Rwanda is one of the finest destinations in East Africa with only four national parks – Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera and Gishwati – Mukura national parks. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is home to epic landscapes, and mountains scattered all over the country.
Rwanda is also known to be the cleanest country in Africa, landlocked and neighboring other countries like Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most travelers know Rwanda for its mountain gorilla population, the beauty and hospitality of natives, sweeping hills and towering volcanic mountains.
From its dark genocidal past, the current government under the leadership of His excellency Paul Kagame took part in reconciling and creating new friendships between the two tribes (Hutu and Tutsi) and Rwanda has completely turned into a peace-loving country.
There is a lot to do in the land of a thousand hills and every visitor has something to do during their safari in this beautiful country; –
Gorilla trekking safaris
This is the main and most sought-after activity and what every tourist would like to undertake on their visit in Rwanda. They are only one subspecies of gorillas in Rwanda, the mountain gorillas located in Virunga ranges in Volcanoes national park. Trekking experience is only done in the morning starting at 08:00hours and it lasts for 2 to 6 hours depending on either the location of a gorilla family, your speed or even both.
An hour will be provided to you while in the presence of these gentle giants. All you need is a gorilla trekking permit which you must book in advance, at least 3 months before trekking day since they are limited and highly demanded.
There are other interesting activities to do while in Volcanoes National Park – including a visit to Dian Fossey research center in Karisoke where you will explore and learn about this great woman who sacrificed her life to save the mountain gorillas.
Golden monkey trekking
Trek the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This is a rare species of primates that is unique to the Virunga conservation area. These can also be found in Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwestern Uganda, also found within the Virunga ranges.
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 will be able to take part in two main activities – chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk.
Chimpanzee trekking exposes travelers to the sights and sounds of chimps for one hour as they will be following chimps, taking memorable photos and learning more about their life in jungles.
Canopy walk on the other hand, will take visitors on a bridge which is suspended on top of the trees at a height of 80m and walk a distance of over 150m while watching the Primates, and birds and have an aerial view of the surrounding forest.
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Akagera national park is the only Savannah national park in Rwanda and it hosts the big five animals (rhinos, lions, buffalos, elephants and leopards). There are also rare bird species like the shoe bill stork and while in this national park, you can take part in two interesting adventures like game drives and boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you will admire animal views like the Masai giraffes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, duikers and many others.
Kigali City tour
On a city tour, visitors spend the whole day exploring city-based attractions like the local markets for example Kimironko, Kigali genocide memorial center, the main city museum, Inema art center, visit Nyamata Church and Richard Kandt history museum.
This is an adventure of your lifetime as you spend the whole day in Africa’s cleanest city while visiting local restaurants, taking coffee and enjoying local dishes.
Visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
Located near Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, the Ibyiwacu cultural village is designed to display and usher visitors into the best of Rwanda’s traditions and culture through community walks, tasting traditional meals/dishes, and entertainment through traditional music dance and drama. There is also an experience of visiting the traditional healer who explains different medicinal plants and what diseases they cure.
