Do you want to visit Rwanda and you are wondering: Why should you visit Rwanda? Why visit Rwanda? Do people visit Rwanda? What is Rwanda known for? What is special about Rwanda? Is Rwanda good for safari? Rwanda has an incredible variety of natural wonders that you won’t easily find anywhere else on earth.
Known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda not only provides Africa’s most accessible Africa gorilla trekking destination but also presents a plethora of diverse landscapes and experiences for enriching Rwanda safari or Rwanda tour.
This tiny 26,338km2 country is very safe, clean, and breathtakingly beautiful. Rwanda is home to the primate-filled Nyungwe Forest National Park, where over 500 wild chimpanzees and 12 monkey species roam and the skies are filled with a myriad of birds.
And in the low-lying eastern region, Akagera National Park offers big game viewing safaris in Rwanda in a diverse savannah setting, with safari heavyweights including Lions, Buffalos, Rhinos, Hippos, and Elephants.
From humble, hopeful locals to the many natural gems, unique wildlife encounters, vibrant culture, and haunting history, there are countless reasons to visit Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is obviously the number one reason why most people visit Rwanda for safaris. And an encounter with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the best wildlife experiences ever.
These gentle, human-like creatures leave a lasting impression on every human visitor. Rwanda is where Dian Fossey first brought the world’s attention to the plight of these majestic apes in the late 1960s, when only around 250 survived.
The 2018 census recorded 1063, split between Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo; about 33% of them live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500, which is quite expensive compared to the permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda at $700.
But this means more money goes into conservation. Also, the high fee means fewer crowds, making the Rwanda gorilla safari experience more exclusive for those who can afford it.
Chimpanzee trekking is an incredible Rwanda safari experience and one of the best reasons to visit Rwanda.
Chimps are our closest cousins and an encounter with them is epic.
You get to observe many similar features and traits between chimpanzees and humans.
The experience with chimpanzees is nothing like that with gorillas, as the chimpanzees are very active and do loud vocalizations and actions which are thrilling and hair-raising.
Rwanda is one of the best destinations in East Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild.
It has a population of over 500 chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is the premier destination for chimpanzee tours in Rwanda.
Other best places to trek chimpanzees in East Africa include Uganda’s Kibale National Park which is home to over 1500 chimpanzees, and Tanzania’s Gombe National Park.
The chimpanzee safari to Rwanda is cheap, as a trekking permit costs $90 compared to the permit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in Kibale, which costs $200.
Golden monkeys are some of the most beautiful monkeys you will ever see.
They are another of the best reasons to visit Rwanda. They are endangered and endemic to the montane forests of the Albertine Rift in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park, but are overshadowed by the popular mountain gorillas.
A Rwanda golden monkey trek gives you the chance to spend an hour with a troop of over 100 monkeys. They are incredibly photogenic and very active monkeys and they are not shy about move so close to you as they hope from one bamboo tree to another.
Golden monkeys live on the lower slopes of the mountains; hence, the trek to see them is not challenging. Golden monkey trekking is mostly included as an addition to the Rwanda gorilla tours and other Rwanda tours.
Rwanda may not seem the obvious choice for a typical East African savannah safari. Most people think of Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, and Uganda safaris.
But if you’re on a safari vacation in Rwanda, Akagera National Park in the east of the country now has all the famous Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant in addition to some 8,000 other Rwandan animals and 480 bird species (birds of Rwanda).
Scenically, it is also one of Africa’s prettiest parks, with rolling hills and deep valleys, savannah plains to the north, and lakes and papyrus swamps on its eastern border. Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park are now one of the best reasons to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda has a lot of gorgeous safari eco-lodges, tented camps, and hotels, with options ranging from budget and mid-range to luxury.
In Kigali City, the Kigali Serena Hotel puts a strong focus on relaxation and wellness, creating an atmosphere where guests can unwind after a long-haul flight or time spent in the rainforest.
The Retreat offers an unforgettable 5-star experience. In Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Magashi Camp are luxury eco-tented Rwanda safari lodges that offer every creature comfort imaginable.
In the south of the country, Nyungwe National Park is home to the One and Only Nyungwe House, a 5-star resort surrounded by the endless beauty of Nyungwe Forest, The lodge follows suit with its stylish, modern design and décor
The area nearby Volcanoes National Park is home to a range of exclusive lodges; from the brand new One and Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge to Bisate Lodge, there’s a luxury offering for every taste.
Rwanda is truly one of the most beautiful and clean countries on this earth, as you’ll witness during your Rwanda holiday. The country banned plastic bags in 2008.
The citizens of Rwanda have taken a lot of measures to keep their country clean, whereby every able citizen is expected to help clean the streets between 8 am and midday on the last Saturday of each month.
Speaking of the countryside, Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills. Rolling tea and coffee fields with a break for a eucalyptus forest here and there. Jungles, savannas, volcanoes, lakes, and forests are just a few hours apart, and this little country packs in the beauty.
Rwanda is arguably the safest country in Africa, which is immediately apparent upon arrival in the relaxed and charming capital, Kigali.
Though there’s a lot of security around, this doesn’t tend to add tension for travelers; rather, the opposite. Rwanda safaris and Rwanda gorilla trekking tours are well managed and mostly safe.
In 2022, Rwanda was listed as the sixth-safest country in the world for solo travelers. Rwanda’s response to the genocide of 1994 was an attempt to pull the country together rather than further divide it. Today this has the effect of a solid safety record for travelers and Rwandans, with an emphasis on security.
