Top wildlife to see in Rwanda

The top wildlife in Rwanda includes mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees and other primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park. For savanna wildlife, Akagera National Park offers the famous big five lions, leopard, elephant, rhinos, and buffalo, along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species. Top wildlife to see in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas. The main attraction offers a unique experience of observing these endangered apes in their natural habitat.
Golden monkeys. Another sought–after primate for tracking in the park’s forest.s
Other primates.. Various other monkey species can also be seen . Top Wildlife to see in Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzees are a prime destination for chimpanzee tracking and observing them in their natural environment.
Black and white colobus monkeys. Also found here, these monkeys are another highlight of primate viewing. Top Wildlife to see in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

The big five… .this is the only safari park in Rwanda and allows for spotting the classic African big five..
Other mammals .look giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, baboons, and bush pigs.
Birdlife .a diverse population of birds can be seen, making it great for birding.
Aquatic wildlife. On Lake Ihema, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

What are the big five animals in Rwanda

The African lion is one of the big five
Leopard. The leopard is another member of the Big 5
Visitors can see the African elephant in their natural habitat
Rhinos are part of the Big Five, with eastern black rhinos present in the park.
Buffalo. The Cape buffalo is the fifth member of the Big Five.

Where to see them and what activities?

Akagera National Park. .this is Rwanda’s only national park offering big five game drives, or even on a boat cruise along Lake Ihema

Is it better to see gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

Neither Rwanda nor Uganda is definetly for gorilla trekking,t he choice depends on your pririoties with Rwanda offering a more convenient,l uxurious, and potentially easier, high end experience while Uganda provides a more affordable, a dventurous and diverse itinerary with a wider range of activities .rwanndas volcanoes national park offers oprn vegetation and shorter less steep treks ideal for those with limited time or mobility issues. Conversely, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest features denser rainforests, steeper trails, and longer treks, appealing to budget–conscious travelers seeking a more challenging adventure and additional wildlife opportunities.

Choose Rwanda if

You prioritize convenience and ease. Rwanda’s park is more accessible with shorter drive times from the airport ma making it suitable for short trips
One prefers luxury accommodations. Rwandaa focuses on high-end tourism, offering more upscale lodges and a more refined experience
Your budget is higher. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are more expensive but align with the country’s focus on a high-value,low-impact tourism model
The terrain in Volcanoes National Park is less dense and steep than in Uganda, leading to gentler, shorter hikes

choose Uganda

You are on a tighter budget
Uganda offers much cheaper gorilla permits and a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation options.
In case you want a more adventurous experience, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest presents a more challenging trek with steeper, muddier trails and easier vegetation
. Seek a more diverse itinerary. It is a more established destination with a wider variety of additional activities, including chimpanzee trekking, other wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences.
If you want more time with the gorillas, while the permit costs differ, Uganda allows for more time with the gorillas during a trek

considerations for both countries

Physical demands..Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity; both countries offer gorilla chair services for visitors with mobility issues, where porters carry them to the gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500, while Uganda permits are $800 for a one–hour encounter or $1500 for a four–hour encounter. Horned
gorilla species. Both countries are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, nd both provide a unique and memorable encounter with these incredible primates

What wildlife is in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s wildlife includes its famous species, the endangered mountain gorilla, as well as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other primates in its rainforest alongside the big five,l lionsntlionss, leopard, rhinos, buffalo ze zebras, giraffe, and diverse birdlife. In its savanna at Akagera National Park, you can find primates like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Volcanoes National Park offers game drives to see savannah animals and boat safaris on Lake Ihema for hippos and crocodiles

primates, and rainforest wildlife

mountain gorillas. Found in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park. They are one of Rwanda’s most significant wildlife attractions. You can see chimpanzees along with other primates like golden monkeys and lhoest’s monkeys in Nyungwe forest national park area

s avaAvannand bithe g five in Akagera national park

The Big FiveAkagera is the place to spot lions, elephantsleopards, rhinos, and buffaloes
Savannah. The park is home to zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species such as topis, kobs, and elands
Aquatic life. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema within the park offer sightings of hippos and Nile crocodiles

Birds and reptiles

Birdlife. R wanda hosts over 700 bird species, including the shoebill stork, African grey parrot, and crowned crane.

Reptiles. You might also see Nile crocodiles, Nile monitor lizards, and African rock pythons.

What is the best gorilla family to see in Rwanda?

Theree is no single best gorilla family in Rwanda, as it depends on your priorities and fitness level .however the Susa family is a top choice for its historical significance with dian Fosse, high levels of activity due to its playful twins,byishimo and impano and adventurous spirit though the trek can be challenging due to its high altitude location .other notable families include the Agashya family or its larger size around 20 members and the Amahoro family for its peaceful interactions.

Considerations when choosing a family

Fitness level. Some families, like Sus’s, live in higher altitudes and require more strenuous treks.
Historical significance. The Susa family is famous for being Dian Fossey’s research group..
Group dynamics. Some families are known for being particularly playful, like Su,sa, while others are known for their harmony, like Amahoro.
Family size and composition. Groups vary in size and may include more or fewer silverbacks, juveniles, or infants.

Popular gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park

Susa family. It is famous for its historical sites, to Diann Fossey, and for its playful, energetic young gorillas, including the twins Impano and Byishimo
Agashya family. a relatively large family, around 20 members, that is popular and can be easier to track than Susa
Amahoro family.It is known for being very peaceful and harmonious, making for a serene viewing experience
Karisimbi family breakaway group from the Susa family, sometimes called Susa
Umubano family was formed when a silverback challenged the dominant leader of another group, resulting in a peaceful co-existence

In conclusion

Gorilla group locations can change daily, and park rangers may sometimes prohibit trekking to a group that has moved too far away from its own territory.