Top things to do in Rwanda, from gorillas to golden monkeys

When it comes to travel in Africa, Rwanda isn’t typically one of the first countries that comes to mind. However, you may be surprised at how much this small country has to offer. 

Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, impressive conservation efforts, and vibrant culture, Rwanda is home to the Big 5, iconic primates, and world-class coffee. With pristine landscapes and a progressive spirit, this destination rewards the adventurous at heart. 

Curious about Rwanda? This rising destination is celebrated as one of the cleanest in Africa, and it’s the first country in the world to have a female majority in Parliament.  

Spot the legendary Big 5, encounter rare primates, and savour top-tier coffee in a place where nature, culture, and adventure unite. Whether you seek adventure or cultural exploration, here are some top things to do in Rwanda that you’ll want to try for yourself. 

Trek to gorillas

Mountain gorilla trekking is probably the most well-known reason why people come to Rwanda. These incredible primates can be found in only three countries in the world: Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, making them one of the top things to do in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is not cheap or easy, but this once-in-a-lifetime adventure promises to inspire. Plus, this is a form of animal tourism that you can genuinely feel good about.  

In the 1970s and 80s, the population of mountain gorillas was on the brink of extinction; there were only about 250 left worldwide, mainly due to poaching and snares. However, largely thanks to Gorilla tourism and trekking, the global mountain gorilla population has surpassed 1000 and continues to grow, according to the latest consensus.  

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is permitted (so plan well in advance, as space is limited) and takes place in Volcanoes National Park. 

Spot chimpanzees in national parks

Another popular activity in Rwanda is chimpanzee trekking. Like the mountain gorillas, this primate is found in a very small part of the world, and Rwanda is one of them. You can trek for chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.  

Chimpanzee trekking is not as physically demanding as Gorilla trekking; however, chimpanzees are significantly more elusive. Unlike seeing gorillas, seeing chimpanzees is not always guaranteed. They also tend to move around and stick higher in the trees, which means you will be moving quickly on the ground below to follow them.  

Chimpanzee trekking also requires a permit; make arrangements in advance. 

See adorable golden monkeys

The last of the popular primates to spot in Rwanda are the golden monkeys. This trek is significantly easier than both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, but the reward of finding these adorable monkeys at the end is sure to be a lot of fun. Golden monkeys tend to live in large families of 60 or more members, and they are quite playful. However, taking photos can be tricky! Even though they aren’t shy and will come quite close to you, they move quickly as they swing through the trees.  

Golden monkey trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. This trek also requires a permit, which is best booked in advance, but doesn’t require as much planning as Gorillas.  

Search for the Big 5 in Akagera National Park 

When it comes to wildlife in Rwanda, primates tend to take the centre stage. However, you can also find the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) here as well. Akagera National Park is a great destination for those looking to go on safari. It was established as a national park in 1973 and is one of central Africa’s largest protected wetlands. On top of being home to the Big 5, Akagera National Park is also home to over 500 bird species and 179 butterfly species.  

Akagera National Park can be visited as a day trip from Kigali, but if you have the time, it’s better to spend a couple of days in the park itself. 

Explore Kigali 

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda and a great place to start and end your visit. With a strong focus on the environment and being green, you’ll be surprised at how clean and lush the capital is. The Genocide Memorial is a must-visit during your stay, but another focus here is women-focused businesses. These include: 

• Question Coffee, which supports female farmers in Rwanda.  
• Kweza Craft Brewery, which is women-owned. 
• Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, an NGO with a mission to provide education and training to women to improve their opportunities. This shop sells a wide range of Rwandan crafts handmade by local women, making it the perfect spot to grab souvenirs. 

Ready to plan your own Rwandan adventure? You can make an appointment online with a CAA travel consultant to help plan your trip and get travel insurance. 

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.  

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