Exploring the Wonders of Rwanda
Wonders of Rwanda are everywhere. It is no secret that Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills hosts some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders. Unique wildlife-filled National Parks, verdant jungles, lush Virunga Mountains, sweeping savannah wildernesses, magnificent genocide memorial sites, and Museums are some of the well-loved attractions in this safari destination hidden in the heart of Africa. It is undeniable that Rwanda owes the greater part of its fame to its rich diversity of natural wonders. Allow us to take you through these jaw-dropping wonders of Rwanda that you can’t afford to miss when you visit the country. The beauty about these places is that they will all make you stare with wide-eyes right in front of the breathtaking beauty of Mother Nature and they include; BOOK NOW
Volcanoes National Park.
The 160-square-kilometer Volcanoes National Park doesn’t need an introduction because it is home to the endangered mountain gorillas of this country. This is one of the most outstanding safari destinations in the African Continent known for its diverse wildlife species (mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, leopards, duikers, and giant forest hogs among others), over 200 bird species (that include the Rwenzori Mountains and Albertine Rift endemics), towering Virunga Volcanoes, exceptional vegetation types, and stunning Lakes and Rivers.
Situated in Northern Province, Volcanoes National Park is adjacent to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park which even adds to its appeal. Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey Gravesite hike, Volcano climbing, birding, and forest walks are some of the must-do activities in Volcanoes National Park.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is only 105 kilometers east of the bustling crowds of Kigali City. This Protected Area is one of the wonders of Rwanda, largely because it is the only savannah-dominated Park in the country and home to the country’s big five game (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Rhinos, and lions), Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Hippos, Topis, Jackson’s hartebeests, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Impalas, Oribis, jackals, Caracals, warthogs, and many others. Some of the highlights of Akagera National Park are hot air balloon tours, game drives, boat rides, behind-the-scenes experiences, cultural experiences, guided bush walks and so much more.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe is a 1000-square-kilometer National Park about 200 kilometers southwest of Kigali and is known for being Africa’s largest Afro-montane rainforest inhabited by 1000 plant species, 80 mammal species, and over 320 bird species.
Nyungwe is one of the few places in Africa where you can undertake canopy walks and if you are interested in meeting face-to-face with the endangered chimpanzees in their natural habitats during your trip to Rwanda, this is the best place to go. This is Rwanda’s forest gem also explored through forest walks/hiking because it has over 15 Nyungwe hiking trails. This is also one of the top birding hot spots in the country with lots of Albertine Rift endemics to marvel at.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Another wonder of Rwanda worth exploring is Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s smallest National Park made up of two separate forests (Gishwati and Mukura) spreading over 34 square kilometers across four districts- Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rubavu, and Rutsiro within the Western Province. Blessed with a verdant and forested mountainous landscape, with lush fertile Valleys and rich biodiversity, Gishwati-Mukura is a raw and rarely-explored Protected Area just 3.5 hours’ drive from Kigali City.
It is a fantastic idea to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park for chimpanzee trekking, other primate tracking tours (Golden monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, and the black and white Colobus monkeys), birding, mountain hiking and biking because it doesn’t enjoy the huge crowds like other places in the country.
Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu is the largest Lake in Rwanda with a Total Surface Area of 2700 square kilometers and is also shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo. This Lake is part of the Great Rift Valley in Africa and sits on the western side of the country fringed by breathtaking mountains as well as deep emerald green waters. Kivu is also surrounded by Resort Towns- Rubavu (Gisenyi) on the Northern side, and Karongi is known for its spectacular Beach Resorts surrounded by rolling hills covered in Eucalyptus and pine. This Lake and its surrounding areas can be explored through boat/and canoe rides, kayaking, cycling, mountain hiking, and cultural tours.
Kigali
You can’t mention Rwanda without its beautiful City of Kigali, strategically located in the Center of the country. Known as the cleanest City in Rwanda, Kigali extends across stunning rolling hills and Valleys marked by incredible roads that connect to the other parts of the country with a modest but lively and growing population of only about 1 million people. Travelers who have been to other African Cities are mesmerized by Kigali’s clean streets and verdant Boulevards that provide refreshing experiences. This City was founded in 1907 as an administrative outpost but became the Capital City in 1962 when the country gained independence. Kigali is being branded as a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) safari destination having recently hosted International events like CHOGM 2022 in June and the FIFA Congress in March 2023 among others. You can visit genocide memorial sites, the Kigali Cultural village, Nyamirambo women’s center, Nyandungu Urban wetland Ecotourism Project, Art and Craft Centers, Shopping Malls, and World-class eateries such as Meza Malonga during your tours.
