Are There Other Wildlife to See During the Trek in Rwanda?

Are There Other Wildlife to See During the Trek in Rwanda? Rwanda is well known for its mountain gorillas, which are the primary attraction in parks like Volcanoes National Park. However, there is much more to discover beyond these magnificent creatures. Rwanda’s parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera National Park, are home to a diverse range of wildlife that will thrill nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From golden monkeys and chimpanzees to a variety of bird species and other fascinating animals, Rwanda offers a wide array of wildlife to spot during your treks.

This article explores the other wildlife you can encounter while trekking in Rwanda, whether you’re exploring the dense rainforests of Nyungwe or the lush, mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park. For those planning a gorilla trekking adventure, it’s important to know that the experience can extend beyond just seeing the gorillas. Rwanda’s parks are rich ecosystems that offer ample opportunities for observing a variety of wildlife.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife watcher or a first-time visitor, trekking through Rwanda’s national parks promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable wildlife you may encounter while trekking in Rwanda.

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Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park: Beyond Gorillas

Volcanoes National Park is best known for its mountain gorillas, but the park is home to several other fascinating species. The park’s diverse habitats, which include bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic slopes, are ideal for various animals, birds, and plant life. During your gorilla trekking adventure, you may come across several other wildlife species.

Golden Monkeys

One of the most notable animals you might encounter while trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the golden monkey. These beautiful monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their striking orange and black fur. Golden monkey trekking is a popular alternative for visitors who want to experience Rwanda’s wildlife beyond gorillas.

Golden monkeys are generally found in the bamboo forests of the park, where they live in groups of 30 to 50 individuals. These monkeys are highly active, playful, and curious, making for an exciting wildlife experience. During a golden monkey trek, you will have the opportunity to watch them play, climb, and feed, which is a fantastic opportunity for photography.

Other Primate Species

In addition to the golden monkeys, Volcanoes National Park is home to several other primates. The L’Hoest’s monkey, a rare species found only in the Albertine Rift region, also resides in the park. These monkeys are shy and elusive, so spotting them may require a bit of luck, but it’s certainly possible during your trek.

You may also encounter baboons, although they are more commonly found at the park’s lower altitudes. These large primates are not as commonly seen as gorillas but are still an exciting addition to your wildlife viewing experience.

Birdlife

Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for birdwatchers. The park’s varied ecosystems, including montane forests, bamboo zones, and volcanic slopes, provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species. You might spot species like the Rwenzori turaco, Giant Forest Hog, and Black-headed oriole.

Birdwatching can be an additional highlight to your gorilla trek, especially for those interested in seeing Rwanda’s unique and diverse bird species. The park is also home to several endemic bird species, including some that are found nowhere else in the world.

Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park: A Rainforest Treasure

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is another wildlife hotspot, but it offers a very different experience compared to Volcanoes. Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and it is teeming with biodiversity. Its rich, tropical environment is perfect for numerous species of primates, birds, and other animals.

Chimpanzees

Nyungwe is one of the best places in Rwanda to go chimpanzee tracking. Unlike Volcanoes National Park, which is focused on mountain gorillas, Nyungwe offers the chance to track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. These intelligent and social primates live in large communities and are often found in the park’s dense forests. The trek to see the chimpanzees can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on where the chimps are located on the day of your visit.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is a thrilling experience. Watching chimps communicate, forage, and interact with each other in the wild is truly a unique opportunity. Nyungwe is one of the few places where you can encounter these creatures in the wild, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

Colobus Monkeys

Nyungwe Forest is also famous for its large population of black-and-white colobus monkeys. These monkeys are known for their striking appearance, with long, white tails and black fur. The colobus monkeys live in large troops and are often seen moving through the treetops in search of food. They are an iconic species in the park, and their playful and energetic behavior makes them a delight to watch during your trek.

You may also encounter other species of monkeys such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, and Grey-cheeked mangabeys. These primates contribute to the park’s status as a primate haven, and encountering them in the wild is an extraordinary experience.

Birdlife in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park boasts more than 300 species of birds, some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Species like the Rwanda mountain-buzzard, blue-headed coucal, and Great Blue Turaco can be spotted during guided birdwatching excursions.

Many of these bird species are difficult to find elsewhere in the world, making Nyungwe an attractive destination for avid birdwatchers. The park’s dense canopy and unique ecosystems provide perfect conditions for spotting a diverse range of bird species, adding an extra layer of excitement to your trekking adventure.

Other Wildlife in Nyungwe

In addition to primates and birds, Nyungwe is also home to a variety of other animals. For example, the park hosts several species of forest antelope, including the bushbuck and duiker, which are often seen in the undergrowth or along the park’s trails. The park also houses a number of small mammals, including wild cats like the African golden cat and the side-striped jackal, although sightings of these elusive creatures are rare.

Nyungwe’s canopy walk offers a unique perspective on the forest, allowing visitors to spot wildlife from above, including birds, monkeys, and other creatures that make the forest their home.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park: A Different Kind of Trekking

While Volcanoes and Nyungwe are known for their forest treks, Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda, offers a completely different wildlife experience. Akagera is a savannah park, home to the Big Five animals: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Although Akagera isn’t a typical trekking destination like Volcanoes and Nyungwe, you can explore the park on game drives, where you can see herds of animals and spot predators in action.

Conclusion: A Diverse Wildlife Experience in Rwanda

Rwanda’s national parks offer far more than just gorilla trekking. While Volcanoes National Park is famous for its gorillas and golden monkeys, it is also home to a wide variety of other species, including birds, other primates, and even forest elephants. Nyungwe Forest provides an immersive experience in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, where you can track chimpanzees, observe colobus monkeys, and enjoy world-class birdwatching. Akagera National Park adds a completely different dimension with its savannah ecosystem, providing opportunities to see Africa’s iconic wildlife in a more open, grassland environment.

Whether you’re trekking to see the gorillas, observing the primates in Nyungwe, or exploring the rich birdlife, Rwanda’s diverse wildlife offers something for every adventurer. So, when planning your trek in Rwanda, rest assured that you will encounter much more than just gorillas. The country’s rich ecosystems promise a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.