The land of a thousand hills has incredible wildlife populations. it is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and more. Rwanda was greatly affected by the 1993 civil war where lots of the country’s green ecosystems were destroyed as soldiers turned national parks in to battlefields. Before the genocide broke out, Rwanda was a very beautiful green country however the whole story changed after the three months of deadly killings among the people. The major ecotourism sites and wildlife ecosystems were greatly devastated. After the war, the Rwandan government started fighting hard to restore its beauty as time went on. This was not very easy but it was excellently done and today you may not believe it but Rwanda is the leading ecotourism destination in east Africa.
Most of the once destroyed ecosystems have now been recovered and are among the most visited destinations worldwide by nature lovers.
To begin with is volcanoes national park located in northwestern Rwanda. A home to the rare mountain gorillas, volcanoes national park was in the 1993 a fighting base but now after great conservation efforts is the most preferred and visited national park in Rwanda. May travelers have enjoyed gorilla tours in this this well protected area.The mountain gorilla population in this national park is increasing steadily and every day a group of 8 tourists go in the forests trekking one of the 10 habituated mountain gorilla families that they spend with an hour of incredible wildlife experiences.
Nyungwe Forest is another ecotourism destination in Rwanda. This forest is very unique and its one of the thickest natural forests in east Africa. It’s located in the southwestern Rwanda covering several kilometers over a number of hills. This forest is also inhabited by a number of wildlife species and most famous for the chimpanzees. A number of nature lovers visit this massive forest and involve in a number of activities like nature walks, canopy walks and many others as they listen to the sounds of nature. Nyungwe forest is an eco tourism destination one should not surely miss while in the land of a thousand hills.
Far east is Akagera National Park the only savanna park in Rwanda with a number of wildlife species found no where else in the country. Within this national park is lake Ihema one of the major lakes and river Akagera that harbor a number of aquatic wildlife species including the hippos and crocodiles. An eco friendly lodge was constructed near the river (Ruzizi tented camp)and being in one of the rooms at this tented camp is really unique and exciting.
Gishwati Mukura is yet another ecotourism destination site and a newly established national park in Rwanda. Also located in the western part of Rwanda this forest also offers great natural experiences with great sights and sounds of nature
Why Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is home to the world remaining mountain gorillas. Rwanda is home to the most friendly and rich cultured residents the Banyarwanda that keep the country lively when tourists are in the area. Rwanda is indeed an interesting destination with all you need for a great Africa safari experience.
Rwanda’s location makes it an ideal alternative to tourists on other Africa safari holidays in nearby countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and many more to explore the rest of the country. Most tourists to Rwanda also travel to / from Uganda and DR Congo, the most close rich cultured and mountain gorilla countries usually across borders to experience more incredible attractions in the region.
Other Things to See in Rwanda
Kigali is a vibrant town that draws the tourism at many Rwanda towns and villages since its one of the best places to visit in Rwanda. A trip to Kigali city especially to Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, an artisan shopping centre to view and purchase local arts and crafts, Kigali Museum with an afternoon at the Crystal View Cocktail Lounge on the eighth floor of the Top Tower Hotel for panoramic views overlooking the entire city of Kigali!
Nyungwe Forest National Park –
Rwanda Safaris
Is the best way to understand Rwanda and its beauty? After the trip, tourists come to understand why the country is called the land of thousand hills. Visit Rwanda and explore its breath taking magical attractions as you confirm your own travel legend.
Rwanda is one of the only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas are found. The Rwanda gorilla safari allows visitors to easily explore the most beautiful natural forests of Volcanoes National Park covered with a rich mix primates, birds, wildlife and trees.
Among all the park biodiversity, mountain gorillas are the prime attraction in Rwanda. These great apes live in Volcanoes National Park and have made Rwanda an impressive destination. Today Rwanda is a favorite destination for gorilla tracking in Africa. Usually a stop by at the Volcanoes National Park is a must to see amazing forest creatures and masters of the bamboo jungle forest. Volcanoes National Park lies in a 3 hour drive distance from Kigali city in the northern part of Rwanda. The park sits in a calm great village of Kinigi, Musanze District in Northern Rwanda.
The landscape, natural forest, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are some of the natural attractions that bring visitors here every day. However, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are some of Rwanda’s most beautiful and rare wildlife with in the park that team with flora and fauna offering a life changing wildlife experience to visitors. Access to this park is by road but visitors have to book their gate pass(Rwanda Gorilla permit) as an appointment letter to meet up with these incredible creatures. Meeting ups are organized daily by several tour agents but the appointment passes or permits are secured once for the day’s trek. But if your interest is meeting up with the primates twice, it can also be arranged at the time of booking.
Travel Planner
Traveling in Rwanda proves to you the unique great amazing beauty Africa has from, landscape, wildlife, attractions people and community. However, there is much for one to see in this remarkable African country and captivating moments make tourists and visitors move around the country at a slow pace making several stops in different areas of tourism interest.
Rwandan people are too friendly that they don’t get tired of welcoming tourists to their beautiful land. While in Rwanda modernity and class is found in Kigali Rwanda’s capital but every town and city is unique and amazing. Rwanda has something for everyone to enjoy a vacation despite the rare tourist demands and interest. Are primates your priority or wildlife, culture or history, come and get your answers as you explorer the land of thousand hills. As the most magical destination in Africa, Rwanda is best known for the magical and surprising mountain gorilla tracking experience and whoever heads out on any Rwanda gorilla trip, comes back with a heavy package of memories.
Gorilla Permits
The fee for gorilla visits is US$1500 per person for Foreign Non Residents, US $450 for foreign but East African residents and 20,000 Frw for Rwandan citizens. This is inclusive of park entry fees.
For those planning to take an independent gorilla safari, it is advisable to organize your own transportation to take you up to the park boundaries.
On the day of you are scheduled to trek, you must present yourself for briefing at the ORTPN offices situated at the prefecture offices in Musanze at 7:00 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French or English.