A wildlife safari in Rwanda offers a unique chance to experience some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife. Rwanda’s safari parks provide opportunities to see a variety of animals including the Big Five that is Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos. You can also spot other amazing African creatures such as Giraffes, Crocodiles, Hippos, Zebras and different species of Antelopes.
The best place for game viewing on a Rwanda safari is Akagera National Park. This park is home to over 13,500 mammals and features diverse landscapes like savannah plains, wetlands, woodlands and lakes. These varied habitats support a wide range of animals making it an excellent destination for seeing wildlife in their natural environment.
In addition to classic safari experiences, Rwanda also offers other exciting wildlife activities. You can go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to meet a habituated gorilla group. This is a memorable experience where you get to see these gentle giants in their misty natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is another highlight and the park also features a famous canopy walk for stunning views of the forest.
More than Just wildlife
Rwanda offers more than just wildlife safaris. You can enrich your trip with cultural experiences such as visiting genocide memorial centers to learn about the country’s history. Hiking to the Dian Fossey grave at the Karisoke Research Centre is another fascinating activity. Relaxing at Lake Kivu, taking nature walks and exploring Kigali city are also great ways to spend your time.
Rwanda safaris are safe and can be enjoyed year-round. The country provides a range of accommodation options from luxury lodges to midrange and budget stays. With proper planning, Rwanda can be one of the more affordable safari destinations in Africa. Most tourist areas including national parks accept both US dollars and Rwandan Francs making it easy to manage your expenses during your visit. Explore Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and enjoy a unique African safari experience on your next trip.
Top Attractions to Enjoy a Rwanda Wildlife Safari
Akagera National Park
For a classic safari experience in Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the place to go. Located in the eastern part of the country, his park covers over 1,000 square kilometers of savanna. It is conveniently close to Kigali, the capital city and is home to a diverse range of African mammals. You can see animals at various water points such as the Akagera River and Lake Shakani.
The most popular activity in Akagera is the game drive. During these drives visitors can spot hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffes, baboons, zebras, buffalo, leopards and elephants. The park is also working on reintroducing lions and black rhinos. So, in the future it might offer a chance to see all of Africa’s big five. Bird watchers will also enjoy Akagera as the park is home to over 500 bird species including the rare shoebill stork.
If you’re planning a safari in Akagera, it might be useful to look up articles on the cost of a safari and what to expect to make the most of your visit.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a top destination for visitors coming to Rwanda. Situated in the Virunga Mountain ranges, the park is home to about 200 mountain gorillas and 10 habituated gorilla families. The terrain here is thick with forest and quite mountainous which can make tracking the gorillas a challenging yet thrilling experience. The park gained international fame through the efforts of Dian Fossey. A primatologist who camped here to study and protect the gorillas. Visitors can still see the former Dian Fossey research station and her grave which are part of the park’s historical attractions.
While gorilla tracking is the main highlight of Volcanoes National Park, there are other activities as well. You might spot forest elephants, forest hogs, golden monkeys, buffalo, various bird species, and several types of butterflies. The park also features several volcanoes and mountains such as Bisoke, Sabyinyo and Karisimbi which are great for hiking. Combining a gorilla safari with a hike up one of these mountains is a demanding but rewarding adventure. For more information on what to pack for a trip to Rwanda, it’s helpful to research ahead.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is another must-visit destination on a Rwanda wildlife tour. This vast tropical forest is home to over 1,000 plant species and showcases Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. After tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe is a fantastic place to go chimpanzee trekking. The forest is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 240 bird species.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking and birding, visitors can expect to see baboons, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and other primates. One of the park’s unique features is the canopy walk, which offers a breathtaking view of the forest from above and is a highlight for bird lovers and those tracking chimpanzees.
Other Places to Visit on a Rwanda Wildlife Safari
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati Forest is a prominent destination for visitors in Rwanda, covering over 250,000 acres. It offers a stunning view of Lake Kivu and is a paradise for bird watchers with more than 400 resident bird species. However, the forest has faced significant deforestation due to activities like ranching, pastoralism, and the settlement of refugees after the 1994 genocide. Efforts are underway to restore the forest to its original state.
Recently, Gishwati Forest was merged with the nearby Mukura Forest to create Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This merger means Rwanda now has four national parks.
Genocide Memorial Centers
To truly understand and appreciate Rwanda’s progress, you will need to visit genocide memorial centers is important. The 1994 genocide was a tragic period when hundreds of thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. The memorial centers, especially those in Kigali serve as somber reminders of this dark history. They feature mass graves, photographs, film footage and various exhibitions that offer insights into the country’s traumatic past. Visiting these sites is a way to pay respect to the victims, remember the lost and confront the reality of what happened.
Another significant site is the Nyamata Church where about 50,000 genocide victims are buried. The church remains as it was during the genocide with visible bloodstains, human clothes and bones. Additionally, the Gisozi Genocide Memorial is built over the graves of more than 250,000 victims, providing a poignant reminder of the scale of the tragedy.
Congo-Nile Trail
The Congo-Nile Trail is one of Rwanda’s newest and most exciting tourist attractions. Developed by the Rwanda Development Board, this trail offers a unique way to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty. Hiking the trail takes you through lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and along the shores of Lake Kivu. As you hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and nearby mountains making it a memorable part of any safari in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu
Located at the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is a major natural wonder. Covering over 2,600 square kilometers, it is the highest lake in Africa, situated about 1,450 meters above sea level. Lake Kivu is one of only three lakes in the world that occasionally experiences carbon dioxide eruptions known as “exploding lake” phenomena. Other being Lake Monoun and Lake Nyo’s. Although, there have been no recent eruptions.
Visitors to Lake Kivu can enjoy beautiful beaches, lush green vegetation, and picturesque fishing villages. The lake offers a variety of activities, including hiking, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and boat rides. Towns like Rubavu along the lake’s shore provide great spots to explore.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is one of Africa’s highest peaks and is part of the Virunga Mountain range. Hiking this mountain is a top attraction in Musanze. The trek to the summit takes about six hours but the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park and opportunities to spot various bird species. For those looking for an adventurous experience, combining a hike up Mount Karisimbi with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is an option. This combination is challenging and requires good fitness, but it offers an unforgettable experience.
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is an active volcano located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you’re interested in exploring Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, trekking Mount Bisoke is a great choice. The hike usually takes about six hours and includes some steep sections. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Volcanoes National Park and a picturesque Crater Lake. The surrounding green scenery adds to the beauty of the hike.
Conclusion
Overall, Rwanda offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical sites and natural wonders to adventurous hikes and serene lake views. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, history, or stunning landscapes, Rwanda has something to offer every traveler.
3 day gorilla safari
The 3 days Rwanda gorilla Tour takes you through the Kigali, for the city tour to Volcanoes national park where you will have a lifetime experience, visiting the mountain gorillas and live you with a memorable experience from the unforgettable photos and videos you will take
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6 day Chimps & Gorilla
The 6 Days Rwanda Primate Tour Covers two National parks, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. In the first place, the Visitor will enjoy the Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk then Continue to enjoy the Gorilla tracking and visiting the Twin Lakes of Rubondo and Burera.
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7 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari
This 7-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda offers a tonne of interesting tourisit activities. This package is perfect for anyone interested in golden monkey trekking, a genuine wildlife safari in Rwanda, a top tourist destination, and gorilla tracking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest.
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