Top things to do in Rwanda this year

Although Rwanda is well-known for its stunning hills, volcanoes, mountain gorillas, and attractive populace, it has suffered through one of the deadliest genocides in recent memory. Following the genocide, the Kagame administration took on the challenging mission of mending the country, fostering peace, and uniting the populace in order to reconstruct it. Rwanda is currently regarded as a model for other African nations looking to organise their populations, combat corruption, and establish effective systems despite limited resources. Top things to do in Rwanda this year vary according your preference.

The tourism industry in Rwanda is one of the biggest successes of the new administration. The government has made significant efforts to boost travel. The fact that Rwanda is endowed with unending hills, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and animals, as well as good weather, has helped government efforts. High standards are set for the tourism infrastructure, including hotels and highways, and national parks are overseen by devoted and patriotic locals. Rwanda is among the safest travel destinations in the world, and Kigali, the country’s capital, is regarded as Africa’s cleanest city. Rwanda offers stunning natural scenery, a plethora of cultural traditions, amiable locals, and delicious regional food.

Here are some of the top things to do in Rwanda this year;

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Arguably the most popular animal conservation site in Rwanda is the Volcanoes National Park. In addition to other well-liked activities, hundreds of foreign visitors visit the park each year specifically to observe mountain gorillas. There are ten habituated gorilla groups in the park, and only eight persons may track a specific group in a given day. The Volcanoes National Park administration provides a briefing at 7 a.m. before gorilla trekking begins. From there, armed Rangers accompany guests as they track several gorilla tribes. One of Africa’s most remarkable travel experiences is going on a gorilla trek. In Rwanda, permits to see gorillas cost $1500 per person.

Game drive in Akagera National Park

It is easy to overlook the fact that Rwanda is a great place for game drives and traditional wildlife safaris because of all the hoopla about the mountain gorillas. Akagera, spanning 1,085 square kilometres, is the sole savanna park in Rwanda. Despite being founded in 1934, the park suffered a great loss of fauna during the genocide in 1994. The park served as a path of escape for thousands of citizens who were fleeing to neighbouring nations in search of safety. Many people decided to reside in the park after the genocide, which resulted in unchecked poaching and encroachment. Wildlife increased and extinct species were reintroduced when the government and African Parks Network joined together to maintain the park. Swamps, savanna plains, woods, lakes, rivers, and terraced hills make up Akagera National Park. Considering other activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural encounters, and mountain climbing, it offers tourists the chance to experience a full wildlife safari in Rwanda as it is currently home to all 5 of the Big Five animals: lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.

To name a few, hyenas, leopards, olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and hippos can all be found in Akagera. Akagera is great for birdwatching, natural hikes, and sport fishing in Lake Shakani in addition to regular game drives. Popular excursions include the afternoon boat ride around Lake Ihema, which rewards visitors with stunning scenery and opportunities to see aquatic animals including antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and birds of prey drinking by the lake’s edge.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest is home to one of the continent’s oldest afro-montane forests. Thirteen different species of primates, including chimpanzees, call this South Western woodland home. One of the last remaining habitats for Angolan Colobus and Golden Monkeys is Nyungwe Forest. There are more than fifteen pathways for nature walks available to guests while they explore the woodland. If you don’t like taking nature hikes, you can choose for the highly well-liked canopy walk or go chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. You will be rewarded with incredible views of birds, primates, butterflies, plants, amphibians, reptiles, and old trees, regardless of the specific activity you sign up for.

Visit the Shores of Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of the largest and most stunning lakes in all of Africa, while being the smallest of the continent’s Great Lakes. It has an amazing setting and stretches all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It would be accurate to characterise the ambiance of the lake and its environs as that of an inland freshwater sea. The scenery is dramatic, alluring, and breathtakingly beautiful, with many of volcanic islands, gorgeous beaches, terraced hills, and fishing villages.

At Lake Kivu, water sports like windsurfing, paddle boarding, swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing are all highly recommended. The Congo Nile path around the lake’s shores offers bikers the chance to experience Rwanda’s rural areas on foot or by mountain bike.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest is home to one of Africa’s top canopy walk paths, in addition to chimpanzee trekking and nature hikes. 2010 saw the introduction of the forest canopy walk as part of an initiative to broaden the nation’s tourism offerings. With a height of 50 metres, the canopy walkway provides an overhead perspective of the forest and its inhabitants. Because the walkway sways left and right as one goes from one place to another, finishing the trek will require some confidence. If you are afraid of heights, you should know this ahead of time.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

One of the last remaining habitats for golden monkeys is Rwanda. Due to their endangered status, golden monkeys are subject to strict protection. The biggest threat to eagles is humans, despite the fact that they are their natural prey. Because of their gorgeous gold coats, lively personalities, and endangered status, golden monkeys are a favourite among tourists. In Rwanda, the tracking of golden monkeys begins with a briefing at 7:30 a.m. Because the primates don’t travel too far into the jungle, it is less taxing than trekking with gorillas. In Rwanda, permits for golden monkeys cost $100.

Bird Watching

Without a doubt, Rwanda is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It is among the best ecotourism sites in Africa because of its robust road network, safety, security, and variety of habitats. It’s a great place to go bird watching. With over 703 bird species, the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria basin are home to 29 of them natively. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and the regions surrounding Lake Kivu all offer birdwatching excursions. But there’s also excellent bird watching in other parts of the nation, particularly near Kigali. Thus, there will be rewarding bird watching wherever you are in the country.

Smaller bodies of water, wetlands, marshlands, and agricultural plantations are some other places to go bird watching. The ponds and marshes of Akagera are also home to the interesting Shoebill stork. The tiny area of the nation makes it feasible to visit several birding sites in a brief journey. This will allow you to see some of the most sought-after species in Africa.

Helicopter Tours

For individuals who would want to see Kigali and the surrounding area from above, Akagera Aviation arranges helicopter trips. Depending on the itinerary, a helicopter trip can cost anywhere from $500 to $4500. Whichever path you decide to take, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes and Rwanda’s hills. For incredible views of the enormous forest and the massive Virunga hills that stretch all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, helicopter trips can also be booked all the way to Nyungwe National Park. Every flight originates and ends in Kigali.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi

One of Africa’s tallest mountains, Mount Karisimbi rises to a height of almost 4,500 metres. One of the eight volcanoes that make up the larger Virunga mountains in the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, the mountain is located in the Volcanoes National Park. A two-day walk up Mount Karisimbi is required. Despite being difficult, the walk offers breathtaking views of the Nyiragongo volcano, the Virunga hills, and national parks in the Congo and Uganda. In the Volcanoes National Park, hiking Mount Karisimbi is typically combined with trekking with golden monkeys and gorillas.

The Congo Nile Trail

The Rwandan government recently added the Congo Nile route to its list of tourist attractions, broadening its appeal. The 140-mile Congo Nile trail can be travelled on foot, by bike, or by motorbike. The entire trail could be covered in ten days if one chooses to walk it. One of the top riding routes in East Africa is the Congo Nile Trail. Bike riders are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rwandan countryside, including rolling hills, tea plantations, small towns, Lake Kivu, and Nyungwe National Park. After finishing the trek, one will have a better knowledge of how the locals live their life. Along the route, lodging is not an issue because there are plenty of hotels and campgrounds to pick from. You may even take your own tent with you and erect it outside places of worship like schools or churches. A reliable tour operator will rent you a bike and an accompanying person.

Due to less rain, June through August and December through early February are the ideal times to visit Rwanda. To see any of the stunning Rwandan locations listed above, make a reservation for a Rwanda Safari through Visit and Tour Rwanda.