What Rwanda Safari Activities To Do

The Rwanda safaris to do range from nature based activities to safari activities with a modern touch. Rwanda’s safari gem is gorilla trekking in prehistoric Volcanoes National Park with currently approximately 12 gorilla families open to the public. Rwanda offers outdoor and indoor safari activities. Request For A Qoutation

Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda is open for chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, community visits, cultural tours, birding, game safaris, hiking, water activities and more. To enjoy the best of Rwanda safari activities, it is best to do strategic planning to avoid disappointments.

Activities to Do On Rwanda Safari

Out Door Rwanda safari Activities

Gorilla trekking Safari in Rwanda

The endangered yet highly protected mountain gorillas have only three countries of residence in the entire world that is Rwanda, Uganda and D.R.Congo.

One must book a gorilla permit to gain access to see the mountain gorillas but this has limits with only 8 tourists allowed to visit per day.

The limit on the number of Rwanda gorilla trekking permits open to the public is one way to reduce the effects of mass tourism. Gorillas depend on the supplies of the forest to survive but mass visitors may trample on their food.

Bear some level of fitness before gorilla trekking in Rwanda because this happens in quite a steep area.

Birding in Rwanda

Rwanda is a birder’s haven as more than 700 bird species have been confirmed to be residents. The best time for birding in Rwanda is the period leading to the wet season. Birding in Rwanda is however open all year with chances of spotting rare birds.

Game Safari in Rwanda

Akagera National park is the game safari destination in Rwanda but was tragically affected by earlier civil wars that forced many wild animals to flee. The Rwanda Development Board with African Parks are working closely to reclaim its glory and so far progress is good.

While on game drive in Akagera National park, you may five the big five that is Rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and Buffaloes. Other resident animals in Akagera National park include giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, hyenas and more. The park has a wonderful scenery dotted with highlands forest cover and more.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda happens in Nyungwe National Park with so far two chimpanzee communities open to the public but one living in Cyamudondo on the outskirts of the forest. Each day a tourists group in company of an armed ranger guide do chimpanzee trekking using the trails constructed by regular visitors.

Uwinka is the main headquarters of Nyungwe forest and it here that most safari activities in the park start. Obtain a chimpanzee permit before the trekking date to avoid on ground inconveniences. You can choose chimpanzee trekking in the morning or afternoon.

Canopy Walk over Nyungwe forest

An adventure walk over Nyungwe forest is worth taking while on Rwanda safari. The canopy walk on the suspension bridge which is 160 meters long and 70 meters high gives you an aerial view of this pristine forest.

While on the canopy walk on Nyungwe forest, you get to see the stunning forest canopy, numerous birds that fly out, beautiful physical features and more.

If you have special moments, you can make them memorable while at the suspension bridge over Nyungwe forest.

Boat Ride On Rwanda safari

A relaxing boat ride during Rwanda safari gives you an unforgettable memories, watch birds flock the shoreline, animals pull up to quench thirst, lush vegetation cover, golden sunlight cast its rays and more. You may plan to do a sunset cruise or sunrise cruise or sundowner while on Rwanda safaris in a dazzling atmosphere.

Some of the favorite boat riding spots in Rwanda include Lake Ihema in Akagera national Park, Lake Kivu to mention but a few. Prior arrangements are recommended.

When you choose a boat ride on lake Ihema in Akagera National Park enjoy every moment from the comfort of your boat. Watch the varies water bird species that flock the marshy banks, hippos, crocodiles, animals that enjoy a bath or quench thirst while in the lake and more.

You can choose to plan a private sunset cruise on Lake Ihema to watch the sun cast its golden rays over the lake especially on a clear sunny day.

Hiking on Rwanda safari

Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills so you can plan a hiking adventure on some of the highlands in the country including Mountain Gahinga, Karismbi, Muhavura, Sabyinyo, Bisoke and more. These are some of the outstanding highlands in Rwanda and when at the top, you get to see a better view of the surroundings.

Having some level of fitness is recommended and most of the hiking tours on these highlands can be done in one day.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National park is the primate capital of Rwanda hosting the endangered golden monkeys too. To do golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, one needs a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Golden monkeys are a special primate specie with a body larger than the normal monkeys and golden brown hairs especially at the lower bottom. Even though they are first habituated before golden monkey trekking, they retain their natural characteristics so expect to be on your toes most of the time.

Golden monkeys are charming and watching them hop from one branch to another is exciting.

Game Drives on Rwanda Safari in Akagera National Park

An early morning or late afternoon game drive through the tracks of Akagera National Park is rewarding with better chances of finding the famous big five that is lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos.

Amazing towers of rolling volcanoes stand beautifully in Akagera National Park and when driving on the tracks of the park, you negotiate the rolling hills. The lush green shade of vegetation around Akagera National Park creates an amazing scenery.

More wild animals to see in Akegera National Park include zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, elands, warthogs and more. Using a 4×4 wheel drive in good condition for a game drive in Akagera National Park is recommended.

