Wildlife Encounters

Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda Tours & Safaris

Rwanda Safaris: Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a country in eastern Africa recognized for its unique tourist attractions. Kigali, the nation’s capital, has spotless downtown streets, five-star hotels, and well-developed road networks, whereas the surrounding countryside has magnificent rolling hills and verdant plantations. Butare, Rwanda’s second-largest city, is known as the “intellectual capital” due to the fact that it is home to numerous academic institutions and museums. Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda – The tourism industry in Rwanda is highly developed, with a number of high-end hotels, respectable lodges, and numerous distinct attractions and activities within the game parks.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park does not have as much wildlife as Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara, but the possibility of seeing mountain gorillas draws the majority of safari visitors. It must be noted that Akagera National Park’s savannah wildlife is not yet up to the high standards of Kenya’s or Tanzania’s main game parks, but it is improving swiftly and is well worth a visit on any Rwandan safari.

Rwanda excursions can also concentrate solely on the majestic mountain gorillas, the gentle giants that we have come to adore and admire. A small population in the midst of the Virunga Volcanoes is a career highlight for any wildlife enthusiast, and it is the perfect combination for those who also wish to explore Kenya’s and Tanzania’s larger, more wildlife-focused safari parks.

A Rwandan safari can now fulfil all of your needs without requiring you to leave this landlocked nation. Gorillas, chimpanzees, and savannah wildlife can be observed within a week to two weeks, reducing the need to travel further and lowering costs. Rwanda is not only a wonderful place to observe these incredible, human-like primates in their natural habitat, but it is also home to chimpanzees. Often overshadowed by gorillas, chimpanzees are one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, and monitoring them during a Rwandan vacation or expedition is an incredible experience.

WHY TRAVEL TO RWANDA?

Rwanda, offers unique experiences in one of the world’s most extraordinary nations. The primary attraction is Volcanoes National Park, where travelers get to see gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates, enjoy a safari including birdwatching, traditional game drives, nature treks, cultural experiences, climbing, and lakeside relaxation.

Throughout the country, hiking and trekking through dense rainforests to the summits of volcanic peaks and even high above the tree canopy are also available. In Rwanda, you are continually surrounded by magnificent animals of all sizes. The treetops are filled with the gasps of primates and birds. Butterflies navigate wind currents in search of the optimal wildflower.

Note :It’s advisable not to carry plastic bags in Rwanda they are prohibited

KEY/MAJOR ATTRACTIONS ON YOUR RWANDA TOUR

Volcanoes National Park

Dian Fossey, a well-known primatologist, remarked that the Virungas are located in the heart of Central Africa and are so high up that you tremble more than you perspiration. These ancient, towering volcanoes almost covered with a lush, verdant rainforest. In Rwanda’s extreme northwest, Volcanoes National Park safeguards the precipitous slopes of this majestic mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a diverse mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, marshland, and moorland.

The park is home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas and 10 habituated gorilla families. The park’s dense forest and mountainous terrain can make gorilla tracking difficult, but excursions to Rwanda are thrilling. Since Dian Fossey set up camp in the Volcanoes national park, the country has become a global leader in mountain gorilla conservation and research efforts.

Visitors can arrange to visit the former research station and tomb of Dian Fossey. While mountain gorilla tracking is the primary activity at Volcanoes national park, travellers on a Rwanda wildlife excursion can also see forest elephants, forest hogs, golden primates, buffalo, birds, and a variety of butterfly species.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s largest, diverse, and most beautiful rainforests. The hilly terrain is filled with fauna, including a tiny population of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, such as the L’Hoest’s monkey, which is endemic to the Albertine Rift. On a wildlife excursion of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is among the most attractive locations. Nyungwe Forest is a large tropical forest with more than one thousand plant species, exemplifying Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. The forest is the ideal place to search for chimpanzees after tracing mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s largest national parks offering some of the country’s finest wildlife safaris. The park, located in the country’s eastern region, consists of approximately one thousand square kilometers of savanna comparable to that of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The park is located close to Kigali and is home to a variety of African mammals that congregate at the park’s numerous water sources, such as the Akagera River and Lake Shakani. A game drive through Akagera National Park is the most popular way to observe, among other animals, hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffe, baboons, zebras, buffalo, leopards, and elephants. On an Akagera wildlife safari, birdwatchers can anticipate to see approximately 500 species, such as shoebill storks.

Gishwati Forest

The park is the most popular tourist destination in Rwanda and the country’s fourth national park. Gishwati Mukura is comprised of two distinct forests, the larger Gishwati and the lesser Mukura, encompassing 34 square kilometers in addition to a buffer zone. Along the Albertine Rift in the west of the country, on a ridge that separates the Congo and Nile water catchment zones, the forests are situated. It is composed of sixty distinct tree species, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. Twenty chimpanzees reside in Gishwati alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys.

Lake Kivu

The approximately 2,600-square-kilometer Lake Kivu, which straddles the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Rwanda’s natural marvels. The lake is the highest in Africa, flowing approximately 1,450 meters above the earth’s surface. It is one of only three lakes in the world that emit carbondioxide into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as “exploding lakes.” There has been no recent volcanic activity, so tourists can expect to find gorgeous beaches, blooming vegetation, islands, fishing communities, and ports such as Rubavu. When touring Lake Kivu on safari, hiking, bird viewing, nature treks, chimpanzee tracking, and boat journeys are all possible activities.

Mt. Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi, one of the highest elevations in Africa, is included in the Virunga mountain range. Hiking mount Karisimbi is one of the finest activities available in Rwanda. Those who are able to make the 6-hour ascent to the summit are rewarded with a spectacular view of the national park’s volcanoes and the chance to observe a diversity of birds. Mount Karisimbi can be climbed while monitoring mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Combining a Mount Karisimbi hike with gorilla trekking during a Rwanda expedition is a physically demanding undertaking that necessitates a high level of fitness if accomplished in a few days.

MAJOR TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN RWANDA

Even though Rwanda is a small, landlocked country, there are numerous activities available. Rwanda occupies an area of 26,338 square kilometers in East Africa. Rwanda shares borders with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania and  is known for its beautiful highlands, volcanoes, mountain gorillas, and attractive people, as well as one of the deadliest genocides in modern history. Several of the attractions are unique. Rwanda offers some of the finest and unique tourist attractions and activities, making your safari even more exceptional. Among the activities and things to do in Rwanda are:

Visiting the capital city and major city of Rwanda, Kigali,

Mountain gorilla trekking at the 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 best time to visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, during the long dry season, when you have the greatest chance of seeing the country’s undisputed highlight, the mountain gorilla, and the weather is optimal for gorilla tracking. The rainy seasons from March to May and November are optimal for locating chimpanzees. Also, it is calmer at that time.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN RWANDA

Rwanda, which is well-developed for tourism, has some of the best hotels for tourists to appreciate and experience the country’s natural grandeur. Throughout your Rwanda tour, you will have numerous options for accommodation, including budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels to accommodate all safari group types, including solo travelers, families, and Honeymooners. You can choose to remain inside or outside the park, and camping enthusiasts will find some of the finest private and public spots in Rwanda’s national parks.