Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures are the backbone of Rwanda Discovery Journeys. Rwanda is a small landlocked but rich and diverse country in terms of wildlife and natural resources. It is among the fastest-growing economies in East and Central Africa and a leading wildlife safari destination.
The country has the savanna’s most desired Big Five Mammals in Akagera National Park. It is home to chimpanzees and several primates in Nyungwe Forest which was recently designated a World Heritage Site. These and many more safari adventures make Rwanda an ideal Discovery Journeys destination.
Northern Rwanda Safari adventures however stand out and are the most recommended of all Rwanda Tour experiences. Below are the Five best Must do.
Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures
Mountain gorillas are rare primates that are only found in three countries on the entire planet Rwanda included. They are among man’s closest relatives with over 95% DNA similar to ours. Mountain gorillas are limited to only two ecosystems including the Virunga Massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, plus the adjacent Sarambwe reserve.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif and has the highest mountain gorilla population in that massif. It has 20 habituated gorilla families with 12 fully habituated and opened up for tourism.
All Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures feature mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The experience is unforgettable and one of the best primate safari adventures you can ever be part of. On the trekking safari, you hike up the Virunga massif ecosystem to meet gorillas in their most preferred homes. There you can get to learn more about their habitat, routine, and lifestyle in general.
Virunga Volcanoes Hiking Safari
Rwanda has Five of the ten Volcanoes of the Virunga Massif including Mount Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. The Virunga massif is a chain of Volcanic Mountains along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC border. These mountains are also known as the Mufumbiro ranges and are an important ecosystem that is home to several wildlife species including the rare mountain gorillas.
Hiking safari adventures are possible on three of the Five Volcanoes in Rwanda. These are Mount Karismbi which is the highest with an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea Level. It takes 2 days to complete this hike with an overnight in the mountain. Mount Bisoke has an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level with a crater on its summit. This lies along the Rwanda and DRC border and Among the most impressive mountains to Hike. Mount Sabyinyo has an elevation of 3,674 and is shared among the three countries.
All these mountains are dominant Volcanoes and therefore safe to hike. On Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures and hikes to these mountains, you get to see several wildlife species. If you are lucky you can spot mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and forest elephants among others.
Rwanda Cycling adventures
Northern Rwanda is an ideal cycling destination. Rwanda is renowned for its beautiful rolling hills and impressive scenery that is best enjoyed on cycling expeditions. Cycling through the Rwandan countryside is just remarkable and engaging. It is an experiential Journey of Discovery that brings you in close contact with the people and nature.
The recently concluded Tour Du Rwanda featured a cycling adventure in Northern Rwanda. The expedition included cycling throughout Musanze to the Kwita Izina grounds just at the base of the Five Volcanoes.
Beyond the Volcanoes National Park, Northern Rwanda has remote villages that are easily accessed on cycling adventures. Cycle your way exclusively as you explore Northern Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Trekking Adventures
Golden Monkeys are rare primates that are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. In Northern Rwanda, they live in Volcanoes National Park alongside mountain gorillas and other mammals. Just like their name suggests, golden monkeys are covered in golden fur.
They live in communities of up to 20 individuals in the bamboo forest Zone. Golden monkeys just like other primates are vegetarian with most of their diet comprising plant vegetation. They are beautiful primates to hike and meet while on Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures.
Golden Monkey Trekking starts with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. There you are told about the trekking rules and regulations for your safety while in the park. Golden Monkey trekking can be enjoyed any time of the year but for the best experiences, it is better to visit in the dry season.
Twin Lakes Tour experiences
Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes experiences offer a unique Northern Rwanda Safari Adventure adventure. They are strategically located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains with the impressive scenery of the mountains in the Horizon.
Lake Burera has a surface area of 55 square kilometers. This makes it the second-largest lake in the entirety of Rwanda. It has several islands that can be visited on a canoe-riding adventure. Lake Ruhondo is relatively smaller than Burera and can also best be explored on a canoe ride.
Guided nature walks and canoe rides along these twin lakes are enjoyable. They bring you in direct contact with the local people who rely on the lake for water. The twin lakes experiences are also exclusive and among the enjoyable Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures.
All the above safari adventures are doable any time of the year. The gorilla trekking adventure is however in high demand and permits get fully booked especially in the dry season. Visit Rwanda and other East African safari destinations like Tanzania for endless Discovery Journeys.
