Top Things to Do in Rwanda

Top Things to Do in Rwanda: Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is a popular travel destination in Africa. Thousands of tourists from all over the world have come to Rwanda to see its stunning terrain, wildlife, gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys, and the Big Five safari species, among other things.

Rwanda is blessed with a variety of geological features, including mountains, lakes, rivers, savannahs, swamps, and forests, despite being a small country in comparison to most of Africa. The aforementioned characteristics combine to create beautiful habitats that support a wide variety of animals, including birds, primates, and fauna.

Generally speaking, Rwanda has warm, sunny days throughout the year due to its location just below the equator. Here are some of the top safari activities available to visitors to Rwanda:

 

Gorilla trekking – tracking

Rwanda is one of just three nations in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat.

When on safari in Africa, gorilla trekking is an enticing experience that one should not pass up. A briefing on gorilla rules and regulations is given at headquarters early in the morning before the activity begins. Depending on how they move through the forest, a gorilla trekking adventure can last anywhere from thirty to seven hours.

While you’re there, you might also see other animals like colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and many kinds of birds. With the assistance of a knowledgeable range guide who will lead you in search of a gorilla family, gorilla trekking is possible in one of the habituated gorilla families.

After you meet the gorillas, the range guide will give you an hour to spend with them, during which you will discover how they play, act, eat, and survive in the forest while also taking some amazing pictures. Gorilla trekking can truly change your life because it allows you to witness these exceptional gentlemen in their natural habitat.

Tracking Primates

traveling to Rwanda, a popular location for a variety of primate species, such as endangered golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees.

You may go gorilla trekking or see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

Chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys can be seen at Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Canopy walk

One of the best places for tourists to experience a canopy walk is Rwanda’s Canopy Walk, an exhilarating activity in the park.

The Rwanda Canopy Walk launched in 2010, making it the third in the world. The second activity completed at Nyugwe Forest National Park is climbing the canopy, which takes roughly two hours from the starting point at the Uwinka Visitors Center.

However, 60 meters above the forest floor, the bridge is suspended between enormous trees, providing fresh air. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the canopy experience requires a minimum age of six.

Note: You can go on canopy walks at any time of year.

Game drives

The greatest place to go on a game safari in Rwanda is the Akagera National Park, which is located 110 kilometers from Kigali town in the country’s northeast. In contrast to Rwanda’s neighbors, the park is surrounded by a number of lakes, the most popular of which being Lake Ihema, which contributes to the region’s milder climate.

Together, Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Park provide an amazing safari experience because they are home to a variety of game species and creatures that are unique to papyrus swamps, such as the Sitatunga and the highly sought-after shoebill stork.

Primates to observe include olive baboons, vervets, and the elusive blue monkey, which may be seen during the day, and bushbabies, which are frequently spotted during nighttime drives. Other amazing plain game animals include buffalo, elephant, Topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope, and eland, among others.

Birding

With over 700 bird species that can be reserved at various locations, such as all national parks and other destinations, Rwanda is also a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Indeed, Rwanda provides a breathtaking scene for birdwatchers; birding in Rwanda may be enjoyed by visitors of all skill levels, from the most casual to the most dedicated.

Although Rwanda offers year-round birdwatching, December through February is the migrant bird season.

Experiences with Culture

Rwanda has a distinct culture with joyful people that welcome tourists to experience their wonderful way of life and take part in their distinctive customs. Visitors can take in their traditional music and dance show, which features everything from hilarious songs and lighthearted dances to displays of bravery and skill, as well as rural craftsmanship with roots in traditional agriculture.

Rwanda offers a wide range of breathtaking cultural activities, including museums, Umuganda, crafts, dancing performances, and trips to genocide memorials.

The Congo Nile Trail

From Rubavu, the Congo Nile Trail stretches along Lake Kivu, passes via Rutsiro through the districts of Karongi and Nyamasheke, and concludes at Rusizi. The 227-kilometer journey offers breathtaking views of undulating hills and pure water.

This trail enables daring tourists to experience Rwanda’s splendor while providing breathtaking views of the Lake Kivu coastline.

The Congo Nile path offers rewarding views and absorbing cultural experiences along the way, and it can be hiked in no more than five days.

Tea and coffee tours

The main export from Rwanda is tea, and the country’s temperate temperature and rich volcanic soil are ideal for plant growth. Visitors to the tea plantation can learn about the harvesting, processing, and even tasting of the tea.

Numerous farmer’s cooperatives and washing stations in the area provide year-round tours that explain the coffee-making process, and hundreds of thousands of small producers produce coffee throughout Rwanda.

Go to the Musanze Caves

The Musanze Caves are located outside of Musanze Town, which is 1.5 hours’ drive from Kigali City. There are a lot of bats living in this about two-kilometer-long cave.

The Musanze caves were historically utilized as a place of refuge during the early stages of the war, which made them significant to the local population. As a result, guided tours are not widely available.

A knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the caverns’ creation and history will accompany you during your visit.

Tours via helicopter

The best aerial view of our unending rolling green hills and immaculate water banks is provided by this helicopter trip.