What Other Wildlife Can I See Besides Gorillas in Rwanda?

Rwanda is globally renowned for its unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Every year, thousands of travelers visit the “Land of a Thousand Hills” to come face-to-face with these gentle giants. However, gorillas are just one part of Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity. The country is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to sprawling savannahs and tranquil wetlands, each supporting an impressive variety of wildlife.

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure with Kamere Tours, consider extending your itinerary to discover Rwanda’s other incredible wildlife. From the Big Five and chimpanzees to rare primates and over 700 bird species, Rwanda offers an unforgettable safari experience beyond gorilla trekking.

The Big Five in Akagera National Park

For travelers hoping to experience Africa’s famous Big Five, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier safari destination. Located in the country’s eastern region, the park features vast savannah plains, rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands that support a rich diversity of wildlife.

Today, visitors can spot all of the Big Five:

Lions
Elephants
Buffaloes
Leopards
Rhinos

The successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos has transformed Akagera into one of East Africa’s conservation success stories. Morning and evening game drives provide excellent opportunities to encounter these iconic animals alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species.

Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park

While Uganda is famous for chimpanzee trekking, Rwanda also offers exceptional chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe National Park.

This ancient montane rainforest is home to around 500 chimpanzees and is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse forests. Guided chimpanzee tracking allows visitors to observe these intelligent primates as they swing through the canopy, communicate with one another, and forage for food.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is often less crowded than other destinations, making it an excellent addition to a Rwanda safari.

Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

After gorilla trekking, many visitors choose to track another fascinating primate, the endangered golden monkey.

Found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys are energetic, playful, and incredibly photogenic. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking generally involves shorter hikes and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

Combining gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking creates a rewarding primate-focused adventure.

Giraffes and Zebras

Akagera National Park is also home to healthy populations of:

Masai giraffes
Plains zebras

These graceful animals roam the open grasslands and are commonly seen during game drives. Their presence contributes to the park’s classic African safari atmosphere.

Hippos and Nile Crocodiles

The lakes within Akagera National Park, especially Lake Ihema, host large numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

A boat safari on Lake Ihema offers close views of these aquatic giants while providing opportunities to observe elephants, buffaloes, and antelope visiting the shoreline to drink.

Boat cruises are particularly popular with photographers due to the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Antelope Species

Rwanda’s national parks protect several antelope species, including:

Topi
Eland
Waterbuck
Impala
Bushbuck
Oribi
Defassa waterbuck

Most of these animals are commonly found in Akagera National Park, where they play an important role in maintaining the savannah ecosystem.

Primates Beyond Gorillas

Rwanda is a paradise for primate enthusiasts.

In addition to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, visitors may encounter:

Black-and-white colobus monkeys
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Blue monkeys
Owl-faced monkeys
Grey-cheeked mangabeys
Vervet monkeys

Many of these species inhabit Nyungwe National Park, making it one of Africa’s top primate destinations with 13 recorded primate species.

Birdwatching in Rwanda

Although Rwanda is relatively small, it boasts over 700 bird species, making it a rewarding destination for bird lovers.

Top birding locations include:

Akagera National Park

Known for savannah birds, waterbirds, and raptors.

Nyungwe National Park

Excellent for Albertine Rift endemic bird species and forest birds.

Volcanoes National Park

Offers opportunities to spot high-altitude forest birds unique to the Virunga Mountains.

Some of Rwanda’s sought-after bird species include:

Great blue turaco
Handsome francolin
Rwenzori turaco
Red-collared mountain babbler
African fish eagle
Grey crowned crane

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply enjoy nature, Rwanda’s birdlife adds another dimension to any safari.

Scenic Landscapes and Wildlife Experiences

One of Rwanda’s greatest strengths is the variety of experiences visitors can enjoy within a relatively short travel distance.

In just one trip, you can:

Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park.
Enjoy a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Track golden monkeys.
Experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk.
Visit local communities and cultural villages.

This diversity makes Rwanda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.

Why Choose Kamere Tours for Your Rwanda Safari?

At Kamere Tours, we specialize in creating personalized Rwanda safari experiences tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.

Our services include:

Gorilla permit reservations
Golden monkey permits
Chimpanzee trekking arrangements
Akagera wildlife safaris
Airport transfers from Kigali International Airport
Luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation bookings
Private safari vehicles with experienced guides
Combined Uganda and Rwanda safari packages

Whether you’re visiting Rwanda solely for gorilla trekking or planning a complete wildlife adventure, our experienced team ensures every detail is professionally arranged.

While mountain gorillas remain Rwanda’s most famous attraction, they are only the beginning of what this beautiful country has to offer. From the Big Five in Akagera National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest to golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and spectacular birdlife across the country, Rwanda delivers an exceptional wildlife experience for every traveler.

With Kamere Tours, you can combine these incredible attractions into one seamless itinerary. We’ll help you secure permits, organize transportation, recommend the best accommodations, and create a safari that showcases the very best of Rwanda.

Contact Kamere Tours (CLICK HERE) today to start planning your unforgettable Rwanda wildlife adventure.