Rwanda Safaris : Rwanda is a land is breathtaking beauty, rich culture, rolling hills and incredible wildlife. This small landlocked country has along been shrouded in mystery, but today its’ emerging as must-visited destination for adventure lovers and nature seekers. Rwanda’s unique blend of lush rainforest, towering mountains and rolling hills creates a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable safari experience. The country is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on the continent, including the captivating mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and vast array of antelopes, birds and other animals. On this Rwanda safari adventure, you will have the chance to embark on a journey that will take you deep into the heart of the country’s national parks and reserves. You’ll trek through the lush forest, explore rugged mountains and experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an avid birder, a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Rwanda has a full package for you!
Types of Rwanda safaris
Wildlife
Rwanda is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and incredible wildlife, the country’s unique geography, with its mountains, forest and grasslands, supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Rwanda is home to many endangered species and its national parks are some of the most protected and well managed in Africa. Rwanda is home to several primate’s species including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys which can be easily spotted from the country’s Volcanoes National Park, as well as chimpanzees and mangabeys. Besides the primates, Rwanda is one of the few countries in Africa where you can see all Five membered of the Big Five game animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos, which can only be spotted in the savannah- based national park. Other animals include antelopes, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles among others. More so Rwanda safaris also offer the chance to visitors to stop a variety of bird species with over 1000 recorded in the country among the few includes Rwenzori turaco, red-breasted pygmy falcon, and great blue turaco among others
Primate safaris
Rwanda is renowned for its incredible primate’s diversity, with 13 species of primates inhabiting its lush forest. The country is home to the famous endangered mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and many more. A primate safari in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to explore the world of these fascinating creature up close. The highlight of any primate safari in Rwanda is tracking the mountain gorillas. these magnificent creatures are found in the Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga mountains. The park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, divided into 10 habituated groups. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also home to over 400 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world to see these intelligent primates.
Cultural tours
Rwanda is a country rich with cultural heritage, shaped by its history, traditions and customs. A cultural tour in Rwanda is an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of thru Rwandan people, to learn about their way of life and to immerse yourself in their vibrant culture. Reanda has a lot of cultural tourist attractions that portals the country is culture and customs such as local villages where visitors have the chance to visit traditional village to experience rural Rwandan life, meet with the local families and learn about their daily routines, Kigali city where visitors have the chance to explore the capital city’s markets, museums and galleries, which offers a glimpse in to Rwanda’s history and culture. Another cultural attraction includes Butare, Ruhengeri and lake Kivu among others.
Hiking
Rwanda is a hiker’s paradise, with its lush mountains valleys and forest offering a variety of trails for all skill levels. The hike to Mount Karisimbi is one of the most challenging and rewarding. Mount Karisimbi is known as the highest peak in Rwanda and the Virunga mountains, standing at 4,507m (14,790 ft) above the sea level. The mountains are a dominate volcanoes, with a crater lake at its summit. hiking Mount Karisimbi is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and diverse wildlife. Th best time to hike this fascinating volcano is during the dry season, from June to September when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Beach tours
Rwanda is one of the best destinations in east Africa, which offers the excellent beach tour. One of the most popular destinations for beach tours in the country is lake Kivu beaches, lake Kivu us a beautiful freshwater lake share by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lakes’ beaches offer a tranquil atmosphere, crystals-clear water and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. One of the most popular beaches on lake Kivu is the Gisenyi beach, popular for its spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Other beaches include Kibuye beach known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and a greater spot for swimming, kayaking and boat cruises and Kibara beach, perfect for those looking a peaceful retreat and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Where to go for Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda Safaris : Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most famous national parks in Africa. The national park is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas as well as other unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Virunga mountains, a volcanic range that stretched across three countries that’s Rwanda, Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of approximately 130 square kilometers (50 sq mi) and is part of the large Virunga Conservation Area. The National Park is renowned for its habituated mountain gorillas which can be found in the bamboo forests and cloud forest of Virunga mountains. There are about 10 habituated gorilla groups in the park, each consisting of between 5-50 individuals. Visitors can trek through the forest to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. In addition, too the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety f others wildlife including golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, elephants, buffaloes, leopard, antelopes and various species of birds. Visitors can explore the park through a guided treks and hikes, which ranges from easy days walks to more challenging. The most popular activity is the gorilla tracking, which involves hiking through the jungles to trek and observes the gorilla. Other activities offered includes, golden monkey tracking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing and cultural encounters among others.
Rwanda Safaris : Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a protected area that covers an area of approximately 1,122 square kilometers (433 sq mi). This park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a unique experience that combines stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and exciting activities. Akagera National Park was established in 1934 and is named after the Akagera river, which forms the western boundary of the park. the park’s name “Akagera” means “place of stone” in the local language, referring to the park’s unique rocks formations and outcrops. Akagera National Park is home to diverse range of wildlife including, the Big Five as lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhinoceros. Other wildlife includes impalas, waterbucks, duikers and bushbucks, primate species such as baboons, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys among other as well as over 500 species of birds such as large flocks of terns, ducks, and bee-eaters, and the forest areas are especially good spot for barbets, orioles, shrikes and weavers. Other notable Birds in Akagera National Park include; Red-faced barbet Blue-shouldered robin-chat. While on a wildlife safari in the park, you will have the chance to participate in a number of activities such as fishing, game drives, birding, hiking and cultural visits among others.
Rwanda Safaris : Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, the national park is one of the most diverse protected areas in Africa. This park is a primate paradise, with an incredible array of primate’s species and a chance to spot the endangered chimpanzees. Nyungwe National Park was established in 2004 as covers an area of approximately 1,000 sq km (386 sq mi). The park is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley, a region of great geological significance. The park’s terrains are characterised by montane forest, bamboo groves and rolling hill, with elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,000m above the sea level. Nyungwe National Park is known for its large population of the primates including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, mangabey, vervet monkeys. the national park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of bird record within its boundaries such as owls, sunbirds and hornbill among others. While on a Rwanda safari in Nyungwe National Park, you’ll have the chance to participate in a number of adventurous activities such as primate tracking, birdwatching, canopy walk and forest walks among others.
Best time to go for a safari in Rwanda
The best time to go for Rwanda safari is during the dry season, which typically runs from ale June to September and from December to February. These period offers the weather is generally more predictable, with minimal rains. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around the water sources, the vegetation is less dense. These periods offer the best conditions for exploring Rwanda’s national parks including Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park for classic safaris, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and Gishwati-Mukura National Park for other primate viewing. Note that June to September is also referred as the referred peak tourist season
