Rwanda is ranked among the most incredible safari destinations in Africa offering an enchanting safari journey through the land of a thousand hills.
Because of Rwanda’s small size, its attractions are within easy reach and since it is easy to access Volcanoes National Park from Kigali City – the capital (which is only a few hours’ drive away), it makes Rwanda a more appealing destination for gorilla trekking. Meet the park’s habituated gorilla families for an authentic and awe-inspiring gorilla trekking.
Continue you Rwanda Safari to visit the playful and charming chimpanzee families in Nyungwe National Park and see other 12 primate species, adding a layer of thrills and adventure to your travels. Spice up your expedition with game viewing drives in Akagera National Park to witness the reintroduction of the Big Five.
In this blog, we detail the top reasons to go on a Rwanda Safari
Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda is the best destination for gorilla trekking offering a grand opportunity to see the endangered mountain gorillas up close in Volcanoes National Park. The conservation efforts to protect these endangered primates have created a unique opportunity for gorilla safaris.
“Sit silently in the misty forest and marvel as these gentle creatures play, eat, and interact with each other. Their soulful eyes will penetrate deep within you”
Volcanoes National Park is the best gorilla trekking destination in Africa, this beautiful park is part of the Virunga Volcanoes which are shared between Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo. Mountain gorillas are the primate attraction in Volcanoes National Park and can be trekked all year round.
Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park - There are several gorilla families in the park, with some habituated for gorilla tourism and others for research, whereas others are not habituated. Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking. These include
- Bwenge Gorilla Group
- Titus Gorilla Group
- Karisimbi/Susa B Gorilla Group
- Susa (A) Gorilla Group
- Umubano Gorilla Group
- Group 13/Agasha Gorilla Group
- Kwitonda Gorilla Group
- Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
- Hirwa Gorilla Group
- Amahoro Gorilla Group
To take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park you need to acquire a gorilla trekking permit costing US$ 1,500 per person per trek.
Rich Primate Diversity
Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is a sanctuary and home to many primate species – 13 primate species, including the famous chimpanzees, elusive golden monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, Owl-faced monkey and Red-tailed monkey.
Rwanda is a captivating destination that is loved by travelers worldwide for its breathtaking landscape as well as remarkable wildlife. Observing primates in their natural habitat is one of the most enchanting experiences in Rwanda, from the world-famous and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – the primate capital of Rwanda is located in south western Rwanda, protecting one of the most world’s most beautiful and pristine rainforests. Chimpanzee trekking is the main primate activity to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the forest has a semi-habituated group of around 40 members which are tracked.
To take part in chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you need a chimpanzee trekking permit costing US$ 250 per person per trek.
In addition to mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can trek the endangered golden monkeys found in bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. You need a golden monkey trekking permit costing USD 100 per person per trek.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With over 703 bird species, Rwanda is a bird lover’s paradise hosting an impressive bird population including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics, spread across diverse habitats. Rwanda stands out as a primate location for African Montane bird watching, offering fantastic opportunities for bird watching.
Rwanda does not have any bird species that are entirely unique to the country. However, it is home to 29 Rift Valley Endemic birds found in the high-altitude rainforest area around Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati – Mukura National Parks.
Birds in Rwanda include Albertine boubou, Albertine owlet, Archer’s robin-chat, Black-faced apalis, Blue-headed sunbird, Congo bay owl, Dusky crimsonwing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grauer’s warbler, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Kungwe apalis, Neumann’s warbler, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-collared babbler, Red-faced woodland warbler, Red-throated alethe, Regal sunbird, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Ruwenzori apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori turaco, Schouteden’s swift, Strange weaver, Stripe-breasted tit, Willard’s sooty boubou and Yellow-eyed black flycatcher among others
With several bird habitats, the best birding destinations in Rwanda include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Gishwati – Mukura National Parks.
Best Time for Bird watching in Rwanda
Bird watching in Rwanda is a great al year-round, with a focus on the resident birds. However, the best time for bird watching in Rwanda’s most incredible birding destinations like Nyungwe Forest National Park is from January to June, when most birds are vocal. However, April can be challenging due to heavy rainfall.
Diverse Wildlife
Each of Rwanda’s four national parks protects distinct ecosystems, and Akagera National Park nestled in Rwanda’s eastern province is a captivating haven of biodiversity. Its rolling highlands, vast savannah plains, and swamp fringed lakes harbor remarkable wildlife species including Africa’s Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Other animals in the park include zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, and over 500 bird species.
Visit Rwanda on an enchanting safari journey through the land of a thousand hills, visit and explore Volcanoes National Park with its mystical gorillas, while Nyungwe National Park hosts chimpanzees amidst ancient forests. Head to Akagera National Park, where zebras, giraffes and lions roam the savannahs. And take on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu for kayaking and boat cruises.
