Regardless of its small size and its being the landlocked country, Rwanda is undoubtedly that one most spectacular destination in the world you need to consider a must to visit. Even with its few attractions, it is that one unique country that has made the best use of what it has to offer to its world’s travelers and it is undoubtedly one of the most explored. Leaving out its historic past, this landlocked has positioned itself as the leading safari destination. Also, compared to the rest of East African states, Rwanda is that one country with clean streets. Rwanda has today gained popularity with the World Economic Forum and Tourism Competitive Index as one of the sustainable destinations with thousands of tourists flocking to explore its natural wonders.
Attractions and activities
Mountain gorillas (gorilla trekking)
With only 3 countries that 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today, Rwanda is that one country which is blessed with these unique creatures. This makes it an ideal destination for one to visit for gorilla trekking. Gorilla treks in Rwanda are only conducted within the pristine Volcanoes National Park about 2 to 3 hours’ drive away from Kigali capital city. This 160 square kilometers’ protected area lies in northwestern Rwanda. To trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda you need $1500 for you to secure a permit. You can secure your permit through a ground tour operator who is reliable, trust worthy and the other alternative is booking your permit through a reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). You can as well catch a glimpse at these unique creatures while on safari in Uganda just in the wilderness areas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the southwestern. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), you head off to eastern part of country to the Virunga National Park.
National parks
Rwanda comprises of 4 national parks, each of which features unique wild creatures. They include Volcanoes National Park which is lies suitably in northwestern side of Rwanda and a home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many other wildlife species. It is located about 125 kilometers away from Kigali and largely a rainforest park. Besides, Volcanoes National Park also inhabits five volcanoes that make up the 8 Great Virunga Massifs. What to do;
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Birding
- Dian Fossey tomb hike
- Volcano hike
- Visit to twin lakes
- Musanze cave exploration
Nyungwe forest national park a renowned home to most primates that make up a total of 13 distinct primate species including the black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons and over 310 bird species. Activities to do
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Canopy walk which is the first ever to be introduced in East Africa.
Akagera National Park; this lies in northeastern Rwanda and features as the country’s only savanna grassland wildlife park. This park boasts as a home to the big five African game-elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, several antelope families, over 520 bird species and others. Akagera National Park largely comprises of acacia woodland, savanna grassland, swamps and derived its name from Akagera River. It is ideal for;
- Game drives
- Boat cruise
- Bird watching
- Helicopter tours
- Nature walks
Gishwati Mukura National Park is another stunning protected area in Rwanda and newly established due to open in 2019. If you are looking for safari destinations with unique and fresh experiences then count Gishwati Mukura National Park a must to visit and you won’t regret.
Kigali
Kigali itself is a tourist attraction besides being a capital city of Rwanda. It features among the very few greener cities in Africa with also several historical sites including the many genocide memorial centers where one can explore more about what took place in Rwanda at a time when a civil war broke out between the Hutus and Tutsis in 1994 claiming nearly a million lives. Most of the bodies were buried in these memorial centers and among the most popular ones include the Kigali/Gisozi genocide memorial center,
Lakes
Rwanda has many water lakes including the scenic Lake Kivu. This lake makes up part of the mighty rift valley and straddles just at the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While here, you have opportunity to chill around this beautiful water body. It is ideal for swimming and also do not miss to enjoy its picturesque look. You can as well pay a visit to the scenic twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera as well as Lake Muhazi.
