Walking Safaris In Rwanda
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is renowned for its stunning landscape and rich biodiversity. While many tourists come for game drives of mountain gorilla trekking, walking safaris offers truly intimate way to experience the country’s natural beauty. Walking safaris allows you to immerse yourself in the environment, listen to the sounds of nature, and see wildlife up close. Here’s everything you need to know about a walking safari in Rwanda.
Top Locations for Walking Safaris in Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda, the park covers approximately 1,200 sq kilometers. It was named after River Kagera. It’s a savannah and wetland landscape that resembles the classic Africa safari environment. While Akagera is more famous for game drives, it also offers walking safaris in designated areas. The trails around the lakes and wetlands provide opportunities to see big five (buffaloes, leopard, elephants, lions and rhinoceros) as well as topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyena, waterbuck, mongoose, eland, zebra, impala, bush pigs, giraffe and variety of birdlife. guided walks are arranged in specific zones, often combined with boat safaris for a full experience.
Walking safaris here are different from the forested parks. they are often combined with boat trips and game drives to give a comprehensive view of the park’s wildlife. Walking through the grassland and wetlands, you might see the elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyena, waterbuck, eland, zebra, impala, bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer. You might also see different primates such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys and blue monkeys. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting arnot chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola and more.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda, near the border with Burundi. Covering approximately 970 km², it’s one of the largest mountain forests in central Africa. Nyungwe Forest offers a network of well-maintained trails, with the most famous being the Canopy walk– a hanging bridge that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy. Other notable trails include the Igishigishigi Trail, which takes you through lush forests and past waterfalls, and the Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail that leads to stunning waterfalls and is popular for its scenic beauty. Walking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park are all about close encounters with nature. While on your walking safaris, you might spot Chimpanzee, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Hamlyn’s Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys and Vervet Monkeys swinging overhead or listen to the calls of different bird species. Guides rea very knowledgeable and can help you identify various plants and animals, enriching your understanding of this vibrant ecosystem. The cool mountain air and the sounds of birds create aa peaceful atmosphere, making every walk a serene escape.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda and sits on an area covering 160 square kilometers, it’s famous worldwide as the habitat of mountain gorillas and is park of the Virunga Mountain Range. The park offers several guided walking safaris around the foothill of the volcanoes. Popular routes include the Musanze Caves Walk, which takes you underground through volcanic caves, and hikes around Gorilla Highlands, where you can explore the volcanic landscape and see the rich flora and fauna. Some trails lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.
Walking safaris here are truly special because you get to experience the volcanic terrain up close. walking through the lush, misty forest, you’ll often encounter troops of mountain gorillas, some times just a few meters away. You might also spot other different wildlife species such as golden monkeys, larger mammals like forest Elephants and Buffaloes, Duikers, Bush Pigs, Forest Hogs and the Spotted Hyena as well as insects, flowering plants and bird species. Walking here might also include visits to local villages, giving you a glimpse into Rwandan culture and the relationship between people and their environment.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda (the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero). The park covers around 340 square kilometers (about 131 square miles) and was established as a protected area to conserve its unique montane forests and wildlife. The park was created in 2015, making its Rwanda’s newest and fourth national park. The park was formed by merging the Mukura and Gishwati forests which lie between the Akagera and Volcanoes National Park. The park authorities have established several trails that allow tourist to explore the inner parts of the forest. While on your walking safaris at Gishwati-Mukura, you’ll have an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the forest and its creatures like butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds and primates. The peaceful environment is filled with lovely sounds from singing birds and calling primates. You can also see more than 60 types of trees, including bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany and orchids. The park authorities have introduced new species like dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, hagenia abyssinica, macaranga and polyscias fulva. One of the most popular walking routes takes you to kazeneza waterfall in the heart of the park. The waterfall and the surrounding scenery are truly impressive and make for a memorable visit.
Best time to embark on a Walking Safaris in Rwanda
The best time for walking safaris in Rwanda is during the dry season from June to September and gain December to February. These months offers clear trails, less rans and better wildlife sightings, providing optimal conditions for an enjoyable and safe walking safari experience.
What to Pack for a Walking Safari in Rwanda
Planning to go on a waking safari in Rwanda is exciting, and packing the right gear can make your experience safe and enjoyable. Here’s a simple essential you should bring along with, comfortable walking boots with good grip, lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, snacks, personal mediations, a guidebook, reusable water bottles, binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting and waterproof jacket during the rainy season.
Why Choose a Walking Safari in Rwanda?
Walking safaris in Rwanda are an incredible way to experience the country’s ecosystem-from lush forest and volcanic landscapes to open savannahs. They allow you to slow down and truly observe wildlife and nature, rather than just passing through in a vehicle. Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, wandering through the misty forests of Nyungwe, exploring the scenic Gishwati-Mukura National Park or strolling along the wetlands of Akagera, each walk offers unique encounters and memories.
