Rwanda one among the three countries with endangered mountain gorillas. The activity involves hiking through the dense forest and steep slopes in search for the habituated gorilla families. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, as well eye-catching bamboo zone of the magnificent Virunga Mountains, is a wonderful experience. similar to gorilla trekking, you can also encounter the chimpanzees and the Golden monkeys I their natural habitat. for the chimpanzees, you will find them in Nyungwe forest whereas the Golden monkeys are tacked in volcanoes national park.

Wildlife species

Besides the primate species, Rwanda is home to 136 additional animal species. Akagera National Park, a picturesque savannah reserve in eastern Rwanda is the only National Park you will be view any of the mammal species. Animals sighted in Akagera park include; Elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and other antelope species, including Topi, impala, and defassa waterbuck, may be found here. Black and white rhinoceros, as well as lions, were recently reintroduced. Thus, a complete Big five safari.

Best Time for wildlife Viewing in Rwanda

The best time to see wildlife in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from mid-June to mid-September and December to February. These times are great for a variety of reasons, most notably the favorable weather conditions and increased visibility of animals. During the dry season, the foliage is less thick, making it simpler to find animals in their natural environment. Wildlife often congregates around water sources, increasing the chances of seeing a diversity of species in one place.

From June to September, Rwanda’s lengthy dry season is ideal for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The trails are less muddy, and the pleasant weather makes the hike more enjoyable for guests. Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas are the major attraction for travelers, and seeing these gorgeous animals in their forest environment is more likely when rainfall is low. Other creatures in Akagera National Park, including as elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelope, are more visible during the dry season since there is a lack of surface water everywhere else.

Although the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) offer certain advantages, such as lush landscape and fewer visitors, severe rains may make routes slick and difficult to travel. Rainfall may also send animals further into the forest, making observations more difficult. However, for ardent bird watchers, these seasons attract migrating birds, providing a unique viewing opportunity for anyone interested in Rwanda’s avian life.

National parks and wildlife

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park has become a Big Five destination, yet encounters with key species remain inconsistent. Lions made their comeback in 2015, followed by the reintroduction of black rhinos in 2017. Both are flourishing, and the recent addition of 30 white rhinos will significantly enhance the chances of spotting them. Embark on a boat trip lake Ihema, enhances a bigger hance to witness numerous hippos, massive crocodiles, and perhaps elephants frolicking in the water.

Best time to visit

The months of June through September, known as the major dry season, are ideal for seeing animals in Akagera. Animals congregate around permanent water body in the park, and the sparse vegetation makes it easier to see wildlife. Additionally, an excellent period is from the mid December to the middle of February, when there is a dry spell between the wet season’s brief and lengthy rains.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park has 86 mammal species, the majority of which are very elusive and occasionally seen. Nyungwe major draw, however, is its primates particularly the captivating chimpanzees. the park is a home to 12 primate that you will encounter during the chimp trek in the forest. Including the olive baboon, L’Hoest’s monkey, owl-faced monkeys. grey-cheeked mangabey, Ruwenzori colobus and silver monkeys.

wildlife in Nyungwe national park

Nyungwe Forest is well-known for its diverse primate population, making it a must-see destination for people who want to see these fascinating animals in their natural environment. Among the attractions are the chimps, Nyungwe most renowned inhabitants.

The park is well-known for having one of Africa’s greatest colobus monkey populations. Seeing these black-and-white colobus monkeys jump from tree to tree in such large numbers is a wonderful sight.

Nyungwe is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 300 bird species documented, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics, it is one of the region’s most significant birding locations. Notable species include the Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco, and the red-collared babbler, whose vibrant colors and unusual sounds provide a mystical dimension to the forest.

Best time for wildlife viewing

Although Nyungwe forest is an all-year-round experience, the greatest time to go chimp trekking in Nyungwe is during the dry season (June-September). Fig trees are producing fruit, and chimpanzees spend more time nibbling in the morning before they can carry with their normal day’s activities. Trails are simpler to negotiate during the dry season, and downpours are less likely to disrupt operations.

Volcanoes National Park

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s top wildlife adventures, the gorillas are distributed in three countries with Uganda and Rwanda harboring the mountain gorillas whereas Congo, has got the low land gorillas. Volcanoes National Park may be the best destination for gorilla trekking due to its proximity to Kigali airport and also may have got easier treks. which is convenient for limited time travelers. There are 20 habituated gorilla groups in volcanoes 12 of which are for visitors in the park. Each gorilla group has its own traits and range of family structures; thus, you may opt for double gorilla trekking on two different days for full experience.

Volcanoes national park harbors both habituated gorilla families and the golden monkeys can also be tracked here. They are among the most beautiful of African monkeys and their gentle nature makes them even more attractive.

The monkeys have become used and free around humans. which means you can observe them interacting, feeding and going about their daily activities at a much closer range.

Best time for Wildlife viewing In Volcanoes

Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park is open o trekkers all year round with sightings guaranteed any time. Since the activity involves hiking the steep slopes, therefore, the best time to track gorilla in Volcanoes is the dry season compared to the wet season. In heavy rains, the trails become slippery and the vegetation grows thicker thus interfering with the visibility. The best time is therefore, from June to August and September when you may experience some light drizzle and the from January to February, the trails are dry. There is a number of visitors coming for gorilla trekking in the dry season therefore, permits get sold out quickly you will need to book early in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of Rwanda’s newest and smallest national parks, created to preserve two forest reserves: Gishwati and Mukura.

This park, located in the western portion of the nation, comprises around 34 square kilometers and is part of the Congo-Nile Divide, a major biodiversity hotspot recognized for its distinctive mix of rainforest and montane forest ecosystems.

Wildlife Primates: The park is home to many primate species, including the endangered eastern chimp, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkey.

Birds: Gishwati-Mukura is a birder’s dream, with over 200 documented bird species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics like as the Ruwenzori turaco, mountain yellow warbler, and weird weaver.

Other Mammals: Despite its modest size, the park hosts a variety of species, including serval cats, duikers, and tiny woodland antelope.

Activities

Nature Walks & monkeys Trekking: Visitors may get up close and personal with monkeys, birds, and other species on guided treks in the forest.
Bird Watching: The rich avian population makes birding expeditions popular here.

Cultural Tours: Visiting local villages enriches the experience by highlighting traditional ways of life and how conservation has affected these communities.

Best time for wildlife viewing

Chimpanzee trekking as well as forest nature walks are best done during the dry season (June to September). Not only is this the most wonderful season to be in the forest, but the pathways are less slippery, making trekking much simpler and the visibility is clear.