Rwanda is by far one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, a trend reflected by an ever-increasing number of tourists flocking into this distinct and diverse East-Central African landlocked country. Known for its dark history, rolling hills and majestic mountain gorillas, striking golden monkeys, big five, unique culture, scenic water bodies, 4 pristine wilderness areas, warm welcoming people; Rwanda features a complete list of safari activities and its small size makes it easier to explore and experience a lot more in a shortest time possible. While majority of travelers think Rwanda is only for trekking mountain gorillas, there are many safari activities for you to do on Rwanda safari and each safari activity is unique on its own way making it a perfect place for you to get out of the usual experiences.
Some of the exceptional safari activities to do in Rwanda include;
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is by far a distinct wildlife adventure that is why you should count it a must-do safari activity in Rwanda. It is exceptional from others the fact that it gets you a chance to get up close with the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are the most powerful and a few most awe-inspiring creatures on planet earth and Rwanda is luckily one of the 3 countries in the world where you can witness them. In Rwanda, trekking to see mountain gorillas is done only in Volcanoes National Park which is set in the Northern Province of Rwanda. This park is 160sq.kms and it is 2-3 hours’ drive away from Kigali.
To witness these massive creatures in Rwanda, you need $1500 to secure a gorilla permit which is an essential tool for you to trek one of the 10 habituated families in Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla families to explore in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include the Susa A, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa, Umubano, Amahoro, Bwenge, Kwitonda and Ugenda.
Golden monkey tracking
If you miss to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda at least do not miss to strike your imaginations with the striking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park! These magical creatures thrive only within the Virunga Conservation Area (Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park-southwestern Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). The available golden monkey groups to track in Volcanoes National Park include Kabatwa in eastern side of the park just on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo with approximately 40 members and Musongo group on the slopes Mount Karisimbi which is at the elevation of about 2800 to 3000 meters. Musongo group consists of about 100 members. To explore golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, you need $100 to secure a permit.
Volcano hiking
Rwanda is not only famous for its thrilling gorilla adventure experiences but also for breathtaking volcano hikes. Hiking experiences in Rwanda are best done in Bisoke Volcano which is 3711 meters, Karisimbi Volcano (4507meters) and this is the highest of all the 8 Virunga Mountain Massifs; Muhabura Volcano which is the second highest in Volcanoes National Park.
Bird watching
With over 700 bird species, Rwanda is a true birder’s paradise. Birding is of no doubt one of most sought after safari activities in Rwanda and it is done mostly in several of its Important Bird Areas (IBAs); Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akanyaru Wetland, Nyabarongo Wetland, Cyamudongo Swamp, Akagera National Park, Rugezi Swamp among others.
For bird lovers, the incredible birds to identify while on birding tour in Rwanda include purple breasted sunbirds, the Rwenzori nightjar, red collared babblers, handsome francolin, grauer’s warbler, grauer’s swamp warbler and these can be spotted in Nyungwe National Park which is a home to about 310 avifaunal species. Akagera National Park is a home to 550 bird species and they include among others shoebill stork, Carruthers’s cisticola, papyrus gonoleks, white winged swamp warblers, grey crowned cranes, African finfoot. In Volcanoes National Park, you can look out for the handsome francolin, Ruwenzori double collared sunbird, Ruwenzori Turacos, archer’s robin chat and others then at Gishwati Mukura National Park, the birds to identify include Rwenzori Turaco, martial eagle, white headed wood hoopoe, mountain yellow warbler and many others.
Game drives
Rwanda is a complete home to big five and game drives are by far the best way to catch a glimpse at them while in the vast savannas. Game viewing in Rwanda is done only in the extensive savannas of Akagera National Park which is in the eastern side. Guided game drives in Akagera National park in a pop-up roof safari vehicle rewards you with exceptional view of African bush elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, birds to mention but a few. You can also embark on a guided night game drive for you to look out for nocturnal species.
Boat tours
Boat tours in Rwanda are best done in Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. They reward travelers with astonishing view at hippos, crocodiles as they are relaxed along the lake shores, variety of water bird species as well as several savanna wildlife species that roam around the shores. Other areas to embark on a boat ride tour in Rwanda include Lake Muhazi, Twin Lake, Lake Kivu.
Chimpanzee tracking
For primate enthusiasts, chimpanzee tracking is another most rewarding primate adventure you shouldn’t miss while on Rwanda safari. It is best conducted in Nyungwe Forest National Park, southwestern Rwanda about 6 hours away from Kigali capital city. At Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee permits are obtainable at $100 per trekker. You can also track chimpanzees at Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newly established park.
Canopy walk
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the first of its kind not only in Rwanda but in East Africa at large. It takes you through a suspended walkway above the lush Nyungwe rainforest which rewards travelers with amazing sights at variety of primates including L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys; birds. The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park takes visitors about 2 hours and you can start your walk from Uwinka Visitor Centre. You need $60 to take part in canopy walk in Rwanda.
Cultural experience
Rwanda is known for its authentic African cultural experiences. You can be part of Rwanda’s thrilling cultural experiences at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village while on gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park or get thrilled by the traditional dances from Intore Dance Troupe.
Exploring Rwanda’s unique history
Rwanda is endowed with unique history and consists of over 300 distinct historical sites. The best sites to explore Rwanda’s history include ethnographic museum, national art gallery at Nyanza, National Liberation Park Museum, the presidential palace museum, campaign against genocide museum, environmental museum to mention but a few.
Kigali city tour
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and remarkably one of the Africa’s cleanest cities. Spend time in this vibrant city and experience a mix of tradition and modernity. Explore different sites including Kigali genocide site in Gisozi, local markets, art galleries among others.
In conclusion, Rwanda has wide range of safari activities for tourists to do and each safari activity rewards travel endeavors with unique experiences.