Rwanda Wildlife

Wildlife viewing in Rwanda is superb. Take a safari to see the rare mountain gorillas that are only tracked in three countries that’s Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo.

However among the three countries Rwanda is the best destination for gorilla tracking. They can easily be spotted in the volcanoes region of Rwanda a few kilometers from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and largest city.

Other animals that can be seen on a safari in Rwanda include golden monkeys, buffaloes and elephants. However the best time to see the animals is during the dry period from mid December to March and mid May to mid October, Although animals can be seen all year around.

The following are some of the wildlife and primates in Kigali

Mountain Gorillas

Located only in Rwanda, Uganda and the DR Congo, mountain gorillas are on the World Wildlife Fund’s critically endangered list. There are approximately 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, with about half of the population residing in Rwanda. Rwanda’s conservation efforts have been hugely successful in recent years, and these social animals have managed to increase their population by 25% in the last decade.

Elephants

In 1975, 26 elephants were moved from Kigali to Akagera National Park. One of the elephants, Mutware, is still alive today, and is known for eating crops from nearby villages and generally harassing park tourists. However, he is an important part of park lore, and beloved by the country.

Birds

Of the 700 bird species in Rwanda, many of them are rare and endangered. They can be spotted all over the country, at Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Mukura Forest Reserve and more.

Lions

Lions were reintroduced to Akagera Na tional Park in 2015, after not being seen in the country since the 1994 genocide. Seven lions were flown into Rwanda from a private South African game reserve, and 15 lions now roam Akagera’s northern plains.

Monkeys    

There are an abundance of primates in Rwanda. Other than the famous mountain gorilla, tourists can track chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys, and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park.

Antelopes

Akagera National Park is home to many different kinds of antelope, including duikers, klipspringer, bush bucks, and impalas.

Giraffes

Akagera National Park has more than 100 giraffes. Easy to find in the northern plains of the park, the stark beauty of a giraffe is difficult to forget.

Hippopotamuses

Contrary to popular belief, hippopotamuses are the most dangerous animal a tourist could encounter on safari. Hippopotamuses have been known to attack, kill, and maim anything that gets in between them and their water. In Akagera National Park, hippopotamuses can usually be found at hippo beach.

Lizards

Colorful lizards found across the country are generally shy creatures. The agama lizard, hailing from the Agamidae family, is found most frequently in sub-Saharan Africa.

Zebras

Hordes of zebras call Akagera National Park home, and their stark black and white appearance always makes for an excellent photograph.

Rhinoceroses

Similar to the plight of the lions, rhinoceroses had not been seen in Rwanda for many years. However, in May 2017, 20 black rhinoceroses were transferred to Rwanda from South Africa. There are fewer than 5,000 black rhinoceroses left in the world, and conservationists in Rwanda have big hopes for their rhinoceros population. Additionally, with the reintroduction of the rhinoceros, Rwanda once again has Africa’s big five.

Wildlife Highlights

While gorillas can be tracked in the Virunga Mountains, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is another highlight. Akagera National Park is a Big Five destination; elephant and buffalo are common, but lion and rhino sightings are a bit more hit-and-miss. Although leopard is very shy, you might be lucky to spot one early morning or late afternoon. There is no cheetah in the country.

Best time for Wildlife Viewing

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year and sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Chimpanzee trekking is a bit more difficult – the best time is from October to February, part of the Wet season. The Dry Season, from June to September, is best for general wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. The wettest months, from March to May, are best avoided.

Conclusion, visiting Rwanda should be at the top of any wildlife lover’s bucket list. For more information contact Primate Safari Experiences.