The word is getting out about Rwanda, a highly elevated East African country also known as the land of a thousand hills. If you haven’t got it on your safari list, it is worth adding quickly! Located in the Southern Hemisphere of the Equator, this tropical destination does not have the reputation for the density of wildlife as its well-known neighbor, Tanzania. What you do find is a variety of primate species, and landscapes, ranging from thick ancient forests studded with massive mahogany trees to open savannah backed with stunningly beautiful silhouettes of jagged mountains. These varied habitats provide all manner of pleasant wildlife moments on safari.
The country prides itself in having Volcanoes National Park, one of the only four biosphere reserves in the world where one can encounter those critically endangered, gentle furballs in the wild, the mountain gorillas. Here, you can also trek the golden monkeys as they scamper around the montane forest. It’s surely one of the most special, and unique wildlife-watching opportunities considering they are endemic to this part of Africa.
There are also plenty of chimpanzees lolling about deep in Rwanda’s jungle forests like Nyungwe National Park. Other specials here include 12 different primate species namely Angola Colubus, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Grey Cheeked mangabey, golden monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, and Blue monkeys. Due to the high densities of these primates, the possibility of leaving the park without having sighted at least 6 species is very minimal. If you opt for accommodations that are within proximity, you’ll probably be woken by their screeching calls.
In comparison, Akagera National Park located on the Eastern side of the country is a savannah destination where encounters of the Big 5 come alive. If you’re lucky, you might also chance on leopards though this can’t be guaranteed due to their shy and elusive nature.
Having experienced a genocide that brought it to its knees in 1994, Rwanda country has learned a lot the hard way and improved its security immensely, emerging as the most peaceful in the region.
A visit to Rwanda is incomplete without a beach holiday at Lake Kivu. Here you can go for short trips or multi-day adventures while staying in luxury villas, midrange guest houses or even camping on uninhabited islands.
So, in summary, if you are heading to East Africa, don’t miss Rwanda!
Currency
The Rwandan Franc is the national currency and preferred means of exchange for local transactions and purchases. In contrast, the preferred means of exchange at most tourism sites, attractions and facilities is the US Dollar. Across Kigali, there are ATMs of both local and international banks. As the country continues to grow, credit cards are increasingly being accepted.
People & Culture
Rwanda is comprised of three ethnic divisions that differ in historical group origins but share the same culture, language, religions and beliefs. These are Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, all of who used to be pastoralists but are now mostly farmers.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
While the gorillas are the star attraction at Volcanoes, there are also golden monkeys which are usually about 100 per troop. This strikingly marked primate species is listed as endangered. Their population elsewhere has shrunk so much as a result of the destruction of their habitats. Today, their main stronghold is the Virungas, where they spend much of their time in the bamboo zone eating tender shoots. Occasionally, they wander outside the park to raid crops of surrounding farms.
Dian Fossey Trekking
Another highlight for history and conservation lovers is the undemanding hike to Dian Fossey’s old research center and grave. Adjacent to it is the impressive new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Its mission is to engage the many stakeholders in conservation — students, scientists, tourists, conservation partners, and community members — to advance our collective goal of saving gorillas and more broadly, the planet.