An adventure on a Rwanda safari is an incredibly magical experience. Often overlooked for its neighboring countries, the country offers much more than expected. The country’s incredible beauty including the rolling hills, dense forests, crater lakes, and sparkling rivers make a trip there a breathtaking sight. Beyond wildlife experiences, it offers opportunities to explore its culture, history, and cuisine.
The centerpiece of a Rwanda safari is certainly the Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park that sits on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The region is home to the Virunga Mountains, with the Dian Fossey’s research center where visitors can learn, understand and appreciate the mountain gorillas and their habitat even more. Trekking to see gorillas is a unique and extraordinary experience. Guides, together with armed rangers, take you into the forest to track down one of the nine habituated families of gorillas. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Beyond gorilla trekking, a Rwanda safari offers opportunities for cultural immersion with visits to ancient sites and museums that celebrate the country’s rich history. The opportunity to see traditional dancers and the famous cow-jumping ceremony, where young men leap over cows in their rite of passage is a must-see. Many travelers also visit the local communities where they can learn traditional crafts or purchase local souvenirs.
For nature lovers, a Rwanda safari takes you to Nyungwe Forest – one of the great forests of Africa. The forest offers fantastic treks on the canopy walk – the only one in East Africa, with stunning aerial views of the rainforest below. Here you can also discover a variety of primates including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, and over 300 bird species.
The Akagera National Park is also a popular destination that hosts a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, and buffalos. Visitors can take game drives to view wildlife or take a boat along the Lake Ihema, the only scenic lake in the park that hosts around 12,000 hippos and huge crocodiles basking in the sun.
When it comes to , Rwanda offers an excellent range of lodges that cater to every budget. From luxurious eco-friendly lodges to budget guesthouses, visitors have a variety of options to choose from when planning their safari. Some of the recommended safari lodges include Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
In conclusion, a Rwanda safari is an extraordinary experience that offers visitors the opportunity to encounter the mountain gorillas, immerse in the local cultures, and enjoy the stunning wildlife and landscapes in the country. With its rich history, abundant wildlife, dramatic scenery, and fantastic accommodation options, Rwanda is indeed one of the most enchanting destinations in East Africa. A safari in Rwanda is a must-see for any traveler seeking an unforgettable African adventure.