A self drive safari in Rwanda can be an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This land of a thousand hills has four great national parks and other recreation centers to engage in different activities.
Here are some activities you can do on a self-drive safari in Rwanda:
Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is a must-do activity. You can drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the north of Rwanda, to see these majestic creatures up close. The park has several gorilla families that you can visit. During the gorilla trekking experience, you will leave your rental car and set off for a foot trek excursion in search of the gorillas in the natural abodes. This activity is so strenuous but very rewarding as you are able to see the gorillas interacting with one another. Their interaction is something to wonder about because it is well calculated like that of mankind. So, this is an activity that should not be missed on a self-drive safari in Rwanda.
Game drives: You can go on game drives in Akagera National Park, which is located in the east of Rwanda. The park has a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more. You have two options to conduct this adventurous activity, you can either go self-game drive or hire a park ranger. Though you may be on a self-drive safari, you are advised to hire a park ranger to get the best out of this experience. These individuals have expertise in animal searching within the park and have a wealth of information henceforth tendering an exciting and insightful game drive.
Canopy Walk: The Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a unique experience for visitors with a canopy walk that offers a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy. It’s an exhilarating experience that offers stunning views of the green forests, free-flowing streams, and nearby settlements. This experience is not for the fainted hearts as you must walk 50 meters off the ground on an elevated trail.
Chimpanzee Trekking: You can also trek to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park has several families of chimpanzees that you can observe. Chimpanzee trekking is second to gorilla tracking in terms of exhilaration. Like the gorillas, chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives, so shrewd and dramatic. The only drawback is they are agile and arboreal, making their sighting a bit tricky. However, if you find gorilla trekking expensive then chimpanzee tracking is the best alternative. Or you can opt to do both of them on the same self-drive safari in Rwanda.
Cultural experiences: You can visit local communities to learn about the culture and traditions of the Rwandan people. You can also participate in cultural activities, such as dancing and drumming.
Hiking: Rwanda has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape. You can hike to the top of Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi for breathtaking views.
Birdwatching: Rwanda has over 700 species of birds, and birdwatching is a popular activity. You can go birdwatching in Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Remember, it’s important to follow all park rules and regulations while on a self drive safari in Rwanda.
