Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is one of the most fascinating tourist activities to enjoy when it comes to safaris in Africa. Rwanda Gorilla trekking involves hiking into the dense forests to see these critically endangered mountain gorilla species as they feed, socialize, and behave in their natural habitats.
Rwanda is one of the only three countries in the world where travelers can go for mountain gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated groups of mountain gorillas. Experienced armed park rangers lead the gorilla trekking, which begins with a briefing at 7 am.
While going to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas, you will have to ascend to high elevations where they like to be. Once you locate the gorillas, you must observe them from a safe distance.
For an opportunity to trek gorillas, gorilla permits cost around $1500.
Book a gorilla trek to have a breathtaking experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest, one of the oldest montane forests in Africa, is one of the fun activities to consider during your visit.
Nyungwe National Park is home to over 400 chimpanzees, with four chimpanzee families, where three are habituated and one is still under habituation.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to two habituated chimpanzee groups, one located in Uwinka and the other in Cyamudongo Forest. In the forest, you will find chimpanzees either climbing trees or resting in them, socializing with one another.
Participants are required to wear hiking boots, gloves, and long-sleeved clothes, and to carry a walking stick, a warm sweater, and insect repellent since the activity involves trekking through the dense Nyungwe Forest.
You can also carry a camera to take photos for memories, but in the process, avoid using flash so as not to scare away these primates.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with primate trekking. Book for an unforgettable and enchanting experience.
Chimpanzee Habituation in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee habituation is an intriguing activity that involves training wild chimpanzees to get used to human presence, an exercise that allows tourists to closely observe these primates in their natural habitats. Only three of the four chimpanzee communities have successfully acclimated to human presence, while one is still in the process.
The process of chimpanzee habituation normally takes up to two years as visitors engage in research, as these primates get used to their presence. In this activity, visitors observe these primates leaving their nests in the morning, feeding, nursing their infants, mating, resting, climbing trees, and playing, among other activities.
Habituation experiences take place in the Gisovu sector in Nyungwe National Park, and they happen year-round.
For good habituation experiences, one is required to carry a rain jacket, a good camera, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, hiking boots, and insect repellent.
Book now to experience the joy of chimpanzee habituation in Nyungwe NP, where playful primates slowly get used to human presence.
This activity is one of the most enjoyable and must-do experiences when it comes to exciting safari adventures. It is among the best canopies arranged in Africa.
This canopy walkway, which is 160m long and 70m high, is suspended above the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park. Most tourists enjoy an aerial view of Nyungwe forest as they move from left to right with confidence.
The canopy walk also allows visitors to see other tourist attractions within the forest. Given the unfamiliar nature of the activity, we first conduct a briefing to instil confidence in the visitors.
A canopy walk is open from 7 am to 6 pm. Completing the trail may take about 2 hours, as visitors observe the various creatures in the forest.
The best time to come for this activity in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, since it is the best time for most of the other tourist activities; however, canopy walks can be done any time.
For a walk, one is required to pay around $60.
Are you among adventure seekers? Make your reservation now to enjoy the unique experience and adrenaline rush of hanging high above the ground.
Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Taking a safari drive is one of the excellent things to do in Africa in general when it comes to wildlife safaris. For the excellent drives, visit the Akagera National Park, the largest savannah park with diverse wildlife species.
The 4X4 safari vehicles navigate the rugged terrain of Akagera National Park during game drives. You will have an opportunity to see all the big five animals (Lions, Rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo), zebras, giraffes, baboons, antelopes, and many other animals.
The day’s drive commences at 6:30 am and lasts until 5 pm, encompassing a half day from morning to afternoon. Night game drives are also conducted to spot nocturnal animals like Leopards, Civets, Genets, Hyenas, Bush babies, Porcupines, Nightjars, and owls. These are conducted between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
All the safari drives are conducted with the aid of experienced park rangers and a tour guide who know the exact places and habitats of these animals.
The best time for game drives is during the dry season, which is June to September and December to February. At this time, roads are not slippery, and animals tend to converge near water points.
For a game drive, a maximum of 7 people are allowed per vehicle, and it costs around $280 for a full day and $180 for a half day.
Visit Akagera NP to experience the wonders of the wild up close as you embark on a safari like no other.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking is one of the enjoyable tourist activities in Rwanda. Many visitors appreciate tracking these monkey species due to their playful nature and their striking golden-like coats.
These primates are native to the Albertine Rift Valley. Eagles prey on these endangered primates, while humans pose the greatest threat to their survival.
