Wildlife
Mountain gorilla. These large, endangered primates live in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif. Although they can measure up to 2 m in height and weigh almost 200 kg, they are peaceful herbivores. Extremely sociable, they live in small groups consisting of a dominant silver-backed male, three or four females and several young, from babies to teenagers. In their natural habitat, gorillas can live up to 50 years.
Chimpanzee. The chimpanzee is a primate of the hominid family, closely related to humans. It can stand up to 1.70 m tall. Rwanda's chimpanzees live mainly in Nyungwe National Park, a dense tropical forest home to a rich biodiversity. These intelligent primates are known for their complex social behavior and their use of tools for feeding. They use vocalizations, facial expressions and gestures to communicate.
African elephant. Akagera Park is home to nearly a hundred of these big-eared pachyderms. Elephants live in a matriarchal society, their herds led by the oldest females. They are the ones who decide whether to charge or flee in the event of danger. The males, recognizable by their bulging foreheads, have no say in the matter! Solidarity and mutual aid are the order of the day among elephants, who protect their children and elderly or injured animals at all costs.
Buffalo. Visible in most parts of Rwanda, these wide-horned black cattle are mastodons. Males can weigh up to 900 kg and are particularly aggressive and dangerous when threatened. If you don't want to end up trampled by the hooves of these giant herbivores or impaled on the tips of their horns, stay away from them!
The roan antelope. Also known as the horse antelope, this is a difficult animal to observe. Now rare in Akagera Park, the roan antelope is nevertheless extremely recognizable thanks to its fawn color, black and white face and long horns. It is most easily seen during the dry seasons, when herds gather near waterholes.
The plains zebra. In Rwanda, it is found only in Akagera National Park. Belonging to the equidae family, zebras can be distinguished from their horse cousins by their black-and-white striped coats, which serve to repel insects, especially horseflies, those big flies with painful bites.
The lion. After the genocide, Rwanda's lions gradually disappeared, poisoned by herders to preserve their livestock. By 2000, there was not a single one left in the whole country. In 2015, the government brought seven wild lions from South Africa to reintroduce the species in Akagera National Park. Today, nearly sixty of them roam the savannah of the nature reserve, hunting antelopes and zebras in groups.
The giraffe. In 1986, six giraffes from Kenya were introduced to Akagera National Park. Today, the reserve boasts over a hundred giraffes. The giraffe is the world's largest mammal. Thanks to the exceptional length of its neck, it can reach 5.80 m in length. While its astonishing anatomy enables it to see predators coming from afar, it also causes it a few inconveniences. To drink, the giraffe has to adopt a curious and uncomfortable position, spreading its front legs and bending its knees. To give birth, giraffes stand upright. Their young therefore begin life by falling from a height of 2 m!
The hippopotamus. Very numerous in Akagera Park, these semi-aquatic mammals spend most of their time in the water. Despite weighing up to 2 t, they swim with ease and can remain apneic for over 5 minutes. Thanks to their very heavy skeleton, they are able to walk quietly at the bottom of the water. Beware, however, as these animals can be aggressive and have no qualms about breaking up boats deemed too invasive.
The black rhinoceros. Extinct from Rwanda since the late 1990s due to poaching, black rhinos were reintroduced to the country in 2017. These prehistoric-looking animals are recognizable by the two horns that adorn the front of their skulls. Contrary to their name, they are not black but dark gray. Critically endangered, they seem to thrive on the plains of Akagera. However, their population is slowly increasing, as the gestation period for females is very long, averaging 450 days.
Birds. Rwanda is a birdwatcher's paradise, with 683 species of breeding and migratory birds. As well as kingfishers, eagles and pelicans, you may be lucky enough to spot the giant touraco, a rare bird with sparkling turquoise plumage.
The flora
The orchid. The Nyungwe Nature Reserve, considered to be Africa's largest high-altitude primary forest, is home to almost 150 species of orchid. When they bloom in May and June, the spectacle is breathtaking.
Bamboo. The main source of food for mountain gorillas, bamboo abounds on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Some plants can reach 30 m in height.
The frangipani tree. This tree, which can grow up to ten meters tall, produces magnificent starry flowers. Pleasantly fragrant, they can be white, pink or light yellow.
Erythrin. This sacred tree, also known as the coral tree, can exceed 10 m in height. Its large red flowers are made up of a multitude of filaments. It is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach aches and coughs.
The banana tree. Most of Rwanda's banana trees produce what are known as plantains, large, low-sugar bananas that are eaten as vegetables or used to make beer.
Eucalyptus. Imported from Australia, these trees have been planted in very large numbers across the territory to limit soil erosion and landslides. Recognizable by their pale, silvery leaves, they leave a pleasant minty scent in the air.
The flamboyant. This decorative tree native to Madagascar lives up to its name. When it blooms spectacularly, it is adorned with a multitude of brilliant red flowers. In Rwanda, it can be found on many public roads.
