5 Unmissable Experiences in Rwanda

Oh, Rwanda! The country that never ceases to inspire nature lovers, adventure seekers and everyone in between. As a must-visit safari destination for any tourist, the land of a thousand hills is filled with countless bucket-list experiences. From driving through the territory of big five game aboard an open 4X4 safari vehicle in Akagera National Park to trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, searching for the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, bird watching for the Albertine Rift endemics as well as taking history to new heights and experiencing the rich culture or heritage of Rwandans. Therefore, the following are the 5 unmissable experiences in Rwanda;

Search for the Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is an extraordinary safari destination where the endangered mountain gorillas pad across the steep and densely forested slopes of Virunga Volcanoes. Head out on a tailor-made gorilla safari with Maranatha Tours and Travel and you will be offered the opportunity of encountering one of the 12 habituated gorilla families of the country through rugged terrains and towering mountainous landscapes. Hike through varying elevations of the Park, sometimes up to 4000 meters above sea level while keeping an eye on all sorts of animals, birds, butterflies, wildflowers and tree species. Permits for trekking these Great Apes in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and are only issued by Rwanda Development Board, although we can secure them on your behalf.

Taking history to a different perspective and experiencing the culture of the people

No list of the unmissable experiences or even best places to explore in Rwanda is complete without the different Genocide Centers across the Country. The terrifying 1994 Rwandan genocide led to the loss of over one million lives and the displacement of about 2 million people. The different Genocide memorial centers commemorate those that lost their lives during the “100 days of terror”. Take some time to visit Bisesero, Gisozi, Murambi, Gisenyi and Kigali Genocide Memorial Sites. There is nothing more refreshing and rewarding in Rwanda like experiencing the Culture as well as rich heritage of the people. You can’t afford to miss the Nyanza King’s Palace, Azizi Life Experiences and Gorillas Guardian’s Village on your bucket list for cultural experiences in Rwanda.

Birdwatch for the Albertine Rift endemics

There are over 700 species of birds in Rwanda alone and over 20 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. The four National Parks (Akagera, Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks) the Lakes and wetlands of Bugesera, Kigali and many other places are excellent birding areas in the land of a thousand Hills. Book your birding tour with us for the chance to visit off-the-beaten-track destinations that you never through existed in this small East-Central African country.

Go on a safari in Akagera National Park

Explore the biodiverse Akagera National Park-savannah-dominating Protected Area in the Eastern boundary of the country and you will get up-close with its wide array of wildlife species. A phenomenal 66% of all the known bird species in the country can be found here and its savannah grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, Lakes and forest galleries are haven to the pink-backed pelicans, Kingfishers, Grey crowned cranes and so much more. Akagera National Park is the only place in the country where the big five game (leopards, lions, Rhinos, Cape buffaloes and African bush elephants can be found. Also present in this Protected Area are Masai giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys, jackals, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, Roan antelopes, Klipspringers, Oribis, bushbucks, serval cats, to mention but a few.

Track the endangered Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nearly 137 miles south-west of the Capital, you will find Nyungwe Forest, National Park. Here, two habituated chimpanzee communities are habituated for trekking. It is every visitor’s desire to ditch the safari vehicle and explore Nyungwe Forest National Park on-foot to search for the endangered chimpanzees that call the forest home. Walking with an armed Park Ranger and guide, you will come across the closest relatives of mankind playing, jumping on tree branches, munching on vegetation or resting. While chimpanzees are the stars in Nyungwe Forest National Park, other wildlife encounters involve the Angola colobus monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes and vervet monkeys encountered through one of the 13 hiking trails.