Things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to over 14 species of primates, including one of the human’s closest living relatives, ‘chimpanzees’, L’hoest monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys to name but a few.  Not to miss are the ‘big 4 primates’

Chimpanzees have over 90% of their genetic make-up shared with human beings, making the trek a fascinating wildlife experience. Roaming in small groups, with distinctive calls and drumming against the tree buttresses to communicate, they are heard way before the real sighting.  Rwanda is home to over 500 individuals!

Commonly referred to as ‘Rwenzori colobus, the sighting of these attractive monkeys in Rwanda is purely fabulous. Nyungwe national park is proudly home to these little primates, living in sizeable groups, including one of the habituated troops numbering more than 200 individuals

Rwanda is one of Africa’s most rewarding bird destinations, with over 1,450 bird species (of which 27 are Albertine Rift endemics), mainly residents of the three important bird areas namely Volcanoes national park (178 species), Akagera national park (+ 500 species) and Nyungwe national park (+ 310 species). The migrant bird season is from December till February.  Notable species include elusive and much sought after shoebill stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Bennett’s Woodpecker, purple –breasted sunbird, Archer’s Ground Robin, Dusky Crimsonwing and many more. Ikaze Rwanda expert bird guides are ready for this activity throughout the year.

Ikaze Rwanda arranges tea tours across various places in Rwanda. The fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate create ideal growing conditions for Rwanda to produce some of the finest teas in the world. Hiking within tea plantations in areas around Gisovu, Gisakura and Nyungwe guarantees you rare views and there, you learn first hand how tea leaves are harvested, processed and up until you test on the cup of fresh tea.

The ‘little primates of Virunga’ listed on the red list of endangered species by International Union of Conservation of Nature are striking primates found in Rwanda’s volcanoes park living in large and well-habituated groups. Spotted by their bright orange-gold fur color, the visit to the golden monkeys’ reserves superb sighting and is a perfect way to acclimatize with a gorilla day.

This 227km (141 miles) trail stretching the Kivu belt, a lakeside corridor starting in Rubavu, continues through Rutsiro via Karongi and Nyamasheke districts and ends at Rusizi. The trail is of exquisite landscapes, which include rolling hills and clear waters. The whole hike takes up to ten days. However, different sections of the trail can be completed for visitors with less time at their disposal. Biking the trail takes approximately five days while three days suffice for driving along the circuit in 4×4 vehicles.

Rwanda has got a rich cave system, most of them formed over centuries as a result of a volcanic activity. For instance, Musanze caves, 1.25 mile long series of cave formation and the walk takes around one hour.