the musanze caves

The Musanze Caves - Volcanoes National Park

The Musanze Cave, a natural underground space formed by volcanic activity near the Virunga volcanoes in Musanze district, Rwanda, awaits visitors on safari. These caves vary in size, from small sea caves and rock shelters to larger grottos. Covering a distance of 1.25 miles, they were created by basaltic lava layers from Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes.

Recently added to Rwanda’s tourism sites, the Musanze caves are expected to become a major attraction. Walkways, stairs, and safety measures have been installed to ensure visitor safety. The cave entrance spans more than 10 km and includes several smaller passageways branching off from the main chamber.

As you walk inside, you’ll notice that this cave is home to a large population of bats, hanging upside down in many small rooms throughout. The walls are adorned with various plant species, creating a picturesque greenery that’s perfect for photography.

While now a tourist attraction, the cave served as a shelter for locals during wartime, including the Rwanda genocide. Out of respect for its historical significance, visits to the caves are guided, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours with explanations about their history.

Scientists are eager to conduct speleology, studying and exploring various aspects of the caves and their surrounding environment. Caving, or potholing, involves exploring caves for recreation or scientific purposes.

Planning to Visit Musanze caves - Consider this...

Visitors can access the caves year-round for a fee set. This fee might cover accommodation, transportation, or other expenses depending on the Package offered. Exploring the Musanze caves does not require exceptional fitness; individuals with moderate fitness levels can participate.

The Musanze cave complex and passageways feature rough terrain with solid, sharp rocks, dripping water, bat droppings, and muddy sections. To ensure a safe and comfortable caving adventure, it is recommended to bring protective gear such as helmets, headlamps, gloves, knee pads, boots, and flashlights. This equipment can be obtained at the Rwanda Tourism Board offices in Musanze. It’s important to carry drinking water, as eating inside the cave may not be necessary but hydration is essential.

Photography inside the cave can be challenging due to the darkness. The best photo opportunities are at the cave’s highest points, which offer beautiful scenery and lush greenery.

Accommodation while touring the Musanze caves

Musanze District attracts more international visitors than any other part of Rwanda, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels/lodges provide quality services for visitors exploring the Musanze caves. Here are some popular choices:

1. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: Strategically located near Ruhengeri airport, this hotel offers easy access to Musanze caves and Volcanoes National Park. It features beautiful gardens and stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills. Accommodation includes single and double rooms, as well as VIP cottages. Facilities include air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, a minibar, steam bath, sauna, swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel provides airport pickup, ample parking, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisines.

2. Jack Hannah’s Cottages: These luxury cottages in Musanze offer spacious self-contained rooms for up to four people. Set in a serene environment with tall eucalyptus trees and a nearby golf course ideal for nature walks, the cottages provide privacy and scenic views of the hills and Volcanoes National Park. Amenities include 24-hour room service, private bathrooms with toiletries, an open relaxation area, and a fireplace.

3. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge: Located in Kinigi near Musanze caves, this lodge offers both luxury and mid-range accommodation amidst natural surroundings with views of the volcanoes. Accommodation options include single, double, and triple self-contained rooms with free WiFi, private bathrooms with hairdryers and hot showers, and a shared lounge for relaxation. The lodge features a children’s playground, beautiful gardens, and a restaurant serving local and international dishes.

4. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: Situated near Musanze caves at the base of Mount Sabinyo, this lodge offers 30 self-contained cottages with amenities such as fireplaces, bathrooms with slippers and bathrobes, seating areas, free WiFi, and private verandas. Additional facilities include a gift shop, bar, and restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

5. Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel: Located in Musanze, this hotel provides a quiet and serene environment ideal for exploring Musanze caves and Volcanoes National Park, just a 25-minute drive away. The hotel offers 31 spacious air-conditioned rooms with amenities like an outdoor terrace, conference room, children’s playground, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and self-contained rooms with showers, bathtubs, flat-screen TVs, seating areas, coffee machines, microwaves, and free WiFi. The hotel also offers 24/7 staff availability.

6. La Bambou Gorilla Village: A four-star lodge offering mid-range rooms built with local materials, surrounded by natural gardens and scenic views of the volcanoes. The lodge features self-contained rooms with free WiFi, a restaurant serving local and international cuisines including buffet and barbecue options, a children’s playground, business and conference center, and car and bicycle hire services.

7. The Garden Palace: Located in Ruhengeri Province, this accommodation option offers great mountain views and well-furnished cottages with 24-hour front desk services, car hire, a bar, restaurant, and ample parking space. Rooms are spacious with flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with showers or baths, and free WiFi.