Rwanda is one of the finest destinations in East Africa, with four national parks: Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera, and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is home to striking landscapes and mountains scattered across the country.
Rwanda is also known as one of the cleanest countries in Africa. It is landlocked, neighboring countries including Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most travelers know Rwanda for its mountain gorilla population, the beauty and hospitality of its people, sweeping hills, and towering volcanic mountains.
Since its dark genocidal past, the current government, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has worked toward reconciliation and rebuilding relationships between the country’s communities, and Rwanda has become a peace-loving country.
There is a lot to do in the land of a thousand hills, and every visitor will find something to enjoy during their safari in this beautiful country.
1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the main and most sought after activity, and what every tourist would like to undertake on a visit to Rwanda. There is only one subspecies of gorilla in Rwanda, the mountain gorilla, located in the Virunga ranges within Volcanoes National Park.
The trekking experience takes place only in the morning, starting at 08:00 hours, and lasts 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of a gorilla family, the pace of the group, or both.
Visitors are given an hour in the presence of these gentle giants. All you need is a gorilla permit, which must be booked in advance, at least 3 months before your trekking day, since permits are limited and in high demand.
There are other interesting activities to enjoy while in Volcanoes National Park, including a visit to the Dian Fossey research center at Karisoke, where you can explore and learn about the woman who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas.
2. Golden Monkey Trekking
Trek the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This is a rare species of primate unique to the Virunga Conservation Area.
Golden monkeys can also be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda, also part of the Virunga ranges.
3. Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is home to over 13 primate species. While here, you can take part in two main activities: chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda exposes travelers to the sights and sounds of chimps for one hour, following them, taking memorable photos, and learning more about their life in the jungle.
The canopy walk, on the other hand, takes visitors across a bridge suspended above the trees at a height of 80m, spanning a distance of over 150m, while watching primates and birds and taking in an aerial view of the surrounding forest.
4. Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the only savannah wildlife park in Rwanda, and it hosts the big five animals: rhinos, lions, buffalos, elephants, and leopards. There are also rare bird species, like the shoebill stork, and while in this national park you can take part in two rewarding activities: game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you can view animals like Masai giraffes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, duikers, and many others.
5. Kigali City Tour
On a city tour, visitors spend the whole day exploring Kigali city’s attractions, such as the local markets, for example Kimironko, the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the main city museum, the Inema Art Center, Nyamata Church, and the Richard Kandt History Museum.
This is a memorable experience, spending the whole day in one of Africa’s cleanest cities, visiting local restaurants, taking coffee, and enjoying local dishes.
6. Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Now Called Gorilla Guardians Village)
Located near Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is designed to introduce visitors to the best of Rwanda’s traditions and culture through community walks, tasting traditional meals and dishes, and entertainment through traditional music, dance, and drama.
There is also an opportunity to visit a traditional healer, who explains different medicinal plants and the ailments they are used to treat.
Other great activities include volcano climbing, bird watching, colobus monkey trekking, nature hiking, and balloon safaris, among many others.
