Musanze Caves
Musanze caves are located in Ruhengeri Northern Province of Rwanda in Musanze town; the cave is 2 kilometers long and was formed as a result of Cenozoic volcanic rocks. The caves were formed from lava basaltic layers from mount Bisoke and mount Sabinyo.
Musanze cave lies on the volcanic region where layers flows dating from 60 million years ago have created the great western arm of the east African rift valley which is one of the largest geographical features on earth.
Musanze caves entrance exceeds ten kilometers wide with the inside having several side passages, its located at the mountain slopes of volcanoes national park therefore an appropriate place to visit after gorilla trekking in the park
The Musanze caves provide striking views of green vegetation and an ideal place for photo as, there are many types of bats found inside the caves, the caves illustrate a picture of a house with several rooms and corridors which is very thrilling to explore.
The Musanze caves are also very important to the local people in this area because they used it as a hiding place during the war times in Rwanda, the cave floors are paved with stairs to make it easier for tourists to walk in the caves.
There are guides who will lead your tour to the caves giving you information on how the rocks were formed to the present day. The caves have got well established tourists walkways and trails leading you through the 2 kilometer cave.
The musanze caves are also an important historical site to the geographers and geologists as they give understanding of the geological and geographical formation of the planet. Musanze cave has also got 31 entrance areas. The Musanze caves were unveiled in 2013 for visitors to visit by the Rwanda development board and the Rwanda defense forces.
Tourists visiting Musanze cave can also add the Buhanga eco park in their activity, this was the coronation place for the Rwandan kings and also visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Tourists can decide to do gorilla trekking and have an unforgettable encounter with mans closest relatives; gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500. When visiting during the peak season please endeavor to book your gorilla permits in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
Tourists can also visit the famous Nyungwe national park and few the forest canopies from 50 meters above, the park is also famous for chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking with lots of other primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, Syke monkeys, blue monkeys and many others.
A cave is large underground space large enough for a human being to enter.
Musanze caves can be visited all year round and the activity takes about 2-3 hours
Tourists visiting Musanze cave can sleep in places such as mountain gorilla view lodge, Sabinyo silverback lodge, Gorilla nest lodge, Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Virunga lodge, Muhabura hotel and Kinigi guest house among the rest.
Musanze caves can be accessed in 90 minutes drive from Kigali the capital of Rwanda
Rwanda can be visited all year round but the best time is during the dry season of Jun to September and December to February.
When visiting the country during the wet season please come with water proof hiking boots, rain coats, garden gloves, cotton or warm clothing, insect repellents and anything else you might need. If your interest in hiking a volcano porters will be available at an affordable price to help you carry your staff but please carry extra money for tipping.
