Officially the Republic of Rwanda, Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa where the African Great Lake s region and Southeast Africa converge. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo. With a total surface area of 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is a home to a number of tourism destinations where lots of travelers go to watch and enjoy different attractions. Among these destinations include national parks where a number of features and species like primates, wildlife, birds, lakes and rivers can be sight. Of all the national parks in the country, Rwanda has only one wildlife park – Akagera national park where tourists go to view several animals including the African big five – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
The term “Big Five” originally referred to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa, but it has since evolved to symbolize the must-see wildlife on a safari. In Rwanda, these five iconic species are the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. After the reintroiduction of lions and rhinos in Akagera National Park, you can see the big five on a safari in Rwanda and below is detailed information about each of these animals:
Lion (Panthera leo)
Male lions are known for their impressive manes, which can range from blonde to black, while females lack a mane. Adult males typically weigh between 150-250 kg (330-550 lbs), and females weigh between 120-182 kg (265-400 lbs). Lions prefer savannahs and grasslands, where they can hunt their prey and in Rwanda, they primarily inhabit Akagera national park in which they were introduced in 2015.
Lions are social animals, living in prides that typically consist of a few males, several females, and their cubs. They are apex predators, hunting in groups to take down large prey like buffalo and antelope.
Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
African elephants are the largest land animals, with males reaching up to 6,000 kg (13,200 lbs) and standing about 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) tall at the shoulder. They have large ears that help regulate their body temperature and long trunks used for a variety of tasks, including feeding, drinking, and social interactions. Elephants thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests to open savannahs and these are mostly seen in Rwanda’s Akagera national park.
Elephants live in matriarchal family groups, led by the oldest female. They are highly intelligent and exhibit complex social behaviors, including mourning their dead.
Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
African buffalos are large, sturdy animals with a heavy build and a characteristic set of large, curved horns. Adults can weigh between 500-900 kg (1,100-2,000 lbs). They are adaptable animals, living in various habitats including savannahs, woodlands, and forests like Rwanda’s Akagera national park.
Buffalo are known for their unpredictable nature and can be very dangerous when threatened. They live in large herds, which can number in the hundreds, providing them with protection from predators.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Leopards are known for their striking spotted coats, which provide excellent camouflage. They are smaller than lions, with males weighing between 30-90 kg (66-198 lbs) and females between 20-60 kg (44-132 lbs). Leopards are highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of environments, from forests to savannahs. In Rwanda, they are primarily found in Akagera National Park, but they are elusive and difficult to spot.
Behaviors of leopards
Leopards are solitary and nocturnal, often hunting at night. They are strong climbers and often drag their prey into trees to keep it safe from scavengers.
Rhinoceros
Species in Rwanda: Both the Eastern Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and the Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) are found in Rwanda in which they were re-introduced in 2017 (black rhinos and then white rhinos in 2019).
Physical Characteristics of the species.
Black Rhino: These are smaller and more aggressive, with a hooked upper lip adapted for browsing. Adults weigh between 800-1,400 kg (1,760-3,080 lbs).
White Rhino: These larger and more placid, with a square-shaped lip adapted for grazing. Adults can weigh up to 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs).
Both species typically live in savannahs and grasslands and in Rwanda, they can be seen in Rwanda.
Rhino species behaviors
Rhinos are generally solitary, except for mothers with calves. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing. They are herbivores, with diets that vary depending on the species (browsers vs. grazers).
The best ways to experience the big five animal rewards in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park
The Big Five rewards in Rwanda can be experienced through a variety of activities, allowing visitors to see many of the country’s hidden beauties. The park offers a variety of activities to observe the Big Five and among these include;
Game drive
Akagera national park offers amazing game drives at different times of the day including morning, afternoon and evening game drive. In the morning game drive, you get a chance of seeing the park’s early risers including impala, topi, bushbuck, and many species of antelope. You will also see elephants grazing with their young on the savanna plains, buffalo, and rhinos. During the night game drive, you can see predators such as lions and leopards up close, as well as bat-eared foxes and hyenas stalking their prey during the night game drive.
Boat Cruises
Boat cruises in the park offer the chance to see elephants and buffalo quenching their thirst by the river, rhinos grazing in the park’s grasslands, leopards and lions hiding in the low shrubs waiting for their prey and sunsets during the cruise.
Other activities, such as sport fishing on Lake Ihema and nature walks in the park, allow visitors to see the big five animal rewards.
In conclusion, Rwanda has made significant strategies in wildlife conservation, particularly in Akagera national park. Book your Rwanda safari today with Primate Safari Experiences for the perfect wildlife viewing.
