Top 10 attraction to see in Rwanda

Rwanda the land of a thousand hills is among the wonderful destinations to visit with in East Africa. Rwanda is in the Eastern parts of Africa. From its majestic gorillas, then to the chimpanzees. You can also mention its 5 volcanoes, various bird species and many more that makes Rwanda to standout as a top tour destination in africa.

In this article we are going to talk about various attractions to see while in Rwanda and they include.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda is popularly known for being a home for the magnificent, endangered mountain gorillas. The country is one of just three countries all over the world where mountain gorillas can be trekked in their natural habitats.

Rwanda is credited with over 20 percent of the total mountain gorilla population that is still living on earth. The country is the home to over 22 mountain gorilla families that can be visited daily. Some of the famous gorilla families you can encounter on your Rwanda visit include Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Hirwa, and many more.

To trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda, you need to possess a valid permit that can be purchased from either Rwanda development board, the body responsible for Rwanda tourism activities or through your trusted tour operator. The gorilla permit goes for 1500 dollars per person and will give an hour with the gorillas in the wild.

The gorilla trekking experience at Volcanoes

Gorilla trekking refer to the process of encountering these endangered great apes in their natural habitats. Gorillas can be trekked either from volcanoes national park, Mgahinga gorillas national park, Virunga national park or Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

The activity starts very early in the morning at the park headquarter which is kinigi headquarter in case of Rwanda’s volcano national park. It’s from the briefing where you learn about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest. The activity usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, but this depends on the location of the gorilla family you are allocated to trek.

Trekking involves a group of 8 people to visit the jungle. Hiking in the jungle involves passing through the steep slopes, hilly mountains, as you search for the gorillas. Once the gorillas are found, only one hour is offered to the trekkers to spend with these magnificent giants of east Africa.

CHIMPANZEES IN RWANDA

Beside mountain gorillas, you can also trek another great apes which is the chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Chimpanzees in Rwanda can either be trekked from either Nyungwe national park or Gishwati-Mukura national park

Nyungwe is also home to over 500 bird specie and other primates including black and white colobus monkey, l’host monkey, vervet monkey and many more. Whereas Gishwati-Mukura national park also offers golden monkey trekking beside Chimpanzee trekking.

The chimpanzee trekking experience at Nyungwe national park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe starts with a briefing very early in the morning at the park main head quarters at Uwinka visitors center.

After the briefing, you join a group of guides and other fellow tourists to go and trek the chimpanzees in the forest. Once trekkers locate the chimpanzees, only one hour is offered to spend with them while observing their behavior and daily interactions.

Cost of the chimpanzee permit

The current cost of a chimpanzee permit in Rwanda is $250 for foreign non residents, $75 for foreign residents and then $25 for East Africans. The many is paid to either Rwanda Development board or through your trusted tour operator.

Wildlife in Rwanda

For the wildlife Rwanda is a must visit destination as it offers you a chance to encounter various animals including the big five of leopards, lions, elephants, cape buffalo and rhinos. On top of that, you will encounter several other big cats, antelopes and different bird species including the rare shoebill stock.

VOLCANOES IN RWANDA

For those interested in hiking and viewing the beautiful scenery, Rwanda is a must visit place on African safari. Volcano mountains are majorly found in the great Virunga massif range where you will find five volcanoes which include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and also Sabinyo. These volcanoes are found in volcanoes national park. Let us look at the different volcanoes found in Rwanda.

Mount Karisimbi

This is the highest volcano that is in Rwanda with 4,507m thus making it Africa’s eleventh highest mountain. The mountain derives its name from a Kinyarwanda word Karisimbi meaning white shell.

Hiking mountain Karisimbi is a bit strenuous and hikers usually spend 2 days while hiking it. While hiking this volcano, you will be able to see the dense tropical forests, diverse ecosystems, alpine meadows, different bird species and many more.

Mount Bisoke

Another amazing volcanic mountain found in Virunga massif range on Rwanda side in Bisoke mountain. Mount Bisoke has an elevation of 3711m, and it is popularly known to have a crater lake at the top of the mountain.

Hiking mount Bisoke is completely rewarding and thrilling as hikers can have a chance even to spot some gorillas on a lucky day, view the crater lakes, see different bird species and the breath-taking scenery of the surrounding.

Mount Muhabura

This is the second highest volcano in Rwanda with a height of 4127m.  A hike to mount Muhabura is completely interesting since it allows tourists to have unforgettable memories of observing the beautiful scenery. It derives its name from a local word meaning guide. However, you need to consider that hiking this mountain needs a lot of fitness. You can still be able to have clear views of Uganda, and DRC once you summit the mountain.

Mount Gahinga

This is among the smallest volcanoes of the great Virunga massif volcanoes and stands with a height of 3474m height. The word Gahinga usually refers to piles of volcanic stones.

However, the unique thing is that the hike is less strenuous as compared to other volcanos. The trail allows hikers to see a variety of things including bird species, different vegetation zones and many more. For the armature hiker, hiking this mountain will give you a great fulfillment.

