Rwanda is that one exceptional tourist destination visitors on Rwanda safari should consider a must-visit. Regardless of its size, Rwanda features among the few most outstanding destinations in Africa. It known for its pristine protected areas, iconic wildlife, unique culture and dark history.
Attractions in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas are Rwanda’s iconic attractions visitors on Rwanda safari should consider a must-see. Treks to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are conducted only in Volcanoes National Park which is approximately 2 to 3 hours from Kigali capital city. Volcanoes National Park is set in northwestern Rwanda, straddling in an area of about 160sq.kms. To track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you require a gorilla permit, each costing $1500. To obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda it is easier, simply get in touch with our reservation team or contact the reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
National parks
Rwanda safaris are conducted in anyone of the country’s four national parks; Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park. Volcanoes National Park is set in northwestern side of Rwanda and straddles within an area of about 160sq.kms. It hosts some of the endangered mountain gorillas, strikingly beautiful golden monkeys, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, black fronted duikers, buffaloes, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, over 300 bird species including among others the Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, handsome francolin. Volcanoes National Park also harbors five of the eight Great Virunga Volcanoes.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is set in Southwestern Rwanda, just at the border with Burundi. It is one of the best preserved montane forested parks in Africa, hosting over 13 species of primates including among others the chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys and over 310 bird species. Nyungwe Forest National Park is popular for chimpanzee tracking, hiking, birding, canopy walk and nature walks/hiking.
Akagera National Park is set in northeastern Rwanda. It is the only park in Rwanda where you can view the big five game (leopards, rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes) plus other savanna wildlife species like Masai giraffes, zebras, several antelope families, hippos, crocodiles, over 520 bird species to mention but a few. This park was gazetted in 1934 and sits in an area of about 1122sq.kms.
Gishwati Mukura National Park is a newly established national park in Rwanda. It opened for visitors to explore in 2019. Its establishment makes it the fourth national park in Rwanda. It hosts about 20 chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, over 232 bird species and many others.
Birds
Birds are some of the fascinating attractions Rwanda has to offer the world. About 700 bird species call Rwanda their home and they are distributed in different sites. The notable birds to look for on Rwanda birding tour include shoebill stork, Hartlaub’s duck, spur winged goose, crested guineafowl, scaly francolin, African fish eagle, double toothed barbet, woodland kingfisher, great blue turacos, African openbill, yellow billed stork, saddle billed stork, pelicans, bee-eaters, goliath herons, secretary bird, vultures to mention but a few.
Majestic mountains
The beauty of Rwanda also lies on its scenic mountains. On Rwanda safari, the best mountains to explore include the Virunga Mountain ranges, five of the eight are all confined within the Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda. They include Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. You can also visit Mount Huye which is close to Butare in the Southern Rwanda.
Culture and historical sites
Rwanda is known for its unique culture and iconic historical sites. There are many cultural and historical sites to visit on Rwanda safari and they include among others the Murambi genocide site, Gisozi genocide site, Bisesero memorial site, Gisenyi genocide site, Nyamata genocide site, Nyanza genocide site, Nyarubuye memorial site, Ntarama genocide site; Dian Fossey tomb site, Presidential palace museum, Hotel des Mille Collines and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for cultural experiences.
Lakes
Rwanda features several of magical lakes making them exceptional attractions in this landlocked country. They include among others twin Lakes-Lake Ruhondo and Burera; Lake Kivu, Lake Muhazi, Lake Rweru, Lake Cyohoha, Lake Ihema.
