Mountain gorilla trekking is by far the main activity for most Rwanda safari packages, an encounter with these mountain gorillas is the highlight of a trip to Rwanda for many visitors. After the film of "Gorillas in the Mist" featuring Dian Fossey's pioneering work habituating mountain gorillas, Rwanda gorilla trekking tours continue to pick interest globally for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. Gorilla trekking itself is starts with registration is at 7:00am at the RDB Park Headquarters at Kiningi. The chief warden will take you through a short briefing then make your choice between a simple, fair or difficult trek as the location of all the gorilla groups is known prior to the trek. The mountain gorilla trekking experience typically lasts between four and eight hours, most of which is spent hiking through mystical bamboo forests wild meadows in swampy areas guides from the National Park Service who eventually lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. You will spend one hour observing the gentle giants as they eat, care for their babies, and interact with one another. To minimize the behavioral disturbances of the gorillas, only 8 people are allowed to visit a single gorilla family, this limit serves to protect gorillas from the risk of exposure to human borne diseases.

Volcanoes National Park

Comprised of five volcanoes (the Virunga volcanoes), Volcanoes National Park is one of the most beautiful sights in both Rwanda and the whole of Africa. Experts estimate that there are about 600 gorillas in the park a significant increase from around 240 to 250 in 1981. The gorillas share volcanoes national park with golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black fronted duiker, bush back, African civet, genet, buffalo and over 119 species of birds. To visit one of the 19 mountain gorilla families on that have been habituated to humans you’ll need to obtain one of the limited numbers of daily tracking permits for $1,500. There are 19 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, including the Susa group which requires the most able-bodied and all-around fit individuals. Shockingly It is the most opted-for group by most visitors as it is the largest group in the park. Not everyone can get the chance to track the Susa group but there are more groups to track such as the Sabinyo group which is a good choice for visitors seeking a less challenging trek, gorillas here can be found in 30 minutes to an hours time. Group 13 and Amahura are also popular although no matter what group you end up tracking, you are most likely to have a memorable experience. A hike to Dian Fossey's grave will require an extra day but is a good complement to trekking mountains gorillas in the Virungas.

Chimpanzee Tracking 

Chimpanzee tracking is gaining popularity in Rwanda as visitors now have a very good chance of seeing them in a day's trek. Much like gorillas, you need to come prepared for a lengthy hike that might take upto several hours. Chimpanzees in Rwanda can be tracked in Nyungwe National Park and Cyamudongo, an annexe to Nyungwe.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located southwest of Rwanda, it one of the most biologically diverse, high altitude rain forests in Africa with over 200 species of birds. Within the park, you will find not less than 1000 plant species to be explored on your Rwanda Safari including the rare orchids, 13 species of primates including more than 500 chimpanzees, 75 species of mammals, at least 275 species of birds, and astounding 120 species of butterflies. It may sound unexpected but Rwanda is home to one of Africa’s last Romanian high-altitude tropical rainforests situated in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is one of the most biodiverse forests in the world and is home to more than 1000 plant species as well as 275Albertine rift endemic bird types an attraction that brings in bird watchers from all over the globe. A Rwanda Safari Tour here must include a high canopy walk that takes you to the treetops to view the forest in its full majesty although the strongest downcard is the chance to track chimpanzees. Columbus monkey tracking in Rwanda is also done here. Nyungwe Forest National Park is supported by both US aid and a global development company with the overall aim being to make Nyungwe a viable eco-tourism destination where resources are invested into the local community and a sustainable income source is created for regional natives.

Golden Monkey Tracking 

Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is also done in Volcanoes National Park, in East Africa; we can track golden monkeys in the adjacent Mgahinga National Park in Uganda as well. More like chimpanzee tracking than gorillas, these beautiful and active monkeys bound about the branches of bigger trees. If you are looking for an activity for your Rwanda tour to couple up with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, do not miss golden monkey tracking. These monkeys are subspecies of the wider spread blue monkey but are distinguished but their gold body coloration contrasts sharply to black patches on their extremities. Golden monkeys are also classified as an endangered species..

Nothing beats the feel of a relaxation after a challenging hike, gorilla trek or the 4x4 road safari, thanks to the available relaxation opportunities in Rwanda located just a few hours drive from the National parks, you can easily relax before to get on board for your long flight back home.

What are some of the Best Destinations to Relax in Rwanda?

Lake Kivu

As one of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake located along with Rwanda’s eastern border with Congo. This 2700 square kilometers lake is surrounded by Misty Mountains and has the world’s 10th largest island, located in it. Lake Kivu has a lively waterfront sand beach and stunning resorts that offer an ideal relaxation experience on your Rwanda Safari. Majors resort hotels here include the lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Arrangements for a stunning sunset kayak trip with singing fishermen on lake Kivu can be made as well as multi-day paddling adventures that will leave you in the full glory of the lake.

Kigali City

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, and base for all Rwanda safari holidays. A good number of of restaurants and first class hotels make the city one of the best places to relax at the start or end of your safari in Rwanda. Notably, Kigali is the cleanest city in Africa, there is no litter seen at all and is arguably one of the safest cities in Africa.Many travelers on a Rwanda safari circuit usually spend only a night in Kigali before grorilla trekking missing out on the vibrant culture, cuisine, and sightseeing in Rwanda’s capital city. To walk upon bespoke clothes from swirling pots and textiles and experience an energetic atmosphere at Kigali’s largest market Kimisagara market, the White House space is like a maze with surprises around every corner. Kigali offers a creative scene at a NEMA Art Center, the gallery showcases the works of up to ten local artists and nearby awaits the Rwanda Art Museum of the former presidential palace which displays some of the finest contemporary pieces from Rwanda and nearby regions. You can also see remains from the financial aircraft that crashed in 1994. Rwanda has a rich cuisine which you can consider exploring on your Rwanda safari, This land of a thousand hills is blessed with an open variety of kitchens and restaurants with succulent meals and jaw-dropping coffee drinks. La panorama restaurant at Hotel de Mille Collines offers dazzling views of the city along with even more romantic setting heads of fusion restaurants.

Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera

The outskirts of Musanze are home to two lakes, which are dotted with small villages. While Ruhondo and Burera are not officially set up for tourism, you can easily have an adventure on a boat cruise which can be done with the fishermen. The scenery at the lake is breathtaking as the shores are heavily terraced and cultivated with crops, and the Virunga volcanoes loom ominously in the distance. Even without a boat cruise, you can stop by for a spectacular photo moment.