Being privileged to be born and grow up in the Land of a Thousand Hills, I have been lucky to experience the thrilling eco-tourism attraction sites in Rwanda. Rwanda is the country of ecotourism, nature, and wildlife. Rwanda has volcanoes that are shrouded by mist, lakes, and rainforests that have been put into conservation, and this therefore gives their visitors an opportunity to bask in the untouched nature and at the same time gives a positive input in conservation.
In this paper, we shall unveil the 5 best ecotourism destinations in Rwanda that must be on your bucket list.
1️⃣ Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda belongs to an exclusive club of one, Volcanoes National Park, which is world-renowned because of its mountain gorilla trekking adventures. This park is located in the Mountain Virunga, it harbours the rare golden monkey and mountain gorillas. The walking journey in the bamboo forest covered with mist to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience.
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Hiking Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi
- Visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb
Conservation Impact:
The gorilla trekking permits contribute towards the community projects and conservation activities, aiding both the community and wildlife conservation.
2️⃣ Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, where bird species are more than 300, primate species are 13, and the number of medicinal plants is uncountable. It is a scenic place with hills to hike, a canopy walk, and chimpanzee treks.
Activities:
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Canopy walkway adventure
- Birdwatching tours
- Nature hiking trails
Why Visit:
Nyungwe will be a good fit for people interested in an immersive experience in nature and off-the-beaten-path destinations in beautiful, calm surroundings.
3️⃣ Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is one place to be, as far as classic African safari lovers are concerned. This savannah park consists of the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), besides hippos, crocodiles, and different kinds of antelopes.
Activities:
- Game drives
- Lake Ihema boat safaris
- Birdwatching
In Akagera, there was the case of the animal coming back home over the years due to the power of anti-poaching and the protection afforded by the local communities, who initially did nothing to protect what they saw was disappearing.
4️⃣ Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a calm oasis with an impressive view of the shoreline as well as beautiful holiday towns. The lake would suit kayaking, boat tours, and visiting coffee plantations on the surrounding islands.
Popular Towns:
- Rubavu
- Karongi
- Rusizi
The Reason It is Special:
It is the perfect place to spend time and enjoy the culture and communication with local people.
5️⃣ Gishwati-Mukura National Park
The Gishwati-Mukura park is the newest National park in Rwanda and a reforestation success story. This little yet biologically rich park is inhabited by chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and a vast array of birds.
Activities:
- Nature tours
- Primate tracking
- Birdwatching
Conservation Importance:
The park assists in reuniting the fragmented forest habitats and promotes ecotourism in the local communities.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Rwanda is not only a very beautiful country, but it is an example in life showing how tourism can integrate with conservation. Whenever I hike in our wetland forests with old trees or sail across Lake Kivu, I will tell myself why I love this country.
Visit Rwanda - experience, preserve, and belong to the story
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