Historical And Cultural Sites In Rwanda

Ethnographical Museum of Rwanda

Rwanda is embarking on preserving its historical and heritage by collecting items and information related to the past. The Ethnographical museum in Huye Rwanda has some of the items used by the Rwandese in the past like ceramics, cutlery, traditional attire, farming tools, dance performances and more. This museum is under the care of the institute of National Museums of Rwanda.

A tour in the Rwandese Ethnographical Museum gives you a glimpse into the history of Rwanda. While at the Ethnographical museum of Rwanda, you can arrange to participate in crafts, sculpture, painting, weaving and more.

The Ethnographical Museum of Rwanda trains young generations too in the traditions and cultures of the Rwandese with aim of sustainable and conservation purpose. On 8 September 1989, the Ethnographical Museum of Rwanda was opened.

Nyakarimbi Crafts center

The prime crafts center of Rwanda is Nyakarimbi were you can find several options of locally made crafts including baskets, pottery, ceramics, try on Rwandese tradition attire, sip some locally made coffee and more. The crafts at the Nyakarimbi crafts center are made from locally harvested materials like clay, reeds, seeds and more.

The famous Imigongo cow dung painting can also easily be found in Nyakarimbi.

Rwanda Ancient History Museum in Nyanza

This was the royal traditional Palace of the Rwandan kings. While on the visit to this palace, you spot “Inyambo” which is the local name for the Royal traditional Cows. It was the residence of the King Mutara III Rudahingwa in 1932.

 The Mwima hill where the tomb of the fallen king Mutara III who reigned from 1811 to 1959. On ground is the grave of his Queen Rosalle Gicanda too who lived from 1928 to 1994.  

This Art Museum in Rwanda in Rwensero 2 kilometers from Nyanza town was supposed to be home to King Mutara Rudahingwa but he dies before occupying it. Currently, this building is filled with art work show casing the rich and artistic nature of the Rwandese.

Rwanda Environment Museum

The Rwanda Environment museum was opened in 2012 with the objective of promoting the conserving of the environment. Rwanda is a pro-environment conservation country and Kigali city is graded as one of the cleanest African cities with strict rules on keeping the surrounding free from garbage dumping.

Natural History Museum in Kigali

The Natural History Museum also formerly called the Nyarugenge residence of Richard Kandt a German imperial Resident in Rwanda show cases the different landforms of Rwanda. Both physical and geographic elements of Rwanda such as rocks, plants, land formation, plants, animal life and more are represented in the Museum.

Genocide memorials in Rwanda

While on Rwanda safari, you can choose to visit the various genocide memorials where some of the remains of the victims of the 1994 genocide are preserved. The genocide memorials in Rwanda are present to remind Rwandese, visitors and others of the mistakes that the past made that led to massive death of people.

In a bead to rebuild the glory of Rwanda, the genocide memorials are a reflection the acts of terror that set back Rwanda and encourage natives to work better to uplift the country from these shambles.

Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village in Rwanda

The Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village in Rwanda is a representation of some of the items used for fun by the Rwandese including the drum orchestra, folk songs, engage in some Rwandese traditional dance moves. The ex-poachers who are trying to reverse their life and make better plots for sustainable existence of wildlife in Rwanda.

While in the company of the members in the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village you may participate in bow and arrow making,

Rwandese Traditional Ceremonies

While on a Rwandese safari, you may get the chance to attend the Rwandese traditional ceremonies especially the traditional wedding ceremony. Its is very lovely to attend such traditional Parties to understand the life of the people of Rwanda and how they conduct marriage ceremonies.

A taste of the Rwandese local food soaks you into the make up of the people in this country.

Hiking or Mountaineering in Rwanda

Hiking the Dian Fossey Grave

The remains of the fallen Mountain Gorilla hero An American primatologist were buried amongst the mountain gorillas who she defended for most part of here life. Diane Fossey was massacred from the very reason defending the existence of the mountain gorillas.  

It feels exciting and sad walking through the last footsteps of the fallen primatologist Diane Fossey who defended the endangered mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey left behind a research center in Karisoke which still exists and more research about the gorillas is still being carried out.

Part of the funds collected from the hike to Dian Fossey Grave are used to support the work she left behind and beyond.

Mountaineering On Rwanda safari

Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills but there are significant mountains you can hike while on Rwanda safari such as Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura, Karisoke, Sabyinyo and more. You need to be in company of a Rwanda Development Board ranger guide.

It is a one day hike up these Rwanda mountains with some if the perfect natural views with stunning green backgrounds. Having some level of fitness is recommended to complete the entire hike on Rwanda safari.

Community Visits On Rwanda safari

Nyange Community Visit

The Nyange community is made up of mainly former poachers who have resorted to using the forests better. The members of the Nyange community participate in pottery, basket making, beading and more.

Nyakarimbi cultural Village in Rwanda

The Nyakarimbi cultural Village is the home of crafts in Rwanda. If you wish to purchase some souvenirs while on Rwanda safari, you can pay a visit to the Nyakarimbi crafts village. While on a visit to Nyakarimbi crafts shop, you may find pottery, basketry, sculptures and more. You may find the imigongo cow dung paint one of the famous paintings of Rwanda. Participate in wood curving if you wish.

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