Why you must Visit Rwanda?
Imagine visiting the
Volcanoes National Park
as formountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda
, meeting nice people, visiting the rain forests to see the chimpanzees and golden monkeys, stopping to see theIntore dancers and drummers
, listening to thebirds
sing in forests and lake shores, visiting cultural villages andgenocide museum
in a peaceful country with a perfect road system and modern farms! This is just a hint of the real Rwanda that you can experience when you decide to go for aRwanda safari adventure
.Where To Go On a Safari in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park For Gorilla Trekking
The Star attraction is definitely the mountain gorillas. A visit to Volcanoes NP or PARC Des Volcanoes (PNV) will expose you to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, there are many
gorilla groups
for you to visit. As of 2018, a permit costs $ 1500 per person per hour. Besidesgorilla safaris in Rwanda
, you can encounter over70 mammal species
with the elephants, buffalo, bush back and giant hogs seen here. A unique visit to theDian Fossey’s
grave is a humbling experience.Golden monkey trekking
can also be done in this park. The cute“Golden” colored monkeys
go for $ 100.Nyungwe Forest Rwanda
-In
Nyungwe forest
, you will see the other primates, theChimpanzees
and in addition you can go for the canopy walk, the only trail of such a kind that you will find in East Africa. In Nyungwe you will see the troops of colobus monkeys, the highest number in the world is found here. Nyungwe NP named among Top 10 Trips for 2014 by National Geographic Traveler. You will see over275 bird species
including the clown headedRwenzori Turaco
. The mammal list is 75 species . Over120 butterflies
and100 orchid
variety found here.-VisitLake Kivu
for a boat ride, or visit the fishing villages and while in Gisenyi you can tour coffee plantations.Akagera Rwanda
Game viewing
opportunities are available at Akagera National Park. Its a home to over800 animals
and about500 bird species
. Animal list include, theCape Eland
, elephants, bushbuck, Oribi, Zebra, giraffe, hippo, spotted hyena, lion and leopard. Over525 bird species
within Akagera makes it a birders paradise.Which Rwanda Safari Company?
Very important! Almost every company offers gorilla trekking and other
wildlife and cultural experiences
. As you do your research, its important not to just consider the price quote that theRwanda safari tour operator
or travel agent sends through mail. See what it includes and does not. One time a tourist asked for the price and the company quoted less the gorilla permit which alone costs $1500. A 3 day gorilla trek should cost you over 1700. Find out the company reviews online, see how many Facebook followers and likes they have, ask for former clients and write to them or chat with the on Facebook and twitter. Does the company belong to a certain professional organization such as Rwanda Tour Operators Association , Rwanda Tourism, Africa Tour Operators, Africa Travel And Travel Association? Get all these details. The most tricky part is that most companies charge their prices from the first day of the safari. You may need to pay for the extra hotel nights/day that are not part of yoursafari package
. Your flights determine this.What is the Best Time To Visit Rwanda ? / When To Go ?
Its always advisable to visit Rwanda during the months of June to August. Since most of the activities are done in the rain forests of
Volcanoes National Park
and Nyungwe, its normal to experience rain. Carrry arain jacket
, it often rains though not so much to scare tourists away. Forbirders
, December to March is the best time. What to wear on a safari largely depends on the destination. Forgorilla trekking clothing or what to wear
, boots or water proof shoes, walking stick and jackets is a must.What Else To Do after a Safari Holiday?
The Kigali Genocide Memorial In Gisozi is a common place to visit after a gorilla safari in Rwanda. Outside Kigali, you can visit Ntarama and Nyamata.
Kimironko Market
specializes in crafts which you can use as souvenirs. In Musanze, you can engage in tourist activities such as brick making and basket weaving.Where To Stay While On A Rwandan Tour?
Being a tourist destination, Rwanda has almost all options for your stay, from the budget and backpackers accommodation to the
luxury hotels
and lodges. In every safari destination within Rwanda you will find over 4 choices ofaccommodation
and they are often enough for the discerning traveler. The price of your safari will most likely depend on where you choose to stay.Getting Around
With the excellent transport network around Rwanda, its easy to travel safely and comfortable to almost any tourist destination. You
can hire a car
.
Visiting Rwanda With Kids
Family safari
is possible. Children below 16 years are not allowed to track the mountain gorillas, but they can visit thechimpanzees in Nyungwe Park
as well as track the golden monkeys in addition to visits to Lake Kivu and so much more.Which other East African Destinations?
You can visit the
mountain gorillas in Uganda
in what most tour companies refer to as the double gorilla trek. Other safari destinations include Kenya where you visitMasai Mara
and then Tanzania forKilimanjaro trekking
and wildlife safaris inNgorongoro Crater
, Serengeti, Tarangire and so much more. The neighbouring Burundi offers a different variety all together, cultural tours and relaxing holidays are part of the fun.
Useful Links
Conclusion:
Rwanda is an exciting destination to visit. Besides the prominent