10 Reasons Why Visit Rwanda for Safari? | Best Selling Rwanda Safari Tour Packages 2022/23
Rwanda is renowned for its rare mountain gorillas with the most exciting activity on Rwanda safari, and rightly so. Some 400 of our primate cousins roam the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park, with ten groups available for tracking.
But this tiny country has so much more to see. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills“, it’s rich with beautiful mountains for Rwanda hiking safari, valleys, and lakes, with a gleaming capital city, abundant wildlife, and resilient and gracious people.
Here are Ten Reasons to Explore Further Rwanda for Safari.
- To trek some of the Thousand Hills – Mountain Climbing Safari in Rwanda
If you prefer two feet to two wheels, Rwanda offers some fabulous treks. Nyungwe Forest has an extensive network of trails covering over 130km that takes between two hours to four days.
In Volcanoes National Park, head for Mount Bisoke with its beautiful crater lake at the summit or try the two-day trek of Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak at 4507m. Just beware of the cold and the altitude.
- For kicking the sand on Lake Kivu’s shore
A landlocked country, Rwanda’s answer to a beach is the shores of Lake Kivu. The sixth-largest lake in Africa, spans 90km along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with beautiful reflections of hills covered with patchworks of vivid green crops and terracotta-colored earth.
The prettiest town on the lake is Karongi, from where boats can take you to Napoleon Island to see the fruit bats or head to Rubavu for water sports and cool beach bars.
- To wander around the locals’ capital
Rwanda’s capital Kigali is almost squeaky clean with shiny shopping malls, trendy coffee shops, and gleaming office blocks. For some true African vibe, take a tour of Nyamirambo, the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhood, with Marie-Aimee Umugeni from the local Women’s Centre, visiting markets and shops and sampling local food. You’ll be supporting the center’s work in education and empowerment.
- To be inspired by the country’s renewal
Aside from gorillas, Rwanda is most famous for the horrific genocide that devastated the country in 1994, when almost a million people, mostly Tutsis, were murdered by the Hutu majority.
Today, there is little ethnic division: everyone is Rwandan, and the grace and fortitude of the people in moving on from this tragedy is astounding.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital to understand the history behind the horror – it’s a surprisingly peaceful haven with sweet-scented rose gardens representing unity and reconciliation.
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- To sway on East Africa’s highest canopy, walk – Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Rwanda
The fabulously-named Igishigishigi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park features the Uwinka Overlook, a stomach-churning suspension bridge that sways 50m high above the rainforest.
Look down if you dare and you’ll see nothing but trees panning out like gigantic broccoli florets and fantastical ferns after which the trail is named. All you can hear are birdsong, distant waterfalls, and the occasional monkey squealing in the forest below.
- For a taste of (vegetarian) dodo
Rwanda’s traditional cuisine is fairly unadventurous. Meat (particularly goat) is usually served as brochettes, fish is often sardines or small tilapia and the staple food is ugali, a porridge-like paste made of cassava flour.
But vegetarians are in for a treat: try matoke (fried green bananas), Ibihaza (boiled pumpkin with beans), roasted sweet potatoes, veggie stews, and dodo, a garlicky spinach-like dish with plenty of groundnuts and chilies.
- To spot the Big Five on safari – Wildlife Safari Rwanda
Managed by conservation organization African Parks since 2010, Akagera’s once depleted wildlife is now thriving. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and plenty of antelope can easily be seen, while lions (relocated here in 2015) and leopards are more elusive.
Rhinos will soon be introduced too, making the 1120 square kilometer reserve a Big Five destination. One of Africa’s prettiest national parks, Akagera merits a visit regardless of its wildlife, with lakes and papyrus swamps, vast savannah plains, and undulating highlands in shades of green and gold.
- For mesmerizing monkey mania
Rwanda is a primate paradise: a staggering 13 species live in Nyungwe Forest alone. Track the grey-cheeked mangabey or the colobus monkeys that look like aging hippies with long white manes and beards.
Catch chimpanzees leaving their nests in Cyamudongo Forest. Cutest of all are the playful golden monkeys, with reddish-gold coats and gorgeous expressive faces, that cavort around the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
- For some fabulous Intore dancing
Rwanda’s traditional dance is exhilarating. Historically performed for the Rwandan Mwami (kings), they tell the story of warriors returning successfully from battle. The ground positively thumps with passion and energy as groups of dancers jump to drumbeats and sing.
Women look demure in traditional colorful dresses while men wear headdresses of long white grasses that swirl frenetically as they toss their heads. Check out the King’s Palace Museum at Nyanza or the SACOLA Cultural Centre in Kinigi for some great performances.
- To get on your bike with Team Rwanda – Cycling Adventure Safari Rwanda
Keen cyclists will love this rare opportunity to ride with members of Rwanda’s national team. Using top-of-the-range race or mountain bikes, they’ll take you on a half-day training ride from their base in Musanze, teaching techniques and trying different terrains along the way.
You can even have a guided multi-day tour with a team member. But you’ll need to be fit – Rwanda is known as The Land of a Thousand Hills for good reason.
