Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda Wildlife:
The principal wildlife highlight of visiting Rwanda is unquestionably trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas of Parc National des Volcans.Rwanda is a developing safari destination however and therefore there are a number of other wildlife attractions that are slowly coming through and are definitely worth visiting for the traveller with slightly more time on their hands. Rwanda also combines very well with a savannah game safari to either Tanzania or Kenya or even some beach relaxation along the African coastline.
Parc National des Volcans - Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Rwanda now has the largest number of habituated gorilla groups in Africa making for easier availability of permits, although advanced booking is always necessary. With seven habituated gorilla groups this is a highlight of any wildlife safari. The Parc National des Volcans borders both DRC and Uganda and is a stunning corner of Africa with 6 dramatic volcanic peaks forming the backdrop to your gorilla trekking experience. A variety of Rwanda Gorilla Safaris are available and a selection of these handcrafted itineraries can be discovered on our World Primate Safaris website.
Nyungwe Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris
Nyungwe Forest is typical of Rwanda in that it is a developing safari destination. For the intrepid traveller it is a must; be prepared for basic but clean adn comfortable accommodation at the Gisakura Guesthosue with some of the best Rwandan homemade cooking that there is!
Nyungwe Forest is, at present, the best place to track chimpanzees in Rwanda. The chimpanzee tracking and terrain is very difficult and you must be of a very good fitness in order to gain the most from this experience. The habituated black and white colobus troop is much easier to view along with a relaxing visit to the visitor centre and the orchid garden.
Akagera National Park - Savannah Game
Very much still in its development, Akagera is a beautiful National Park but with limited wildlife viewing. Only grazers are present in Akagera with very rare sightings of any predators; this is a nice extension to a gorillas safari or even a day out from Kigali which is not far away.
BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA
Rwanda, as with Uganda, is a year round destination. Wet seasons are similar running between March and May and October and November. These are still good times for gorilla trekking all be it conditions being slightly more slippery underfoot. At World Primate Safaris we prefer to avoid the busy holiday months and liek to travel in either February or September which provide ideal conditions for gorilla tracking and are less busy.
GETTING TO RWANDA
Rwanda is mainly accessible via Nairobi. Nairobi is the main hub for Eastern Africa and therefore Rwanda is accessible by most of the main airlines (via Nairobi) including Kenya Airways, British Airways and South African Airways.