Which Is The Easiest Rwanda Safari Destination To Visit From Kigali  

The easiest Rwanda safari destination to visit from Kigali depends on your intensions for visit. In Kigali city which is the capital of Rwanda, a Kigali city tour would immerses you into the urban life of the people of Rwanda. The Gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park is the star safari activity of Rwanda.

Nyungwe National Park home to the endangered chimpanzees is the star the galaxy of primate destinations in Rwanda. Taking a drive to Akagera National Park in Rwanda the game safari destinations in Rwanda is exciting.

The choice of which Rwanda safari destination to visit varies with interests but no matter where and which one you choose, getting there may not take an entire day because Rwanda is a small country. Atleast most of the roads leading to most major destinations of Rwanda are catered for and maintained often.

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What Are The Rwanda Safari Destinations And What Activities To Do In Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern part of Rwanda is home to the precious mountain gorillas. World over, Rwanda is one of the only lucky three countries to host the mountain gorillas. These primates can only survive in there natural habitat and nowhere else.

• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the activity that allows maximum 8 tourists to spend an hour with the fully habituated gorilla family. At the moment, Rwanda has but 12 gorilla trekking families open to the public including Susa, Hirwa, Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya and others.

Booking a gorilla permit is the most important step in order to confirm a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Note that Rwanda gorilla permits are limited as a conservation measure taken to minimize the effects of mass tourism to the jungle that feeds the mountain gorillas.

• Golden monkeys are second in command of the attractions to find in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. They are another endangered primate species. Golden monkeys are charming to watch and even though they are habituated, they donot forget to show off there natural characteristics. In terms of body structure, golden monkey are physically larger than the normal monkeys with golden brown hair at the lower bottom. Golden monkeys trekking can be arranged but booking a golden monkey trekking permit is necessary.

Other primates are also residents of Volcanoes National Park including blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, red cheeked mangabey, L’hoest and others.

• More than 200 birds have so far been recorded as residents of Volcanoes National Park including recognized endemic species of IUCN. Some of the residents birds of Volcanoes forest including lagden’s Bush Thrush, Malachite Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Alpine Chat, Dusky’s Turtle Dove and others. Taking a birding safari in Volcanoes forest Rwanda is never a disappointment.
• A hike to the Diane Fossey grave where the remains of a fallen mountain gorillas hero were laid to rest amongst her friends is a reflection of standing strong for the voiceless. In the 1970s an American philanthropists Diane Fossey took on the challenge of researching about the mountain gorillas and fell in love with them. Here work saved the existence of the mountain gorillas especially after finding out that in the entire world about 250 mountain gorillas were living then notified the conservation bodies.
• Guided nature walks in Volcanoes National Park immerses you into the aromas of freshness away from the polluted environment of towns. There are chances of identifying a number of plant species for botanists that are rarely seen outside the park.
• Excursion hike in Volcanoes National Park on the five of the six distinguished Virunga Volcanoes. Test your fitness level by embarking on a hike on either mountain Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhavura, Karisimbi or Sabyinyo. From a more elevated point, tourists enjoy the view of the environment surrounding Volcanoes National Park.

Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is the major safari activity of Nyungwe National Park a pristine forest in southwestern part of Rwanda. It is believed that Nyungwe forest is a survivor of the Ice age period that swept through African. Nyungwe National Park has its headquarters in Uwinka where all activities in the park start from. To do chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, you need a chimpanzee trekking permit.

Nyungwe forest so far has two chimpanzee communities one in the main forest and another in Cyamudondo. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest happens in the morning and afternoon.

• Birding in Nyungwe forest is unbelievable as the forest hosts more than 300 bird species including Albertine endemics. During a guided birding safari in Nyungwe forest, using the trails networked through the forest including Igishigishigi trail, Usamo trail and others you may spot a variety of birds.

Some of the birds likely to spot in Nyungwe forest includes Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky’s Crimsonwing, handsome Francolin, Malachite Sunbird, Alpine Chat, Kivu’s Ground Thrush, White tailed Blue Flycatcher and others. Nyungwe forest has some of the most spectacular birds.

• Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest is one of a kind there is in East Africa. The 160 meters long suspension bridge and approximately 70 meters above the forest canopy is exciting though not for the faint hearted. While up on the canopy walk, you get the chance to enjoy the view different features that make up the topography of the forest, the beautiful layered canopy, different birds that fly from the forest and much more.

You may even mark some life changing moments while up on the canopy bridge of Nyungwe forest.

