The Big 5 in Rwanda: wildlife in well-protected nature

The Big 5 in Rwanda: wildlife in well-protected nature

Rwanda is one of the countries where the Big 5 are increasingly being spotted again, especially in Akagera National Park. Lions and rhinos have been reintroduced here, whilst elephants and buffalo have been present for a longer time. Spotting wildlife in Rwanda is controlled and small-scale, with a strong focus on nature conservation. In addition, the country is famous for gorillas and chimpanzees, making Rwanda one of the most versatile wildlife destinations in Africa.

Akagera National Park: The stage for the Big 5

If you want to see the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo) in Rwanda, you need to be in the east of the country. This is where Akagera National Park is located. This park is unique because it features a completely different landscape to the rest of Rwanda. Where the west consists of high mountains and rainforests, here you will find savannahs, open plains, swamps, and dozens of lakes.

Akagera is one of the oldest parks in Africa and is the largest protected wetland area in Central Africa. The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. It is not flat and barren, but green and hilly, with sweeping views over the lakes that form the border with Tanzania. It is the only place in the country where you can go on a classic safari.

Safari by boat and car (and sometimes bicycle)

In Akagera, you experience wildlife in various ways. The classic game drive (by car) is the best way to search for the Big 5, as you cover large distances and sit safely near predators.

But do not forget the boat safari on Lake Ihema. Here you won’t see the Big 5 (except for drinking elephants), but you will see enormous numbers of hippos and crocodiles. And for the active traveller: in the buffer zones around the park and specific parts of the park, it is sometimes possible to cycle under supervision. This adds a completely different dimension to the nature experience, where you spot zebras and impalas from the saddle.

Tourism benefiting the community in Rwanda

Nature conservation only works if the local population also benefits from it. Rwanda is a pioneer in this. A fixed percentage of park entrance fees flows directly back to the communities surrounding the parks. This is used to build schools, roads, and health centres.

Furthermore, poaching has decreased enormously because former poachers now often work as rangers or guides. As a traveller, you notice this in the atmosphere. The people are proud of their parks and their animals. You are visiting a country where tourism is used as a force for positive change.

More than the Big 5 in Rwanda: Unique primates

What sets Rwanda apart from other safari destinations is that you can combine the Big 5 with primates. Within a radius of a few hundred kilometres, you will find completely different worlds.

• Gorillas: In the northwest (Volcanoes National Park), you come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas.

• Chimpanzees: In the south (Nyungwe Forest), you search for chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

This combination makes Rwanda unique. You can cycle past tea plantations in the morning, visit gorillas the next day, and conclude your trip with a safari amongst lions and elephants.