Whereas most travelers to Rwanda opt for mountain gorillas, a hike to the top of any waterfall is an exceptional experience you should not miss out. The land of a thousand hills is blessed with stunning waterfalls, all situated in different locations all over the country. There are no clear words that can describe how stunning it feels but waterfall hiking is the best way to explore the natural wonders which nature has blessed Rwanda with. Waterfall hiking is mostly done as complement of gorilla tours, golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing, nature walks, bird watching and cultural visits which together make a full safari package to the land of a thousand hills. Though Rwanda has widely been known for mountain gorillas, the land of a thousand hills offers much more which has not been discovered. Despite the joy it feels, waterfall hiking takes perseverance, bravery and energy to reach the top of the falls. The waterfalls are sources of most rivers and streams, which serve as source of water for domestic use and agriculture. Waterfalls are well discovered by a nature walk, which is also an added opportunity to see birds and other animals such as the Colubus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colubuses and blue monkeys among others. Interestingly each waterfall has an exceptional history, which make it more memorable. Travelers are reminded to carry their cameras to capture the beautiful snaps for reference and memory.
Kamiranzovu waterfall
Situated in the heart of Nyungwe forest national park originating from kamiranzovu swamp, this mighty waterfall is one of Rwanda’s natural wonder you must visit. Kamiranzovu waterfall is divided into two parts one falling at roughly 50 meters with a permanent mist while the other one falls creating a pool of after. The speed at which the waterfall drops depend on the s available rainfall but it’s mostly fast due to the heavy rainfalls received in Nyungwe forest national park. The waterfall is located approximately 10 kilometers from the starting point and travelers hike through tea plantations and thick forest with slippery and muddy grounds, which make it quite strenuous to get there. All travelers must first attend a simple briefing regarding the do’s and don’t while in the forest to ensure safety and successful hike. Also, travelers are reminded to carry raincoats, sweaters and long sleeved shirts to deal with the unpredictable forest weather. Porters, walking sticks and hiking boots are very helpful to hiking. On your visit to kamiranzovu waterfall, expect to meet several wildlife such as chimpanzees, Columbus monkeys, silver monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and red tailed monkeys among others. Also, expect to spot a variety of bird species, which sing beautifully up in the trees rewarding you with memorable melodies. The beautiful dense vegetation surrounding the waterfall is best for photography.
Rusumo waterfall
Discovered in 1894 by Gustav Adolf Von Gotzen from Germany during his safari to Tanzania crossing over to Rwanda, Rusumo waterfall is situated on Rwanda Tanzania border. The waterfall is 15 meters high and 40 meters wide, with an interesting history regarding its discovery and formation. In the horrific genocide 1994, hundreds of innocent lives were drowned beneath the waterfall trying t run a way from the killers while others uses the Rusumo river Akagera Bridge to cross over to the neighboring Tanzania saving lives.
Other attractions in Rwanda include
Mountain gorillas
Inhabiting the rain forest of volcanoes national park, mountain gorillas are the key attractions for most travelers to Rwanda from different parts of the world. Rwanda is a home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation area hence the best destination to do gorilla treks in the whole world. The country comes second after Uganda, which shelters half of the world’s mountain gorillas. To ease trekking, 10 gorilla families namely Agashya group, Susa A group, Susa B group, Bwengye Group, Amahoro group, Hirwa group, Sabyinyo group, Kwitonda group, and Umubano group have been habituated all available for trekking. The cost of a single gorilla family is 1500usd fro all nationals but the experience is worth the pay. Volcanoes national park is the most accessible gorilla park located just 2 hours from Kigali international airport.
Chimpanzee trekking
This is yet another interesting activity you should not miss out on your safari to Rwanda. A visit to see chimpanzees require one to travel deep into Nyungwe forest national park in the south western province of Rwanda. Interestingly, chimpanzee trekking is done at a relatively low rate of 90usd rewarding you with memorable experience. Just like in gorilla trekking a tour to see chimpanzees start with a short briefing about the does and don’ts of trekking to ensure safety of the travelers and the chimpanzees. Trekking can start at any of the three reception centers, which are Uwinka, Gisakura and Kitabi and can done either in the main forest in the kyamudongo forest. Nyungwe forest national par is a home to over 500 chimpanzees and other 12 species, which include Columbus monkeys among others.
Kigali city tour
This is a first do as soon as you land at Kigali international airport. Being a gateway to all attractions in Rwanda, a city tour in Kigali introduces you to the beautiful and warm welcoming Rwanda. Kigali city has been recognized as the most organized, clean and modernized city in Africa, which has risen from genocide ashes that torn the city into pieces. The key areas to visit on city tour include the Kigali genocide memorial centers, Kigali convention center, presidential palace, local markets, shopping malls and different art galleries which all reward you with a memorable experience.
Canopy walk
Also done in Nyungwe forest national park, canopy walk reward you with an aerial view of the forest, wildlife, attractions in the neighboring communities and the Virunga volcanoes. Travelers hike and walk on a 50 meters high constructed bridge, which hangs crossing over the steep and deep valleys all covered with thick forests. As you take part in the canopy walk, expect to see a variety of birds crossing over you, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white Colubuses among others.
Conclusively therefore, Rwanda the land of a thousand falls offers it all to meet and exceed your travel expectations. Book a Rwanda safari to see water falls, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the Virunga volcanoes rewarding you with a memorable experience.