Rwanda is not only the land of a thousand hills, but also a country rich in flora and fauna, particularly primates and most famously, the rare Silverback mountain gorilla. in fact, Gorilla Trekking is one of the main drawcards to this beautiful country. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is one of the world's smallest countries and is in a landlocked position between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with mountains in the west, savannah in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The Volcanoes National Park is where Rwanda's renowned gorilla safaris take place; attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The country hosts some rare species of animals in addition to the sought after silverback mountain gorillas; unique birds and insects are beautifully abundant in the tropical forest of Nyungwe. Music and dance, particularly drums and the highly choreographed 'intore' dance, are an integral part of Rwandan culture. Traditional arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, including 'imigongo', a unique cow dung art.
Rwanda is famous for its gorilla trekking opportunities in the Virunga Mountains. This is where Dian Fossey researched and habituated mountain gorillas in the 1960s. Although gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the country has a lot more to offer. In fact, if gorilla trekking is beyond your budget, Rwanda is still worth visiting as an up-and-coming destination offering primate walks, volcano hikes and bird watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park, plus boat trips on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and classic safaris in search of the Big Five in low-key Akagera National Park.
Aside from 15 primates, Rwanda is home to another 136 mammal species. To see any of the usual safari animals, you need to go to Akagera National Park, a scenic savannah reserve in eastern Rwanda. Here you’ll see elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes and plenty of antelope species such as topi, impala and defassa waterbuck. Black and white rhinos, as well as lions, have recently been reintroduced.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi.
Nyungwe National Park protects the largest highland rainforest in East Africa. Even from the main road, you’ll be blown away by the endless views over layers of steep jungle-clad mountains. It provides an opportunity to see an amazing variety of monkeys and birds.
Volcanoes National Park is arguably the best place in the world to observe the endangered mountain gorillas. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey’s former camp, and several strenuous climbs to the volcanic peaks.
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