When you are talking about Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience is the first thing that comes to mind. But there is a lot more to do in Rwanda other than just trekking gorillas. Rwanda is home to three national parks and lots of sightseeing attractions to choose from while on a wildlife safaris tour in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park (Also known as Parc National des Volcano) is situated in the northern province of Rwanda (Musanze), along the Virunga conservation area. This national park borders Congo’s world heritage site, Virunga National Park and Uganda’s second gorilla home, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Volcanoes National Park has long been known as a haven for the endangered mountain gorilla in Rwanda besides sheltering five of the renowned 8 Volcano Mountains of the Virunga conservation area (Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga). The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey decades ago but apparently holds a lot of Rwanda gorilla tours. Volcanoes National Park is definitely a good place to go while on your visit Rwanda safari you decide experience on Rwanda’s soil.
Akagera National Park is a little piece of heaven found in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. It is dominated by swamps and small lakes with flow in the wake of River Kagera. All the water sources work together to create a piece of spectacular scenery. It is quite a remarkable Eco - system. The Park was obviously named after River Kagera. It is home to many large plains game species as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoe bill Stork.
Notable plains game includes elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, water buck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelope are duiker, oribi, bohor reed buck, klipspringer, bush buck and impala. Of the primates, olive baboons, vervets and the secretive blue monkey are seen during the day, with bush babies often seen on night drives. Of the larger predators’ leopard, hyena, side-striped jackal and lion, which were re-introduced last year, are present. Plans are underway for the reintroduction of the black rhino too, and this will restore Akagera’s ‘Big 5’ status
Due to its wide variety of habitats, Akagera is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species. The rare and elusive shoe bill shares the papyrus with other rarities such as the exquisite papyrus gonolek and countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands in large numbers.
Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rain forests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity. Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.
This majestic rain forest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge yourself in. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers. Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travelers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.
Kigali is by far one of the cleanest, safest most laid-back African cities. The capital city of Rwanda is also a lively paradise blessed with a lot of bars, restaurants, hotels and welcoming, friendly locals. However, you will find several places to visit around the city, like the Genocide Memorial Centre, Holly wood (the film industry of Rwanda), the diverse Nyamirambo neighborhood, local markets, and many other landmark sightings offering an authentic slice of the local lifestyle.
Lake Kivu is the largest and most scenic lake in Rwanda. It’s the sort Rwandan Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya as well as the Zanzibar in Tanzania. Aside from this, there is no better place to bring an end to your wildlife safari tour in Rwanda than Lake Kivu. You can enjoy swimming here without any danger from hippos, crocodiles or you can even lounge on sandy beaches and take a dip in the lake to enjoy a refreshing swim like nowhere else around the world. Even, it’s a lovely paradise where Rwandans, expats as well as visitors to Rwanda love to relax and chill out for a few days. This means if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy lifestyle, visiting Lake Kivu is a must.