Visit Rwanda

RWANDA

Embark on a life time holiday experience to the Republic of Rwanda in East Africa. “This land of a thousand hills” is a tiny landlocked country neighbored by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo. Regardless of the size, it is one place all must visit. It prides in culture, wildlife, art, and good weather. Go for a family retreat, group safari or solo travel and experience tranquility. There are four national parks you can combine or visit separately; Volcanoes national park; home to the endangered mountain Gorillas, golden monkeys, and Musaze caves in the north. Nyungwe National park with over 13 primate species dominated by chimpanzees in the south. Gishwati-Mukura national park home to many primates including chimpanzees in the west. Akagera national park, the only savannah park in the eastern part of Rwanda. Other places to visit is Rwanda’s capital is Kigali, ranked as the cleanest city in Africa, Lake Kivu which is the country’s largest fresh water lake and Nyanza king’s palace. With the East African Single Tourist Visa, it is now possible to combine the destinations in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.

RWANDA SAFARI EXPERIENCE

There are two very hospitable ethnic groups in Rwanda; the Tutsi and Hutu. Once in the country, feel free to interact with the natives and learn a few words like greetings and appreciation. English and Swahili is among the many languages you can use when interacting with the natives in this country. The destinations are not so far from the city, thus the reason why most safaris are on road.

Visitors fall in love with the beautiful sceneries, plantations, and the rolling hills and have time to enjoy variety of local cousins, when in town and other different destinations across the country. Whereas some people would choose self-drive safaris, having your safari organized by a tour operator is safer and more interesting.

A safari in Rwanda can be tailored to one’s wish and expectations. All that must be done is forward a request on time. It is a country that enjoys peace, wide range of flora and fauna, modern and ancient infrastructure. The stories of ethnic conflicts are all gone, now what awaits you are stories, great infrastructure, hospitality, and unforgettable memories. As a tourist, what is expected is to abide by the laws guiding the land. Rwanda loves visitors, and ensures everyone gets the best travel experience.

The shopping malls, hotels, tourism sites and other uptown supermarkets accept Dollars, euros, and Rwandan currencies. Visa, American express, and MasterCard can all be used to make payments. Each minute amounts to an experience in Rwanda.

The duration of your stay around Rwanda determines how your backpack should be. Have your travel documents, good hiking boots for those going to do primate trekking, professional camera for photography, binoculars, personal effects, yellow fever vaccine, insect repellants, decent clothes, and more. Having a lot of luggage on a short stay only means you will spend more on potters.

Rwanda is one of the must-visit destinations on the continent of Africa. It is located in East Africa. The lodges / hotels across the country range from Budget to luxury, with variety of services. Using a safari operator is an easy way to plan your holiday. Let someone handle your travel details as your get a royalty treatment.

For planning purposes, knowing your travel time to different national parks and other attractions around the country is very important.  A drive from Kigali international airport to Kigali city is about 30mins-1 hours. Kigali city to Volcanos National Park is approximately 2-3hours, meaning it is possible to go do a gorilla trekking or any other activity and return the same day, what a great deal to Business travelers. Kigali city to Akagera National park is a half day road trip; 4-5 hours’ drive; thus a possibility of a two-day safari with no much exhaustion.

Kigali city to Nyungwe national park and Lake Kivu is approximately 6 hours. Any changes to the timings is dependent on road conditions, enroute stopovers, and weather. Taking a helicopter flight to these destinations is much faster and shorter. One can also connect from Uganda to any of the destinations in Rwanda on road and engage in various activities.

BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA

Rwanda is open for tourism all year round. The peak season is the best time to visit Rwanda. It runs from June to September and December to March when there is short grass, no or low rains that can make the activities difficult or impossible. This also sees and influx of guests thus a great opportunity for people to meet and create new networks. Low season runs from October to November and late March to May, with rain which can interfere with travel experience. Regardless, you have the opportunity to enjoy great discounts in accommodation, transport, and more. You have your privacy as the numbers around the parks is low. The beauty is regardless the time you choose to visit Rwanda, you will have the kind of experience deserved. There are experts ready to take you across the country, ensuring your safety and smooth floor of activities.

SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN RWANDA

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main activity in Rwanda, and one of the must do in the continent of Africa. When the Gorilla trekking book is opened, your name must be there as one of the people who contributed to the conservation of the world’s most sought after primate. Gorilla trekking is done in Volcanos national park located in the northern part of Rwanda. The park sits in the vast Virunga chain of mountains, and protects montane eco-system, open grass land, bamboo forest and heath. Gorilla trekking is done on foot each day of the year.

One must be above the age of 15, healthy and with a valid trekking permit. The trekking permit costs 1500 for foreign nonresidents, per person per day, and can be purchased from Rwanda development board. We advise all persons heading for gorilla trekking to book at least 3 months in advance as the trekking permits are limited and on high demand.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Chimpanzees are some of the most sought primates in the wild. But why? Because they are human’s closest cousins. Research reveals these apes, just as the bonobos and gorillas share about 98% human-like genes. They are very intelligent, and it can be seen in their social interactions, how they nurse each other, eating techniques, and sound.

Nyungwe national park has over 400 chimpanzees, co-habiting with other primates such as the white and black Colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, and more. The other destinations with chimpanzees is Gishwati Mukura national park. Chimpanzee trekking permits are complimentary for this course and cost $90.0 per person per trek. The permits can be purchased from Rwanda development board.

Game Drive and Camping Safaris

Akagera National Park is the only place game drive is done in the republic of Rwanda. The park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, with a wide range of flora and fauna, cool weather, and classic lodging options.

Game viewing in Akagera National Park is rated as one of the best in the continent, and offers high chances of encountering African elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, Rhinos, forest genet, zebras, wild dogs and more. There are birds, plants and more to explore during your stay in the park. Game drive is best in the morning and late evening hours.

Boat cruise

Boat cruise is possible in Rwanda. Two rivers flow in Rwanda; River Akagera and Nyabarongo. Boat cruise is done in the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema in Akagera National park. The activity lasts for approximately 1-2 hours in morning and afternoon hours. One gets the opportunity of getting up-close the aquatic residents notably; the Hippos, crocodiles, the swamps, water duck, king fisher and more.

Bird Watching

Rwanda is of the best destinations for bird watching in east Africa. The swamps, mountains and forest covers are with several unique bird species. Bird lovers can have their bird research, and photography for a vast knowledge about the avian species.

Over 703 bird species call Rwanda home, 29 endemic to the Albertine rift. Notable species are; the francolins, Albertine owlets, kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori Turacos, mountain masked Apalis, Red-billed quale, western nicator eagles, African Jacana, eastern black korhaans, and the red-collared Babbler

Beach Holidays

Have a weekend escape to Lake Kivu and relax, eat and drink. Lake Kivu is the largest water body in Rwanda, and part of Lake Victoria which is the third largest lake in the world. At Lake Kivu, you can do swim, boat cruise, spot fishing, horse ride, and beach spots.

City Tours

Once a village but now won by modernity, explore Kigali city and understand its story. All cities across the world have a story, an only the city tour guides will take you around and explain. Kigali city is one of the smartest cities in the continent of Africa. It features African and modern infrastructure; tourist attractions, transportation, shopping centers, culture and more. Feel free to speak in English, or Swahili as a way to be part of the society.

Among many places to explore; visit Genocide memorial site and listen to facts about genocide and the story behind over 25,000 Tutsi and Hutu murdered and buried on this site. Other destinations include; the presidential palace museum, exhibition Centre, Nyanza King’s palace, and more.

Visit Rwanda

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
2 Days Akagera National Park Safari
2 Days Gorilla Tour in Rwanda
3 Days Chimp Trekking Tour In Rwanda
3 Days Golden Monkey Trekking In Rwanda
3 Days Gorilla trekking In Volcanoes National Park
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking From Kigali
4 Days Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
4 Days Nyungwe Chimps And Kahuzi-Biega Gorilla Safari
5 Days Rwanda Safari
6 Days Cultural Safari in Rwanda
7 Days Primates and Wildlife in Rwanda
10 Days Best of Rwanda Safari