Popular Tourist Activities in Rwanda

Presently, Rwanda is seen as a role model for other African countries trying to organise their people, fight corruption, and set up efficient processes in the face of scarce resources. The best activities to do in Rwanda this year may depend on your interests. One of the new administration’s greatest achievements in Rwanda is the tourist sector. The administration has worked hard to increase travel. Rwanda’s abundance of highlands, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and pleasant weather have all aided government initiatives. When it comes to fighting corruption, organising its people, and putting in place efficient processes in the face of scarce resources, Rwanda is now looked to by other African countries. Your preferences will determine the top Tourist Activities in Rwanda. Among the new government’s greatest achievements in Rwanda is the tourist sector. In an attempt to increase travel, the government has taken considerable action. Rwanda has benefited from favourable climatic conditions and an abundance of natural features, including mountains, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and volcanoes.

Here are some of the top things to do in Rwanda this year;

Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is arguably the most well-known location for animal conservation. Every year, hundreds of foreign visitors come to the park especially to see the mountain gorillas, in addition to other popular activities. In the park, there are ten habituated gorilla groups, and only eight people can track a particular group on any one day. Before gorilla trekking starts, the Volcanoes National Park administration gives a briefing at seven in the morning. From there, visitors are escorted by armed Rangers as they follow many gorilla groups. Gorilla trekking is one of the most amazing vacation experiences in Africa. A gorilla viewing permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person.

Chimpanzee Tracking

One of the oldest afro-montane forests on the continent is found in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. Chimpanzees and other monkeys belonging to thirteen distinct species live in this South Western woods. Nyungwe Forest is one of the last remaining places for Golden Monkeys and Angolan Colobus. While exploring the woodland, visitors can choose from over fifteen different trails for nature hikes. If hiking in the outdoors isn’t your thing, you can opt for the popular canopy walk or go chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Whatever activity you choose, you will be rewarded with amazing views of birds, primates, butterflies, plants, amphibians, reptiles, and old trees.

Akagera National Park Game Drives

Despite all the hype surrounding the mountain gorillas, Rwanda is also a terrific destination for classic wildlife safaris and game drives. With 1,085 square kilometres, Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park. Even though the park was established in 1934, the 1994 genocide resulted in a significant loss of wildlife. For thousands of citizens seeking safety in adjacent countries, the park provided a means of escape. Following the genocide, a large number of individuals chose to live in the park, which led to unrestricted poaching and encroachment. When the government and African Parks Network teamed up to manage the park, the number of animals expanded and extinct species were brought back.

Akagera National Park is made up of woodlands, lakes, rivers, terraced hills, swamps, and savanna plains. As Rwanda is currently home to all five of the Big Five animals; lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards it offers tourists the chance to experience a full wildlife safari. Other activities include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, mountain climbing, and cultural encounters.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Rwanda is home to one of the final habitats for golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are under stringent protection because they are considered an endangered species. Despite being their natural prey, people pose the greatest threat to eagles. Travellers love golden monkeys because of their stunning gold coats, energetic personalities, and endangered status. In Rwanda, a briefing is held at 7:30 a.m. before golden monkey tracking begins. Trekking with primates is less strenuous than trekking with gorillas because they don’t venture too deep into the woods.

Lake Kivu Expeditions

Despite being the smallest of the Great Lakes on the continent, Lake Kivu is one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes in all of Africa. It extends all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and offers a breathtaking landscape. The atmosphere of the lake and its surroundings can be accurately described as that of an inland freshwater sea. With numerous volcanic islands, stunning beaches, terraced hills, and fishing villages, the landscape is dramatic, seductive, and incredibly attractive. Activities on the lake at Lake Kivu include windsurfing, paddle boarding, swimming, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. Bicyclists can explore Rwanda’s rural areas on foot or by mountain bike by following the Congo Nile trail around the lake’s edges.

Canopy Walk Experience

Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda offers chimpanzee trekking, wildlife walks, and one of Africa’s best canopy walk pathways. The nation’s tourism offers were expanded in 2010 with the advent of the forest canopy walk. The canopy walkway, standing 50 metres above the ground, offers an aerial view of the forest and its people. Completing the walk will take some courage because it sways left and right as one moves from one spot to another. You should be aware of this in advance if you have a fear of heights.

Bird Watching

Rwanda is unquestionably a birdwatcher’s heaven. Because to its extensive road network, high level of security, safety, and diversity of habitats, it is one of the best ecotourism destinations in Africa. It’s a fantastic location for bird watching. Of the approximately 703 bird species, 29 are native to the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria region. There are birdwatching opportunities at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and the areas around Lake Kivu. However, there’s also great bird watching in other regions of the country, especially in the vicinity of Kigali. Therefore, wherever you go in the nation, you will be able to enjoy rewarding bird viewing. Other locations to go bird watching include smaller bodies of water, wetlands, marshlands, and agricultural plantations. The intriguing Shoebill stork can also be found in Akagera’s ponds and marshes. Because the country is so small, it is possible to visit multiple birding areas in a short trip. You will be able to witness some of Africa’s most sought-after species as a result.

Congo Nile Trail

To increase its appeal, the Congo Nile route was recently added to the list of tourist sites by the Rwandan government. You can go the 140-mile Congo Nile trail by bike, motorbike, or on foot. Should one decide to walk the full trail, it might be completed in ten days. The Congo Nile Trail is one of the best cycling routes in East Africa. The Rwandan countryside, with its undulating hills, tea plantations, quaint towns, Lake Kivu, and Nyungwe National Park, is breathtakingly visible to bike riders. One would have a better understanding of the way of life of the natives after completing the journey. There are plenty of motels and campgrounds along the route, so lodging is not a problem. You can even set up your own tent outside of houses of worship, such as churches or schools, when you travel with it. You can rent a bike and an accompanying person from a reputable tour operator.

Helicopter Tours

Akagera Aviation offers helicopter tours for people who would like to experience Kigali and the surrounding area from above. A helicopter tour might cost anywhere from $500 to $4500, depending on the route. You will be treated to breath-taking vistas of Rwanda’s hills and the Virunga volcanoes, regardless of the path you choose. Helicopter tours to Nyungwe National Park can also be arranged for amazing views of the vast forest and the towering Virunga hills that stretch all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All flights start and end in Kigali.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi is one of Africa’s highest mountains, reaching a height of about 4,500 metres. Situated in the Volcanoes National Park, the peak is one of the eight volcanoes that comprise the greater Virunga mountains in the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. It takes two days to walk up Mount Karisimbi. The trek is challenging, but the views of the Nyiragongo volcano, the Virunga hills, and the national parks of Uganda and the Congo are beautiful. Hiking Mount Karisimbi in the Volcanoes National Park is usually paired with trekking with gorillas and golden monkeys.