Rwanda Safari Highlights
Rwanda safari highlights enlightens the best of Rwanda for travelers to choose from. Rwanda, “the land of a thousand hills”, as the country is known the World over attracts an incredible fair share of repeat visitors, most of whom return each year or two to relish the familiar pleasures of the favorite Great Apes during primate safaris or to re-explore the untouched wilderness of Akagera National Park where no two days on a trip can ever be the same.
A closer look at the eyes of a baby gorilla, one of Rwanda safari highlights.
For other visitors, a trip to Rwanda is important because the country offers numerous fresh potential experiences to the more adventurous travelers looking to enjoy mountain climbing, canopy walks, and many other activities. This beautiful country offers a wide range of habitats, from the tropical rainforests, and high-altitude mountains, to the savannah plains, which are home to different natural wildlife species.
You will most likely see the classic Big Five game (rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and lions), colorful feathered beauties, and primates (such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys).
This article Rwanda safari highlights showcases some of the typical Rwanda safaris, which include;
Classic Big Five Safaris
If you have always had the dream of encountering the Big Five game during a Rwanda safari, then head to the World-famous Akagera National Park to enjoy its mind-blowing wildlife experience, complete with classic game drives as well as luxe Safari Lodges or Tented Camps. Other wildlife experiences in Rwanda’s largest National Park include guided bush walks, boat rides on Lake Ihema, behind-the-scene experiences to see Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, duikers, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Hippos, warthogs, and many others.
Trek the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Rwanda is one of the few places that provide shelter to the endangered mountain gorillas, and Volcanoes National Park is one of the country’s most thrilling safari destinations to visit. The best way to discover about the unique human-like behavior of these Giant Apes is by booking a gorilla safari. Take the 3-hour drive or 30-minute helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park where you can trek one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, then get to spend one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person and can only be sold to persons of 15 years and above.
Visit the chimpanzees in the wild
The dense rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the endangered chimpanzees which are our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. To learn and appreciate fully the majesty and exceptional behavior of these Great Apes, we suggest heading on a guided chimpanzee trek. A typical 3-day trip to this 1,000-square-kilometer National Park departs from Kigali and journeys to the southwestern side of the country. This activity is usually a wonderful alternative to the more costly gorilla treks and is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the behavior of these Great Apes.
Enjoy the diverse cultural experiences
The land of a thousand hills provides a wide array of cultural experiences, including rewarding visits to rural villages. Learn about the cultures of the three ethnic groups- Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa on a trip to the Gorilla Guardian Village, and Azizi Life, where you will not only meet the locals and learn about their day-to-day life and traditions but also enjoy traditional music and dance displays, meet with the traditional healers, get the chance to prepare and savor on traditional cuisines.
Incredibly breathtaking history
Discover Rwanda’s remarkable history as you tour this beautiful country. The 1994 Rwanda Genocide is the highlight, and the country is littered with Genocide Memorial Sites where visitors make tours and learn about this rich history. You can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, Bisesero, Nyamata, or Murambi Genocide Site in different parts of the country.
Instagram-worthy accommodation
When you talk of Instagram-worthy accommodation, Rwanda is one of the few places that have it all, from the contemporary Hotels to the Wilderness Tented Camps, and private Safari Lodges. Have you ever pictured yourself in a luxury Safari Tent at Magashi Safari Camp or Ruzizi Tented Camp providing views of savannah plains, and secluded Safari Lodges like One and Only Gorilla’s Nest and Bisate Lodge that boast views of the dense rainforest, and the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes?
Indulge in the mouth-watering flavors of Rwandan cuisines
One of the other Rwanda safari highlights is experiencing the mouth-watering food wherever you travel in the country. From Brochettes (barbecued meat), “Ibiraya” (Rwandan fries), Igisafuria (plantain with chicken and vegetables), Akabenzi (pan-fried pork), to Isombe (pounded cassava leaves).
