Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
The Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are the star attraction or popular tourist attraction in Rwanda, inviting various visitors for Gorilla trekking experiences.
These amazing human-like primates of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park provide some of the best experiences for travelers as they watch the animals during Gorilla trekking in one of the habituated Gorilla families.
The critically endangered Mountain Gorillas are among the last surviving primates of Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga Park).
In Rwanda, the gentle giants were first researched and habituated by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and conservationist. Today, there are about 300 of these Mountains Gorillas surviving in Volcanoes National Park out of the estimated 1063 remaining and surviving in the world. All these lead to beautiful gorilla experiences through Gorilla trekking.
In Rwanda, East Africa you can only see these primates at the Volcanoes National Park and it costs $1500 to track them. The best time to visit Rwanda for Mountain Gorilla trekking is in the dry season, which offers dry treks and thus easier movements during the safari activity.
On your Gorilla trekking experience, you will meet park rangers at the park headquarters. They will guide from the beginning to the end of your Gorilla trekking adventure.
As you go mountain gorilla trekking at Volcanoes NP, you may also participate in bird watching experiences and get to know various bird species.
Examples of some birds to see on your bird-watching experiences at Volcanoes include the Black Crowned Waxbill, Ruwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Ruwenzori Turaco, and the Baglafetch Weaver, among others.
In addition to the activities at Volcanoes NP, you may also visit the Ibwi’iwacu cultural village, Dian Fossey Grave, the Musanze Caves and do Golden Monkey trekking at the mystical bamboo forests.
Other Primates at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe National Park is the renowned natural habitat for about 13 Rwandan primate species.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a verdant rainforest that is rich in various wild animals and wildlife.
These include the
Chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Chimpanzees at Nyungwe National Park are among the most unique tourist attractions in Rwanda to explore during your Rwanda safari tours.
Nyungwe Forest National Park protects two habituated Chimpanzee families that you can easily track in the dry season.
Golden Monkeys at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Other than Volcanoes National Park and Gisahwati Mukura Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park also has endangered Golden monkeys.
The Golden Monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga volcanic region, is much easier to track since the primates rarely move to higher destinations like the Gorillas.
The other primates to explore in Rwanda include the following:
- Vervet Monkeys
- L’Hoest Monkeys
- Blue Monkeys
- Owl-Faced Monkeys
- Velvet Monkey
- Red-Tailed Monkeys
- Olive Baboons
- Crowned Monkeys
- Dent’s Mona Monkey
- Grey Cheeked Mangabey
- Black and White Angola Colobus Monkeys
You can explore the primates at Nyungwe National Park through the canopy walk above the forest and nature walks in the forest or on the canopy walk to watch the forest and distant rolling hills, among others.
While at Nyungwe Forest, you will also get the chance to explore different birds through bird-watching experiences. Get to watch the Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and the Black Saw Wing, among others.
In this verdant rainforest, you also have the chance for to take an amazing canopy walk to explore the amazing rain forest.
The Virunga Mountains
The Virunga Mountains are also one of the main tourist attractions in Rwanda. These mountain ranges are in the Virunga Conservation Area which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Virunga Mountains in Rwanda or those shared by the Rwandan border, include
- Mount Mahabura, which is shared by Uganda and Rwanda (4,127 m).
- Mount Sabyinyo (3,674), which is in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo.
- Mount Bisoke (3,711), which is shared by Rwanda and the DR of Congo.
- Mount Karisimbi (4,507m), shared by Rwanda and DRC and found in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
- Mount Gahinga (3,474), which is shared by Uganda and Rwanda.
Known to be the land a thousand hills, the ragged landscapes of these mountains, rolling hills, and others are great tourist attractions in Rwanda for a safari tour.
Get to experience the beauty of these mountain climbing adventures as you visit one of the beautiful Virunga Mountains, which is one of the best tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Additionally, it is best to visit these mountains in the dry season, when it is easier to hike them on the drier grounds and when it is easier to experience other safari activities like bird watching and nature walks for nature lovers.
Wildlife Animals at Akagera National Park
Also, discover one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda, that is the wildlife at Akagera National Park.
Akagera Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda, protecting various animal species in the country.