For tracking golden monkeys, a briefing takes place around 7:30 am before trekking into the lush forests where you can see these beautiful monkeys up close. You will track these playful monkeys as they jump from tree to tree in the bamboo forest. Along with golden monkeys, you can also see the blue monkeys and vervet monkeys.
As you trek, ensure no feeding of these monkeys and no close contact, for fear of spreading diseases. These will help to protect these endangered primates and their habitats.
The best time for tracking golden monkeys is the dry seasons, specifically June to September and December to February. A permit for tracking golden monkeys at a cost of around $100.
Visit Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and enjoy this breathtaking experience.
Bird Watching in Rwanda
Wondering where to go for bird watching, one of the interesting activities. Visit Rwanda, a country known for hosting numerous bird species.
Rwanda’s avifauna has confirmed 705 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and 22 globally threatened species. It is a birders’ haven.
For the best birding experiences, there are national parks and other birding areas. These include Bigugu Mountain, Gisakura tea estate in Nyungwe NP, lake Ihema and its islands, wetlands in Akagera National Park, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park around Karisimbi, Gishwati forest in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which was formed after jog two forests, that is, Gishwati forest and Mukura, Lake Kivu, Nyabarongo River, Rugezi wetland, and Kigali city, among other places.
Birdwatching goes on throughout the year, but the best time for both migratory birds and endemic birds is during the dry season. Due to the threat posed to birds and animal life, carrying plastic bags to Rwanda is forbidden.
Visit any of the above Rwanda national parks and other birding areas for your unforgettable birding experiences.
Endless Hiking Opportunities
Are you among the adventure seekers and looking for the best hiking experiences? Look no further; Rwanda is one of the best hiking destinations. For these hiking activities, mountains like Mount Bisoke and Mount Muhabura offer the best experiences.
For adventure seekers, on a hike to Virunga National Park, you will have an animal encounter in the dense bamboo forests, and the hike takes you through different terrain, from the dense bamboo forest to the crater lake. At the edge of the crater lake, you can stand and gaze at the munificence of the stunning greenery and other landforms.
Among the other hiking trails are Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda volcanoes national park, Congo Nile Trail, Nyungwe National Park, The Twin Lakes, hiking in Akagera National Park, and Bigugu Trail, which also offers stunning views of Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo hills, hiking through the community of Nyanza, among others.
At Mount Bisoke, a hike takes around six hours and it rewards hikers with stunning views of Mount Bisoke and other landforms. When it comes to hiking through the volcanoes, you will have to visit the Musanze cave, which is a popular attraction in the country for those interested in geology.
You can hike to these different destinations using a mountain bike, and the best time for hiking is during the dry season.
Book a visit to Rwanda for the best hiking safaris as you traverse different stunning landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Sport Fishing in Rwanda
Sport fishing is among the best fun activities that you will enjoy while on some of its spectacular water bodies.
Enjoy the fun on lakes like Lake Kivu, lake Muhazi, lake Shikani, lake Mugesera, and the Akagera River, among others.
Expect to catch fish like Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, Cyprinus, and mormyrus, among others.
For sport fishing, methods like hooking, the lampara method, gill netting, spearing/shooting, scoop nets, and cast nets are used depending on the type of catch.
The best time for sport fishing in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February, when the water levels are relatively low.
Book now; your fun activity awaits.
Visiting Dian Fossey’s Grave
Visiting Dian Fossey’s grave is one of the most popular things to do, especially for those interested in learning about the works of Dian Fossey as a primatologist. The grave is situated near the Karisimbi study center.
It is advisable to visit this place, which is mostly bone, before going on gorilla trekking. Visiting this place will enable you to learn about her work with gorillas and the efforts she made to conserve these endangered mountain gorillas.
In the process of hiking to the Dian Fossey grave, you will see various plant species and various forest elephants, monkeys, and mountain gorillas.
Visitors always report to Kinigi park offices, from where they are briefed and then set off for a drive of 30 minutes to Mount Bisoke, which is the hiking starting point.
As you hike, you will reach a point in the park where a demarcation and a stone wall indicate the location of the grave.
You can secure a $75 permit to hike to Dian Fossey from the Rwanda Volcanoes National Park office.
Contact us to help you plan for your breathtaking experience.
Boat Cruises in Rwanda
A boat cruise in Rwanda is also among the top fun activities to do in Rwanda. This activity will enable you to see numerous tourist attractions as you navigate Rwanda’s calm waters.
A boat cruise is more comfortable because it is more likely to save you from hiking long distances to different tourist destinations, which can still be accessed by water.
