Walking safaris in Rwanda.

Walking safaris in Rwanda, Walking safaris are a great way of exploring the natural wilderness. By walking, you get closer to nature and start see the environment, interact with the locals, and feel the other part of the world outside home. Unlike the quicker game drives, walking allows you see not just the big and small wildlife creatures at a closer range –  animals,  insects,  birds, and plants all that make  a complete ecosystem .

Seeing wildlife on foot offers a unique view as you get closer to big animals, and other small creatures that may be missed on a game drive. It’s all about noticing the little things and the plants that are all around you, waiting to be found.

 If you opt for leisurely walking safaris, you don’t need to be very fit as you may not be climbing mountains but only walking on mostly flat paths at your own pace. You will need a professional guide will walk with you, explaining all the interesting things you see and hear. This is one of the best chances to discover the hidden treasures of the African wilderness.

Rwanda is one of the organized countries that offer walking safaris as one of its main activities. These are some of the popular  places and activities where one expects to have a successful walking safari in Rwanda.

In Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla and golden monkey trekking

Though tracking these endangered creatures is not traditionally a walking safari,  it involves walking through the thick jungle of the forested park to find these gentle apes in their natural habitat. Tracking involves walking for several hours until you locate the animal groups. It’s always between 30 minutes to six hours, but it should be under the guidance of game guides and rangers. Tracking is strenuous but so rewarding because spending an hour in the presence of these gentle apes is a memorable life experience.

Volcano hiking 

Volcanoes National Park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga ranges. The Virunga volcanoes lie at different heights above sea level meaning that their pace one moves while hiking is not the same.  The most hiked mountains are Mount Karisimbi(4507m) and Mount Bisoke(3711m).  Hiking either mountain leads you to the grave site of Dian Fossey the great primatologist who advocated for gorilla protection and conservation of their habitat. The Dian Fossey tomb hike is a one-day hike that takes 2-3 hours, its quite tiresome and hence requires one to be physically fit.

Hiking Mount Bisoke provides scenic views of two crater lakes, one at the summit and the second one Lake Ngezi at the sides before the peak.

More hikes are done Mount Sabinyo, mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga, all of which are done with the accompaniment of game guides and rangers. All hikes are strenuous but rewarding and give you a chance to see beautiful fauna and flora.

Musanze caves

Musanze caves in Rwanda are a great opportunity for one to have a walking safari. Tourists are advised to have a guided tour because the local guides are knowledgeable about the cave’s history and security. Travellers must be physically fit to walk through the cave as some parts require hiking and crawling in narrow passages. The time you wish to spend exploring the caves depends on interests, some decide to spend a few hours while others opt for half-day or full-day excursions. Carry your camera or binoculars for photography. The caves provide a memorable walking safari as a natural wonder in Rwanda.

In Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking

This is another popular activity in Rwanda that involves walking. It is mainly carried out in Nyungwe National Park. Participants in this activity are expected to be physically fit enough to walk through the forest jungles as they search for the charming and playful apes. Trekkers take 3-4 hours on the search.  The walking pace of the trekkers is determined by the slowest individual. No need to hurry.

Nature walks along the hiking trails

There are several hiking trails in Nyungwe, all of which can be explored by walking.  Some of the walking trails include Uwinka trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh trail, Karamba trail, Isumo Waterfall Trail, Umugote trail, Irebero trail, Umuyove trail, Imbaraga trail, Igishigishigi trail , and the Congo Nile trail.  All the trails are so adventurous as they expose you to different fauna and flora, and also interact with the local community. Some of the trails are favorable for birding safaris and give exposure to amazing waterfalls.

In Akagera National Park

Walk line tour

Though Akagera National Park is popularly known for game drives, it also offers a walking safari along a 120-kilometer fence every day. The walk starts at the park entrance after an early morning briefing from the park guides. It takes about 2 hours and is always led by a community volunteer guide. It concludes at the top of a hill, providing fascinating views of the park in all directions. The walk costs $30 per person for adults and $20 for children.

What to expect on a walking safari

Travelers should know that they must start their walking safaris with the leadership of a guide.  This will help them to acquire more knowledge about the local ecosystem, know the behavior of the wildlife they meet as they walk, and the conservation efforts and measures used to protect the natural wilderness. The guides also help to provide security to both the trekkers and wildlife creatures.

Travelers should be physically fit and ready to traverse different terrain. Some places are hilly, others are swampy, while others are flat lands. If you are not certain of your fitness, consider moderate or short walks.

Trekkers should try to follow the rules given by the guides before starting the walk or even on the way.  Every trekker should bear in mind that the wilderness has different wild animals that react differently to human presence.  Maintain a safe distance from big and dangerous wild creatures for a successful safari.

If you are walking in thick forested areas like National Park, be sure to move with experienced and armed game rangers.

Always have the appropriate gear before you start walking. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended,  pack lightweight clothing with neutral colors, waterproof jackets, re usable water bottles, cameras and binoculars for photography sun protection equipment and insect repellents to avoid insect bites.

Consider the time of travel. The best time for a walking safari should be the dry season. So it’s always good to find out the dry months in that country that you wish to go for your safari.

If your walking safari involves permits like gorilla, golden monkey, or chimpanzee trekking, make sure you book early enough before traveling to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Booking your walking safari

Always consider working with a renowned tour operator company like Active African Vacations for a well-tailored walking safari in any East African country. We can customize your itinerary based on your interests and fitness level.

Walking safaris in Rwanda is a fantastic opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and remarkable wildlife at a close range.