Rwanda
A country of Thousand Hills
Overview
Even without gorillas, Rwanda is a stunning destination. Rwanda is dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for a good reason, this is one destination in Africa with breathtaking landscapes, stunning Virunga Mountains, lush tropical rainforests, vast savanna grassland, and scenic water bodies including Lake Kivu, Kagera River, and Lake Ihema.
Rwanda is a naturally gifted destination, home to diverse primates including the very most sought-for mountain gorillas, common chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other primates. Aside from the primates, Rwanda is a complete big five game destination –Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards & Rhinos, all thriving in Akagera National Park.
Languages
Kinyarwanda
English
French
Time Zone
UTC+02:00
Attractions In Rwanda
Mountain gorillas & other primates.
Mountain gorillas are amazingly the only unique apes whose population is on the increase, thanks to combined conservation efforts. They are unique attractions in Rwanda and exist in Volcanoes National Park. About 1063 mountain gorillas still survive in the wild, with over 30% of them surviving in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP –which also forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA).
Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali and is suitably positioned in Northwestern Rwanda. This Virunga protected area consists of 12 habituated gorilla groups and served as the research base for the renowned American primatologist – Dian Fossey.
The Massive Virunga -Volcanoes
Rwanda isn’t only a destination to explore primates or wildlife but is also a perfect place to hike through the magnificent Virunga Mountains (Mufumbiro Mountains). In Rwanda alone, five out of the eight Virunga Volcanoes exist in Volcanoes National Park. This makes it the best place to go volcano hiking/climbing and includes Mount Sabyinyo (3645m), Mt. Bisoke (3711m), Muhabura (4127m), Mt. Karisimbi (4507m), and Gahinga volcano (3474m).
Perfect Wildlife
Rwanda offers not only primate encounters but also unforgettable big 5-game encounters. This makes Rwanda not only a destination to see primates but also the best area to enjoy savanna wildlife safaris. On Rwanda safaris, there is only one place to locate the big five game in the wild and that is Akagera National Park. This savanna park was founded in 1934 and spans up to 1122sq.km.
Akagera National Park contains not only big five games, but also other wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, zebras, bushbucks, oribis, giraffes, topis, klipspringers, roan antelopes, cape elands, impalas, duikers, and about 500 bird species.
Related tours
Things to do in Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a top safari experience, drawing in many tourists who seek the rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Starting at Kinigi in Volcanoes National Park, the treks, led by experienced guides, commence at 8:00 am. Gorilla permits, priced at USD 1500 per person, are required for each trek.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee tracking is an exciting primate trekking experience in Rwanda's Gishwati-Mukura and Nyungwe Forest parks. Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primate species, including 500 chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, vervet monkeys, and more.
Incredible Game Safaris
Experience Rwanda's must-do game-viewing safaris at Akagera National Park. Encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the big five (leopards, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, and lions), as well as zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Birding in Rwanda
Rwanda offers exceptional birding with over 705 species, including 29 Albertine rift endemics. Parks, lakes, rivers, and forests provide diverse habitats. Spot African paradise flycatchers, African fish eagles, shoebill storks, and more.
Safari Lodging in Rwanda
Explore a range of lodging options in Rwanda's safari destinations, including budget, midrange, and luxury lodges. Examples include Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Nyungwe Forest Lodge, among others.
Accessibility
Rwanda and its destinations are easily accessible by air and road, with Kigali International Airport (KGL) serving as the main entry point. Travel times vary depending on the destination, with options for driving or helicopter flights available.
People/Culture
Explore Rwanda's diverse tribal groups - Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Experience village life and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of farming, herding, and pottery. Discover the warmth and hospitality of the Rwandan people amidst stunning landscapes.
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