Rwanda, often known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife species. When most people think about visiting the country for a tourism experience, the first thing to think about is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park and Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Without any doubt, gorilla trekking and Kigali exploration are incredible experiences that should not miss on one’s bucket list though there is so much more to discover and enjoy in this stunningly beautiful country than these amazing creatures. For that reason, we always recommend travelers to add extra day or two to your Rwanda safari to explore some of the hidden destinations that are off the beaten path. In this article, we bring you some of the attractions that you must also consider during your Rwanda trip;
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
This lesser-known Gishwati Mukura National Park features beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and dense forests. Located in the north-western part of Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura national park is named after Gishwati forest which is a great spot for bird watching, primate tracking, and hiking. The park protects four species of primates including the Eastern chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Other species in the park include mammals like red river hog, southern tree hyrax, black-fronted duiker and others.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern part of Rwanda covering a total surface area of 1,122 square kilometers along the international border with Tanzania. Founded in 1934, the park was named after Akagera river which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa. Akagera combines well with Nyungwe and the Volcanoes National Park to offer a great safari element as it is home to many large game species like elephants, giraffes and lions as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork.
Gorilla Guardian’s Village
Located just close to Volcanoes National Park, this cultural village takes visitors back in time in a fun and interactive setting, with demonstrations of traditional rituals and cultural activities of Rwanda. Visitors enter the living museum under a sign introducing the “gorilla guardian’s village” as friendly locals welcome them with drumming, singing and dancing. Also, during the visit, you get a chance of getting crowned as a king or queen for some time.
Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo
Located near the Volcanoes National Park, these twin lakes offer stunning views and a tranquil environment. The lakes were formed as a result if volcanic activity, where the largest river in Rwanda – Nyabarongo used to flow northward to Ndorwa. While at the lakes, there are different activities that one can engage in like boating, fishing enjoying the scenic beauty.
Rusumo Falls
This a waterfall located on Kagera river on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. The falls are about 15 m high and 40 m wide. Rusumo falls ate amazing spots for photography and nature walks.
In conclusion, exploring these hidden destinations provides a unique and intimate experience of Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
