Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Rwanda
From gorilla trekking, to going on safari in Akagera and hiking in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda is an incredible destination that offers something for even the most seasoned African traveler. Make sure your trip to Rwanda includes some of our favorite experiences.
1) Go Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trek Orientation in Rwanda.
With only an estimated 880 gorillas left in the world, seeing Rwanda’s famous Mountain Gorillas up close on a gorilla trek should be a top priority on your visit to Rwanda. Since Rwanda limits the amount of Gorilla interactions—there are only 80 permits available per day—it is essential to book your permit well in advance of leaving for your trip.
From left to right: a gorilla enjoys some bamboo, silverbacks meet, and a baby gorilla
Before you venture out on your gorilla trek, you will meet with your guide who will inform you about the gorilla family you will be tracking on your hike. You will also have the opportunity to hire a local porter to help carry your items and guide you on the gorilla trek. We recommend hiring a porter—not only will it make your trek easier and more comfortable, but you will also be helping to support the porter’s family and his community.
Depending on the day and the gorilla family you are tracking, hike duration can vary from just a few hours to the whole day. But no matter how long your trek is, it all becomes worth it when you finally meet your gorilla family face to face. Watching these gentle creatures frolic in the forest, eat bamboo leaves, and look back at you as you quietly take photos, is the thrill of a lifetime.
2) Go on Safari in Akagera National Park
Akagera is located in the north east of Rwanda, about a two and half hour drive from the nation’s capital city Kigali and is situated along the border with Tanzania. The park covers 1,200 square kilometers over three major regions: savannah, high mountains, and swamplands. This diverse landscape makes it the ideal location in Rwanda to view wildlife on a safari game drive.
From left to right: A giraffe on the Akagera savannah, a meeting of baboons, and a hippo pod
On your safari, you can see a multitude of big game including elephant, giraffe, hippo, eland, waterbuck, kudu and warthog. A small lion pride was recently re-introduced into the park, so lion sightings are even possible! Whatever wildlife you are hoping to see, the 4x4 safari vehicles make it easy to spot animals from all directions: the roof comes off in the front, middle and back of the vehicle, giving you 360 degree views of the majestic scenery and wildlife.
3) Take the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The suspension bridge on the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk.
Known for its vast mountain rainforests, Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal for the traveler looking to add a little adventure to their vacation in Rwanda. The highlight of the canopy walk is crossing the trail’s extension bridge, which stretches 656 feet between three towers and sits 164 feet above the rainforest floor. As you make your way over the bridge, you will take in the breathtaking views of Rwanda’s remarkable scenery.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is also home to thirteen different primate species including the iconic black and white Colobus Monkey and Blue Monkey. On your walk high in the trees, you may even find yourself eye to eye with some of the monkeys!
4) See the Golden Monkeys of Volcanoes National Park
A Golden Monkey.
To see Rwanda’s second most popular primates, the Golden Monkeys, you will have to travel to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda. After a 25-minute walk into the park, you will arrive at the home of the Golden Monkeys. With their bright, golden fur contrasting against the green rainforest, the Golden Monkeys stand out immediately. The monkeys are also very curious about the guests that visit them—expect them to climb around the bamboo trees following you and your group as you make your way through the forest.
5) Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
In 2004, ten years after the Rwandan genocide, the government of Rwanda created the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to share the tragic story of the genocide and its victims. The memorial uses photographs, video, audio, art and more to substantiate the event and give a voice to the victims and survivors of the genocide. Visiting the Genocide Memorial Centre is a powerful and moving experience that will give you a deeper understanding of the people of Rwanda and how they are emerging from this dark period to build a better future.