Rwanda Safaris Holidays

Rwanda safari holidays have surged in popularity due to the country’s remarkable transformation from a nation scarred by genocide to a beacon of hope, peace, and excellent governance in Africa. Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is now celebrated for its neat capital, Kigali, with its five-star hotels and well-maintained road networks, as well as its stunning countryside dotted with rolling hills and lush green plantations.

Key Destinations and Activities

Butare
Often referred to as “the intellectual capital of Rwanda,” Butare is the country’s second largest city. It is home to significant institutions such as the National University of Rwanda and the National Museum. The city reflects Rwanda’s growth through industrialization, agricultural modernization, mining, and tourism.

Volcanoes National Park
Located within the Virunga mountain ranges, Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its population of approximately 400 mountain gorillas and 10 habituated gorilla families. The park’s dense forests and mountainous terrain make gorilla tracking both challenging and exhilarating. The legacy of Dian Fossey, whose research camp and grave can be visited, has cemented Rwanda’s leadership in mountain gorilla conservation. Besides gorilla tracking, visitors can encounter forest elephants, forest hogs, golden monkeys, buffalo, birds, and butterflies. The park also features several volcanoes and mountains like Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi, ideal for hiking. Combining gorilla trekking with a mountain hike is a rewarding experience for the adventurous traveler.

Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a vast tropical forest reflecting Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, with over 1,000 plant species. It is the premier destination for chimpanzee tracking following mountain gorilla trekking. The park is a birder’s paradise, boasting over 240 bird species. Visitors can also spot baboons, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and other primates. The Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is a highlight for bird watchers and chimpanzee trackers.

Akagera National Park
Located in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park offers a classic safari experience with its savanna landscapes reminiscent of those in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers and conveniently close to Kigali, Akagera is home to diverse wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffes, baboons, zebras, buffaloes, leopards, and elephants. Lions and black rhinos are being reintroduced to enhance the Big Five experience. The park also features over 500 bird species, including shoebill storks. A 3-day wildlife safari in Akagera provides excellent opportunities for game drives and bird watching.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati Forest, one of Rwanda’s most visited sites, spans over 250,000 acres and offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu. The forest is home to over 400 bird species, making it a favorite destination for bird enthusiasts. Gishwati Forest has faced deforestation due to various pressures but is undergoing restoration. Recently merged with Mukura Forest, it now forms Gishwati-Mukura National Park, adding to Rwanda’s collection of national parks.

Genocide Memorial Centers

To understand Rwanda’s progress, visiting genocide memorial centers is highly recommended. The 1994 genocide, which saw the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus, is commemorated at sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where mass graves, photographs, and exhibits reflect the country’s dark history. The Nyamata Church, where around 50,000 victims are buried, and the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, built on the graves of over 250,000 victims, are poignant reminders of the past.

The Congo-Nile Trail

Rwanda’s government has diversified tourism opportunities with the Congo Nile Trail, which offers one of the most captivating hiking experiences in the country. The trail runs alongside Lake Kivu, providing hikers with stunning views of Rwanda’s lush vegetation, rolling hills, and clear lake waters.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, straddling the border between Rwanda and DR Congo, is a natural wonder covering over 2,600 km² and sits about 1,450 meters above sea level. It is one of the few lakes in the world that occasionally experiences carbon dioxide eruptions, known as “exploding lakes,” though no recent eruptions have been recorded. Visitors to Lake Kivu can enjoy beautiful beaches, green landscapes, islands, fishing villages, and ports like Rubavu. Activities include hiking, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and boat rides.

Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke

Mount Karisimbi
As one of Africa’s highest peaks, Mount Karisimbi is part of the Virunga mountain range. The challenging six-hour ascent rewards climbers with stunning views of Volcanoes National Park and opportunities to spot various bird species. Many visitors combine the Karisimbi hike with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, making for a demanding but memorable experience.

Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke, an active volcano on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo, offers a rewarding trek. The six-hour hike includes steep sections but culminates in spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park, Crater Lake, and the surrounding greenery.

Rwanda’s safari holidays offer a unique blend of wildlife experiences, cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.