Known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda offers an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life. Booking a Rwanda safari gives you the opportunity to experience this beautiful African country’s lush landscapes and rich wildlife through a number of unforgettable encounters.
Whether it’s always been a dream of yours to see a family of elusive mountain gorillas in their natural habitat or you’d like to tick seeing the ‘Big 5’ off your bucket list, there is a Rwanda safari experience to suit every preference!
With so many incredible safari destinations in Africa, Rwanda is often overlooked. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll take you on a captivating journey highlighting some of the amazing things you can expect to see and experience when you book a Rwanda safari holiday.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
No Rwanda safari holiday is complete without going trekking through the rainforests to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and watching as these playful primates interact with one another in their family groups. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place within the Volcanoes National Park, where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering research, and offers an unforgettable experience for animal lovers from all over the world.
Those interested in a gorilla safari need to purchase a permit and hire a guide. Only 8 people are allowed on a trek each day, and you can expect to spend around an hour with the gorillas. While the experience is highly regulated, this ensures the sustainability of the project and the continuation of Rwanda’s successful anti-poaching efforts.
Other Animal Encounters
While gorilla trekking in Rwanda is definitely one of the most popular and memorable wildlife encounters you can have on your safari holiday, there are also plenty of other animal experiences you can look forward to. Rwanda is known for the enchanting allure of its diverse wildlife, so make sure you make time to see as much as possible!
If you have a passion for primates, you may be interested in chimpanzee trekking, where you hike through steamy rainforests in search of cheeky chimpanzees and playful colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. Based on visitor sightings, Nyungwe National Park and the Gishwati Forest are the best places to see chimpanzees.
Rwanda is also home to the famous ‘Big 5’, which includes lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhino. It is possible to see all five of these incredible animals by visiting the Akagera National Park.
Walking safaris are another popular way of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat without the noise of a safari vehicle. On a walking safari, you are led by a professional guide on foot and get the opportunity to see dozens of different animals. Your safety is always prioritised, so you won’t get too close to any potentially dangerous animals.
Diverse Landscapes
Located in east-central Africa, Rwanda is home to a diverse array of landscapes. You can expect to enjoy breathtaking views around every corner. From misty mountain peaks to sprawling lakes, such as Lake Kivu, Rwanda offers something for everyone!
The terrain is known for being quite hilly, with many mountains and valleys to explore. The Virunga Mountains, located in northwest Rwanda, are home to the country’s highest peak, which stands at nearly 15,000 feet. Two major African Rivers, the Nile and the Congo, also flow through Rwanda.
The Rise of Eco-Tourism in Rwanda
In this modern day and age, tourists have a responsibility to participate in sustainable tourism practices in order to not negatively impact the destination’s environment and economy. In Rwanda, there has been a steady rise in the popularity of eco-tourism, thus attracting responsible and conscious visitors from all over the globe.
There are plenty of regulations in place that ensure many of the country’s most popular tourism activities, including gorilla trekking, are focused on conservation. Far from restricting, these regulations ensure that the unique experiences offered by Rwanda will be around for many more years to come. You can enjoy these activities with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they are low-impact and completely sustainable.
Incredible Safari Packages
When it comes to Rwanda safari packages, you are truly spoilt for choice. No matter how long you intend to visit, your budget, and the type of wildlife encounters you wish to experience, there is a package on offer to suit your preferences. If you start planning your visit ahead of time, you can also make use of one of the many special offers available.
If you’re battling to find a package that aligns with your requirements, you could always opt for a custom package that is created by travel experts specifically for you and your travel companions. This way, you won’t have to compromise on anything, and you’ll get to design your dream Rwanda safari holiday!
Rich Cultural Heritage
In addition to the close-up wildlife encounters on offer in Rwanda, you can also look forward to enjoying this African country’s rich cultural heritage. The warm, friendly people of Rwanda and their unique customs and traditions are what make a Rwanda safari holiday a truly unforgettable experience.
Visiting Rwanda provides you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with African culture. You can do this by visiting local markets and watching dance performances, among many other experiences. It can be challenging to gain ‘authentic’ local experiences. That’s why it is important to speak to travel experts and gain advice from people who have visited Rwanda before.
Music and dance play an integral role in the country’s culture and tradition. You can expect to see a lot of dancing and hear a lot of singing and drumming during your time in Rwanda.
Amazing National Parks
Rwanda is known for its beautiful national parks, making so many types of animal encounters possible. Gorilla trekking experiences typically take place at the Volcanoes National Park, which is located along the Virunga Mountains. The park is just a short, 2-hour-long drive from the capital of Kigali and provides you with the opportunity to see dozens of plant and animal species.
Akagera National Park is another one of Rwanda’s most popular destinations. However, despite its popularity, you can drive through this national park for hours on end without ever seeing another vehicle. The park’s most notable feature is the fact that it is home to all five of the ‘Big 5’, giving you the opportunity to see these large and impressive mammals during your time in Rwanda.
Located near Rwanda’s southern tip, Ngunwe National Park acts as a sister park to Volcanoes National Park and is a fantastic destination for experiencing the country’s rich biodiversity. The park, which attracts visitors from far and wide, is home to over 300 bird species and boasts chimpanzee trekking as its main attraction.
Has it always been your dream to go on a Rwanda safari holiday? At Tailormade Africa, we put together custom packages so that you and your travel companions enjoy a personalised experience that meets all your specific requirements. Contact us to chat with our travel experts, and we can begin planning the Rwanda safari holiday of a lifetime!
