Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas & Volcanic Peaks
Imagine Rwanda as a mountainous lush landscape, swampy marshes, plateaus and magnificent animals. Nestled in between the borders of Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic of the Congo.
The Virunga mountain range stands tall and Lake Kivu known for exploring the Congo Nile Trail that extends along this stunning coastline.
The amount of beauty Rwanda has is undeniably magnificent, with mountainous volcanic peaks and the active volcano of Mt Nyiragongo. Simply stunning!
The raw biodiversity of nature and conservation, Akagera National Park is at the forefront of wildlife rehabilitation with African Parks, and today a thriving success.
Greeted with warm and welcoming smiles from the local people. Their hospitality and kindness are truly unforgettable.
Christianity the main religion in the country, Kinyarwanda is the principal language spoken with French and English the country’s official language.
Rwanda | When to Travel
Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate due to its high altitude. This small mountainous country rarely see’s temperatures above 25 degrees. Located just south of the equator and a popular destination to visit all year round.
Generally travel is best done in the dry season between June to September. During this time hardly any rainfall is experienced, days are comfortable and nights are clear.
But in the wet season heavy down pours of rain will occur. With the odd alternate day to experience sunny weather. Trekking the Mountain Gorillas can be done year round. Making a hike through the forest more of an adventure in the rainy season. Drier months are more popular and a better option for trekking.
December to February rainfall starts to ease as the dry season begins.
In January temperatures are fairly moderate. Seasonal rainfall increasing again in February.
March to May the long rainy season begins with April being the wettest month of the year. May bringing consistent rainfall during the day. June to September the start of the long dry season begins. Rain starts to ease and clear sunny days appear. The temperature becomes increasingly warmer and the recommended time to visit Rwanda.
December to February rainfall is starting to ease as the dry season begins, January brings moderate temperatures with the seasonal rains increasing again in February.
March to May the long rainy season has begun with April being the wettest month of the year. May brings consistent rainfall through out the day. June to September the long dry season starts with the rain easing and days are clear. Temperatures start to become increasingly warmer and is the recommended season to visit Rwanda. October to November see’s the shorter rainy season beginning with daytime temperatures warm and humid.
Region Focus
Only one third of Africa’s endangered mountain gorillas live in Rwanda. Primate species like the chimpanzee live in Nyungwe National Park. Undeniably recognised as one of the largest mountain forests on earth. Find yourself immersed in a stunning mountainous terrain. Full of wildlife, rich diversity and culture.
Each of the regions in Rwanda have a unique experience to offer the discerning traveller.
The friendly, landlocked country’s main attraction is to trek the endangered mountain gorillas. Though different experiences such as a canopy walk in Nyungwe forest, is great for avid birders to explore further. Bike ride the Congo Nile trail along Lake Kivu for an off the beaten track adventure.
The Virunga mountains include eight ancient volcanoes.
Forested slopes are home to the mountain gorilla families. The volcanoes border the Democratic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Golden Monkeys are stunning with their striking orange colour playing in the mountainous bamboo forest. Kigali the capital city, offers a range of cultural activities and located in the heart of the Rwanda. Memorials of Kigali’s 1994 genocide embrace peace and are found throughout the country.
Majestic mountain gorilla’s, memories and pure nature the Parc National de Volcans. Picturesque scenery in the remote corner of the earth, where memories and creatures are unforgettable. Ancient volcanoes and the endangered mountain Gorilla families habituate in the lush bamboo forests. The rich biodiversity of habitats extend from lava plains to swamps, lower montane and bamboo forests, butterflies and birdlife alike.
Mainly renown for the mountain and lowland gorilla.
Species sighted include the Golden Monkey, spotted hyena and black fronted duiker. Mount Nyiragongo the main crater consists of a spectacular lava lake. Gorilla families are found on the bamboo slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, their habitat has been widely reduced with human growth, disease and poaching.
Rwanda has approximately 20 gorilla families.
Spread across Virunga and Parc de Volcans. Highlighting two of the families below:
Susa A: one of the largest groups with 33 gorillas. This family being the hardest to trek as it tends to range high into the mountains. The group is known for having rare 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano.
Agashya: previously known as Group 13, the group has increased to approx. 27 individuals currently commanded by Agashya meaning “news”. Agashya challenged Nyakarima after spending most of his time observing the strengths and weaknesses of his subject. Agashya won the challenge and has since managed to increase the numbers from 13 to 27. The group is located closer to the volcano, incase of danger he often moves the group further to the top. Group members consist of Munezero, Ahazara, Tunero, Icyuzuzo, Intango, Kwisonga, Rugendo, Safari, Akogo, Korema, Irkundwa, Isano, Dusangire, Gosinking and Urmuli.
On the shores of Lake Kivu, lies the Congo Nile Trail.
Just an hour south of the Volcanoes national park, the 227km trail begins in the small town of Rubavu. It runs down alongside the lake and ending in the district of Rusizi. An adventure of difference and the 10 or 5 day trail can be done by trekking, cycling or running. However, not for the faint hearted.
A land less known, rolling landscapes, an old mountain rainforest found nowhere else Nyungwe Forest.
Intriguing diversity, Africa’s oldest mountain forest found in Nyungwe National Park. Believed by scientist’s to be the place within Africa that sheltered species of wildlife during the ice age. Nyungwe Forest boasts a history decades old. The densely covered mountains offer a variety of habitat and adventure. Situated in Rwanda’s south west corner the national park boasts 400 species of chimpanzees and one of East Africa’s only canopy walks.
There are a wide range of hiking trails and for the avid birder there are over 280 species of birdlife to be found. Endangered species include the Madagascar Pond Heron, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and the Red collared babbler.
A land of transformation and change….Akagera National Park.
Transformed after years of desolation this was an area not even considered by tourists. The wildlife was very much non-existent and over run by cattle. African Parks has since joined forces with the Rwanda Development board to turn the park around. Today the park has increased populations of lion, black rhino and exceptional birding with over 482 species. Generated income from tourism invested back into the park making it nearly self sufficient. Supporting both local communities plus continuing to conserve wildlife into the future.
For more information on our Rwandan Safaris feel free to give us a call or alternatively pop us an email!
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