• Guided nature walk in Nyungwe forest using the trail in the forest such as Igishigishigi trail, Usamo trails and others. These trails in Nyungwe forest give you an opportunity to spot a wide range of in habitants including black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, Dent Mona Monkeys and others. Botanists have so much to look out for in Nyungwe forest including species that have been recorded as extinct from the open land
• Research in Nyungwe National Park is worth the effort for Ornithologists, botanists, primatologist and others in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest is a haven for unique varieties of inhabitants and researchers have so much to collect from researching in this park. Arrangements can be made on request for all that is necessary during the time in Nyungwe National Park but you need permission from Rwanda Development Board.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is one of the recovering Rwanda National Parks after its wild animals were poached, ran for safety and much more. The glory of Akagera National Park is slowly recovering as the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks a nongovernment organization are working together.

Some wild animals have been rehabilitate and so far success has been registered. During the game drive, you may have the chance to see animals including lions, giraffes, herds of African buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, zebras, elands, leopards and others.

• Game drives in Akagera National Park are open to the public so by driving on the tracks of Akagera National Park, you may get the chance to see animals meandering in the park  although not so many. Having a chance to enjoy the amazing features especially the green slopes of the highlands around surrounding the park.

While on a game drive in Akagera National Park, you may get the chance to see zebras, elands, impalas, warthogs, elephants, buffaloes and others. Since Akagera National Park is still recovering from the severe poaching and massive migration of its inhabitants, the number of carnivores is still low. Majority of the carnivores spend most of there time in hiding. The big five may be spotted in Akagera National Park.

Having a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition is recommended because of the nature of the terrain of Akagera National Park with volcanic soils that gets quite tough especially in the rainy season.

• Boat Ride in Akagera National Park taking a boat ride on Lake Ihema is amazing especially after a game drive under the scotching sun. Relaxing on the boat, feeling the cool breeze and watching the beauty beyond park boundaries is amazing and unforgettable adventure.

While on the boat trip, you may get the chance to see several birds that flock the shores of Lake Ihema and surrounding riverine vegetation. Many of the water birds spend time feasting on the free supplies from lake Ihema that washes a shore.

• Sports Fishing On Lake Ihema where anglers get the chance to catch some fish. You need to purchase a fishing permit from Rwanda Development Board to get the opportunity to do sports fishing. Carry your own fishing equipment that you can comfortably use and catch fish. No need to have any experience in sports fishing but open your heart to this Rwanda safari adventure. Book a boat to use for the time on this fishing adventure on lake Ihema.
• Birding safari in Akagera National Park  where you get the opportunity to spot a wide ranger of birds that traverse the park premises. Having a birding guide is recommended especially a professional birding guide is an added advantage because you may get the opportunity to identify a wide range of these birds.

Akagera National Park is not situated far from the Albertine rift so expect to find some of these birds in this park.

Kigali city in Rwanda

Kigali city is the main capital of Rwanda and taking a city tour in this city takes you into the main business, social and administrative center of the park. During the Kigali city tour in Rwanda, you may visit the main local market, the shopping centers, monuments, museums and other historical centers.

Visit the genocide memorial where the remains of the fallen victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide is a reflection moment of what ignorance can turn into when not attended too in the right manner. It was a period of 100 days of ignorance.

Cultural centers of Rwanda are some of the spots where the rich culture of the Rwandese people is celebrated. The Nyakarimbi crafts center is one of the main markets for crafts in Rwanda. From this crafts village tourists get the chance to purchase some locally made souvenirs, participate in making them too. The famous Imigongo cow dung can be found in this crafts center too. getting a chance to attend the traditional dance performance that is Intore dance moves is magical.

Gishwati Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newly gazette National Park where tourists get chance to do forest walks, enjoy the beauty of the dense forest canopy, an array of birds, enjoy the presence of different primates, different tree species and much more.

Lake Kivu is one of the largest lakes in Rwanda with amazing surrounding especially vegetation cover. While on Lake Kivu in Rwanda, you may get the chance to enjoy a boat ride, participate in sports fishing, the cool breeze off the lake and much more.

Why Choose Rwanda Safaris On An African Holiday

Rwanda safaris are  categorized into Upscale, mid-range and basic and each package provides unparalleled inclusions. Even the Rwanda luxury safari packages are top notch offering an experience beyond imaginations.

Note that Rwanda is a pro eco system conservation state and respect to the existence of nature is highly recommended. While on a Visit to Rwanda, tourists are recommended to maintaining the environment clean and not dump garbage anyhow.

The presence of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda that a few of the endangered primates left in the world brings Rwanda to the list of some of the quested for African safari destinations.

The 2 day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda is the shortest time for booking this adventure which is not possible with other destinations including Uganda or D.R.Congo. The least number of days to be on gorilla safari in Uganda is 3 day gorilla trekking.

Other than the primate safaris in Rwanda, the rich culture, the general stunning scenery from the severe volcanic actions that affected Rwanda which many compare to the Alps of Switzerland puts the country is a special position. In Rwanda, culture is much respected a behavior that is slowly fading away from most community especially with the influx of modernity. The Rwandese are proud of there culture and are not afraid of sharing it with others including the cultural attire, dance moves, crafts and much more

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