Rwanda is generally known as a peaceful and clean country nestled in the heart of Africa consisting of diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich vibrant cultural tribes. Most national parks in Rwanda boast an incredible array of wildlife that makes it one of Africa’s top-visited safari destinations. Travelers planning to visit Rwanda, get ready to spot a wide range of wildlife animal species and tick off your bucket list. Rwanda is most times referred to as the land of 1000 hills with rugged hills. Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world where you can find Mountain gorillas including Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo. This Article Highlights most of the animals you will be able to spot during a safari in Rwanda. Some of them include the Big 5 and bird species. However, mountain gorillas are a major highlight of most tourism activities in Rwanda.

Primates

Mountain Gorillas

 Rwanda consists of about 300 mountain gorillas located in the Volcanoes National Park. Mountain Gorillas are subspecies of the Eastern Lowland gorillas sharing about 98% of their DNA to that of human beings. Rwanda consists of about 10 habituated gorilla families that are safe for gorilla trekking experiences for visitors on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Mountain Gorillas are one of the most fascinating wildlife creatures during an encounter with them tourists on a gorilla trekking safari are granted a maximum of 1 hour as they observe and learn about their ways of life. Seeing the mountain gorillas in Rwanda requires you to have a gorilla trekking permit which is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 500 for Foreign Residents, and USD 200 for East African Citizens.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are most social animals living in large groups called communities. A chimpanzee community can consist of over 100 individuals and is headed by one dominant male. Rwanda is one of the best destinations where you can see chimpanzees and connect with nature. Chimpanzees in Rwanda can only be seen in Nyungwe Forest National Park famous for chimpanzee trekking and nature walk activities. Seeing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat is known as chimpanzee trekking which requires you to have a chimpanzee trekking permit. An encounter with the chimpanzees in their natural habits is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure thus creating lifelong memories to cherish.

Golden Monkeys

Golden monkeys are generally playful and a rare species that is found in the Virunga Mountain ranges. The golden monkeys are characterized by striking orange fur around the heads and one of the big monkey species. Rwanda does not only offer gorilla trekking experiences but also golden monkey trekking. A percentage of golden monkeys was trained and habituated to familiar with the presence of human beings which makes the gorilla trekking an awesome and safe experience for tourists on a golden monkey trekking safari. Golden monkeys can be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and tourists are required to obtain access from the Rwanda Development Board.

Bird Watching

 Rwanda has a population of over 700 bird species that can be identified from most of Rwanda’s National Parks including Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and other wildlife protection reserves. A passionate bird watcher can spot a variety of bird species including the Grey Crowned Crane, Shoebill, African Fish Eagle, White-cheeked Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Flufftail, African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Bateleur Eagle, Yellow-billed Egret, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Papyrus Gonolek, White-headed Barbet, Endangered Secretary bird, Kigali Sparrow, Meyer’s Parrot, Dusky Turtle Dove, Common Bulbul, Spotted Morning Thrush, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, African Grey Parrot, African Hoopoe, Marabou Stork, Eastern Great Blue Turaco, Chestnut-winged Starling, Red-collared Widowbird, African Blue Tit, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, Tawny Eagle, Sooty Falcon, Banded Lapwing, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Long-tailed Cormorant, White-breasted Cormorant, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher and Scarlet-chested Sunbird.

Other wildlife species to spot on a safari in Rwanda include the Big 5 such as lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and Rhinos that can be seen in Akagera National Park. Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, antelopes, waterbucks, crocodiles, Hippos, baboons, monkeys, and other animal species that you will spot during your Rwanda Safari

What else can I do during my safari in Rwanda?

Apart from seeing animals, Rwanda offers one of the best safari activities that every traveler would not want to miss and some of these include;

Canopy Walks

Canopy walks are mostly done in Nyungwe Forest National Park suspended 60 meters above the ground offering you breathtaking views and sweeping cool fresh air. During the canopy walk experience, you will be able to spot some bird species as well as primate species.

Cultural Experiences

Rwanda consists of rich vibrant cultural heritage sites such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Center that allow visitors to have a deep insight into the local traditions including traditional dances and drama, arts and crafts of the local people, weaving baskets, and other traditional practices that allow you to enjoy amazing moments with the locals and culture.

Hiking

 For a nature enthusiast, Rwanda offers one of the best Hiking experiences and these are usually done on Mount Bisoke which is a dormant volcano rising about 3711 meters above sea level. Hiking to the summit and back takes about 6 – 7 hours depending on the pace of the slowest person. However much the hiking experience is always challenging, it offers hikers beautiful panoramic views of the rest of the Volcanoes as well as connecting with nature.

Visit Genocide Memorial Center

Lean about Rwanda’s tragic genocide that left over 800,000 dead. These are remembered and celebrated in Murambi and Ntarama where they were buried in large mass graves. A visit to the genocide memorial center takes you through Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconciliation.

Where can I stay during my safari in Rwanda?

Rwanda offers a selection of accommodation services ranging from luxury to more affordable options ensuring visitors have a comfortable place to stay during a safari in Rwanda. Some of these lodges include Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Camp, Nyungwe Top View Hill, Gisakura Guest House, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and Kivu Marina Bay as well as Hotel des Mille Collines which playing a great role in rescuing victims during the 1994 genocide.