Things to do in Rwanda on a holiday
Rwanda, known as “the land of a thousand hills” because of its rugged terrain, is a new adventure powerhouse destination that offers a variety of fulfilling outdoor activities. With a land area of 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is a well-connected nation with year-round comfortable equatorial weather, friendly people, and a variety of natural beauty amid breathtaking landscapes. Things to do in Rwanda on a holiday.
Beyond Rwanda’s most popular adventure destinations, which include trekking mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. The nation offers a wide range of experiences appropriate for adventurers looking for gentle, family-friendly activities on Lake Kivu, hiking, cycling, and immersive cultural and communal experiences.
The Best Adventure Activities for a Rwanda Safari Trek with Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Trekking with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural environments is one of Rwanda’s best experiences. The renowned Dian Fossey conducted groundbreaking research on the behavior of mountain gorillas and their delicate environment. This research has resulted in strong conservation efforts for these endangered apes.Things to do in Rwanda on a holiday. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which is located on the country’s northwest border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Today, 25% of the world’s mountain gorillas reside at Volcanoes National Park. With a portion of them tamed for tourism and accessible to everyday hikers. Mountain gorilla trekking permits are in high demand, thus, reservations and purchases must be made well in advance.
Trek in Nyungwe Forest with chimpanzees
Chimpanzees can be found in the highland forests of Rwanda’s southwest Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe Forest, the most biologically varied forest in Rwanda and the region, is located in the center of the Albertine Rift. Chimpanzee communities, 12 other monkey species, and 300 bird species. And a wide variety of other indigenous plants and animals are among the richness preserved in these old rainforests. Things to do in Rwanda on a holiday.
In this expansive montane forest, Nyungwe National Park provides daily chimpanzee trekking excursions to up to three chimpanzee tribes. Chimpanzee permits should be reserved and paid for well in advance, just like the mountain gorilla trek experience.
Birdwatching
Rwanda is a top-tier birding location, boasting an astounding 750 species. The country’s advantageous geographic location is close to the equator and at the meeting point of Africa’s bird-rich biomes and habitats. The Albertine Rift zone, which encompasses the entire western country. And is home to bird hotspots such as the vast ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, which is the most remarkable of these ecosystems.
Rwanda is the best and most practical route to go to this rich biodiversity zone, which is known for its high endemism of plants and animals, including up to 29 Albertine Rift Endemic birds, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. The specialized Rwandan birding itinerary will include visits to the Albertine Rift’s highland volcanic slopes of Volcanoes NP and the regenerated woodlands of Gishwati-Mukula NP.
Rwandan Cultural Tours
Rwanda is a culturally diverse country that provides deep and genuine experiences. Numerous guided community and city excursions showcase the arts, music, storytelling, theater, and cuisine as expressions of this diversity of culture, customs, and conventions. A trip to a museum reveals not only Rwandan culture but also the country’s natural heritage and progress toward contemporary society.
Akagera National Park
The only savannah park in Rwanda and one of the oldest in the area. Akagera National Park, is another significant location with outstanding features. In addition to the renowned and amazing African big five. The park is home to lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, and leopards. Other wildlife includes, among others, antelopes, giraffes, Topis, zebras, hyenas, and impalas.
Musanze Caves
In the vicinity of the park are the Musanze Caves, which were created by volcanic activity in the Virunga Mountains approximately 65 million years. Among the most well-liked attractions are the caves, which are open year-round. Discover the fascinating rock formations, bats that inhabit the cave walls, and the breathtaking vistas of falling lights from the surface.
Visit Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is located close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Border in western Rwanda. With a depth of roughly 485 meters, it is one of the tiniest lakes in the Great Rift Valley and is regarded as having Rwanda’s most picturesque perspective. Beautiful beaches, hills, and fishing villages surround the lake, and the Volcanoes National Park is not far away.
National Museum
The National Museum of Rwanda, located in Butare, was built in 1989. And is a popular destination for those interested in learning more about the history of the nation. A visit to the National Museum, which is located on the same path that leads to Nyungwe National Park. Will provide you with a better understanding of the distinctive Banyarwanda culture throughout history.
Kigali City
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, has been decided to be the cleanest and best-organized capital in East Africa. Since Kigali has a lot to offer, it is safe to spend at least a few hours seeing the city. Many travelers use Kigali as a layover before moving on to the several national parks throughout the nation. A journey around Kigali won’t be a waste of time. Because the city is well-planned and has solid infrastructure, including highways and lodging.