Rwanda
There are many interesting sites to see in our tourism destinations, with many guided tours to choose from. There are expeditions to places like volcanoes and rainforests, savannah, lakes, beaches, wetlands and waterfalls which are home to many different African animals and birdlife.
Top Destinations in Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park
(A world heritage site): Is the primary forest and high altitude swamps, the premier birding site in East Africa; along with 13 primate species including Chimpanzees and 300 bird species (including 20 endemics to the Albertine Rift)
Volcanoes National Park:
The worlds’ top location for trekking primates, mainly Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys, hiking Volcanoes and visit to Dian Fossey Tomb; The park is also home to 165 birds , among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s Safari Park with the African Big Five (Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Lion and Leopard), many antelopes among other Giraffe, Zebra, Topi, etc. On water cruise you can see Nile Crocodile, Hippopotamus, while on a night game drive you can see and Hyenas. The park is also a home to more than 500 birds among others Red-faced Barbet.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve
The Park is a forest in the north-western part of Rwanda, not far from Lake Kivu. Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.
Lake Kivu
Located in western part of Rwanda, Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda, shared with Democratic Republic of Congo. At the Lake, you have the option of going on bird walks, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing, traditional fishing, visiting tea and coffee farms, Munezero boat cruise, cycling, Congo Nile trail hikes, etc
Umusambi Village
Located in 8 minutes from Kigali’s airport and 25 minutes from city center, Umusambi Village is the perfect place to start or end your trip in Rwanda. Spend a half day or longer wandering our walking trails, enjoying a guided or self-guided tour and learning about the importance of these wetlands and how we can better protect Grey Crowned Cranes to ensure they do not become extinct. In addition to the cranes, the Village is home to over 100 bird species of native and migratory birds.
Nyandungu Urban Wetand Eco-tourism Park
Located in 5 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the City Center, Nyandungu is a site of 122 ha in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city. The eco-park is with a greenery and tranquil atmosphere, the diverse array of flora and fauna that call this park home. With about 70 species of local plats and many ponds attracting waterbirds; over 100 bird species, including the rare White-collared Oliveback are easily seen here.
Lake and wetlands of Bugesera
The wetlands and lakes of Bugesera District, 40 minutes drive to the south-east of Kigali, offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. There is a diversity of habitats and some 415 bird species have been recorded in this region. Several sites offer good chances to observe Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Lesser Jacana, etc.
Rugezi Swamp
The only Ramsar site so far confirmed in Rwanda, Rugezi is a Home to more than 100 birds among other Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Hotentot Teal.
Additional Toursim Activities
Museums and Genocide Memorials
When you are in Rwanda, visit Museums and Genocide Memorial to learn the Rwandan culture, the History and process of 1994 Tutsi Genocide.
Agri-processing tourism
Don’t miss the tour to Coffee and Tea plantations to understand how these main crops in Rwanda are planted, harvested and possessed up to the consumable product.
Craft and Cultural Villages
From Gorilla guardian, Red Rocks Initiatives, Azizi Life to many more cultural villages, local markets (i.e Kimironko) you will learn about culture and community life and you will be able to buy souvenirs .