The small, landlocked country of Rwanda offers beautiful topography, warm hospitality and a variety of exciting experiences. The “Land of a Thousand Hills” is full of impressive peaks, with the highest, Karisimbi, towering above the clouds at nearly 15,000 feet. Africa Adventure Consultants’ luxury Rwanda safaris offer the opportunity to see endangered mountain gorillas in the volcanic Virunga Mountain range, an area made famous by prominent primatologist Dian Fossey (Gorillas in the Mist). Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited for its robust population of endangered mountain gorillas; however, the country is also home to the Big 5 in Akagera National Park. Other lesser-known areas, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, provide the opportunity to see smaller primates such as chimpanzees, mangabeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Birdwatchers will be happy to learn that the country is home to 700+ bird species, including 29 regional endemics.
Rwanda has hilly, lush and verdant landscapes made green by abundant rainfall. The country is slightly larger than Vermont, and it packs a huge amount of adventure inside its tiny borders. Here, travelers can find dense equatorial forest, rolling hills, steep mountains, deep lakes and even savanna landscapes. It also has a huge amount of land dedicated to agriculture, with its steep, terraced plots a visual feature of any visit. Where land has been protected, its varied terrain hosts myriad flora and fauna, ranging from the famous mountain gorilla to game more commonly thought of in other safari destinations, such as zebra, giraffe, lion and rhino. Trekking to see primates is often the main driver for travelers to visit Rwanda, but opportunities to see other wildlife should not be overlooked.
Rwanda has several genocide memorials – in Kigali and dotted around the country. These museums are sobering and poignant reminders of the country’s tragic past, and visiting one is a good way to learn more about Rwanda’s troubled history.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s top attraction. It is one of only three countries on Earth where you can trek to see the endangered mountain gorilla. These primates are the world’s largest, and we think trekking to see them is one of the top nature experiences available.
Visitors to Rwanda can also trek to see 13 other primate species in Nyungwe Forest National Park, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys and colobus monkeys. The park is also an excellent birdwatching destination. Its 310 recorded species include sought-after birds such as the great blue turaco and paradise flycatcher.
For more general game viewing, Akagera National Park offers a variety of habitats that support a wide range of species. The Big 5 can be seen here after several translocations to restore lion and rhino populations, which are now thriving. There is a robust population of antelope, big cats including cheetah and leopard, hippo, giraffe and many more.
Rwanda is a fantastic destination for active travelers. In addition to trekking primates, visitors can trek to see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park; climb some of the country’s volcanoes for their breathtaking views; visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, which includes walking through the forest; undertake aquatic adventures by kayaking or other water sports on its beautiful lakes; and enjoy self-guided or guided walks through Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe also offers a canopy tour with walkways high above the forest floor, giving you the chance to spot birdlife and primates. Traditional game drives are also part of every safari to Akagera National Park, mirroring experiences in East and Southern African safari destinations. Boating safaris are also on offer here.
We encourage travelers with time to trek both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas on their safari. It is fascinating to see the differences in behavior and cultures between the two species. Trekking can be as easy as a short walk or as challenging as an all-day hike.
Let us know your interests so that we can customize a Rwanda safari that’s just right for you.
Accommodations on a Rwanda safari range from boutique city hotels to tented camps and luxurious lodges. In Volcanoes National Park, Africa Adventure Consultants’ favorites include Gorilla’s Nest with its unique suites offering features such as outdoor baths, fireplaces or a private pool, depending on the suite; and Kwitonda Lodge, with its breathtaking volcano views and luxurious suites, each with a private terrace with a fireplace and heated plunge pool.
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, AAC staff recommend the new Icyayi Songa, an intimate lodge with just five suites that opened earlier this year; and Nyungwe House, a luxurious retreat set at the edge of the lush forest within a working tea plantation. In Akagera, Magashi is our top choice. It overlooks the shimmering waters of Lake Rwanyakazinga and the Mutumba Mountains in a magical setting.
Talk with your Journey Specialist about the kind of accommodations you would like for your Rwanda adventures.
Rwanda’s equatorial climate is fairly consistent year-round. Rains tend to be seasonal, with the wettest months typically running from February through May and again from October to December. June to September marks the driest season, making for easier trekking, though the possibility of rain should not stop you from visiting outside of these months! The rains can make gorilla and chimpanzee trekking somewhat more challenging, and wildlife may be more dispersed within the national parks, but you will see primates and wildlife all year long. The rains do provide for good photography, with skies free of haze and beautiful light.
Be sure to talk with your Journey Specialist about your interests so you can determine the best time of year for you to visit Rwanda.
Safaris in Rwanda can be undertaken in private, closed vehicles or in a combination of helicopter flights and driving. While on safari, you might be in an open or closed game viewing vehicle, on a boat or on foot. Let us know what you would like to do!
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Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark, AAC President Kent Redding, Bisate, AAC traveler Susan C., Nyungwe House, Magashi, Kwitonda,