Examples of some of the famous wildlife animals at Akagera National Park include the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos and Duikers, among others.
Visiting Akagera National Park provides you with some of the best wildlife experiences, like game drives and nature walks for nature lovers, among others.
Other national parks in Rwanda also have different wildlife animals for viewing like Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe, and Gisahwati Mukura, which mostly protect primates.
Another amazing place to explore the wildlife of Rwanda, including birdwatching, among others is Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is the most famous and largest lake in Rwanda and it is shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Africa, Lake Kivu ranks as the 6th largest.
This lake can easily be recognized by its emerald green oasis, has an average depth of 240 meters and protects over 20 fish species.
Some of the most common safari activities at Lake Kivu are the boat cruise, kayaking, sport fishing, bird watching, swimming, nature walk on its sandy beach, and hiking, among others.
Other than Lake Kivu (the country’s largest lake), Rwanda is also blessed with other beautiful lakes to explore for example, Lake Ihema and the twin lakes Ruhondo and Burera. By visiting these lakes, you get the chance to explore various safari activities like walking, biking, island-hopping, fishing, and various boat tours, among others.
Birds in Rwanda
Rwanda is home to more than 705 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics.
The best places for bird watching in Rwanda are in the different national parks. Below are the estimated number of bird species in Rwanda’s national parks and protected areas.
- Akagera National Park, which has more than 490 bird species
- Busega Wetlands and lakes with about 415 bird species
- Nyungwe Forest National Park has 322 species of birds
- Gishwati Mukura Park has 232 bird species
- Volcanoes National Park with 200 bird species
- Lake Kivu, which protects more than 100 bird species
- Rugezi Marsh has about 43 species of birds
Examples of some of the most important bird species for bird watching while for a nature walk on your Rwanda safari include the Grey Crowned Crane, Yellow Crowned Canary, Beautiful Sunbird, Little Greenbul, Rock Pranticol, House Sparrow, and the African Green Pigeon, among others.
The Rwanda Genocide Memorial Site
The Rwandan genocide was a civil war that occurred between the Hutu and the Tutsi tribes in 1994, killing thousands of innocent men and women.
To remember the lives that were lost during the genocide war, different genocide memorial sites were set up in the country to keep the memories of those who were lost. Thus, they have become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Nonetheless, Hutu and Tutsi tribes currently live peacefully.
Examples of some of the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda include the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali City, Murambi Genocide Memorial, and the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, among others.
Kigali Genocide Memorial site is the most famous, located in Kigali City and recording the life of the deceased through photographs, historic information and artifacts.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Haunting Museum dives into the presence of sculptures, glass-stained windows, and a room dedicated to the children who were also victims of the genocide.
For any responsible tourist, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is part of their bucket list.
The Dian Fossey Tomb
The Dian Fossey Tomb is the grave of the famous American primatologist Dian Fossey, who made the Rwanda Gorillas famous by researching about them and advocating for their conservation.
She devoted her life to the study of these Gorillas in their natural habitat before she was murdered on December 26, 1985.
It is believed that poachers killed her. Therefore, to visit the Dian Fossey grave, you will take about 3 to 4 hours to hike it.
You may also pass by the Karisoke Research Center, where you can tour a robust museum and find out more about the Mountain Gorilla.
The Rwandan People and their Vibrant Culture
Rwanda is a country full of a rich culture and lovely people. The Hutu, Tutsi and Batwa tribal groups are the three cultures with unique traditions in Rwanda.
Visiting these people is a chance to experience their unique ways of life and their vibrant culture. Get to learn about traditional foods like fish, Ugali, beans, potatoes, cassava and milk.
You can also learn how to make traditional handicrafts like baskets made by local artists.
Apart from enjoying music from local artists, you may also have the chance to enjoy performances from international musicians on one of the performances.
Travelers can also experience amazing art pieces like the Imigongo (cow dung paintings), pottery, walls and canvas.
The Gorilla Guardian’s Village, national museums and royal residence destinations are also some of the places to learn about the culture of the country.
Major towns like Kigali City are the first places to begin your cultural journeys, where you can see African art gallery places like at the Inema Arts Center and the Rwanda Art Museum.
