Top 5 Rwanda Highlights

Top 5 Rwanda Highlights

There is little doubt that Rwanda offers one of the most exciting safari experiences. A country ravaged by barbarity and war, it’s now considered one of Africa’s greatest success stories. Demand is soaring amongst travellers wishing to explore its unique culture, history and wildlife. At Safari Guru, we’re often asked to share our top 5 Rwanda Highlights and the best Rwanda experiences as we create our bespoke safari holiday itineraries.

Whether you’re a first-time traveller planning to visit Africa or a seasoned safari goer looking for something unique, such as a primate safari experience, Rwanda should be at the top of your list of must-visit destinations. It is a small landlocked country in East Africa, known as the land of a thousand hills due to its hilly landscape. Over and above its unique wildlife and inspiring people, Rwanda’s scenic landscapes make it the perfect destination for adventure-seeking travellers. In this post, we’ll discuss some of Rwanda’s best experiences you can enjoy on your trip to this beautiful country.

Our Top 5 Rwanda Highlights

  1. Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the rarest and most magnificent creatures on the planet. Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly among the most sought-after and clear 1st on our Top 5 Rwanda Highlights list. An experienced guide will lead you through the forest to one of the twenty remaining gorilla families’ locations.

The trek is a challenging experience but worth every effort once you finally meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Walks can last anything from 3 hours to 8 hours per trek. The good news is that your bag of snacks, insect repellant and rain gear will be carried by your personal porter, leaving you free to clamber through the undergrowth and make the most of your time in the rainforest.

  1. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a vast tropical rainforest in the southwestern part of Rwanda. It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 100 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and more than 1000 species of plants. Still, the major attraction for us is the habituated families of chimps. The park offers a range of activities, such as chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and bird watching, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Nyungwe is the ideal add-on for your journey, allowing you to combine other Rwanda primate safaris with your bucket-list gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.

  1. Kigali Genocide Memorial

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a sobering but essential experience for anyone visiting Rwanda. We will generally organise this tour at the beginning of your journey to allow travellers to appreciate the hardship and sadness the community has endured. It commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, where over 800,000 people lost their lives in a span of 100 days. The memorial offers an opportunity to learn about the events leading up to the genocide, its impact on the Rwandan people, and how the country has since moved on.

  1. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is a popular destination for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. You can also take a boat tour to explore the lake’s numerous islands and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills. Still, it often only offers a quick stop for lunch while travelling from the Volcanoes region to Nyungwe. As with much of the travel logistics in Rwanda, Safari Guru would have organised a private vehicle and guide for your group, so take your time in Kivu and enjoy the beauty of this incredible waterway.

  1. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park, located in the eastern part of the country. The park is home to the Big Five game animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.

There are several options to explore the park, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat tours, which often include inspiring sunset drinks. During a game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife up close and personal. A walking safari is an excellent way to explore the park’s smaller creatures, such as insects and reptiles. Meanwhile, a boat tour on Lake Ihema is a perfect way to spot some of the park’s many waterbirds and hippos.

Conclusion

In conclusion to our Top 5 Rwanda Highlights, this is a must-visit destination for travellers interested in primate experiences and wildlife adventures. With its unique landscapes, diverse culture, and incredible wildlife, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor. 

Contact Safari Guru for more information on our Top 5 Rwanda Highlights and travel planning, otherwise visit Rwanda Safari Requirements for specific information about travelling to Rwanda.

Share:

FAQ

Should I plan for two gorilla treks, or is one sufficient?

Safari Guru always suggests at least two treks to ensure you get the most from the experience. The first encounter is often overwhelming, and with cameras and phones recording all the action, so much is missed. Our travellers always suggest the second gorilla trek was a more immersive and, better, more enjoyable experience.

Does Rwanda connect well with any other destination?

Rwanda connects well with many East African destinations, such as Kenya and Tanzania, should you want to extend your journey with a savannah-based safari, such as exploring the Great Migration of the Greater Serengeti. You can also add coastal areas like Zanzibar if you connect flights with some of the larger capital cities.

How do logistics in Rwanda work?

While Rwanda offers a public transport system, Safari Guru always suggests connecting the various tours and destinations by private vehicle and driver. It's the quickest and most effective way of getting from place to place, ensuring your time is well spent at the destination of interest, not on congested roads, which can build up for hours. Some road transfers can be lengthy, and a helicopter can be facilitated for these legs. It's a costly option, but it offers magnificent views of this unique African countryside and should be seen as an activity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

On Key

Related Posts

African Safari Guru Review

African Safari Guru Review

We are thrilled to share a recent review that truly captures the essence of the Safari Guru experience. At Safari Guru, we pride ourselves on

Why use an Africa Safari Travel Specialist Travellers in Sapi Reserve

Why use an Africa Safari Travel Specialist

Planning an African safari is an exciting endeavour that promises extraordinary wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. When organising your safari, you may consider

6 Tips for Booking a Safari - Leopard at Mombo Camp Botswana by Deon De Villiers

6 Tips for Booking a Safari

Are you a traveller yearning for an exhilarating journey through untamed landscapes and close encounters with majestic wildlife?  Look no further as we share our

top 5 Rwanda Highlights Gorilla by Deon De Villiers @ Safari Guru

Top 5 Rwanda Highlights

There is little doubt that Rwanda offers one of the most exciting safari experiences. A country ravaged by barbarity and war, it’s now considered one

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”

-John Hemingway

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already began!

REQUEST YOUR PERSONALISED ITINERARY

Answer a few simple questions to start planning your safari, and we will contact you and provide you with a personalised itinerary absolutely free.

Where would you like to travel?

What time of Year?

How long would you like to travel for?

How many people in your party?

List Children Seperately

Do you have a budget per person?

Sign up to Newsletter

Get the latest

Adventures

Read about the amazing adventures through Africa

In order to stay compliant with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), please take a moment to review our privacy policy and provide your consent.  Privacy Policy