Are you looking forward to participating in an African tour and still wondering about what places to add on your bucket list? Rwanda is one of the top destinations to visit during African vacations because it offers unmatched wildlife experiences that you cannot afford to miss. The land of a thousand Hills brims with breathtaking attractions including spectacular landscapes, five volcanoes of the Virunga massif, numerous water bodies and magnificent wildlife species among others.
Mountain gorillas in particular are always the highlight of Rwanda safaris with thousands of tourists making trips to meet face to face with the Giant Apes in their natural habitats. There are more than 300 of these primates in Volcanoes National Park, located in the North-western side of the country. Currently 10 habituated gorilla families call this Park home hence 80 permits are sold every day at $1500 per person to spend one hour with them. Besides gorilla trekking other activities can be enjoyed and these include birding, visit to Dian Fossey grave hikes, volcano climbing, golden monkeys tracking, visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for exceptional cultural encounters and exploring the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.
Akagera National Park, the only savannah destination in the country will never disappoint with the wide range of wildlife species including the Big five animals (Lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and Rhinos) at a close range. Other animals you will encounter in this Park during safaris include Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, Burchell’s zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, Topis, Hippos, crocodiles, Impalas and several primate species. This site offers an authentic African safari experience that is totally unmatched. Therefore with the wonderful attractions, fascinating things to do in this destination include boat rides within Lake Ihema, birding, game drives and camping among others.
This country is also a birder’s paradise with an estimated number of 720 species of birds likely to be encountered during safaris. Important Birding Areas are Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe Forest National Parks, Nyarutarama Lake, Nyabarongo, Rugezi Swamp, Akanyaru and Cyamudongo. All these places offer exceptional birding experiences like no other in the African continent because you get the chance to encounter several Albertine Rift endemic species.
Situated in the South-western border of Rwanda with the Democratic Republic of Congo with Burundi, Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for more than 86 mammal species including 13 species of primates. Most importantly, over 400 chimpanzees as well as Silver monkeys, Angola black and white colobus monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, Golden monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, Olive baboons, Red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys as well as vervet monkeys call the Park home. It is one of the few places to enjoy the breathtaking forest canopy walks that offer views of the tree canopies, several birds and primates.
For the mountain climbers, there are 5 volcanoes of the Virunga Massif nestled within Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi, the highest of the 8 mountains standing at 4507 meters (14,787 feet) above sea level lies within the borders of Rwanda and offers one of the best hiking experiences that will blow your mind. All you need is preparation, to be physically fit, carry the right equipments and wear appropriately for the adventure. Besides Mount Karisimbi, hiking is also conducted within Mount Bisoke and Mount Muhabura, which all provide unique views.
A city tour within Kigali will introduce you to Africa’s cleanest and verdant city but most importantly offer views of riveting sites that will take your breath away. A tour can be conducted to any of the 8 Genocide Memorial Sites (Murambi, Nyanza, Gisozi, Gisenyi, Nyamata, Bisesero, Nyarubuye and Ntarama Memorial Site), Art Galleries (Inema Art Center, Yego Arts Studio, Niyo Art Gallery and Ivuka Arts Center) and Museums such as Presidential Palace Museum and Kandt House Natural History Museum. It is therefore important to add the Kigali City tour to your Itinerary to complement your Rwanda wildlife safaris and make it memorable.
If you are looking for a place for unwinding or relaxation during Rwanda safaris, Lake Kivu that doubles as Rwanda’s largest Lake is the perfect place to be. You can also sunbathe, swim, enjoy a number of water sports (such as kayaking, fishing, sailing, wind surfing and boat rides), hike and bike and have a tour within some of the verdant coffee farms and even get the chance to taste locally processed delicious coffee. You can double the excitement with comfort by booking from any of the exquisite accommodation facilities on the shores of Lake Kivu such as Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Paradise Malahide and waterfront Resort among others.
In conclusion, Rwanda is a fantastic destination to visit during African tours because she offers the once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy unsurpassed experiences. The country’s safaris are flourishing due to a number of remarkable attractions, places and activities such as Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe Forest National Parks, Lake Kivu, Kigali City tour in addition to 5 volcanoes of the Virunga Massif.