You may also have your day spent hiking Mountain Kigali, one of the main tourist attractions in Kigali Rwanda.
The Gorilla Guardian’s Village
The Rwandan culture at the Gorilla Guardians Village is also an amazing experience to have. This Gorilla Guardians Village is run by the reformed poachers, who now advocate for the protection of animals.
While at the Gorilla Guardians Village, you will be able to experience the traditional dances of the locals and do other handicrafts, among others.
The Ethnographic Museum
Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum, formerly known as the national Museum, is one of Rwanda’s museums, where you can also learn about the country’s history and culture.
There are 7 galleries at Ethnographic Museum that reveal the history, art, archeological artifacts and culture of the Rwandan people.
The Ethnographic Museum is not just Rwanda’s but one of Africa’s best museums, with amazing ethnological and archeological artifacts collection.
Some of the collections in Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum include traditional garments, baskets, woven grass, spears, musical drums and bows, among others.
Other Rwanda Museums
Other than Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum, you may also visit the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace or the King’s Palace Museum.
Additionally, the former presidential palace, also known as the State House Museum, is a beautiful place to explore and learn about Rwanda’s history. The presidential Palace was home to president Hibyarimana. His plane crashed and killed him, thus sparking the 1994 genocide.
Discover the King’s Palace Museum to awe at the beauty of Rwandan architecture from the 15th century, a precolonial Rwanda period. At the King’s Palace Museum, you will also be able to discover the homesteads built for the king’s royal residences. They have a royal hut, a thatched roof, and a fresh milk hut, which an unmarried woman runs.
Nearby at the King’s Palace Museum is also the colonial-style home with European-style furniture of King Mutara II Rudahigwa, a home that the king owned.
Conflicts with the Belgian government led to the abolishment of Rwandan kingdoms.
Other tourist attractions of Rwanda include the
- Congo Nile Trail: The Congo Nile trail was recently put by the Rwandan government as one of the attractions in the country to attract tourists for tea plantation tours.
Through the entire trail of the beautiful Congo Nile trail, travellers will also be able to explore the beautiful nature through a nature walk and scenic views.
Tourist Attractions in Rwanda FAQs
What is the most famous thing in Rwanda? – What is Rwanda mostly known for?
Rwanda is most famous for the presence of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
The Gorillas can only be seen globally in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo, and therefore Rwanda is one of the countries protecting these rare primates.
However, Rwanda is also famous for various other attractions like Lake Kivu and bird species, among others.
Why do tourists visit Rwanda?
Tourists visit Rwanda to experience the beauty of the wild nature, interact with the new Rwandan culture of the people and visit prominent landmarks in the country.
These are part of the tourist attractions in Rwanda, which include the wild animals, birds, the Rwandan culture, and the history of the Rwanda genocide experience, among others.
What kind of tourism is there in Rwanda?
Rwanda hosts many kinds of tourist attractions, ranging from wildlife tourism to bird-watching tourism to amazing cultural encounters, among others.
Is Rwanda a good place for tourists?
Yes, Rwanda is among the best destinations to visit in Africa. Other than harboring the rare mountain Gorillas as one of the major tourist attractions in Rwanda, the country is also home to various other things to see and experience, including birds, wild animals, and lively cultures.
What is the most famous landmark in Rwanda?
Rwanda has many landmarks, many of which are remarkable tourist attractions. One of the most renowned landmarks of the nation are the genocide memorial sites, which keep the remains or memories of the thousands of nationals who died during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
What are 3 dark tourism sites in Rwanda?
Given the country’s dark history, there are a number of dark tourist sites in the nation. Common examples of such sites include the Genocide Memorial Sites, the Rucunshu War Grounds, and Kanombe, where the Habyarimana airplane crash took place.
In conclusion, despite being a sad part of a previously war-torn region in Africa, Rwanda has now grown to be one of the most remarkable tourist destinations on the continent. The tourist attractions in Rwanda are one of the major factors inviting many travelers to the nation.
Discover some tourist attractions in Rwanda, for example, the critically endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife, birds, and genocide memorial sites, among others.
Inquire and book with us, your reputable tour operator, today!
