Is Rwanda all about gorillas?

When one talks bout Rwanda, many people especially nature lovers and adventures, think of mountain gorillas in the misty volcanoes national park. Indeed, trekking with gorillas at Volcanoes National Park is among the most remarkable wildlife encounters in Rwanda and Africa at large.

Rwanda’s volcanoes national park  is vital a conservation since it is home to a sizable percentage of the world’s surviving endangered mountain gorillas. It is both amazing and memorable to trek through the misty park jungles to observe a gorilla family for an hours

The region is still reverberating with Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy, and Rwanda’s environment friendly tourism has protected these endangered primate species and up lifting the living standards of the local residents.

 

But are gorillas the only thing to see in Rwanda?
Not at all.

Rwanda, also referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” a nation with a flourishing city and rapidly developing towns, peaceful lakes, old rainforests, a rich cultural heritage, and extraordinary fortitude   derived from the country’s history.

Although gorillas may be the main attraction, they are not the complete reflection and composition of what the country has to offer. Rwanda extends beyond the mountains and can be witnessed when you tailor your itinerary to other areas for the best of Rwanda.

Participate in other activities offered by volcanoes national park such as.

Golden monkey trekking

The golden monkey trek is an alternative way to see Rwanda’s amazing Virunga volcanoes if you can’t afford the costly gorilla trek. The lower regions of the volcanoes national park are covered by bamboo forests and are home to the attractive golden monkeys. A group of over 100 golden monkeys have been habituated for this incredible tracking experience. The monkeys are fascinating to see and provide the best photography.

Volcano hiking

Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park comprises five of the eight Virunga massif volcanoes. These volcanoes provide day hikes except for mount Karisimbi which takes two days to cover. All hikes are so amazing and provide scenic views of diverse wildlife, vegetation and crater lakes. Most popular hikes are done on Mount Bisoke which has two crater lakes one in the middle of the hike and the other at the summit.

Enjoy the big five safari to Akagera national park.

In the eastern part of the country lies Akagera national park , Rwanda’s only savanna park offering  classic wildlife experiences. from the  severe depletion during the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has hadan astonishing rebirh after the reintroduction of different wildlife species,like rhinos and lions,  the park is one of the African parks  that offer sights of the big five. Here still, you’ll find elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles roaming savannah landscapes and lakes.

The ancient rain forests of Nyungwe.

to the southern part of the country, find one of Africa’s oldest forests, “Nyungwe forest” that houses over 13 primate species excluding gorillas. In this forest, find chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, among others and hundreds of bird species.

In Nyungwe forest, find Africa’s best and most famous canopy walk, suspended over 70 meters above the ground, over 160 meters long and can be completed hours, providing immersive views of the forest canopy and other wildlife at an eye view.

Nyungwe forest has over 13 hiking trails that provide different wildlife sightings, animals, birds, plants, swamps and waterfalls. A visit to the nearby Gisakura tea plantation makes a safari to Nyungwe forest park so breathtaking.

Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.

Kigali is often described as the cleanest and safest city in Africa.  Its well organised, modern and relaxed. Visit this transformed city, get insight into the roadside green environment, the most scenic and historical places like the Kigali genocide memorial site, art galleries, local craft centres and markets, and the best and affordable accommodation.

Beach escape to lake Kivu.

At the western border of Rwanda with Congo lies Lake, a scenic relaxation hideout for   both local and international tourists. Spend a weekend at the lake shores at Kibuye (Karongi) or Gisenyi (Rubavu).

The lake has a lot to offer, activities like kayaking, swimming, hiking, village walks, tours of coffee and tea plantations, boat trips, sunbathing, watching the beautiful sunrise and sunrise and fishing! You can also just stay at your hotel while sipping a beer. There are many places to stay, from fancy hotels to cute guesthouses and even camping grounds for travellers who wish to spend more days in the area.

Hiking/cycling along the Congo- Nile trail

The Congo-Nile track, which begins in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south and travels along Lake Kivu before ending in the foothills of the Virunga highlands in the north, is the longest and most popular cycling and hiking route in Rwanda’s mountainous western region.  Those interested in biking can use this trail to enjoy the rolling landscape, cool weather, interaction with the hospitable locals and tea and coffee plantations at the roadside and many beautiful places along the way. Cycling can also be done with strict speed rules in Kigali city.

Touring the genocide museums and reconciliation villages.

In order to understand the progress Rwanda has made over the past 20 years, it is practically required of visitors to learn about the horrific events of the genocide. The Kigali Genocide Museum is one of numerous genocide museum excursions that you can include in your trip to Rwanda. More genocide memorials can be found in each district in the country. Additionally, you can visit the reconciliation villages outside of Kigali, where survivors and perpetrators of genocide coexist in harmony. The museums and reconciliation villages provide history, more information about the genocide and exhibit the newly set joint projects as a unifying symbol.

Tea and coffee plantation tours.

In different parts of the country, Rwanda’s terraced hills are dotted with coffee and tea plantations. Are you interested in consuming tea or coffee or both? the best place to visit for such experiences is Rwanda. Tailor your trip to coffee or tea estate to witness and take part in the farm to cup experience.

 Traditional and Cultural Community experiences

The people of Rwanda have a diverse and rich culture and tradition. Visiting a well-organized rural community allows you to experience these beautiful customs. You discover more through their traditional dances, folk tales, songs, farming, artisanry, culture, and other subjects.

For such different cultural experiences you can visit, the Gorilla guardian’s village in Volcanoes national park, Kings palace museum Nyanza (Butare), Kataib and Banda cultural villages, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre in Kigali city, Genocide Memorial sites, Bugesera reconciliation village, Ryamurari archaeological site in Nyagatare, and Utubindi village among others. The warmth of Rwandans’ hospitality makes your cultural visit memorable.

Though mountain gorillas are the highlight of most Rwanda safaris,  the country is also a savanna safari destination, a lake side retreat,  a powerful study into technology and fast development, a country of rolling terraced hills and rich culture. All these will make you stay longer.