Exploring the Caves of Musanze: Musanze town is located in the scenic rolling green of Northern Rwanda and is surrounded by some of Rwanda’s most interesting natural wonders. Despite the discovery of gorillas and other wildlife and Virunga confronting volcanoes, there is immense interest in the caves in Musanze Rwanda. Once you get to the center of these subterranean systems you will find prehistoric lava tubes, living and breathing people and cultures, and Rwandese history.
If you plan to include the Musanze caves in your tour itinerary in Rwanda, this article will help you have an overview of the various activities and sites to explore, travel essentials, and what awaits you. Here, we’ve collated all the information you need about exploring the caves, including the best time to visit, how much it’s going to cost, whether you need to dress up, and even where to stay.
Activities and attractions
Ihramakara Cave: It is the most famous one within the Musanze District and it is characterized by its beautiful formation of stalactites and stalagmites. The visitors are enriched with a tour that explains features of the geological structure of the cave and the landscape, as well as other intriguing information on wildlife in the region. The cave also has a history in Rwandan legends since the guides explain intriguing stories of the civilization that once inhabited the cave.
Musange Cave: Musange is not as busy as Ihramakara which makes it a more personal experience in a cave. This site boasts an underground lake, making your subterranean experience a little more interesting. It is also important to make a trip protected by a waterproof jacket because the water level, at certain times, can be quite high.
Gatwa Cave: This is a historical cave that is situated near Gatwa village thus named after the village. This was used as a refuge for the people during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Visiting Gatwa Cave, stony tools and signs of past suffering are preserved for your viewing, as you follow the trail through Rwandan history.
General Advice and Useful Information
Best Time to Visit: Further, Musanze’s caves can be accessed at any time of the year. But the best time they suggest is during the months of June up to September when it is very dry here. Weekends are also advisable to avoid since people will be flocking there due to their free time.
Costs: Some of the costs may include, The cost of the guided tour typically varies from $10- $15 people according the the cave. Some of the tours may come with the fee to admission included while in other places, one will have to pay this separately. Of course, it is preferable to ask about the price beforehand.
Attire: Wear loose, light-colored, and moisture-wicking clothing and firmly closed footwear for trekking or walking. Moreover, it is advised to carry a formal or a sweatshirt because it gets chilly in the caves compared to outside weather.
Nearby Accommodations: Musanze has several places for one to take a hotel; it has cheap hotels and it also has hotels that are expensive. Out of these, the Virunga Hotel and the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge combine better comfort and convenience. One also should point out that most of the tours can provide transportation to and from your hotel.
Exposure and Perception
Exploring through the caves of Musanze will also give you the natural and cultural feel of the Kigali–Rwanda experience. In terms of what you can expect your tour will start with an orientation and a check of your gear so you can be comfortable as you go through the expedition. That’s why guided tours are so valuable: they give not only geological information but also the lore surrounding the formation of these caves and what they meant even in the context of Rwandan society.
When you make preparations for touring these caves, prepare for the adventure of finding new chambers, exciting caves formation, as well as crystal clear underground water bodies such as lakes. The guides are professional and friendly and the guests have an opportunity to learn from passionate people of the country they are in.
Preparing Your Trip
Anyone planning to visit the site in which Musanze caves are situated must do so after due consultation and preparation. There are many caves that adventure seekers can choose from so make sure to review which caves you’d like to go visit. Tour operators should be contacted and asked for available package services and any other necessary details. To get to some of the caves, you need to travel slightly out of town so bear this in mind when planning travel time from your accommodation.
Conclusion
Musanze Caves of Rwanda greatly offers a chance to study the natural and cultural resource aspect of the country. As you are going around the maze of underground tunnels, there is another aspect of Rwanda that is rich and progressing. There is much more to Rwanda than its fabulous national parks and the region is rich in history and geology. Before you come, complete all necessary preparations for the amazing trip to the exceptional places of Musanze.
