RWANDA SAFARI.
East African nation of Rwanda, sometimes known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is well-known for its unique tourism safari destinations that enthrall travelers. The nation’s capital, Kigali, boasts immaculate urban areas, five-star accommodations, and well-developed road systems, while the countryside is home to stunning rolling hills and verdant plantations. Second-largest city Butare in Rwanda is referred to be the “intellectual capital” because it is the location of important institutions like the National University of Rwanda and the national museum. Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda: The tourist industry in Rwanda has grown significantly, and the country’s game parks are home to numerous distinctive attractions, respectable lodges, and high-end hotels.
Even though Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park has less species than Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara do, most safari travelers are drawn to because they hope to encounter mountain gorillas there. Although the wildlife of Rwanda’s Akagera National Park’s savannah is not yet up to the excellent standards of Kenya’s or Tanzania’s big game parks, it is gradually developing and is well worth a visit on any safari there. Rwanda safaris can also concentrate just on those gentle giants that we have grown to love and appreciate: the gorgeous mountain gorillas, for those looking for a shorter, more focused safari experience. A little community smack dab in the centre of the Virunga Volcanoes is a career high point for any wildlife fanatic, and it’s the perfect combination for those who also wish to visit Kenya’s and Tanzania’s bigger, more wildlife-focused safari parks.
Today, a safari in Rwanda may completely meet your needs without requiring you to leave this landlocked nation. The ability to view gorillas, chimpanzees, and other savannah animals in a week to 12 days eliminates the need to go farther and keeps costs down. In addition to being a terrific place to observe these fascinating, human-like primates in their natural environment, Rwanda also contains chimpanzees. One of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, chimpanzees are frequently overshadowed by gorillas. Tracking them while on a safari or vacation in Rwanda is an incredible safari experience.
WHY VISIT RWANDA?
As the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda provides one-of-a-kind experiences in one of the most amazing nations in the world. The main draw is Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can observe gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates. Bring no plastic bags on your safari to Rwanda as they are prohibited there and will be seized at customs. Other reasons to go on safari in Rwanda include birdwatching, traditional game drives, natural treks, cultural experiences, climbing, and lakeside leisure.
All around the country, there are also opportunities for hiking and trekking through dense rainforests, to the summits of volcanic peaks, and even above the tree canopy. You are constantly surrounded by amazing wildlife in Rwanda, both big and small. The sounds of birds and primates chatting fill the treetops. As they search for the perfect wildflower, butterflies fly through the wind currents.
KEY/MAJOR ATTRACTIONS ON YOUR RWANDA TOUR.
Volcanoes National Park.
As famed primatologist Dian Fossey put it, “Great, old volcanoes soaring almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with beautiful, green rainforest the Virungas are in the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat.” The steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, which are home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla and a complex mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, marsh, and moorland, are protected by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s far northwest.
The park is home to ten habituated gorilla families and about 400 mountain gorillas. Although gorilla tracking can be challenging in the park due to its reputation for having deep woodland and rocky terrain, Rwanda expeditions are fascinating. Since Dian Fossey established her base in the Volcanoes national park, the nation has emerged as a leader in the conservation and research of mountain gorillas worldwide.
The former research facility and tomb of Dian Fossey are accessible to visitors. A Rwanda wildlife tour can take visitors to observe forest elephants, forest hogs, golden monkeys, buffalo, birds, and a variety of butterfly species in addition to mountain gorilla tracking, which is the main activity in the Volcanoes national park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is abundant in species and breathtakingly beautiful. A tiny population of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkey from the Albertine Rift, can be found in the hilly terrain. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most alluring locations on a Rwanda wildlife tour. A huge tropical forest with more than 1000 plant species, Nyungwe Forest is a prime example of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. Following a Rwanda tour that involved monitoring mountain gorillas, the woodland is the finest place to look for chimpanzees.
Akagera National Park.
