Are you looking to visiting Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills? There are lots of things to do while in this Central African country. From the rare experience with the mountain gorillas to simple community stays with the local people, a journey into Rwanda is a lifechanging activity. Here are the top 10 adventure activities that you should not miss while on a holiday in Rwanda;
- City tour (cleanest city)
Rwanda’s capital Kigali became the capital city in 1962 replacing Butare which had been the seat of the king. Since then Kigali has had tremendous developments and it’s now an economic, cultural and transportation center in Rwanda. The city is engaged by over one million people; it has well improved accommodation facilities, shopping malls and above all has the cleanest streets in East Africa. While on your guided city tour in Kigali, you will get chance to learn more about Rwanda’s history and the people themselves especially the local Rwandese.
- Gorilla trekking
This is the best adventure a tourist can engage in while In Rwanda. Rwanda has a large population of gorillas and gorilla tours are organized to all the gorilla families. All the required information about planning this primate safari is clearly provided and in case of need, there are tour companies that can help in planning for your tours to the different gorilla parks. Gorilla trekking can best be done in volcanoes National park; an internationally recognized gorilla sanctuary. The main gorilla groups one can visit include;
Susa family; this was named after River Susa and its famous for its gorilla twins. It’s one of the most complicated gorilla treks in Rwanda because it involves hiking up the mountain. Initially, this was the largest gorilla group with a total of 42 gorillas but later split to form another gorilla group and the groups’ gorilla number reduced to 29.
Karisimbi family; broke up from Susa family and was named Karisimbi after Rwanda’s highest volcano.
One can also visit the Dian Fossey research center in the Virunga volcanoes between Karisimbi and Bisoke as well as the Dian Fossey grave. Dian Fossey Who played an important role in the history of the mountain gorillas and ensured that she saved them from extinction. She flee from Congo forest in the 1960’s and established a gorilla research center but was later killed and she was buried near the grave of her favorite gorilla digit.
A visit to the Gisenyi beach
Commonly referred to as the new paradise, Gisenyi beach is located on Lake Kivu and has the most developed resorts in Rwanda. While at the beach, you can involve in activities like sunbathing, diving, beach volleyball, swimming and boat cruising as you are enjoying the beautiful scenery of the area. Lake Kivu attracts a given number of bird species like king fisher’s, crown cranes which will give you greater chances for learning more about the unique African bird species.
While in Gisenyi, you can also visit the Bwalirwa the only brewery in Rwanda and leading local manufacturer of beers like Mutzig, Guinness and primus.
Volcanic biking
Biking can be well enjoyed in Musanze district on the streets of Ruhengeri town and its surroundings. The town has well maintained roads, handcraft shops and a market where one can easily go shopping on a bike. Ruhengeri town also has good restaurants where you can get a snack and while here, a visit to Musanze lava cave cannot be a regrettable idea. You can easily get Rwandan local products that can be good souvenirs that can keep reminding you of the memorable times you had on your visit.
Canopy walks
The well completed canopy walk way is 50 meters above the ground level of Nyungwe forest and 90 meters long in the southern province of Rwanda. The walk being above the forest will give you a clear personal eye contact with the primates in the forest and an aerial view of the valleys and mountainous relief of the area. Birders will also have a chance to view bird species that inhabit in the upper canopy layers.
Do not hesitate to learn and discover more about Rwanda the land of beauty and amazingly astonishing wildlife species, above all the view of the cleanest city on the African Continent.
Chimpanzee tracking and bird watching
Chimpanzee tracking can best be done in Nyungwe forest a home of over 500 primate species in Rwanda. The forest has the Angolan colobus monkey, silver monkey, L’Hoest monkey, golden monkey, red tailed monkey as well as baboons therefore while you are in Rwanda and interested in viewing primates in their natural setting, you are highly invited to track them in Nyungwe forest. The forest is also a home to various African bird species and all those interested in birding can always drop by and enjoy the marvelous creatures at their best.
The above adventures are just a few of the adventure activities that you should include on your safari in Rwanda.
