Wilderness Safaris in Rwanda and Congo
Wilderness Safaris in Rwanda and Congo: Wilderness safaris to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rank among the most genuine and thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa. The two adjacent countries are located in the Albertine Rift, which is one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. Endangered primates, rare mammals, and hundreds of bird species find sanctuary in the dense tropical forests, mist-covered mountains, crater lakes, and remote valleys.
One of the most attractive features of doing a wilderness safari in these countries is that the experience is less populated and more in, depth than the traditional savannah safari. Walking through the forest, climbing up volcanic slopes, and visiting barely accessible national parks are among the activities that make such a safari a thrilling and highly natural, connected experience.
Wilderness Safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda is well known for its thoroughly planned, secure, and conservation-oriented safari holidays. Being a tiny country, it still manages to provide a diverse range of wilderness experiences spread across its national parks.
Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trekking
The most memorable experience during a Rwanda wilderness safari is mountain gorilla hiking in Volcanoes National Park. Going through thick bamboo forests and volcanic, covered landscapes to see gorilla families in their natural habitat is a unique experience. The tough terrain and the cool climate of the park’s mountains make it even more attractive and wild.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest in Rwanda is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa and offers a great wilderness adventure. People who go there can see chimpanzees in their natural setting, check out more than 13 different primates, and take a walk along the well-known canopy bridge hanging high above the forest. Besides, the park is a rich source of different species of birds, butterflies, and rare plants.
Akagera National Park
Akagera is a great place to have a classic savannah safari experience. It is situated in eastern Rwanda and is the habitat of the “Big Five” animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s diverse landscape through game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and guided nature walks. These activities provide opportunities to see the park’s open plains, lakes, and wetlands.
Wilderness Safaris in Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers raw, off-the-beaten-track wilderness safaris for the intrepid traveller. Its vast size and unpopulated plains harbour some of Africa’s most pristine wildlife.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in Africa and also one of the most magnificent natural habitats on the continent. It is world, renowned for its mountain gorillas, the presence of active volcanoes, and the different ecosystems that range from glaciers to savannahs. Trekking gorillas at Virunga is less crowded compared to Rwanda, thus you get to have a more secluded and wild adventure.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
It’s situated in the eastern part of Congo and is home to the eastern lowland gorilla, which is even bigger than the mountain gorilla. Trekking through this park takes visitors right into the dense rainforest, a very rare opportunity to be in a very wild environment and see unique primates.
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano
If you want one of Congo’s most dramatic wilderness adventures, consider a trip up Mount Nyiragongo, which is a volcano with one of the world’s largest lava lakes. It is an unforgettable safari experience to spend the night hiking to the summit with the magnificent views of the glowing lava and the landscapes around.
Wilderness safaris in Rwanda and Congo
Wilderness safaris in Rwanda and Congo offer an encounter with rare and legendary animals such as;
- Mountain and lowland gorillas
- Chimpanzees and golden monkeys
- Forest elephants and buffaloes
- Leopards and other predators
- Antelopes, duikers, and forest hogs
- Over 700 bird species in Rwanda, and hundreds of bird species in Congo
These animals inhabit intricate ecosystems that hardly ever get disturbed by human activities. The experiences of seeing these creatures are real and exciting.
Adventure and Cultural Experiences
There is much more to safari in Rwanda and Congo besides the wildlife. These two countries offer a great mix of wild adventures such as hiking, climbing volcanoes, birdwatching, kayaking, and visiting local communities. Tourists can discover the culture, the traditional ways of life, and the conservation efforts that are very beneficial to both the people and the animals.
In Congo, meeting the locals around Virunga and Nyiragongo gives one an idea of how they have managed to hold on to their culture and maintain a resilient spirit in such isolated areas. Also in Rwanda, such cultural villages as Musanze, Ruhengeri, and Kinigi that are adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, provide opportunities to enjoy traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Best Time for Wilderness Safaris
The ideal time for wilderness safaris in Rwanda and Congo is the dry seasons, that is, from June to September and December to February. In these months, paths are less muddy, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Besides, the weather is great for trekking. Still, the rainforests stay green and fresh throughout the year, and it is possible to go gorilla trekking in any season.
Wilderness safari in Rwanda and Congo is basically a dream come true to discover Africa’s one of the most virgin areas, and not much human contact with wildlife in their natural habitats. The safaris will be an indelible memory for you from watching gorillas on a trek through the foggy mountain, walking in the ancient forest, climbing an active volcano, and finding hidden savannahs.
Rwanda and Congo are undoubtedly some of the most thrilling wilderness places in Africa for adventure, authenticity, and nature lovers who want to have a deep connection with Mother Nature.
