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.
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, the home of Primate Safaris in Rwanda. 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).
Also, Read – Local Tour Company in Rwanda
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.
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.
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, the home of Primate Safaris in Rwanda. 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).
Experiences in Rwanda.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla trekking is interestingly the leading safari experience that attracts the majority of the tourists on Rwanda safaris come to enjoy. A gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda provides visitors with a lifetime opportunity to search for the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. The treks begin at Kinigi where Volcanoes NP with a briefing and at 8:00 am, the normal search for mountain gorillas starts with leading an experienced park guide. Gorilla permits are needed on every gorilla trekking safari, and each goes for USD 1500 per person.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
Chimpanzee tracking is a memorable primate trekking adventure, offering primate enthusiasts a chance to encounter chimpanzees in the wild. In Rwanda, the must-visit parks to see chimpanzees include Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Forest Park contains a total of 13 species of primates and includes 500 chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, vervet, grey-cheeked monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, and others.
Also, Read – Female travelers in Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes.
Golden monkey tracking is a memorable primate adventure that guarantees visitors a close encounter with the endemic golden monkeys in the wild. Trekking with golden monkeys in Rwanda is only possible while in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey permits in Rwanda go for USD 100 per visitor, and trekking begins at Kinigi, taking 2-4 hours.
Incrdible Game Safaris
Game-viewing safaris are a must-do on the Rwanda tour. Akagera National Park is a special place in Rwanda where guided game/wildlife safaris are offered. It is at Akagera N. Park where you can find all the big five games in the wild on Rwanda safari. Akagera NP wildlife to be encountered includes leopards, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, hyenas, zebras, Maasai giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, birds, cape elands, oribis, topis, and more.
Birding in Rwanda.
Rwanda offers the best birding expeditions. Over 705 bird species make Rwanda a true birder’s paradise and include 29 Albertine rift endemic species. The diverse bird species in Rwanda range in different habitats including the 4 parks, Lakes, rivers, and forests. The birds to sight in Rwanda include African paradise flycatchers, African fish eagles, shoebill storks, African jacanas, Great blue turacos, Black-headed weavers, Red-chested sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, Grauer’s warblers, Dusky crimson wing, Archer’s robin chat, Albertine boubou, Purple-breasted sunbird, Kungwe Apalis, etc.
Safari Lodging in Rwanda.
In most of the Rwanda safari destinations, visitors can book budget, midrange, and luxury lodges. Akagera NP safari lodges: Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Camp, Karenge Bush Camp (Seasonal), and Rusizi Tented Lodge.
Volcanoes N/Park lodges: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Village and more.
Nyungwe Forest National Park lodges: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guesthouse, One&Only Nyungwe House. Gishwati-Mukura NP lodges: Gishwati Lodge –a luxury lodge with 6 villas.
Accessibility.
Rwanda and its destinations are accessible by air and road. By air, it is easier to fly up to Kigali International Airport (KGL) or drive from Uganda via Katuna/Chanika border to Rwanda. If you are visiting Volcanoes NP, you can spend 2-3 hours driving from Kigali: Nyungwe NP takes 6 hour’s drive & you can also take helicopter flights from Kigali using Akagera Aviation. Akagera NP is 2.5 hours drive from Kigali, and Gishwati-Mukura NP is a 3-4 hours’ drive.
People/Culture
There are 2 main tribal groups in Rwanda: the Hutu and the Tutsis. The 3rd group and also the smallest are comprised of the Twa. The Hutu are renowned traditional farmers; the Tutsis are cattle-owning pastoralists while the Pygmy Twa, are mainly potters and ancient hunters. Traveling through Rwanda provides a fascinating insight into daily village life. Often located in beautiful countryside, a village visit is an absolute highlight where a warm and enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed. Book your trip with your trusted Tour Company in Rwanda, Hermosa Life Tours and Travel.
