Rwanda Safari

Rwanda photo Rwanda – “the land of a thousand hills” – offers a new aspect to Africa and a different holiday experience to that of other East African countries. With its stunning landscape including dramatic volcanoes, thick rainforest and vast lakes, Rwanda ensures that travellers have a truly unforgettable time.

As a small Central African nation situated to the west of Tanzania, Rwanda is a western arm of the Great Rift Valley and on the watershed between the Nile and the Congo - Africa's two largest rivers. Its physical beauty is unique on the African Continent with vibrant green grasslands, dazzling riverine forests and breathtaking mountain views.

Rwanda is a must-see for anyone looking for an exhilarating safari adventure. A highlight to any Rwanda holiday is a gorilla safari through the rainforest to track and observe the endangered Mountain Gorillas that inhabit the Parc National des Volcans. Mountain Gorillas are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species and are classified as ‘critically endangered’ with just 790 individuals currently recorded. There are no Mountain Gorillas living outside of their native mountain forest home or in captivity. The Parc National des Volcans is home to many family groups of this incredible species and expert guides lead tours to see them at close range in their natural habitat.

Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda bordering Tanzania. It covers over 2500 square kilometres of savannah and is home to a wide variety of animals and birdlife.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s last remaining high altitude rainforests, and one of the largest of these ancient areas. This beautiful mountainous terrain harbours many primates including chimpanzees and is Rwanda’s most important site for bird watching.

Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is the deepest fresh water lake in the world. Surrounded by the Rift Valley and Virunga mountains it has picturesque sandy shores and provides a beautiful setting at which to relax after a gorilla trek.

Mountain Gorilla Treks

Mountain Gorillas are found in the high-altitude cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, many residing on the slopes of three dormant volcanoes. They are very sociable, living in strong-bonded groups of 3 to 40 individuals, usually lead by one or two Silverbacks (dominant adult males).

Mountain Gorilla tours depart daily to find and observe family groups as they spend their day foraging for food, resting and nest-building. Treks start at the headquarters of the Park National des Volcans where you will be assigned an expert guide and a specific gorilla family group to track.

The family groups that are visited in this area include:

Sabyinyo Group:10 individuals / 2 Silverbacks
Amahoro Group A:15 individuals / 2 Silverbacks
Amahoro Group B:7 individuals / 1 Silverback
Susa Group:37 individuals / 4 Silverbacks
Treize Group:10 individuals / 2 Silverbacks

The guide will give a briefing on the family group and then you will take a short drive to a base in the foothills where you will be joined by trackers, army rangers and porters who accompany the trek.

The ascent begins via the terraced farmland in the lower slopes, but as the landscape becomes steeper, the vegetation becomes thicker and entwined and the guides use their machetes to cut a path. At around 8000 feet, signs of the gorillas become evident such as damaged bamboo and, if very close, you may be aware of their distinct smell and sounds.

A trek to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and to observe their social interaction and almost human qualities is one of the most moving and memorable wildlife experiences available.

Rwanda Gorilla Safaris