Wildlife Viewing In Rwanda

Wildlife Viewing In Rwanda : Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is a country renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Despite being a small landlocked country, Rwanda boasts of a vast array of wildlife, from the magnificent mountain gorillas to the elusive golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and a plethora of bird species.

Wildlife viewing in Rwanda has grown to become one of the most sought-after tourist activities in recent years, and for a good reason. Rwanda’s conservation efforts have paid off, resulting in significant growth in wildlife populations and the establishment of world-class wildlife viewing destinations.

One of Rwanda’s prime wildlife destinations is the Volcanoes National Park. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park covers an area of about 160 km² and consists of bamboo forests, swamps, and peaks of extinct volcanoes. Visitors to the park can embark on guided gorilla trekking safaris, which provide a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda involves hiking through dense forests, following the trail of a gorilla family led by experienced trackers. The trek can be physically demanding, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Once you find a gorilla family, you will have the opportunity to spend up to an hour observing them as they go about their daily activities, including grooming, playing, and feeding. The experience is unforgettable, and visitors are often left in awe of the gentle nature of these magnificent creatures.

Aside from gorilla trekking, the Volcanoes National Park is also home to other wildlife, including the golden monkeys, black-fronted duiker, and a wide variety of bird species. The park offers bird watching tours, guided nature walks, and other activities, providing visitors with a holistic wildlife viewing experience.

Another wildlife destination worth visiting in Rwanda is the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is located in the southwestern part of the country and covers an area of about 970 km². Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and its rich biodiversity includes over 1,000 plant species, 13 primate species, and over 300 bird species.

Visitors to the park can embark on chimpanzee tracking safaris, which offer a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trek involves hiking through the forest, following the trails of a chimpanzee family led by experienced guides. Visitors can also participate in guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and canopy walks, providing a unique perspective of the forest’s rich ecosystem.

In addition to the Volcanoes National Park and the Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda is home to other wildlife destinations, including the Akagera National Park, which is home to the Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffaloes), and the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which offers a unique opportunity to observe primates and other wildlife in a restored forest ecosystem.

In conclusion, Rwanda is a wildlife-viewing destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The country’s conservation efforts have resulted in significant growth in wildlife populations, providing visitors with a diverse array of wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, or game drives, Rwanda has something for everyone. Plan a trip to Rwanda today and immerse yourself in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The country’s conservation efforts have paid off, resulting in significant growth in wildlife populations, making it an ideal destination for wildlife safaris. If you are planning a wildlife safari in Rwanda, finding the perfect accommodation is essential to make your trip unforgettable.

Here are some of the best places to stay while on a wildlife safari in Rwanda:

Virunga Lodge: Located in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, the Virunga Lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and lakes. The lodge is a perfect base for gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, which is just a short drive away. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations, including private cottages with fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks with breathtaking views.

Bisate Lodge: This luxurious lodge is located near the Volcanoes National Park and offers stunning views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes. The lodge offers six forest villas, each with a fireplace, en-suite bathroom, and a private deck with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Bisate Lodge offers guests a chance to connect with nature, enjoy spa treatments, and indulge in fine dining.

Nyungwe House: Located in the southwestern part of the country, the Nyungwe House is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The lodge offers stunning views of the forest canopy and offers guests a chance to observe chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. The lodge offers luxury accommodations, including private villas with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and fireplaces.

Akagera Game Lodge: The Akagera Game Lodge is located in the Akagera National Park, which is home to the Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffaloes). The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, including en-suite rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool. The lodge offers game drives, bird watching tours, and boat cruises on Lake Ihema, providing visitors with a holistic wildlife viewing experience.

Cormoran Lodge: The Cormoran Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Kivu, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, including en-suite rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool. The lodge is a perfect base for exploring the nearby Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which offers a unique opportunity to observe primates and other wildlife in a restored forest ecosystem.

Finding the perfect accommodation is essential to make your wildlife safari in Rwanda unforgettable. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, or bird watching, Rwanda has a wide variety of accommodations to suit your needs. From luxurious lodges to comfortable guesthouses, there is something for everyone. Plan your trip to Rwanda today and immerse yourself in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife