Summary
Embarking on a hike through the verdant slopes of the majestic volcanoes for an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys? Navigating through humid rainforests in pursuit of colobus monkeys and chimpanzees? Experiencing a safari in a tranquil and quickly replenishing national park, where sightings of the Big Five are possible? Rwanda presents unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park
The Virunga volcanoes form a formidable natural boundary between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Rwanda truly earns its designation as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’
The illustrious Rwandan Virungas are safeguarded by Volcanoes National Park, which serves as the principal attraction of the nation. Within the bamboo forests that adorn the volcanoes reside some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet.
An intimate encounter with these intriguing creatures while tracking gorillas (US$1500 per person, inclusive of park entry, mandatory guides, and guards) stands as a pinnacle experience for numerous visitors to Africa. Engaging closely with a silverback male gorilla can indeed be a thrilling adventure, especially for those who have only witnessed large wild animals from the confines of a vehicle. Nonetheless, despite their imposing stature, gorillas are surprisingly gentle creatures, entirely vegetarian and quite harmless to humans.
Before embarking on your expedition to track the habituated gorilla groups (of which there are 10 in Volcanoes National Park), you will receive a safety briefing from park rangers. The most sizable group comprises over 30 individuals. Some groups are easier to locate, while others are more challenging to access, necessitating a vigorous trek lasting three to four hours. Participants can expect to navigate through dense vegetation and ascend steep, muddy hills, occasionally reaching elevations of over 10,000 feet (3000m). Regardless of the group you choose to track, a remarkable experience awaits.
Visits to the gorillas are capped at one hour. Visitors must maintain a distance of no less than 15 feet (5m) from the gorillas at all times; however, it is not uncommon for some gorillas to exhibit curiosity towards visitors, resulting in an unparalleled wildlife experience!
Gorilla permits can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board tourist office in Kigali or through Rwandan tour operators. Travelers on guided tours will have their arrangements made comprehensively, while independent adventurers are encouraged to secure permits well in advance.
While the majority of visitors are naturally inclined to seek out a personal encounter with genuine gorillas amidst the mist, rare golden monkeys, a troop of which has adapted to human presence, are also accessible for observation. Unlike gorilla encounters, these beautiful and lively monkeys are often observed frolicking amidst the branches of larger trees.
Golden monkeys, a subspecies of the more widespread blue monkey, are characterized by their striking golden fur contrasted by black patches on their limbs. As an endangered species, golden monkeys are exclusively found in the Virungas.
Tracking permits for the golden monkeys (priced at US$100) are readily available.
Colobus Monkeys, Chimpanzees and Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Located in the southwestern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park represents the country’s most vital zone for biodiversity, housing over 1000 plant species, 13 species of primates, 75 species of other mammals, at least 275 species of birds, and an impressive 120 species of butterflies. Recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park possesses significant ecological importance.
Despite its vast biodiversity, Nyungwe remains relatively obscure beyond East Africa. Its primary attraction is the opportunity to track chimpanzees, which have been gradually acclimatized to human visits. Similar to gorilla tracking, participants should be prepared for extended hikes which can take several hours. Nonetheless, the undergrowth in the forest is less dense than in the Virunga Mountains, generally rendering the trek less strenuous.
During the rainy season, the chances of successfully tracking chimps increase along the colored trails (a network of paths varying in difficulty), although in the dry season, these primates tend to ascend to higher altitudes.
While chimpanzees frequently capture the majority of attention in Nyungwe, sightings of various other monkey troops, including Angolan colobus, are nearly guaranteed. The Angolan colobus is an arboreal species recognized by its black fur and long, silky white locks. Although distributed broadly throughout the rainforests of equatorial Africa, their population peaks in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Though not as charismatic as chimpanzees, colobi are highly social primates that form sizable groups—one of the semi-habituated troops in Nyungwe boasts no fewer than 500 individuals. Witnessing hundreds of these monkeys leaping through the treetops can indeed be a captivating experience. Naturally curious, the colobus in Nyungwe appear to thrive on their playful encounters with human visitors.
Troops of Angolan colobus maintain established territories, offering an advantage for those engaging in colobus tracking, as the semi-habituated group in Nyungwe tends to follow predictable paths. Generally, trackers are able to locate the colobus monkey troop within an hour.
Bird enthusiasts will find Nyungwe to be unparalleled in Rwanda, with over 300 recorded species, including at least 27 endemics. The paved road traversing the park allows for observation of multiple forest layers: expect to see mountain buzzards and cinnamon-chested bee-eaters along the way, coupled with numerous sunbirds, wagtails, and flocks of waxbills. Other commonly spotted birds include francolins, turacos, African crowned eagles, hornbills, and even Congo bay owls.
Dedicated birdwatchers may arrange excursions with specialized bird-guides stationed in Nyungwe.
The Big Five in Akagera National Park
A jewel of Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is rapidly gaining popularity among safari aficionados. Although it may not yet contend with illustrious counterparts in Kenya or Tanzania, its picturesque landscapes, varied habitats, and rich fauna make it a worthwhile destination. Thanks to rigorous conservation efforts, effective management, and the successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos, along with the revitalization of former camps and the construction of new ones, Akagera has become an essential stop on any Rwandan travel itinerary.
The park encompasses three distinct ecosystems: classic savannah, a vast swamp zone along the Tanzanian border that hosts six lakes (ideal for boat excursions) and numerous forested islands; alongside a chain of low mountains displaying diverse vegetation, varying from short grasses at high elevations to woody savannah and dense forest thickets at lower altitudes.
The wildlife diversity is impressive. Carnivores in Akagera comprise elusive leopards (approximately 150 individuals), hyenas, and various smaller species including genets, servals, and jackals. In 2015, seven lions were transported from South Africa to Rwanda, and their population has since grown to over 50. Eighteen black rhinos were also reintroduced in 2017, followed by 30 white rhinos in 2021.
In terms of other large wildlife, there are roughly 90 elephants within the park, which are often seen, alongside a healthy population of buffalo numbering around 3000. The lakes are teeming with hippos and crocodiles, while diverse antelope and other plains game species also inhabit the area, albeit in smaller herds, which may sometimes appear skittish.
Common safari fauna include impala, topi, zebra, and waterbuck, in addition to the majestic, yet rare, roan antelope and the diminutive Oribi. Maasai giraffes, absent from the park previously, have also been introduced and are thriving well. Birdwatching opportunities abound around Lake Ihema.
One advantageous aspect of visiting Akagera is the rarity of intersecting with other wildlife-viewing vehicles, allowing for an uplifting experience in the park’s splendid nature in relative tranquility. This experience is invaluable!
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