Things to Do in Rwanda: Wildlife, Culture, Gorillas, Chimps & Historical Sites
Thousands of tourists visit Rwanda to hike and watch its famous mountain gorillas in the misty Jungles of Volcanoes National Park, sometimes as an add-on to a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, stay for just 2 - 4 nights and then leave, which is a shame because Rwanda has so much more to offer to tourists with the 3 wildlife parks, spectacular mountain scenery, a thriving capital city, and some surprisingly diverse wildlife, Ruanda has plenty to occupy a longer safari/vacation and certainly deserves further exploration.
Ruanda is one of safest and friendliest countries on the African continent. Yet for most people, it inevitably conjures up images of the dreadful 1994 genocide where over a million people perished. Whilst the genocide is a massive part of the country's history, twenty-three years on Rwanda has evolved into a united, proud and optimistic country that warmly welcomes its visitors and offers a truly memorable and inspiring vacation. Below are some of the things to do in Rwanda;
Gorilla Tracking
A Gorilla Trek within the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a highlight of all vacations in Rwanda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reason as to why very many tourists visit Rwanda from different parts of the world. Meeting gorillas in their natural habitat in Africa offers a lifetime adventure experience. Gorilla Tracking is ranked as one of the best adventure experiences you must not miss in Africa!
Tree Tops Canopy Walk
Apart from Chimpanzee tracking,visitors to Nyungwe National Park can experience the rain-forest from the canopy walkway, hanging 60 meters above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, East Africa's only Canopy Walkway provides a stunning view of the amazing wildlife and nature in the forest. The Walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail.
Primate Safaris
Rwanda is a home to 13 primate species, making it one of the best places to see primates in their natural habitat! Nyungwe National Park is famous for Chimps and colobus monkey tracking, and Volcanoes National Park Rwanda not only inhabits the mountain gorillas but also the rare golden monkeys. All primate treks in all Rwanda parks start in the morning and must be booked in advance before arrival.
History/Cultural Sites
On your safari in Rwanda, don't ever miss to visit historical sites, genocide museums and cultural villages. The main places to visit in this category include Iby'iwacu cultural village, Nyanza King's Palace, local communities in their homes, fields, orphanages and schools. Also enjoy and take part in local music and dances, experience local-beer brewing process, milking, harvesting and many others
Wildlife Safaris
Enjoy big game drives in Akagera National Park, located in Eastern part of the country, hugging the border with Tanzania, characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and Savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife such as Elephants, zebras, Lion, giraffes and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park, vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.
Mountain Hiking
Mountain climbing is one of the popular activities around the Virunga Mountains. Here we have a 1 day hike to Mount Bisoke, adventurous hike to Dina Fossey Tombs and 2 day hike to Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. We also have Mount Nyiragongo hike (Active Volcano) in Democratic Republic of Congo, offering you an experience for life time.
