Top 9 things to do in Rwanda

Top 9 things to do in Rwanda / What to in Rwanda on a safari

Top 9 things to do in Rwanda,   Certainly! Rwanda offers a rich tapestry of experiences that combine wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, and natural beauty. Rwanda is sometimes referred to as  a ”land of a thousand hills ”Here are the top 9 things to do in Rwanda:

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park # Top 9 things to do in Rwanda

Highlight: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Rwanda is famous for. Thousands of travellers leave their home countries to come on Rwanda to spend at least 1 hour with the endangered mountain gorillas in their nature habitat. Gorillas are fabulous  fun to watch  and the one hour allowed to spend with them is never enough but its the recommended time to stay with them. ounce you are with the gorillas, you will enjoy seeing them playing in fruitful trees, babies breastfeeding and jumping from one tree to another, or you may find them making nest for the following night, indeed its such a breathtaking moment. rwanda gorilla permit cost $1500 per person/ trekking. The Rwanda gorilla trek permit is acquired from the Rwanda Development Board or through a local tour operator and its booked in advance prior to your trekking dates.

Location: Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains.

Golden Monkey Tracking #Top 9 things to do in Rwanda

Highlight: Track the rare and playful golden monkeys amidst the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.have you ever thought of visiting these playful monkeys in their natural habitat, plan visiting the Virunga mountains, Rwanda’s volcanoes national park offers this beautiful experience coming closer to these rare apes. the golden monkeys are known as the most beautiful primates and they are fun to watch as they jump from one tree to another as they feed. the chimpanzee permit fee includes a ranger and guide assigned to move with you and your group.

Location: Volcanoes National Park.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest #Top 9 things to do in Rwanda

Highlight: Explore the ancient rainforest and track chimpanzees, along with other primates and bird species. Chimp trekking begins very early in the morning after reporting to the park headquarters to receive short briefing about the dos and don’ts while with the chimps. like the mountain  gorillas, ounce the chimps are met, you are strictly allowed only one hour with them, seeing them playing in fruits frees/ tree branches. chimp trekking costs $150 per person. One also has to pay $100 as park entrance. Bookings are made directly through the Rwanda Development Board or your Tour Operator to book the permit for you, early booking is highly recommended to avoid last minute booking which is sometimes disappointing.

Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Highlight: Experience the thrill of walking above the treetops on East Africa’s only canopy walkway, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the forest. moving up in the trees in the middle of Nyungwe forest national park gives you more chance to see more different specie of primates just meters

Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Explore Kigali

 Highlight: Discover Rwanda’s vibrant capital city Kigali, known for its cleanliness, cultural landmarks, and poignant memorials like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and many other interesting sites to visits while in Kigali such as Kikolongo market, national museum, national stadium etc .

Location: Kigali City.

Boat Trip on Lake Kivu

Highlight: Relax and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the beautiful Lake Kivu, surrounded by lush landscapes and with views of the Virunga Mountains. lake Kivu lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, its known as the best relaxing spot in Rwanda. for honey mooners, don’t think any further

Location: Lake Kivu, western Rwanda.

Visit the King’s Palace Museum

Highlight: Learn about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and history at the King’s Palace Museum (Rukali Palace) in Nyanza, which offers insights into traditional Rwandan monarchy and lifestyle.

Location: Nyanza, southern Rwanda.

Akagera National Park

Highlight: Go on a safari adventure in Rwanda’s only savannah park, Akagera national park , where you can spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species.

Location: Eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania.

Iwawa Island

Highlight: Visit Iwawa Island in Lake Kivu, known for its scenic beauty and rehabilitation center for former street children. Enjoy hiking trails with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

Location: Lake Kivu, western Rwanda.

Tips for Traveling in Rwanda:

Permits: Obtain permits in advance for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Transport: Consider hiring a driver or renting a 4WD vehicle, particularly for exploring national parks and remote areas.

Respect Local Culture: Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage; respect local customs and traditions during your visit.

Rwanda’s blend of wildlife, culture, and history makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both adventure and meaningful experiences.