One of Rwanda’s major national parks, Akagera National Park provides some of the best wildlife safari experiences in the nation. The park, which is found in the eastern part of the nation, is made up of a savanna that is roughly 1000 square kilometres in size and is similar to those in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. A wide variety of African mammals call the park, which is close to Kigali, home. These mammals gather at the park’s numerous water sources, which include the Akagera River and Lake Shakani. The most popular activity for seeing hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, leopards, elephants, and other species in Akagera National Park is a game drive. Bird enthusiasts can anticipate seeing 500 different species in Akagera on their wildlife trip, including shoebill storks.
Gishwati Forest National Park.
The park is the most visited tourist attraction in Rwanda and the fourth national park overall. The 34 square km area known as Gishwati Mukura is made up of two distinct forests, the larger Gishwati and the smaller Mukura. The woodlands are situated on a ridge that divides the catchment areas for the Congo and Nile rivers along the Albertine Rift in the west of the nation. Bamboo and native hardwoods are among the 60 distinct tree species that make up this structure. In Gishwati, a 20-chimp group coexists with blue, golden, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Lake Kivu.
One of Rwanda’s natural beauties, Lake Kivu, spans the border between that country and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and occupies an area of about 2,600 square kilometres. The lake, which flows at about 1450 metres above the surface of the planet, is Africa’s highest. As one of only three lakes in the world, it occasionally explodes, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and causing what is known as “exploding lakes.” Visitors can anticipate seeing lovely beaches, rich greenery, islands, fishing settlements, and ports like Rubavu because there hasn’t been any recent volcanic activity to be concerned about. You can go on a safari to Lake Kivu and choose from activities like hiking, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and boat excursions.
Mount Karisimbi.
One of the tallest mountains in Africa, Mount Karisimbi, is a component of the Virunga mountain range. An excellent safari activity in Rwanda is hiking Mount Karisimbi. A beautiful view of the volcanoes in the national park and the chance to see a variety of birds await visitors who can make the 6-hour walk to the peak. It is possible to combine mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park with hiking Mount Karisimbi. If done in a few days, combining a walk up Mount Karisimbi with gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a strenuous activity that demands a high degree of fitness.
MAJOR TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN RWANDA.
Despite being a small, landlocked nation, Rwanda nevertheless has a lot to offer. East African nation of Rwanda covers an area of 26,338 square kilometres. Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda all border Rwanda. In addition to its stunning mountains, active volcanoes, mountain gorillas, and attractive people, Rwanda is renowned for having been the site of one of the most brutal genocides in recent memory. Unique attractions can be found there. Your safari will be even more exceptional and amazing because Rwanda has some of the best and most distinctive tourist attractions. Among the things to do in Rwanda are the following:
Visiting the capital city and major city of Rwanda, Kigali.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking.
Game driving at the Akagera National Park.
Biking along the Congo Nile Trail.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest.
Bird watching in Nyungwe forest and Lake Kivu.
Cultural and community visits to places like the Iby’iwacu cultural village for traditional dances.
Visiting the genocide memorial centers like Gisozi, Murambi, Nyamata, Bisesero, and Ntarama.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke Kigali Convention Center is a must-see.
Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey.
Sport fishing in Rwanda.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers nature walks, bird watching, and primate tracking.
Visit coffee and tea plantations.
Visit the National Museum of Rwanda.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA.
The lengthy dry season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-October, is the greatest time to visit Rwanda because you have the best chance of seeing the mountain gorillas, the nation’s undisputed top attraction, and the weather is perfect for gorilla tracking. Locating chimps is easiest during the wet seasons, which last from March to May and November. At that time, it is also quieter.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN RWANDA.
Some of the best hotels for tourists are located in Rwanda, a country with a strong focus on developing its tourism industry. In order to accommodate various safari group kinds, including lone travelers, families, friends, and honeymooners, you will have a wide choice of lodging options available to you during your Rwanda vacation, including budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels. For those interested in camping, Rwanda’s national parks provide some of the best private and public campsites. You can choose to stay inside or outside the park.