Mount Sabinyo

This is among the volcanos in Rwanda and is completely one of the great attractions that various tourists seek for while in Rwanda. The mount stands 3634m and it derives its name Sabinyo due to its jagged peaks that are like teeth.

The hike is a bit strenuous but on the other hand it is completely thrilling and remarkable. One can see a variety of wildlife, several primate and bird species during the hike. If you are lucky, you may be able to see some gorillas. Hiking this mountain is done from the Ugandan side of the volcano from Mgahinga gorillas national park

BIRDS IN RWANDA

When it comes to bird species, Rwanda is number one of top places thus being regarded as the best birding destinations in Africa.  Rwanda has over 700 bird species including the endemics and Albertine’s. Some of the birds to see in Rwanda include the Ruwenzori Turaco, Regal sun bird, shoe bills, papyrus Gonolek, elusive shoe bill stork, African fish eagle, Archers Robin chat, papyrus yellow warbler, African fish eagle and many more.

Some of the birding spots in Rwanda include lake Kivu, Nyungwe national park, volcanoes national park, Akagera national park and many more.

BEST TIME FOR BIRD WATCHING

Bird watching can be dine through out the year though the most suitable time for conducting is generally during the wet season. Rwanda experience two wet season, one between October and December and another one from march to may. This period is associated with the migratory birds from Europe and Asia.

CANOPY WALK

This is among the breath-taking attractions found in the land of thousand hills. The canopy walk is conducted from Nyungwe national park. This park is in the southwestern parts of Rwanda

A canopy walk from 0ne of Africa’s oldest rain forests is indeed an amazing adventure. The walk starts with a briefing at Uwinka visitors center and it is an approximately 2 hours activity.  During the canopy walk you can see various bird species, monkey species and wildlife.

CULTURAL SITES IN RWANDA

Cultural sites are among the top attractions to check out while in Rwanda. The country is rich in cultural heritage with vast cultural sites. some of the cultural sites to see in Rwanda include.

Nyanza Royal palace (Kings palace museum)

This is among significant cultural sites to explore while in Rwanda and allows to fully immerse themselves in the cultures of the Rwandese. The palace is situated in Nyanza, and it was a home to king Mutara 111.

While at this place on can know about the past life of the Rwandese while with their king. Furthermore, one can make a sight at different items of the royal regalia including the drums, spears, elephant horns and many more.

Ethnographic museum

The museum is situated n Huye and is among the unique places in Rwanda that allows tourist to dive deep into culture as well a s they learn. There are a variety of things to see   in the museum for instance ancient tools, traditional Clothings, and many more. The museum is also a composure of agriculture, hunting, weaving and many more.

Ibyiwachu cultural village

A visit at Ibyiwachu cultural village is one of the best rewarding and thralling things for cultural enthusiasts. The village is very near volcano national people, and it allows tourists to see different traditional groups dancing, singing and also listen to stories of long ago.

Genocide centres

Genocide centres are among the wonderful and great attraction to explore while in Rwanda. Today the genocide centres act as live examples to tourists about what really transpired during the 1994 war.

While at these genocide centres tourists can have a look at the Clothings, ids of different people that lost their lives. Some of the genocide centres include Kigali memorial, Ntarama, Nyamata, Murambi and many more.

Twin lakes

Among the unique attractions that Rwanda harbours are also the twin lakes. The lakes are Bulera and Ruhondo. The twin lakes are among the perfect areas for relaxation to a variety of tourists.

Furthermore, these lakes offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains to tourists and several bird species. Some of the bird activities to enjoy while at these lakes include the boat cruise, bird watching and many more.

Lake Kivu

This is one of Rwanda’s top number one attractions because of its significance especially with in in the tourism industry. The lake is one of Africa’s great lakes and the largest with in the land of a thousand hills. Some of the fascinating things about the lake include its striking beauty and it also being a hub of relaxation.

Activities to enjoy around lake Kivu include boat cruises, swimming, coffee tours, fishing, bird watching and many more.

Rwanda remains as an extremely amazing destination of attractions all from its majestic gorillas to the serene shores of Lake Kivu then to the unique volcanoes. The land of a thousand hills is a treasure of both adventure and tranquility.

Popular Rwanda Vacation safari packages

 

The 10 days gorilla and cultural safari will take to Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi where you will explore the difference in culture of these three countries of east Africa as you sport the difference and similarities of their way of life. you will further visit or the three capital cities of these countries. that is Kampala for Uganda, Kigali for Rwanda and Bujumbura for Burundi.

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Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe people or the hunter communities. They live a Hunter Gatherer Lifestyle with a unique language and a strong spiritual connection. Visiting the Hadzabe gives you the opportunity to learn about the Hadzabe Culture, traditions and in away, it promotes cultural preservation.

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Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa as we invite you to explore the enchanting landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity of Rwanda and Tanzania. This meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary promises an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the awe-inspiring encounters with Rwanda’s majestic gorillas and golden monkeys

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