Recognized as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” this country in East Africa is celebrated for its unique tourist attractions that enchant visitors. Kigali, the capital, boasts pristine downtown streets, luxurious five-star hotels, and well-constructed road networks, while the countryside showcases stunning rolling hills and vibrant plantations. Butare, the second largest city in Rwanda, is recognized as the “intellectual capital” due to its prominent institutions, including the National University of Rwanda and the national museum. Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda – Rwanda boasts a well-developed tourism sector, featuring a range of upscale hotels, comfortable lodges, and numerous distinctive attractions and activities within its game parks.
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Rwanda excursions
While Rwanda may not boast the same abundance of wildlife as Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the allure of encountering mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park draws many safari enthusiasts. It is important to note that the savannah wildlife of Akagera National Park may not yet match the high standards of Kenya’s or Tanzania’s major game parks, but it is quickly improving and is certainly worth a visit on any Rwandan safari. For those in search of a concise and impactful safari experience, Rwanda safaris can center exclusively on the gentle giants we admire: the majestic mountain gorillas. A small population nestled within the Virunga Volcanoes stands out as a remarkable experience for any wildlife enthusiast, offering the perfect complement for those eager to discover the expansive, wildlife-rich safari parks of Kenya and Tanzania.
A Rwandan safari can now fully meet your needs without necessitating travel beyond this landlocked nation. In just a week to 12 days, one can encounter gorillas, chimps, and savannah wildlife, minimizing travel distances and keeping costs manageable. Rwanda is not only a fantastic location to observe these incredible, human-like primates in their natural environment, but it also hosts chimpanzees. Chimpanzees, frequently eclipsed by gorillas, are among our nearest relatives in the animal kingdom, and observing them during your Rwanda vacation or safari is a remarkable experience.
REASONS TO EXPLORE RWANDA
Rwanda, frequently referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” provides unmatched adventures in one of the globe’s most remarkable countries. Volcanoes National Park serves as the primary draw, offering visitors the chance to observe gorillas, golden monkeys, and various other primates. When embarking on your safari to Rwanda, ensure that you do not bring any plastic bags, as they are prohibited in the country and will be seized at customs. Birdwatching, classic game drives, nature hikes, cultural experiences, climbing, and lakeside relaxation are merely a handful of the compelling reasons to explore Rwanda and indulge in a safari.
Exploring deep rainforests, ascending volcanic peaks, and traversing high above the tree canopy are all experiences offered throughout the country. In Rwanda, you are always immersed in the presence of remarkable animals, both big and small. The sounds of primates and the calls of birds resonate through the treetops. Butterflies dance through the breezes in search of the perfect wildflower.
KEY/MAJOR ATTRACTIONS ON YOUR RWANDA TOUR
Volcanoes National Park
“Great, old volcanoes soaring almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with beautiful, green rainforest the Virungas,” observed noted primatologist Dian Fossey, “are in the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat.” Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s far northwest, safeguards the steep slopes of this impressive mountain range, which shelters the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich variety of montane ecosystems, featuring evergreen and bamboo forests, open grasslands, marshes, and moorlands.
The park is home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas and ten habituated gorilla families. The park features dense woodlands and mountainous landscapes, presenting challenges for gorilla tracking, yet excursions in Rwanda are thrilling. The nation has emerged as a frontrunner in the conservation and research of global mountain gorillas since Dian Fossey established her camp in Volcanoes National Park.
Guests have the opportunity to visit Dian Fossey’s previous research station and final resting place. Mountain gorilla tracking stands out as the main attraction at Volcanoes National Park, yet visitors can also encounter forest elephants, forest hogs, golden monkeys, buffalo, various bird species, and an array of butterflies during a wildlife tour in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe stands as one of Africa’s ancient rainforests, abundant in diverse species and stunningly beautiful. The hilly terrain is rich in wildlife, featuring a small population of chimps along with 12 other primate species, such as the rare L’Hoest’s monkey found in the Albertine Rift. Nyungwe Forest National Park stands out as one of the most captivating destinations on a Rwanda wildlife tour. Nyungwe Forest is an expansive tropical forest home to more than 1000 plant species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Rwanda. The woodland is the ideal location for tracking chimpanzees following a mountain gorilla tracking experience on a Rwanda tour.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park stands as one of Rwanda’s largest national parks, providing exceptional wildlife safari experiences in the country. The park, situated in the eastern region of the country, spans approximately 1000 square kilometers of savanna similar to those in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The park, situated close to Kigali, hosts a variety of African mammals that gather at its numerous water sources, such as the Akagera River and Lake Shakani. A game drive through Akagera National Park offers an excellent opportunity to observe hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffes, baboons, zebras, buffalos, leopards, and elephants, along with a variety of other wildlife. During your wildlife safari in Akagera, bird watchers can anticipate spotting approximately 500 species, including the remarkable shoebill storks.
Gishwati Forest
The park stands as Rwanda’s fourth national park and is recognized as the country’s most sought-after tourist destination. Gishwati Mukura consists of two distinct areas, the larger Gishwati and the smaller Mukura, covering a total of 34 square kilometers along with a buffer zone. The woods are situated along the Albertine Rift in the western part of the country, on a ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas. The composition includes 60 distinct tree species, featuring both native hardwoods and bamboo. A group of 20 chimpanzees resides in Gishwati alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a remarkable natural feature, spanning around 2,600 square kilometers. The lake stands as Africa’s highest, situated at approximately 1450 meters above the earth. It is among just three lakes globally that sometimes emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, a phenomenon referred to as “exploding lakes.” Currently, there is no volcanic activity to be concerned about, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant vegetation, islands, fishing communities, and ports such as Rubavu. When touring Lake Kivu on a safari, you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and boat rides.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi, a prominent peak in Africa, is situated within the Virunga mountain range. Hiking Mount Karisimbi is among the top activities to experience in Rwanda. Those who undertake the 6-hour ascent to the summit will be greeted with a stunning panorama of the volcanoes within the national park, along with the chance to observe a diverse array of bird species. Combining a hike up Mount Karisimbi with mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park offers a unique adventure. Hiking Mount Karisimbi alongside gorilla trekking during a Rwanda safari presents a physically challenging experience that demands a significant level of fitness if undertaken within a few days.
