Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda, from hiking majestic volcanoes to embarking on captivating wildlife encounters.
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Gorillas and golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park
A prominent natural boundary linking Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Virunga volcanoes epitomize Rwanda’s moniker as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’
The illustrious Rwandan Virungas are safeguarded within Volcanoes National Park, the primary allure of the nation. Here, nestled amidst the bamboo thickets blanketing the volcanoes, lie some of the globe’s final remaining mountain gorillas.
Engaging in gorilla tracking (US$1500 per person, encompassing park entry, mandatory guides, and security personnel) presents an unparalleled highlight of many travelers’ journeys to Africa. Encountering a silverback male gorilla at close quarters can be an exhilarating experience, particularly for those who have only observed large wildlife from the safety of a vehicle. Nevertheless, gorillas are predominantly non-aggressive, herbivorous creatures, and generally safe to approach.
Prior to your gorilla tracking expedition, park rangers will impart a safety briefing. There are 10 habituated gorilla groups within Volcanoes National Park, with the largest comprising over 30 members. Accessibility varies, with some groups easily found while others demand an arduous three- to four-hour trek. Travelers should prepare to navigate dense vegetation along steep, muddy trails, sometimes ascending to heights exceeding 10,000 feet (3000m). Regardless of which group you track, a memorable experience is guaranteed.
Visits to the gorillas are restricted to one hour. Guests are required to maintain a distance of no less than 15 feet (5m) from the gorillas, though instances of gorillas attempting to engage with visitors are not unusual—creating an unmatched wildlife experience!
Gorilla permits can be procured through the Rwanda Development Board tourist office in Kigali or via a local Rwandan tour company. Individuals on organized tours will have all arrangements made, while independent travelers are encouraged to secure their permits well in advance.
Visitors primarily motivated by the opportunity to witness gorillas in their natural habitat may also consider the rare golden monkeys, whose troop has acclimated to human presence. Unlike the gorilla tracking experience, observing these agile creatures is more akin to chimpanzee encounters, as they actively leap through the branches of towering trees.
Golden monkeys, a distinct subspecies of blue monkeys, are easily identified by their striking gold fur, contrasting sharply with the dark patches on their limbs. Classified as an endangered species, golden monkeys are exclusive to the Virungas.
Permits (US$100) to track golden monkeys are readily available.
Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park emerges as the nation’s paramount area of biodiversity, showcasing over 1000 plant species, 13 species of primates, 75 additional mammal species, at least 275 bird species, and an impressive 120 species of butterflies. This park has recently been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite its considerable biodiversity, Nyungwe remains relatively unknown beyond East Africa. The most compelling reason to visit is the opportunity for chimpanzee tracking, as these primates have gradually acclimated to human observers. Like gorilla tracking, visitors should be prepared for extended hikes, potentially lasting several hours. However, the undergrowth in Nyungwe is generally less dense compared to the Virunga mountains, leading to a more manageable walking experience overall.
During the rainy season, the chances of successfully tracking chimpanzees along the color-coded trails (which indicate varying difficulty levels) are significantly higher, although during the dry season, the chimps may retreat to loftier elevations.
Although chimpanzees often receive the most attention, spotting other monkey species such as Angolan colobus is nearly guaranteed. The Angolan colobus is a tree-dwelling monkey identifiable by its black fur adorned with long, flowing white hair. While colobus monkeys inhabit the rainforests across equatorial Africa, they are particularly numerous in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
While not as charismatic as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys exhibit highly social behavior and can form large groups—one semi-habituated troop in Nyungwe boasts a membership exceeding 500 individuals. Encountering hundreds of these playful primates navigating the treetops can be a captivating experience. Naturally inquisitive, colobus monkeys seem to genuinely enjoy their interactions with human observers.
Colobus troops maintain defined territories, which facilitates tracking efforts, as the semi-habituated group within Nyungwe often follows predictable paths. Typically, trackers can locate the colobus monkey troop within an hour.
As for avian life, Nyungwe stands out as Rwanda’s premier birdwatching locale, hosting over 300 species, including no fewer than 27 endemics. The paved road traversing the park enables birdwatchers to observe diverse species at different forest levels: expect to see mountain buzzards and cinnamon-chested bee-eaters along with numerous sunbirds, wagtails, and flocks of waxbills. Frequently sighted species also include francolins, turacos, African crowned eagles, hornbills, and even Congo bay owls.
Dedicated birdwatchers can engage a specialist birding guide based in Nyungwe for tailored excursions.
The big five, in Akagera National Park
Representing the jewel of Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is experiencing heightened interest from safari enthusiasts. While it may not yet rival its more renowned counterparts in Kenya or Tanzania, its picturesque landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife merit a visit. Thanks to rigorous conservation policies, effective management practices, the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos, as well as the renovation of existing camps and construction of new ones, Akagera has established itself as an essential destination on any Rwandan itinerary.
Within the park, three distinct environments are found: traditional savannah typical of the region; a vast swampy region along the Tanzanian border containing six lakes (ideal for boat excursions) and numerous forested islands; and a range of low mountains lining the park with diverse vegetation, including short grasses at the peaks, transitioning to wooded savannah and dense forest thickets.
The park supports a varied array of wildlife. Carnivorous species in Akagera are primarily limited to elusive leopards (approximately 150 individuals) and hyenas, in addition to genets, servals, and jackals. Lions? In 2015, seven lions were flown from South Africa and successfully relocated to Akagera. The current population exceeds 50 lions. Furthermore, 18 black rhinos were introduced in 2017, and 30 white rhinos followed in 2021.
Among other large ‘trophy’ species, an estimated 90 elephants inhabit the park and are frequently observed. Buffalo are also present in substantial numbers (around 3000), along with numerous hippos and crocodiles in the lakes. Antelope and other plains game are well represented, although herds tend to be modest in size and the animals somewhat skittish.
Common safari species include impala, topi, zebra, and waterbuck, alongside the remarkable yet rare roan antelope and the petite Oribi. Maasai giraffes, which are not native to the park, have been successfully introduced and are flourishing. Birdwatching opportunities also abound along the shores of Lake Ihema.
An advantageous aspect of Akagera is the relatively low likelihood of encountering numerous other wildlife-viewing vehicles, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the park’s stunning natural scenery in relative tranquillity.
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