Despite Rwanda’s small size, the country’s breathtaking environment and kind-welcoming people provide a one of a kind travel experience. With rich flora and fauna species inhabiting its volcanoes, highland rainforests and wide plains, you will be sure to encounter many endemic animals on safari tours in Rwanda.
From historic museums that inspire, to incredible meals and rich biodiversity, Rwanda is full of promise and wonder. Exploring Rwanda will leave you emotional and enlightened, here are the 5 Best Places to Visit.
1. Kigali City – Gateway to the Gorillas
Kigali – the capital city of Rwanda is the country entry and exit point for Rwanda’s prime safari experiences like gorilla trekking. From Kigali’s International Airport, you can transfer straight to Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest Natonal Park. it is possible to fly in from East Africa’s logistic hubs such as Entebbe or Nairobi solely depending on your itinerary.
The other option is to fly direct from Johannesburg in South Africa, which means it is easy to add a gorilla trek onto a Kruger, Cape Town or Victoria Falls holiday. Also there are regular connections from Lusaka in Zambia, perfect for it you have been visiting the Lower Zambezi or on a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park.
Kigali is both safe and clean, as once a month residents undertake “Umuganda Day” when they engage in compulsory cleaning of all aspects of the city. It is taken seriously, and Rwandans are justifiably proud of their capital. As means of combatting litter and pollution, all forms of plastic bags are prohibited in the country.
A full day in Kigali will allow you time to visit the Genocide Memorial sites which is both moving and inspiring experience, and to see the old and new parts of the capital – a notable and rewarding, must-visit tourist attractions in Rwanda.
2. Volcanoes National Park – Home of Gorilla Treks & Bird Watching
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking which is Rwanda’s unrivalled main attraction, its mountainous terrain and dense forest make for tough walking conditions, but the rewards are matchless.
Volcanoes National Park is the site of primatologist Diani Fossey’s Karisoke Research Station, where she led a team to study gorillas in the wild. You can undertake about a 2-
hour hike to her tomb for both moving, inspiring and discover more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Volcanoes National Park is home to several gorilla families, with some habituated for gorilla tourism and other for research, whereas others are not habituated. There are 10
habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park open for gorilla trekking, these include:
- Amahoro gorilla group
- Hirwa gorilla group
- Sabyinyo gorilla group
- Kwitonda gorilla group
- Group 13 / Agashya gorilla group
- Umubano gorilla group
- Ugenda gorilla group
- Susa (A) gorilla group
- Karisimbi / Susa – B gorilla group
- Titus gorilla group
- Bwenge gorilla group
Volcanoes National Park also hosts the rare and endangered golden monkeys only found in the Virunga region, other animals found in the forest include Forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, duikers, spotted hyenas, bush-bucks and several primates.
To take part in golden monkey trekking as well as gorilla trekking, permits are required.
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park- Chimpanzees, Primates & Birds
Protecting the largest single tract of montane forest in both East and Central Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is best destination to visit Rwanda for sights of chimpanzees and other primates.
Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa protecting abundance of birds, rare butterflies, beautiful orchids and 13 species of primates. The primate are the main reason why thousands of visitors come to Rwanda, these primates include huge population of chimpanzees with a few groups habituated for chimpanzee trekking tourism.
Other primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Silver monkey, Golden monkey, Owl-faced monkey/ Hamlyn’s monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey and Angolan Colobus Monkeys.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking which offers visitors one hour of being in presence of the gorillas, other activities to enjoy include bird watching, Nature and Hiking tours done on Umoyove trail, Uwinka Trail, Irebero Trail, Imbaraga trail, Bigugu trail and Isumo Trail among others, Canopy Walk and Cultural tours.
4. Akagera National Park: Savannah Game Viewing
Located on low lying eastern Rwanda, Akagera is a point where the tropical forests of Central Africa give away to the dry savannahs of East Africa. The park is a mix of wetlands and rolling wooded grasslands.
Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park in Rwanda and is the only place for a chance to spot classic African animals including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, leopards and many antelope species.
Akagera National Park is a relatively small park and is roughly a 3-hour drive from Kigali.
In addition to memorable Big 5 game drives, Akagera National Park also offers private boat trips and sunset cruises on Lake Ihema and night game drives. All these activities are offered for visitors to enjoy the most of this prominent wildlife – rich Rwanda destination.
5. Lake Kivu
Located on the western border of Rwanda, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes known for its immaculate beaches and warm, safe swimming water. This massive expanse of water is ringed by verdant hills that offer excellent hiking, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks.
Also, Lake Kivu has become a benchmark for the unparalleled scenery you will encounter at the top Rwanda tourist attractions.
At Lake Kivu, you will stay at Gisenyi, a small town on the northern shore from which you can go kayaking or boating. Kivu is a tranquil place to get over jetlag from a long – haul flight or to relax after the rigours of gorilla trekking and the many other incredible tour experiences in Rwanda.
