Land of a Thousand Hills
RWANDA SAFARI
Rwanda lies in the heart of Africa, in the Albertine Rift, and is brimming with spectacular natural beauty, rich culture and outstanding wildlife viewing. A Rwanda safari offers one of the most spectacular activities in Africa – gorilla trekking. Combined with the forests of Nyungwe and the game viewing in Akegera, a Rwanda Safari is fast moving to the top of travel wish lists.
Having admirably dealt with past tragedies, Rwanda has emerged as a country on an upward economic trajectory and offers a myriad of activities beyond gorilla trekking. Rwanda is a stunning destination, aptly called “The land of a thousand hills” and its staggering natural beauty is what delights visitors.
The terrain of Rwanda is characterised by undulating hills and mountains with rainforests on the slopes and cultivated fields in the valleys.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the easiest and most accessible trek in Africa. Gorilla safaris are run in the Parc National des Volcans or Volcanoes National Park, protecting the Virunga Mountains and around 300 mountain gorillas, other primates, birds and flora found in the area. It is here that Dian Fossey conducted her research into the great apes and where Gorillas in the Mist was filmed. Ancient rainforests line the slopes of the Virunga’s and visitors can enjoy guided hikes or challenging climbs with knowledgeable guides.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda takes place in the Volcanoes National Park, an easy 3 hour drive from the capital, Kigali. Only about 10 gorilla families have been habituated in Rwanda, with only 8 gorilla permits available for each family each day. It is imperative that permits are secured before the rest of your trip is locked in. While you canot chose the family you would like to trek to, the head rangers will take into account your fitness levels before assigning you your group. While on your gorilla hike, you could see some of the other primates found in the Volcanoes like the Golden Monkeys as well as bush pigs, buffalo and forest-dwelling bucks.
A gorilla safari in Rwanda is one of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring wildlife interactions you can do. But that is not all that Rwanda offers!
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a must-visit on a Rwanda Safari! This incredible area is located in the east of the country, on the border with Tanzania and is managed by Africa Parks, in partnership with Rwanda. Akagera National Park is comprised of open plains, woodlands, swamps, lakes and low mountains, creating a most pretty savanna area.
Lake Rwanyakazinga is found in Akegera and is home to the prehistoric shoebill stork, sitatunga, large pods of hippo and very large crocodiles! Wilderness Safaris’ Magashi Camp is one of the few safari lodges in the area, but there are some in development as this area continues to recover as well as it has. Akagera was the recipient of some rhinos from other parts of Africa, in an effort to find safe havens for these critically endangered animals.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is in the southwest of Rwanda, near the Burundi border and is Africa’s largest Afro-Montane forest. Nyungwe Forest is home to almost a quarter of all primates found in Africa! It is here you can take a chimpanzee trek to see the 2 chimpanzee family groups that have been habituated to humans. Take a hike through the forest to see the Angolan Colobus monkey, the Blue monkey, L’hoest monkey, Owl-faced monkey, Red-tailed monkey, Crowned monkey, Dent’s Mona monkey and Velvet monkey amongst others. A favourite activity in the Nyungwe Forest is the Canopy walk, where you hike to the start at the top treeline, and take a walk on hanging bridges in the canopy.
Kigali
Kigali is the capital city in Rwanda and the place all international flights land. Stretching over lush hills and surrounded by mountains, Kigali is the commercial, financial and cultural hub of Rwanda. Most safaris spend their first night in this city and take in the sights on the markets and craft shops, the Kigali Genocide Centre and more.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda and is characterised by deep emerald green waters and numerous islands. Lake Kivu attracts travellers to its sandy edges. It is not far from the Volcanoes National Park, which enables this beautiful area to be combined with ease. Enjoy a kayaking tour, hiking, swimming and glorious sunsets. The safe waters hide the significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide that are found in the depths of the lake.
