With more than 60 species recorded within its compact borders, Rwanda is a superb bird-watching destination, and the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) is actively trying to promote this aspect of the country in addition to the well-established gorilla tourism industry. The top site is Nyungwe National Park, whose lushly forested slopes support at least 280 species, of which almost 10% are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Akagera is excellent for savannah and waterbirds, including the rare and enigmatic shoebill stork.
Hiking & Walking
In addition to gorilla tracking, Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks offer a host of options to hikers, ranging from chimpanzee-tracking to general forest walks.
Shopping
Shop for wood carvings, masks, pottery, drums, ironwork (especially spearheads), embroidery, pearl-decorated work, earthenware statues and
inangas (six-string harps). A good place to buy local crafts is the Caplaki Craft Market, which consists of more than 30 craft stalls clustered on Kivoyu Avenue near the Cercle Sportif, a short drive east of the Kigali city center. Dancing Pots is a traditional Batwa pottery workshop, where you can learn about the indigenous Pygmoid people and buy their handicrafts.
Whatever you do, don't buy any product made from ivory or gorilla parts. Trade in such items is illegal, and anything bought would be confiscated by customs if you attempted to take it home.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8-11 am and 2-6 pm.
Day By Day
Being a small country, Rwanda is easy to get around quickly, and many visitors fly in for a two- to three-night stay dedicated to gorilla tracking in the Virunga (also known as Birunga) Mountains. There is more to Rwanda than gorillas, however, and a more extended itinerary might include three to four nights in the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park, a couple of nights at one of the Lake Kivu ports (Gisenyi, Kibuye or Cyangugu), two to three nights in Nyungwe National Park, a day or two in Butare and/or Kigali, as well as a two- to three-night safari to Akagera National Park.
