Amazing Animals Rwanda

African buffaloes are looked at as one of the “Big Five” in Africa. You can see them at Akagera National Park. These robust animals live in large herds and move across the savanna looking for grazing areas and water. African buffalo are totally wild and known for their unpredictable temperament.

African savanna elephants also make their homes in Akagera National Park. These are the largest land mammals on Earth. The elephants move across the savanna in family herds seeking watering holes. Viewing African savanna elephants, you can see how they care for their young. These gentle giants know how to communicate with one another and have complex social structures.

Angolan colobus monkeys are black and white and live in Nyungwe Forest National Park. These arboreal primates are recognizable by their flowing mantles, beards, and tail tips. Colobus monkeys lack thumbs, having evolved four long fingers that form a hook-like structure perfect for swinging through the forest canopy. They are mainly leaf eaters with incredible leaping ability. These monkeys can jump great distances of up to 50 feet between trees, looking like they are in flight.

Black rhinoceroses have been reintroduced to Akagera National Park. They are majestic creatures with two horns and prehensile upper lips. They roam the savannas and woodlands of the park. Black rhinos are known for their agility and speed up to 35 mph. They are solitary animals, with mothers and calves forming special social bonds.

Eastern chimpanzees are among the most charismatic and intelligent wildlife species in Rwanda. They can be seen in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. The park is home to one of East Africa’s largest protected populations of chimps. There are several habituated communities visitors can trek to see. Eastern chimps know how to use tools, communicate through vocalizations, and navigate their complex social politics.

Golden monkeys are primates living in Volcanoes National Park. They are recognizable by their bright orange-gold coloration on their backs and crowns. They have black limbs and facial features. These primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and inhabit the bamboo forests at the base of volcanoes. They feed on bamboo shoots, fruit, and insects. Golden monkeys are playful and social, living in troops up to 100.

Hippopotamuses thrive near water bodies like Lake Ihema and other lakes in Akagera National Park. They are huge semi-aquatic animals, spending a great part of their day submerged in water to keep their sensitive skin cool and protected from the sun. However, they are among the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their speed and aggressive behavior. Hippos graze at night consuming up to 88 pounds of grass. They communicate by honking calls.

Leopards can be seen in Akagera National Park. They are solitary predators and are excellent at camouflage, with their rosette-patterned coats blending into the woodland areas. These big cats hunt anything from insects to large antelope. Leopards have amazing strength and can lift their prey two to three times their own weight into trees to keep away from competitors. These cats are excellent swimmers and climbers.

Lions have made a comeback in Rwanda and now live in the Akagera National Park. Several prides have established territories throughout the park. These cats have complex social structures, with male lions protecting the territory and female lions hunting.

Masai giraffes are the tallest animals on Earth. They live in the Akagera National Park. Giraffes have distinctive net-like patterns of dark patches separated by cream-colored channels. Their tall necks can be seen high near the treetops.Their extraordinary height allows them to feed on acacia leaves that other herbivores cannot reach, while their specialized cardiovascular system enables blood to be pumped all the way up their long necks to their brains. Despite their height they move gracefully through the savanna.

Mountain gorillas are among the most famous residents in Rwanda. They can be seen in the Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can trek to see the mountain gorillas interact with their families. They can spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family, and the conservation fees paid support protection efforts and community development around gorilla habitats.

Spotted hyenas make their homes in Akagera National Park. They are highly intelligent social carnivores. These animals have complex clan structures of up to 80. They make whooping calls and cackling laughs that can be heard in the night. You can see the glowing eyes of these nocturnal animals.

Birds

Gray crowned cranes are the national birds of Rwanda. They are featured on the coat of arms. These elegant birds are recognizable by their crowns of stiff golden feathers, bright red throat pouches, and distinctive white cheek patches. They can be seen in the wetland areas at Akagera National Park. It is fascinating to witness their elaborate courtship dance, which involves bowing, jumping, and wing-flapping.