These boat rides take place on Lake Kivu and many other lakes. Engine boats navigate the waters to reach the final destination. On a boat cruise, you will be able to see different bird species, like kingfishers and jacanas, among others, and go
The time for boat trips on different lakes differs. The first trips normally set off at 7:30 to 8:30 am, the second group from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, the third goes after lunch from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and the last one is the sunset trip at 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
A boat cruise costs between $35 and $45 per person, and renting a private boat can cost $180. On a boat cruise, you can also add paddle boarding, which is also an interesting water sport.
Come cruise in Rwanda’s serene waters on a delightful boat tour!
Visiting Milk Bars in
Visiting Rwanda’s independent milk bars is one of the top things to do in Rwanda. These milk bars are locally known as Parlors. These will introduce you to the local culture of Rwanda.
They are known for holding Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. The Rwandese are recognized for their rich history of long-horned cattle, which are known for producing excellent milk.
milk production, there are many milk bars that visitors often visit to enjoy the milk produced by local farmers in the suburbs and countryside; however, many café shops are coming up.
A visit to these milk bars will be like going back into Rwanda’s past.
Visit any of the milk bars to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s local culture.
Visiting Coffee and Tea Plantations
Given the fact that Rwanda is known as the best producer and exporter of coffee and tea in the world, visiting its coffee plantations is one of the best activities you should not miss.
The excellent coffee and tea production is aided by the fertile volcanic soils that are fertile enough to support the growth of these two cash crops. These plantations add to the natural beauty of the country.
Visitors to the tea and coffee plantations are trained and given a chance to participate in producing excellent tea and coffee products. They participate in planting, picking, selecting, washing, and drying. You will witness theYou will witness the tireless efforts of workers, who receive payment based on the weight of the tea leaves and coffee beans they harvest.
Tours here end with tasting the excellent African tea and coffee produced at these plantations.
Book with us for a visit since tea and coffee plantation owners don’t deal with tourists directly but through a reputable tour operator.
Visiting Kimironko Market
Explore the bustling stalls, vibrant colours, and friendly faces as you wander through this enchanting marketplace. Visiting the Kimironko market is one of the exciting activities to do on a Rwanda safari.
The lively Kimironko market is filled with vendors offering a wide variety of goods, such as fresh fruits, aromatic spices, vibrant textiles, and unique crafts.
It’s a bustling hub of activity where you can find treasures at every corner. On your visit, you will encounter the local people who will immerse you in the local culture.
You can also visit an extension of the Kimironko market, which offers affordable, high-quality second-hand clothes, shoes, handbags, suits, and local fabrics like the kitenge at reasonable prices.
Visit and shop at Kimironko Market for an unforgettable experience.
Take a Walking Tour
Walking tours are among the interesting things to do. These tours consist of leisurely walks that allow most tourists to explore villages and nearby destinations. The exercise is done to explore the natural beauty of the country.
Tourists visiting this country often take walking tours to historical sites, local markets, like Kimironko market, and villages where they interact with the local people.
During the walking tours, guides and sometimes locals narrate different stories that reveal the country’s past and everything that concerns the specific area tourists are passing through. In the same tours, you will witness the traditional delicacies and the area’s cultural richness.
Immerse yourself in rich Rwandan culture by booking a walking tour.
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
However much Rwanda is known for its natural beauty, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to inquire about its recent history is one of the popular things to do on a safari in Rwanda, East Africa. The genocide memorial Centers tell the recent history of the tragic events that happened in 1994, where over 800,000 people lost their lives in a power struggle between the Hutu and the Tutsi.
A visit to these sites will enable you to learn about this dark chapter of Rwanda, know the events leading to the genocide, and pay tribute to the victims.
The genocide memorial centers offer an educational experience and give information about the events leading to the Rwandan genocide.
At the Kigali genocide memorial, you will explore the different exhibitions, personal accounts, and photography that bear stories of the Rwandan genocide and all the humiliating acts that were done to the victims.
Be a part of the promoters of peace, pay tribute to the victims of the Rwandan genocide, and learn about the dark chapter of the country as you advance your visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.
Visiting the Ethnographic Museum
Embark on a captivating journey to the Ethnographic Museum, where a wealth of local culture insights awaits your discovery. This museum is also known as the National Museum of Rwanda, which is located in Butare town in Huye district, 130km south of Kigali city.
The well-organized compound and a glimpse of the museum rooms will captivate you as you approach the Ethnographic Museum’s premises.
A tour guide will pick you up and guide you right from the entrance of the museum, ushering you to the many artifacts and all that the museum holds in show showrooms that depict the country’s past.
At the museum, you have an opportunity to
- Shop for Rwanda’s handicrafts at the craft center.
