Affectionately coined “the Land of a Thousand Hills” thanks to its endless mountainous landscapes, Rwanda also conceals stunning inland beaches, lush bamboo forests and the cosmopolitan capital city of Kigali. But one of the main reasons why people from all over the world come to visit this beautiful country is to witness the wildlife in Rwanda.
Found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world’s largest band of mountain gorillas. Watching these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat is a humbling experience and one you’ll never forget. A close up encounter with gorillas and Rwanda wildlife is like nothing else on earth and it’s worth every step of the high-altitude trek to see them.
Gorillas & Masai Mara is one of our most popular Rwanda wildlife holidays as it takes you deep into the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to go in search of these incredible primates. You’ll also explore the immense Masai Mara, where animals such as lions, wildebeest and cheetahs can be spotted roaming the African savannah. If you’re a lover of birds, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a wide variety of species as well as a large population of White and Black rhinos.
As well as exploring the Masai Mara, our Rwanda wildlife holidays take you on several game drives through two national parks, including Lake Nakuru and Queen Elizabeth, where you’ll see elephants, buffalo, hippos and leopards in the wild. That first moment when you first spot the wildlife in Rwanda is indescribable and an experience you’ll remember forever.
Gorillas: Rwanda’s volcanoes are a natural habitat for the mountain gorilla with around a third of the country’s population found here. The gorilla is one of the most significant species of wild animals in Rwanda but sadly they have become endangered in more recent years. There are two different species of gorilla: the mountain gorilla and Grauer’s gorillas. One of the best places to see these majestic animals is at Volcanoes National Park which lies in north-western Rwanda. The park covers approximately 160k of rainforest and plays host to eight volcanoes.
Elephants: There are various species of elephant found in Rwanda, mainly in Akagera National Park where there are believed to be 100 living at this present time, although the population is on the increase. Unfortunately poaching is still a huge threat to these beautiful animals but there are ongoing conservation projects in place to protect the species. The African savanna elephant is the largest of the species and an adult male can weigh up to a staggering 10 tonnes. Surprisingly their prehensile trunks are extremely strong and can lift almost 3% of their own body weight.
Lions: Prior to the Rwandan Civil War in 1994, lions were in abundance. However, many were sadly killed during the conflict and there are believed to be just 25 remaining in Rwanda. The majority of the lions are now protected in Akagera National Park, and it’s thought that some may have arrived from Tanzania. During a major conservation project, seven lions were donated by two national parks in South Africa to increase the population in Rwanda.
Antelope: Native to Africa, there are several species of antelope found in Rwanda, mainly in Akagera National Park, which stands in the east of the country. While impalas, duikers and klipspringers have made the park their home, the more common roan antelopes are often found in woodlands and savannah grasslands. The roan is one of the continent’s largest hooved animals, only outsized by the eland and African buffalo. Easily recognised by its reddish-brown colour, the roan is the most familiar species to anyone embarking on a wildlife tour of Akagera National Park.
Guereza: Probably the least recognisable of all the above Rwandan wildlife, the Guereza is a small black and white monkey found in African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Nigeria. The beautiful mantled species has a long silky white fringe, and its natural habitat is that of savannah woodland, swamps and rivers where there are plenty of trees to feed off.
This trip truly lives up to its name and was an unforgettable way to experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. From lush rainforests and wildlife-rich national parks to volcanic landscapes and the coast, the itinerary felt perfectly balanced and thoughtfully paced, with each destination offering something new and exciting.
One of the real highlights was the wildlife. Seeing animals in their natural habitat was a daily occurrence, made even more special by the expertise of our local leader. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to spot wildlife we would otherwise have missed added huge value to the experience and brought the landscapes to life.
The trip also offered a great mix of guided walks, scenic drives and time to simply take in the surroundings, making it feel immersive without ever being rushed. Early starts were well worth it for the rewarding wildlife encounters and peaceful moments in nature.
Overall, this adventure is ideal for anyone wanting to explore Costa Rica’s natural highlights in depth, with the reassurance of excellent organisation and an outstanding local leader. A truly memorable journey through one of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries.
This truly is an excellent trip, and way to see beautiful Sri Lanka at a good pace. You cover so much in 2 weeks, and every day is different with sightseeing, walking, cycling, wildlife – there really is something for everyone. Sri Lanka is a fantastic country with wonderfully welcoming people.
This trip really makes you feel you are benefitting the local communities that you are interacting with – spending time with local families, playing traditional games and getting a deeper understanding day-to-day life and traditions. You get a better understanding for the tougher and sadder side of the history of the country, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the joyful people who live there. It really is a wonderful trip, made better by a great group and leader!
This is a very varied trip from the beautiful buildings in Quito to the unique Galápagos Islands. Heights of Cotopaxi to Amazon jungle. It is challenging at times especially on the Amazon jungle walk, this was not an easy stroll through a path in the jungle it was at times very steep and very slippery. Well worth it though to then enjoy the visit to AmaZoonico.
Boat journeys between the Galapagos islands are long especially between San Cristóbal and Floriana. I personally saw no enhancement to the trip in stopping at this island and would have preferred more time on Isabella. Due to boat times there was no real free time to explore this lovely village.
Trip notes are pretty inaccurate and need an overhaul especially the first week.