Rwandans are exceptionally welcoming, kind, and friendly people. From making sure visitors do not get lost in the city center of Kigali and going out of their way to help fix broken-down vehicles to sharing some laughs over a good meal or cold beer,.
These are just some of the reasons why hanging with Rwandans is always a lovely experience on your Rwanda safari tours.
Delving into the tragic history of Rwanda is difficult for many guests on Rwanda tours/Uganda safaris.
However, seeing the genocide memorial sites first-hand provides valuable insight into the transformative journey of the Rwandan people.
The 1994 Rwandan Genocide was one of humanity’s most desperate episodes. In 100 days, the majority Hutu government of Rwanda massacred nearly 1,000 million Tutsi people, which was a horrifying period of bloodshed.
Bleak and depressing stuff—and if you find yourself in the capital, Kigali, you should surely acknowledge it.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center cradles the remains of some 250,000 victims of this ethnic cleansing.
It has an excellent exhibition that explains how it was that the world watched as the 1994 genocide unfolded.
This is an intensely powerful and moving memorial to which you should dedicate at least half a day during your Rwanda vacation.
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and the starting point of Rwanda safaris.
It is a modern city with well-maintained infrastructure and a fast-developing skyline of high-rise modern buildings.
The city is built on beautiful green hills. It is especially popular for her impeccable cleanliness, orderliness, and safety, attributes that are missing in most African cities and even many of the world’s big cities.
If you are visiting Rwanda for a short tour a long vacation or maybe for business, you will find adding a day tour of Kigali city very rewarding, as the city has several places to see and many things to do. Many of these are free!
The Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa peoples of Rwanda once clashed over socio-economic differences.
But today represents a common commitment to the betterment of Rwanda. Many citizens no longer refer to themselves as Hutu or Tutsi, but simply as Rwandans.
Meeting these people allows you to see the value of each of their cultures and their pride in their homeland. There are many projects throughout the country that give you a chance to meet the local people in a traditional setting.
You can visit cultural villages and experience the daily traditional life, learn about music, arts, dances, folklore, and traditional medicine; and sample some delicious food and banana beer. You can also explore the museums where the history and culture of Rwanda are exhibited.
If you daydream about volcano climbing and hiking, Rwanda is the preeminent destination for your outdoor vacation.
Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park offer superb networks of trails that take you into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
Birding in Rwanda is somewhat overlooked in favor of Rwanda gorilla trekking trips. However, birdlife in Rwanda is excellent, giving visitors the chance to see some of the Albertine Rift endemic bird species.
There are about 703 bird species in Rwanda, which is amazing for such a small country and makes for great birding.
Perhaps the key area for bird watching in Rwanda is the vast Afro-montane forest of Nyungwe National Park, which is recognized as an ‘Important Bird Area’ (IBA) by BirdLife International.
Look here for some of Albertine Rift’s endemics, such as Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome francolin, Mountain sooty boubou, Grauer’s warblers, Regal Sunbird, Strange weavers, Albertine Owl, Collared Apalis, Red-collared mountain-babbler, and Rwenzori nightjars.
Believe it or not, Rwanda has one of Central Africa’s best beach escapes!
Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, is surrounded by verdant hills, beautiful beaches, and hotels. It is a tranquil place to relax after incredible tours in Rwanda. Its predator-free waters are superb for boat cruises, swimming, and water sports.
Imagine spending a few days exploring Rwanda’s lush green rainforests, communing with mountain gorillas, tracking chimpanzees, walking in the footsteps of Rwandan kings, and then traveling a short distance to a sparkling lake and lovely beach for some rejuvenation.
Rwanda’s weather is forever moderate. Not too hot and not too cold.
The rainy season comes twice a year (from approximately September to November and March to May), and though getting around can become more difficult, it’s an easy trade-off for the lush green views and all the flowers.
With spectacular lodges and hotels, excellent service, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful wildlife experiences, Rwanda is a wonderful setting for a romantic honeymoon holiday in Africa.
Small, compact, and easy to travel around, the main drawcard of a safari in Rwanda is that it has the easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking.
After arriving at the capital city of Kigali, you are only a few hours’ drives away from the legendary Volcanoes National Park and its habituated but still wild gorilla families for an authentic and awe-inspiring Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
A Rwanda safari vacation can be easily combined with a safari in Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania to create a complete east African safari. Why not combine a Rwanda gorilla tour with the great wildebeest migration safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park?
We have also noticed a recent trend of people wanting to fly into Kigali and go on a Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is understandable given the deterrent permit price ($1,500) for trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park versus $700 for Uganda gorilla trekking.
Have just one day and want to tour Rwanda, be it to track the gorillas, undertake a Kigali city tour, enjoy a safari in the savannah to see animals, experience rural life in Rwanda, etc.?
The Rwanda safaris range in duration from 1 day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour to 16-day Rwanda safari tour, with the longer Rwanda tours visiting all the highlights at a slower pace.
Conclusion
There are so many reasons to visit Rwanda, not the least of which is that it will be an adventure of a lifetime. So let us help you plan and book your Rwanda safari holiday. You can contact us at info@primeugandasafaris.com. Our safari experts will be happy to assist you.
RELATED RWANDA INFORMATION
Cate
Samuel
Robert
Get top notch safari advice: Call us or schedule a video meeting with our experts.
