Reasons To Visit Rwanda
The perfect spot for resting your weary limbs after your gorilla tracking, Lake Kivu is 90 minutes' drive through winding hills and colourful villages from the Virunga Volcanoes. Here you can float on the water on a relaxing boat trip and watch the world go by.
Rwanda is home to Africa's first National Park, Virunga, which was created back in 1925. It was done to protect its most famous wildlife - its gorillas. However, while its primates will be at the top of you to-see list the country's montane forests contain over 700 bird species with many, such as Grauer’s Swamp-warbler, being regionally endemic.
The trek through the dense forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes can take between two to six hours. However your reward is an hour watching your assigned gorilla troop play, eat, groom and relax.
If you want something a bit different head to Butare, Rwanda's second city, where you can visit the King's Palace, the University and the National Museum, which is home to an incredible collection of artefacts which are beautifully presented.
Up until relatively recently montane forest occupied one third of the territory of present-day Rwanda. Now these ancient forests are mainly restricted to the three main parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. By visiting any one of these you will see a great diversity of fauna and flora.
Travelling through Rwanda provides a fascinating insight into daily village life. Often located in beautiful countryside a village visit is an absolute highlight where a warm and enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed.
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Africa and The Indian Ocean
Although home to elephant, buffalo, and duiker, Volcanoes National Park is best known for the 300 mountain gorillas that reside amongst the bamboo forests on the upper slopes.
Opened in 2009, Gorilla Mountain View lodge is a simple property situated in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. The park headquarters where you will start and end your gorilla...
Virunga Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, built close to the Volcanoes National Park. A central building houses the reception, restaurant and public areas all with magnificent 360...
The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a new luxury lodge that has been built right on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park at Ruhengeri. It's excellently located for gorilla trekking...
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Further reading:RwandaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout RwandaCountry Guides
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