8 Breathtaking Natural Landscapes in Rwanda

Rwanda, sometimes known as the land of a thousand hills, is among the most amazing safari locations on the African continent and worldwide; this beautiful nation consists of peaceful, calm lakes, clean, winding roads, volcanic landscapes and unceasingly green hills. Here are the eight amazing natural settings in Rwanda for visitors drawn in by nature and photography.

1.Lake Kivu:

Situated between Congo (Kinshasa) to the west and Rwanda to the east, Lake Kivu also known as Lac Kivu in French is one of the major lakes of East Africa and Rwanda. Comprising 1,040 square miles, the lake is 30 miles wide east to west and 55 miles long north to south.

With a depth of 722 feet and drops to a maximum of 1,558 feet, Lake Kivu is also regarded as the sixth biggest lake in Africa. Lake Kivu boasts a rugged, rough coast and several islands, of which Idjwi is the largest.

On a Rwanda safari, visiting Lake Kivu will allow you to see local fisherman rowing their way out of tiny settlements every evening singing traditional Rwandese tunes and songs. You will also see many birds like cormorants soaring across the coast. Among the several towns dotting Lake Kivu in Rwanda are Gisenyi and Kibuye, the largest and most well-known towns attracting both local and foreign visitors.

2.Akagera national park

The only savannah national park in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera national park is also the biggest protected weland and the sole remaining refuge for savannah – adapted species in Rwanda.

Named for the Kagera River, which runs eastward from Tanzania into Lake Ihema and several minor lakes located in and around Akagera national park, The park preserves an Africa Savannah scene featuring hills and mountains, marshy lakes, acacia and bush with areas of open grassland.

Apart from the amazing scenery, Akagera national park is the only one in Rwanda where the Big Five (lion, leopards, cape buffaloes, rhinos and elephants) can be found; other animals found in the park include several antelopes like bushbucks, Topis, Oribis, water buck, roan antelope, duiker, klipspringer, impala and the world largest antelope. Shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plower, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter, Long-toed and Water Thick-knee among others are just a few of the over 500 bird species found in Akagera national park.

3.Lake Burera

Located in northwest Rwanda at the border with Uganda, Lake Burera is among the most beautiful sites in Rwanda and in the surrounding countries. Covering an area of 55 square kilometers, Lake Burera is the second largest lake in Rwanda; it drains via Ntaruka stream from north East of its twin Lake Ruhondo, bordered on the southern slopes of Mount Muhavura.

With the Muhabura volcano creating a stunning lakeside backdrop and magnificent slopes precisely melting into glistening clean water, Lake Burera is a picture-perfect location 8 Breathtaking Natural Landscapes in Rwanda.

4.Mount Sabinyo

One of the several volcanoes in Rwanda within the Virunga Mountain range is Mount Sabinyo; the name of this volcano comes from the Kinyarwanda word “Iryinyo,” meaning tooth. Rising east of Lake Kivu on one of the African Great Lakes and west of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, Mount Sabinyo is the oldest volcano in the Virunga range.

Mount Sabinyo is 12,037 feet tall, and its slopes support other forest antelopes, elephants, Cape bufaaloes, and endangered mountain gorillas.

Mount Sabinyo is the meeting point of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s boundaries and from the top of the volcano you may enjoy views of three nations.

5.Mount Kigali

Mount Kigali is a striking sight in Rwanda; it is more of a hill than a mountain with stone heaps. Mount Kigali is located at the base of the Kigali International airport in Kigali City in the Nyamirambo area and views parts of the city.

6.Lake Muhazi

Situated in Eastern province with the western end forming the border between the Northern and Kigali Provinces, Lake Muhazi is a stunning long thin shallow lake east of Rwanda and just a short drive from Kigali City. Lake Muhazi’s lake side is a treat since various pubs and eateries along there provide local brochettes, grilled seafood and cold beverages.

7.National Park for Volcanoes

Renowned for its stunning scenery and home to the threatened mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is one of the most well-known safari locations in Rwanda. The park protects the biggest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area.

Situated in the extreme northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of Virunga volcano range across a 160-kilometer area. The park offers broad, panoramic vistas of volcanoes together with bamboo woods. Named for the sequence of dormant volcanoes comprising the Virunga Massif, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, Volcanoes National Park

Apart from over 200 species of vibrant birds and the unusual golden monkeys, Volcanoes National Park boasts a large population of threatened mountain gorillas with groups accessible for gorilla tracking activities.

8.Nyungwe National Parks

Located in Southwestern Rwanda on the border with Burundi, Nyungwe Forest is continuous with the Kibira national park to the south, Lake Kivu and Demcoratic Republic of the Congo. Arguably one of the best maintained montane rainforest in central Africa, Nyungwe National Park

Large numbers of chimpanzees and other primates include Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkets, silver monkeu, golden monkey, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon call Nyungwe national park, sometimes known as Nyungwe Forest home.

Above the dense forests of Nyungwe, Nyungwe national park features a canopy walk suspension bridge where one may enjoy breathtaking views of the thick forest and get great images.