Wildlife Holidays in Rwanda

Wildlife in Rwanda

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.

Rwanda Wildlife Holidays

15 Days from £ 5999

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Wildlife

15 Days from £ 6539

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Wildlife

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Top 5 Rwanda Wildlife

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.

Lovely trip; I felt very well looked after. Seeing gorillas up close will stay with me for a long time, and such good sightings were unbelievable. You do need to be reasonably fit to do this trip.

Sara Johnson Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda

This was one of our best Exodus holidays. Canoeing down the Zambezi is such a wonderful experience. We saw hippos, elephants and crocodiles galore. The night sky was fantastic.
Sitting chatting around the campfire at night, and also at breakfast, was lovely.
The wildlife camping was more comfortable than I had expected. The tents are good quality, the sleeping mat is comfortable, (and doubles as cushioning on the canoe seats). A bowl of lovely hot water is provided each morning to wash with.
The meals are lovely and generous and cooked with fresh produce. A hearty cooked breakfast is a perfect start to a day on the river.

Sarah Nicholas Zambezi Canoe Safari

This safari exceeded every expectation. Exodus has created an outstanding itinerary that showcases the very best of Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining incredible wildlife encounters with comfortable lodges, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable experiences.
The wildlife viewing was simply exceptional and we were fortunate enough to witness some truly remarkable moments.
The lodges were all unique, each with its own character, but every one was comfortable, welcoming and of excellent quality. The food was good and plentiful.
We travelled with three couples and five solo travelers, and it was an absolute pleasure sharing this adventure with such wonderful people. The friendships, laughter and shared excitement added another special dimension to an already incredible experience.

Gary Battams Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari

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