Discover the Best Spots in Rwanda for Gorilla Encounters and Beyond
Rwanda may be one of Africa’s smallest nations, yet it boasts a remarkable array of incredible wildlife diversity. The compact nature of the area allows for swift and easy travel between captivating destinations, which is fortunate considering the multitude of breathtaking sites to explore in Rwanda. Even though the country is compact, Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and warm, hospitable locals offer extraordinary experiences. With remarkable species residing in its volcanoes, lush highland rainforests, and expansive plains, you are bound to discover numerous unique animals on safari tours in Rwanda.
Rwanda spans 1.5 times the area of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and nearly all attractions are within a 4-hour drive from Kigali. Prepare for an exhilarating journey where you will trek alongside rare mountain gorillas, ascend majestic volcanoes, and unwind by the captivating and ageless Lake Kivu. Discover a variety of tourist attractions in Rwanda that will inspire you to craft the perfect itinerary for your unforgettable journey to this extraordinary East African destination.
1. Kigali: The Starting Point for Gorilla Encounters
The vibrant capital city of Kigali serves as the gateway to exhilarating gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda. Your journey begins as you arrive from East Africa’s logistics hubs like Entebbe or Nairobi. Depending on your itinerary, you may head directly to the Volcanoes National Park or spend a night in this vibrant and secure city, where you can enjoy engaging tours and thrilling safaris in captivating Kigali. Your alternative is to take a direct flight from Johannesburg in South Africa, making it simple to incorporate a thrilling gorilla trek into your adventure-filled holiday in Kruger, Cape Town, or Victoria Falls. There are also regular connections from Lusaka in Zambia; ideal for those who have been exploring the Lower Zambezi or enjoying a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park.
Kigali boasts a sense of security and cleanliness, with residents participating in ‘Umuganda Day’ each month, dedicating time to collectively enhance the city’s environment. It is embraced with enthusiasm, and Rwandans hold a deep sense of pride for their capital. In an effort to tackle litter and pollution, the country has banned all types of plastic bags. A full day in Kigali (i.e. two nights) offers an exciting opportunity to explore the Genocide Memorial, a place that evokes deep emotions while inspiring reflection. You can also experience the vibrant contrasts between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ parts of the capital, making it a remarkable and essential destination in Rwanda.
Start Your Expedition 2. Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla Treks & Bird Watching
Gorilla trekking stands out as Rwanda’s premier experience, and Volcanoes National Park is the ultimate destination to embark on this thrilling journey. The rugged landscape and thick woodlands present challenging paths, yet the treasures found here are unparalleled: vibrant butterflies, diverse birds, and playful primates, with the highlight being the enchanting families of habituated mountain gorillas. If you’re looking to encounter one of these magnificent beings, we suggest planning your visit during the dry months – the prime time to observe gorillas in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is home to the Karisoke Research Station, established by primatologist Dian Fossey, where she guided a team in their quest to study gorillas in their natural habitat. You can embark on a 2-hour hike to her tomb, which is – like much of Rwanda – both poignant and uplifting, or delve deeper into the work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The hike stands out as one of the most remarkable and personal experiences in Rwanda, providing an excellent chance to spot primates, hogs, forest elephants, and a wide variety of bird species. There are several groups of accustomed golden monkeys, whose playful behavior is a delight to observe. Golden monkeys are at risk of extinction, and trekking requires special permits.
Exploring the indigenous culture of the area you are visiting can lead to exciting discoveries. If you are curious about destinations in Rwanda, embark on a guided community walk to Iby’Iwacu village, where you can immerse yourself in traditional dancing, explore beer made from bananas, and meet a local healer.
Embark on a quest for gorillas
RWANDA NATIONAL PARKS
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park: Home to chimps, primates, and a variety of birds
Guarding the most extensive expanse of montane forest in East and Central Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the perfect incentive to delve deeper into Rwanda following your unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in the country. Nyungwe, one of Africa’s ancient rainforests, brims with a rich variety of birds, elusive butterflies, and stunning orchids.
However, the true highlights are the 13 species of primate – including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, owl-faced monkey, and the black and white colobus – that turn the park into their lively playground. Alongside remarkable hiking paths and breathtaking views, the forest canopy walk offers a fantastic opportunity to observe blue monkeys residing high in the treetops. No matter if you seek an enchanting escape amidst breathtaking landscapes or have longed to catch a glimpse of a chimp, Nyungwe is the perfect destination in Rwanda for a complete African adventure.
4. Akagera National Park: Exciting Wildlife Encounters
Situated in the low-lying eastern region of Rwanda, Akagera marks the transition from the lush tropical forests of Central Africa to the expansive dry savannahs of East Africa. An enticing blend of wetlands and undulating wooded grasslands, Akagera National Park is the perfect destination in Rwanda for those eager to encounter iconic African wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. This park is compact yet offers an exciting journey and is about a 3-hour drive from Kigali. Alongside guided Big 5 game drives, Akagera presents private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night drives – experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife of Rwanda’s most notable destinations.
Set off on an exhilarating journey 5. Lake Kivu
Situated on Rwanda’s western border, Lake Kivu is a vast body of water surrounded by lush hills that provide fantastic opportunities for hiking, chimp trekking, bird watching, and canopy walks. Lake Kivu stands out as a prime example of the breathtaking landscapes that await you among Rwanda’s top tourist destinations. Here, you will find yourself in Gisenyi, a charming town on the northern shore, where the opportunities for kayaking or boating await you. Kivu is a serene destination to recover from jetlag after a long-haul flight or to unwind following the challenges of gorilla trekking and the numerous other amazing tours in Rwanda.
Relax by the water
