Rwanda sits within the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and is a magical land of breathtaking beauty. Often referred to as the ‘Land of a thousand hills’ it boasts awe-inspiring vistas, undulating lush greenery, verdant forests, rich culture, and spectacular wildlife. Although Rwanda is all too often associated with the 1994 Genocide, the country has since managed to rebuild itself as one of Africa’s safest countries and is fast becoming one of the continent’s greatest travel destinations. If you are looking for cool and unusual things to see and do, Rwanda won’t disappoint.
Rwanda is famous for its endangered gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and no list of exciting things to do here would be complete without gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas are found in just a few pockets of highland rainforest and coming face to face with a mountain gorilla is arguably one of the most epic and sought-after wildlife encounters in the world. Your trek will take around 4-6 hours through magical rain forest, accompanied by the twittering of colourful birds and the chattering calls of the rare golden monkey which you may be lucky enough to spot in the treetops above you.
Comprised of savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes, Akagera National Park is home to the Big 5 and unlike the more popular safari parks in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, Akagera’s large surface area and sparse traffic means you’ll never have to queue to see the wildlife and can delight in being completely alone in the bush like the early pioneers of safari exploration. You’ll also encounter buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, and an incredible 490 bird species. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is another highlight of a visit to Akagera, where you can view large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds that frequent the island in the middle of the lake.
Volcanoes National Park is a national park in northwestern Rwanda and is home to five of the eight majestic volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. Covered in thick rainforest and bamboo this dramatic landscape unsurprisingly offers the opportunity for some thrilling hiking. Hiking an active volcano is a must-do for every adventure lover and if you conquer Mount Bisoke's summit you’ll be rewarded with the spectacular sight of the volcanoes’ magnificent crater lake. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous then a two-day trek to the summit of Mount Karisimbi (4507 m or 14787 ft), Rwanda’s highest point and Africa’s 5th highest mountain will excite and delight even the most enthusiastic thrill seekers. Climbing this mountain is strenuous but priceless for the breathtaking and striking vistas of Rwanda from the highest point in the country.
Despite being a landlocked country, you can still go to the beach in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes and if you head to Rubavu, Rwanda’s resort town nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu you can spend long, lazy days under the sun on the sandy beach on the lakeshore which is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and water sports. Rubavu is also the starting point of the Congo Nile Trail, which is a stunning hiking trail that runs along the shores of Lake Kivu through eye popping landscapes, remote villages, and dense forests. There are several museums and cultural centres in Rubavu where you can learn about the local culture, music, dance, art, and even sample some of the local cuisine. If you are looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, Rubavu is also known for its hot springs, which you’ll find in the nearby Nyamyumba village.
Rwanda produces some of the world’s best tea and coffee thanks to the land which is endowed with fertile volcanic soils and the favourable weather conditions making it an ideal place to grow the country’s largest exports. If you’re a tea or coffee enthusiast, there are several tea & coffee route experiences in the North and Western provinces where a tour of a plantation will let you explore the process of making tea and coffee from crop to cup. Many of these tours are community-based projects too, so 100% of the profit goes towards the local population.
As well as mountain gorillas, Rwanda protects other primates like the wild chimpanzees found in Nyungwe Forest. The forest is one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests in Africa and is home to around 500 chimpanzees, which live in troops of varying sizes. Tracking the chimps is completely different from the mountain gorilla experience, as you’ll usually found the gorillas sitting eating quietly within the forest clearings, while the chimps move around at high speeds, whooping and jumping from tree to tree within the dense canopy of trees that dominate Nyungwe Forest. The rainforest environment – with its array of birds and other wildlife – is captivating and the engaging playfulness of these primates is a highly prized experience that will make the trek worthwhile.
Rwanda is a small but stunning country which is set to become one of Africa’s most luxurious travel destinations. Its captivating landscapes, lavish lodges and wondrous wildlife make it an enticing holiday option, so if you are ready to embrace the adventure and reap the rewards of this riveting country, contact us today and we’ll curate your dream Central African odyssey. Call UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk
