Rwanda Safaris

RWANDA SAFARIS.

When it comes to choosing a destination for honeymoon, big group tours, wildlife adventure, exclusive luxury travel, research, primate trekking, family holiday, winter or summer break, or anything in your imaginations, the Republic of Rwanda is that ideal destination.

Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” is located in East-Central Africa, west of the Indian Ocean, about 777 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and about 660 miles south of the Equator, which is located at the Tropic of Capricorn. Republic of Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Uganda are all neighbors. Kinyarwanda, French and English, are the most widely spoken languages among the locals.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive from all over the world in pursuit of peace, relaxation, and amazing wildlife. On July 1, 1962, Rwanda gained independence, followed by progress and freedom. Rwandan people are among the world’s most welcoming, providing excellent performances and service from arrival to departure. Tours begin as soon as you get off the plane at Kigali International Airport, with breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, lush foliage and spectacular infrastructure. Kigali is Rwanda’s largest and most populous capital city.

Wildlife in Rwanda.

The east, north, west and southern ranges of Rwanda are home to diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors have no choice but to keep looking and appreciate Mother Nature because the terrain is unmatched. Thousands of tree species, over 670 bird species, amphibians, 151 mammal species and more than 15 primate species, including chimps, golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas, are found solely on Africa’s continent. Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, uncommon shoebill stock, black mamba, Tree hyrax, cape Buffaloes, cheetahs and much more are among Rwanda’s must-see wildlife.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS?

Volcanoes national park.

Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most gifted and stunning safari sites, located in the Northwestern region of the country, about 2-hours’ drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. 5^th of the world’s mountain gorilla species graze and relax in the park’s lush jungles. The park is home to beautiful hills, lush flora, mountain backdrops, as well as variety of birds, mammals and the Karisoke Research Centre, which was founded by the legendary primatologist, Dian Fossey.

Volcanoes National Park was designated as a national park in 1925 to conserve mountain gorillas, forests and other wildlife. On a 160-kilometer stretch of territory, it is surrounded by Mountains – Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. Marshes, swamps, small lakes and mammals such as spotted hyenas, Bushbucks, forest elephants, golden monkeys, and black-fronted duiker can all be found in and around Volcanoes national park. There are around 179 bird species in this jungle, with 17 subspecies native to the Albertine Rift and Rwenzori Mountains.

This park is open for tourists all year round, with activities commencing from day break to sunset. Those intending to do gorilla trekking experience must be aged 15 years and above, with a valid trekking permit. Note that the lodging options are available in the Park, ranging from Budget to luxury; with yummy food, comfortable and classic amenities.

Gorilla habituation and primary research was done in this jungle by Dian Fossey, leading to the conservation and popularity of these gentle giants – mountain gorillas. Visitors can also take a walk to Musanze cave for historical exploration. The activities in and around the park include; gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, guided nature walks and community tours.

Nyungwe National Park.

The 970-square-kilometer Nyungwe National Park is home to one of Africa’s oldest tropical forests. It is located in the southern corner of Rwanda, near Lake Kivu and Burundi and was designated as a national park in 2004.

The park is home to roughly 13 unique primate species, the most famous of which are the uncommon chimpanzees, as well as 1060 tree species, over 320 bird species and over 75 forest animals. The Rwanda Development Board oversees the park’s operations. Bamboo plantation, a rainforest and massive Mount. Bigugu, a beautiful canopy walk within the park, are among the park’s main attractions.

Akagera National Park.

This is a fantastic safari destination in Africa, located east of Rwanda, along the Akagera River and Lake Ihema. The park comprises over 1,221 kilometers of land and is home to a diverse range of species, plantations and beautiful environment. In 1934, the Belgian government designated the area as a national park.

The main gate is located in Kayonza area in the southern wing. The northern gate is located in Nyagatare district and is open from 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. local time. Savannah grassland, swampy lakes, beautiful environment, acacia woodland, and wetlands are all be found in this park.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western region of Rwanda, in the district of Ngororero, and is made up of two forests, Gishwati and Mukura. It covers 13.2 square kilometers of territory. It is home to blue monkeys, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys and variety of other animals.

Bird watching, primate trekking and a guided nature walk are among the park’s activities. It is a model park that has been preserved in order to protect the forest and other wildlife. It opens to the public at 7:00 a.m. and closes at sunset – 19:00 p.m.

WHY VISIT RWANDA?

Gorilla trekking safaris.

This is Rwanda’s most prestigious safari offer. This adventure is exclusively offered in Volcanoes national park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park only on the African continent. Rwanda is home to a fifth of all mountain gorilla species worldwide. Gorilla trekking experience begins at 7:00 a.m. with paperwork verification and briefing, followed by a 2 to 6 hours’ trip deep into the jungle.

Gorillas stay together in groups, led by a strong silverback that directs others to new regions and defends them from threats. Fruits, stalks, leaves, and roots are among the foods consumed by these apes. Gorillas spend their days feeding, playing and relaxing as they move from one zone to the next. After you’ve found them, you’ll have an hour to take photos and listen to the ranger guide’s explanations.

A gorilla trekking permit is compulsory trekking document, required of all trekkers. It is charged 1500 USD per person per day, for whoever wishes to engage in the trekking activity. Up to a maximum of only 8 people can get access to a gorilla group on a given day. Therefore it is advisable to book permits at least six months in advance since permits are so scarce and in high demand.

Bird watching safaris.

One of Rwanda’s most sought after experience; swamps, national parks, lake shores and woodlands, to name a few, are all good places to go birding. In this country, there are around 703 bird species, with about 29 indigenous to the Albertine Rift and the rest to the Lake Victoria Basin.

When it is cool and birds are at their nests, birding is best done early in the morning, in the afternoon or late in the evening. Shoebill stock, Papyrus genolek, kingfisher, Turacos, egrets, Albertine owlet, odd weaver, red-faced Barbet, lovely spurs fowl and honey guides are among the birds seen.

Cultural adventure.

Take in the local sensations of Rwandese throughout your safari to Rwanda and Africa. Visit Kings’ Place to learn about the Rwandan people’s history, Niyo Arts Gallery to see Rwandan art, Kitabi Cultural Center, Nyamata Church and the Genocide Memorial site to see where the victims of 1994 violence were buried. The Ibyiwacu cultural village in Volcanoes National Park offers a spectacular cultural adventure as well as amusement and refreshment. Throughout the year, cultural tour takes visitors on a journey through fascinating stories, a communal stroll and interesting music and drama.

Is Rwanda safe for tourists?

Yes! Apart from a few incidences of minor crimes, which occur in all countries throughout the world, Rwanda is a safe and secure destination for visitors from all parts of the world. Various sites and streets are well-guarded, people are warm and friendly and destinations are easily accessible. It’s best to follow local regulations, travel with a guide at all times, avoid taking photos where they’re prohibited and eat where they’re suggested.

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is open to visitors all year round, throughout the week from about 07:00 hours early morning and also in the evening. The drier months from June to September and December to February are the peak and best seasons for a visit, with the most ideal activities being gorilla trekking, game drives, hiking and cultural tours to mention but a few. The rainy season which runs from October to November and March to May are quieter, destinations are less congested and discounts are offered.

Cost of a Rwanda Safari.

Though Rwanda is regarded by many as a luxury safari destination, having a trip can be made cheaper and very much affordable. Tour operators offer packages ranging from budget to luxury safaris, with discounts during low seasons – March to May and October to November.

Visitors who wish to track mountain gorillas are charged 1,500Usd per person per permit. The money is paid through the Rwanda Development Board; a body responsible for conservation, and management of all national parks and wildlife in the country.

Tipping in Rwanda and currency used.

Tipping is encouraged during a trip to Rwanda to show appreciation for a good service offered. A driver guide, ranger guide, birding guide, waiter or porter can be tipped at any time. Tipping amount or any other present you receive is entirely up to you and how satisfied you are. If a dedicated tipping location exists, we advise that visitors drop their money in the tipping box at hotels and then decide whether or not to give it to the person who provided the service. But ideally 10$-20$ per day per person is recommended in Rwanda.

Rwanda francs, the local currency is the most recommended tipping currency in Rwanda since the person can easily use it than foreign currencies. However, in situations when that currency isn’t available, feel free to tip using U.S. Dollars, Pounds or Euros among others.

Packing for a Rwanda safari.

Once you start organizing a safari in Rwanda, knowing what to park is essential! Rwanda is a developing country, and so most of the safari items can be purchased from there to cut off the baggage costs. These include among others; professional cameras, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots, jackets, sturdy Gardening gloves, insect repellents, warm clothes, long-sleeved shirts for trekking,  a hat  and so much more. Required vaccine certificates, passport and so much more as advised by your tour agent.

Vaccination requirements for Rwanda.

There are some vaccines expected of travelers entering Rwanda, but these may vary depending on the country one is coming from. Covid-19 Vaccine to everyone aged 12 years and above; Yellow fever vaccination card, Typhoid vaccines to those heading to rural communities, Hepatitis B vaccine, and Measles vaccine to infants aged 6-11 months, Routine vaccines like chickenpox, flu, polio, shingles, malaria and Rabbis may also be required. The purpose of these vaccines is to protect you and the rest of the people from different viruses and infections.

Visa requirements and fees in Rwanda.

Visa is a compulsory requirement for all those intending to visit Rwanda. There are numerous visas, but you may interest in the following; A single entry tourism Visa at $50, applicable for selected countries, and valid for only thirty days. The East African single tourist Visit at $100, valid for 90 days applicable for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya only, single entry conference Visa at $30, valid for 30 Days. Rwanda Visa can be acquired from the airport or through e-Visa platform but presented to the respective checkpoints once required. Those under the age of 16 years are not illegible to possess a visa.

When applying for visa; you need an accommodation booking confirmation, passport, passport size photograph, invitation letter where necessary, Visa fee and the travel itinerary where necessary. Visa can be obtained after 4 working days from the date of application.

Let your vacation dreams come to pass by Visiting Rwanda; a top travel nation in the continent of Africa.