Wildlife safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” has transformed itself from a country scarred by one of the worst genocides in recent history to a model of hope, peace, and good governance in Africa. Despite the small size, Rwanda has set aside land for conservation with about four renowned National Parks that offer refuge to the different forms of wildlife. Rwanda wildlife safaris are popular on most travelers’ bucket lists especially for those yearning to see the most endangered mountain gorillas in East Africa.
Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park draws the majority of tourists to Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park became famous as a result of research efforts that culminated in the film “Gorillas in the Mist.” The park itself is a lush green expanse teeming with birds, butterflies, primates, and other mammals. Gorilla trekking is also possible in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the quality of service and the park’s proximity to the capital Kigali entice visitors to choose a safari in Rwanda.
Rwanda Wildlife Safaris
Rwanda is a perfect safari destination for wildlife tours in Africa especially if you wish to combine your adventure with one of Africa’s most profound experiences, the mountain gorilla trekking. On your Wildlife safaris in Rwanda with Acacia Safaris Limited, you will see the famous African Big Five animals (lion, Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo, and Rhino). You will encounter several other small wild animals and several herbivores in different safari parks in Rwanda. The wildlife safari in Rwanda is further spiced with the beautiful sceneries of landscape and cultural experience, a great time to learn something special about Africa.
Best places to visit for Wildlife safaris in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
The safari park is the primary destination for wildlife safaris in Rwanda and shouldn’t be missed while planning a safari to Rwanda. The park was established in 1925 as a small area bounded by Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno, with the intention of protecting the gorillas from poachers. Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s oldest parks, possibly the first, having been established in 1929.
The safari park is a beautiful place to be for adventure since it is home to the most endangered mountain gorillas. The vegetation in the park varies significantly due to the park’s large altitudinal range, with the lower montane lost to agriculture. The park includes the Neoboutonia forest, bamboo forest, Hagenia Hypericum forest, and grasslands.
Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath. Wildlife safaris offer more than just gorilla trekking but also opportunities to spot some other top wildlife species like bush pigs, forest hogs, buffaloes, black-fronted duiker, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, endangered golden monkeys, and many more.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is 2500 square kilometers of mostly Savannah land. The park takes its name from the Kagera River, which flows along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes in and around the park are fed by the river.
The park protects an acacia and bush landscape with patches of open grassland and a dozen swampy lakes typical of the African Savannah. It has a high level of biodiversity and is part of a large protected wetland. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Savannah National Park and the only place to see the majority of the large mammals while on safari.
Elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, and lions can all be found in Akagera National Park. It is home to a variety of antelopes, including bushbucks, Topis, Oribis, waterbuck, roan antelope and duiker, klipspringer, impala, and the world’s largest antelope, the Cape Eland.
Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, is rich in biodiversity and breathtakingly beautiful. The mountainous region is teeming with wildlife, including a small population of chimps as well as 12 other primate species, including the Albertine Rift’s endemic L’Hoest’s monkey. The safari park is also a top spot for wildlife safaris in Rwanda and a must include in your bucket list.
Memorable and photogenic moments on a wildlife viewing safari include walking up to the Isumo waterfall or along the Canopy Walk suspension bridge. Tea plantations border the edges of the park, with a habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds.
