at least 2-4 months. This can save you from last minute stress, especially if you plan to travel during the dry season also considered to be the peak season. The peak months of the year fall around June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

How can I book a gorilla Permit?

Gorilla permits are among the relevant documents visitors must have to be allowed to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not any gorilla permit should be presented on actual gorilla trekking adventure but a valid one. Booking gorilla permits is part of making the entire gorilla trip complete and should be done early enough before the actual visit to see mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.

To have your gorilla permit booked, there is a process one should undergo through and is generally tedious. Considering your tight schedule back home, you may wonder how easier you can have your permit booked in advance to avoid last minute stress.

The easiest way to secure your gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda is by dealing with a recognized tour operator/company on the ground. This is where our reservation team comes in. As part of your gorilla safari requirement, our team being on ground will ensure that your permit is booked early enough and everything else that is needed for gorilla trekking is put together.

The beauty about dealing with local safari company such as ours is that we have knowledge on the different gorilla groups and surrounding communities plus various accommodation facilities for your night stay. This is in addition to making the entire gorilla permit booking process easier on behalf of our clients.

There is also an option of booking the permit directly through the reservation team of respective park authorities. But the challenge is that you must undergo through the long process to have your permit booked and this may not favor you depending on your schedule. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ in charge not only for conservation of wildlife in the Pearl of Africa but also sets prices for tourism activities in the parks including gorilla permits. In Rwanda, you can contact Rwanda Tourism Board/Rwanda Development Board to have your permit booked.

What is the East African tourist visa?

The East African tourist visa is a joint visa that permits one to travel to specific countries within East Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only. A joint tourist visa can be used several times for various purposes as long as it’s not overdue.

Tourists should therefore find it important to always remember that the tourist visa lasts for only 90 days. Processing the tourist visa takes a maximum period of two working days. It is also important to note that the tourist visa prohibits employment.

How to apply for an East African Tourist Visa?

The process of applying for a tourist visa has been made easier since it can be done with the help of a tour operator or by the individual themselves online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs immigration portal. Visitors are required to log in to the portal, go ahead and accept the terms and conditions for the tourist visa, select the Visa / permit type, the subcategory and category, complete the application form and upload the required documents.

A reference number will be generated and sent to you through your email, submit it and proceed to payment. It’s important to note that the payment can be made using Visa cards. An approval letter will be sent to your email after the above process.

Report at the immigration office or border post for the biometric capture with all the necessary documents, receipt of payment, approval letter and your passport. Visitors should regard it as important to enter through the home country issuing the visa.

How much does the East African tourist visa cost?

The East African tourist visa costs a fee of $100 only, meaning that it can be obtained by all travelers ranging from the budget to luxurious ones.

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