A Comprehensive Tour Of Rwanda’s Top Attractions : Rwanda is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history, but it is also home to some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife in the world. From mountain gorillas to golden monkeys, Rwanda is a haven for animal enthusiasts. Here are some of the unique wildlife in Rwanda that you should not miss:
- Mountain Gorillas: Rwanda is home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. These gentle giants are found in the Virunga Mountains, which are situated on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To see these magnificent creatures up close, visitors must purchase a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board, which includes a guided trek through the mountain forests to observe a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is considered one of the top wildlife experiences in the world.
- Golden Monkeys: Rwanda is also home to the endangered golden monkey, a species that is unique to the Albertine Rift. These primates have distinctive golden fur, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitat in the Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can go on a guided trek through the forest, where they can spot the golden monkeys as they jump from tree to tree.
- African Elephants: Rwanda has a population of over 1000 African elephants, which can be found in the Akagera National Park. These majestic creatures are the largest land animals on earth and are known for their intelligence, social bonds, and playful behavior. Visitors can go on a game drive to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Grey-crowned: Crane The grey-crowned crane is a national symbol of Rwanda and can be found in the wetlands of Akagera National Park. These stunning birds have a unique and striking appearance, with a crown of golden feathers on their head. Visitors can observe them as they dance and display their feathers during courtship.
- Chimpanzees: Chimpanzees are one of Rwanda’s most intelligent and social animals, and they can be found in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. These primates share over 98% of their DNA with humans, and visitors can observe them as they swing from tree to tree and communicate with each other using different vocalizations and body language.
Nyungwe Chimps
This article will take you on a comprehensive tour of Rwanda’s top attractions, giving you a glimpse of what this beautiful country has to offer.
Day 1: Kigali, the Capital City Your journey starts in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali is a modern city with a rich history and culture. On your first day, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed over a million lives. The memorial has a museum, a memorial garden, and a cemetery where victims of the genocide were buried. It is a somber experience, but it’s essential to understand Rwanda’s history.
In the afternoon, visit the Inema Arts Center, an art gallery that showcases Rwanda’s contemporary art scene. You can also explore Kigali’s local markets, where you can buy local crafts, clothing, and food.
Day 2: Nyungwe Forest National Park On your second day, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest is one of the most beautiful and oldest rainforests in Africa, covering an area of over 1000 square kilometers.
You can go on a guided trek through the forest, where you can spot different species of primates such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. You can also go bird watching, as the forest is home to over 300 species of birds.
Day 3: Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake that is located in the western part of Rwanda, on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is one of the largest lakes in Africa and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills.
You can go on a boat ride on the lake, where you can spot different bird species, including the African fish eagle. You can also swim in the lake or go kayaking. In the evening, you can relax on the shore and watch the sunset over the lake, A Comprehensive Tour Of Rwanda’s Top Attractions
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. On your fourth day, you can go on a guided trek to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek can take between 1-5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will have one hour to observe and take photos of them.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, a research center that is dedicated to the conservation of gorillas. You can learn about the center’s work and how it has contributed to the conservation of these endangered species.
Day 5: Akagera National Park On your last day, head to Akagera National Park, which is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, on the border of Tanzania. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes.
You can go on a game drive, where you can spot different animals and birds. You can also go on a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species.