- See and study the second half features of the relief map that show the topography of Rwanda.
- Have a picnic in the museum gardens.
- Attend cultural performances that the museum occasionally hosts.
- Interact with the locals.
The museum is open to visitors throughout the year.
Plan your safari to the Ethnographic Museum now for an exciting opportunity to learn about Rwandan rich culture.
A Tour to the King’s Palace Museum
A tour of the King’s palace, which is a former presidential palace, is an intriguing activity to do in Rwanda. The museum is located in the Nyanza district, 88 km from Kigali city. Visit the King’s Palace Museum, known for preserving Rwanda’s cultural practices and traditions.
Have an opportunity to explore the traditional items and ethnographic displays that showcase the rituals and customs of the Rwandan monarchy.
At the King’s Palace Museum, you will be introduced to traditional dances (Kinyarwanda dance), rhythmic drumming, and many more, in which you can also participate.
Tour guides are always at hand to give you explanations of Rwandan culture and the country’s past.
Visit the King’s Palace Museum now and have a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture.
A tour to the Cultural Village of Iby’Iwacu (Gorilla Guardians Village)
Are you interested in immersing yourself in Rwandan rich culture? Take a tour of Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village), a village of its type known for cultural experiences. For a visit, the village is located near Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
At the Gorilla Guardians Village, there is an opportunity for every traveller to participate in traditional pottery making, dance, music, handicrafts, milking, and brewing banana beer.
Book your safari to Gorilla Guardians Village to ensure you have the best experience possible, including enjoying the banana beer.
Relaxation along the Shores of Lake Kivu
Relaxation at Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, is one of the excellent safari activities that you have to enjoy while on your vacation. This lake is shared by Rwanda and other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors enjoy spending their quality time relaxing and refreshing their minds along the shores of lake Kivu and its pristine beaches, either with friends and relatives or alone.
While at the shoreline, you can also enjoy other activities at the same time. These others may include kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, and paddle boarding, among others. You will also encounter local fishermen.
Book now for an intriguing vacation.
Participating In the Umuganda
Umuganda is a popular activity done in Rwanda where general cleanliness is done to keep Kigali city and the country in general clean. The president organizes this mandatory community service to encourage everyone’s participation.
Tourists, too, can participate in the activity. The government of Rwanda bans the disposal of plastic bags and any other form of litter to maintain the good name of being the cleanest country in Africa.
Book now and be part of the wave of environmental conservation.
Visiting Hôtel des Mille Collines
Visiting the hôtel des Mille Collines is another interesting thing to do on your East Africa safari. The hotel is a 5-star hotel that was made famous in the movie “Hotel Rwanda.”
This hotel is said to have hidden over 1200 people during the genocide. Many tourists love visiting the place because of the quality services offered and other facilities, like the swimming pools, a restaurant, and luxury rooms, all of which offer a good time.
You can advance your booking through a reputable tour operator.
Outstanding What to Do in Rwanda FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Rwanda a Good Place for Tourists?
Rwanda is good for tourists due to the natural beauty hidden in its stunning lands. The natural beauty is hidden in its stunning landscape, and its city is one of the safest and cleanest.
What Is Rwanda Best Known For?
This beautiful country is best known for its breathtaking, stunning scenery that includes rolling hills. This is the reason it is referred to as “the land of a thousand hills.” Its capital city, Kigali, is considered the cleanest in Africa.
Is It Safe to Travel to Rwanda Now?
Rwanda is generally a peaceful country with no conflicts between people, and all the tourist destinations are safe for travel.
How Many Days Are Enough for Rwanda?
Five days is enough for one to tour around Rwanda, and the minimum number of days may be only two.
Safaris in Rwanda vary from budget options to luxury experiences, depending on your preferences. Expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in Rwanda, which is a fair price.
Why Do Tourists Visit Rwanda?
Rwanda is visited mainly because of the mountain gorilla trekking in the volcanoes, diverse wildlife, and its stunning rolling hills; that is why it is referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.
What Is the Activity of Visiting Places as A Tourist?
Sightseeing is the activity of visiting places as a tourist, which involves traversing and visiting tourist attractions, landmarks, and many other places.
What Is the Famous Thing in Rwanda?
Rwanda has several things to see, some of which include epic mountains, diverse wildlife like the rare mountain gorillas, stunning lakes like Lake Kivu, numerous bird species, and many other tourist attractions.
Come and explore Rwanda and have an opportunity to enjoy all the fun activities it offers, from wildlife safaris in many of its national parks to immersing in the vibrant culture. Book your safari now to have a mesmerizing experience.
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