In the Footsteps of Tusk – Rwanda
Known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is famous for its magnificent mountain gorillas that live in the forests of Volcanoes National Park. Home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population in the North West, Rwanda's lesser known lake side savannahs in the East and primate rich forests in the South West makes for a multi layered safari experience, unique to Rwanda.
Day 1
Kigali
The Rwandan capital, Kigali, is a wonderfully vibrant city with open markets and bustling streets, full of colour. Before venturing into the beautiful countryside of Rwanda, a visit to the Genocide Memorial is a poignant reminder of how far this country has come since 1994 and the end of its civil war. ©Marja Kumpulainen
Day 2 - 5
Akagera National Park
3 hours from Kigali, Akagera National Park is one of few virgin safari territories in East Africa. Encompassing 1,122sq kms of grassy lowland mountains, acacia woodland, savannah plains and papyrus swamps, this is an ideal habitat for a wide and flourishing wildlife population, including the Big Five. ©Wilderness.
Day 6 - 9
Nyungwe National Park
In the southwest lies Nyungwe National Park, with ancient montane rainforest neighbouring rich tea plantations. A prime habitat for charismatic chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, many of them rare including: mona, silver, secretive owl-faced colobus and L’Hoest’s. Explore the butterfly lined jungle trails on foot, bike the higher paths or step onto the canopy walk spanning the treetops. ©O&O Nyungwe
Day 10 - 13
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a cumulative success story of the protection and rehabilitation of mountain gorilla, to which Dian Fossey dedicated her life. The demanding hike to the gorillas provides great rewards and, if you you are keen for more walking, there is the opportunity to go in search of the elusive golden monkey, one of the most endangered primates in Africa. ©Volcanoes Safaris
Tusk Impact
Tusk supports The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association whose mission is “To provide sustainable solutions to critical wildlife conservation issues in Rwanda and the East African region using a holistic and multi-disciplinary, One Health Approach.” Dr. Olivier Nsengimana Founder & Executive Director, RWCA. Throughout your journey in Rwanda, you will come across areas that are benefiting from the donations from Tusk.
Kigali
In 1999, the City of Kigali provided land for a place of remembrance and where victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi could receive a dignified burial. Today the memorial serves as the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the genocide.
Akagera NP
4×4 safari through the Savannah, home to the Big 5 and 520 bird species.
Stay
Its all about the location, with views over Lake Rwanyakazinga you should always keep your binoculars nearby… © Wilderness
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Boating on the lake is a fun way to gain a different perspective of the National Park and it’s resident wildlife. The lake is also great for fishing between March – October.
Conservation
Akagera is home to the prehistoric looking shoebill. Very few in number, only 2 were spotted in a Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association survey in 2020, highlighting the essential need to protect the marshes in the North West of the park where they nest and live. Donations from Tusk to RWCA help support this project. This is a grass roots project and, whilst the chances of spotting these birds are low at the moment, in the future, with support of RWCA and Tusk, their numbers will strengthen.
Nyungwe
A forest of discovery with beautiful flora and fauna, silky waterfalls and ever busy primates and bird life.
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Hike: Follow colourful orchid trails frequented by butterflies through the Afromontane forests, bamboo thickets, open woodlands and hidden waterfalls. Exploring the Nyungwe Forest trails on foot with an expert flora and fauna guide is a masterclass in appreciating the natural world. ©O&O Nyungwe
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60-metres high up on the canopy walk in Nyungwe forest ©O&O Nyungwe
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Colobus monkeys, one of the 12 primates to be spotted whilst in the Nyungwe Forest. ©O&O Nyungwe
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Al fresco dining overlooking the Nyungwe Forest. ©O&O Nyungwe
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From Crop to Cup: Tea grows well in the Nyungwe region and is a precious commodity in the local area, providing an integral form of income to the local community. Join one of the team to learn about the processes taken to produce a fine cup of Rwandan tea. ©O&O Nyungwe
Virunga
Mountains, forests, lakes. A place of true beauty ©Volcanoes Safaris
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Led by your expert guide, hiking through the Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas can be challenging. ©Volcanoes Safaris
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But worth the hard work. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, so spending time with them for an hour is a privilege that must be undertaken in a sustainable, ethical way.
Culture
Intore dancers in their finery showcase a traditional Rwandan dance with colour, passion and flare!
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