Our customized Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris take place in Volcanoes National Park. Are you planning a wildlife and gorilla tour in Africa? Rwanda should be top of your bucket list of safari destinations. Rwanda covers about 26,338 square kilometers. More so, it is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, located in the Eastern region. Rwanda is a landlocked country surrounded by Burundi, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. Due to its beautiful hills and mountains, it is also known as the land of a thousand hills. Kigali the capital city has been voted the cleanest and organized city in Africa. Therefore, Rwanda is a benchmark for other African countries looking to organize their countries and people.
Rwanda is also known for its famous mountain gorillas, rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, lakes, rivers, and beautiful vegetation cover that contribute to the excellent weather experience in the country. The tourism industry in Rwanda has grown at a fast rate and all credit has been attributed to the beautiful natural resources, good infrastructure like roads, and hotels that offer 5-star experiences, the English language was also added onto its official languages to make communication easier for tourists visiting the country.
Despite the traumatic 1994 Genocide that left the country devastated, the current governance under the leadership of President Paul Kagame has restored hope in Rwanda hence making it one of the safest places to visit in the world. As of now, Rwanda stands out as one of the most peaceful safari destinations in Africa. Whether you are dreaming of a group tour or a luxury solo gorilla trekking trip, Rwanda should be on your travel list. Safety and security for tourists in Rwanda are guaranteed.
Have you heard about the phrase “Visit Rwanda” before? Visiting Rwanda for a safari is one thing you need to do if you are dreaming of exploring any African safari destinations. Rwanda is small in size but never in experience. Whether it is taking a chimpanzee trekking safari or a wildlife game drive in Akagera National Park, Rwanda remains an untamed beauty. Imagine spending one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas on your trip. Whether you are visiting Rwanda for a day or a couple of days, here are some of the top activities you should not miss out on.
This is usually the first place you are in immediately after you set foot in Rwanda especially if you land at Kigali International Airport. Being one of the most organized and cleanest cities in Africa, navigating through it has never been easier. Most travelers spend a night in the city before embarking on the journey to see other beautiful features in the countryside. Nothing fascinates Africa like the nightlife in Kigali city. You will set your eyes on beautiful people and enjoy their hospitality. Rwanda is one good place to be especially if you are a group of students or a solo traveler.
You can visit the Rwanda Art Museum set up at the Presidential Palace which also happens to be the residential home of Rwanda’s former president. While here, check out some of the finest contemporary art pieces drawn by Rwandan artists and also some historical relics such as the remaining pieces of presidential aircraft that crashed here during the 1994 genocide. Speaking of Genocide, a Kigali City tour is never complete without visiting the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Museum. It is here that the remains of thousands of Rwandese lie. These were killed in the tragic 1994 Rwanda Genocide between the Tutsi and Hutu. Ensure to strictly follow the rules governing the museum while you visit.
Our Rwanda Safaris gives travelers a chance to pay their respects and donate to this iconic museum. Additionally, you will visit the Nyamatta Church. This was a catholic church where women sought refuge during the 1994 genocide. Unfortunately, they were all massacred in this church. A tour of this church will introduce you to the names and graves of these women.
Walk through the Kimironko Market and buy some souvenirs such as beautiful clothes with African prints, other top fashion items are found at the Inema Arts Center which showcases designs from over 10 local designers. Get energized by having delicious and sumptuous meals at Question Coffee Café which brews amazing coffee, Panorama, and Restaurant found at Hotel des Mille Collines which serves both local and international cuisines with beautiful views of the city. Never miss to taste fresh fruits from the local markets in Kigali City. What else could you ask for Rwanda safaris than an amazing Kigali city tour?
This should be your next destination once you are out of the city because it is where one of Rwanda’s top attractions, Mountain gorillas is found. Gorilla trekking is the main activity here with about 12 gorilla families that can be trekked and each family has about 10-30 members. A family can only be visited by a group of 8 people per day and permits for this activity go for $1500 which can be obtained through tour operators like Native Africa Tours Ltd.
Volcanoes National Park also consists of some mountains that are part of the Virunga Mountain Ranges such as Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke and Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga which tourists can hike. The Park also has a variety of vegetation cover such as bamboo trees and canopies not forgetting diverse wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and birds which are beautiful to watch.
Second to the gorillas is the golden monkey trekking carried out in the lowland areas of the park since monkeys stay within the lower bamboo plantations unlike gorillas living in highland areas. Golden monkey trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park offers an amazing experience in Rwanda. Just like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys live in groups called troops or families. The difference is that a troop of golden monkeys has more members than a typical mountain gorilla family. Volcanoes National Park is a reliable destination for golden monkey trekking tours and safaris in Rwanda. A single golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 100 Per person per trek. Additionally, trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda is not as challenging as gorilla trekking. Do you want to book your Rwanda gorilla safari now? How about you click here and get everything done in a few steps?
In the heart of the Virunga Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park lies the grave of a conservation hero named Dian Fossey. This is also where Dian Fossey, a primatologist carried out her research on gorillas and was later laid to rest, her tomb can be found on Mount. Karisimbi, the famous 1988 movie Gorillas in the Mist was shot within this park. A tour of the Dian Fossey grave in Volcanoes National Park takes you to the Karisoke Research Centre. This is a research institution that was established to continue the works of Dian Fossey. This tour can easily be combined with a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. You may get a chance to track the Susa A gorilla family which was once tracked by Dian Fossey.
Last but not least, a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park can be combined with hiking adventures. Test your legs and guts by hiking either Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke on a gorilla tour in Rwanda. These tours take you through a mixture of slippery trails and lush green vegetation. It is a chance for you to enjoy scenic views of the neighboring areas including Congo’s Mount Nyiragongo. This is one of Africa’s most active volcanoes.
In the western parts of Rwanda close to the Congo border lies a magical rainforest – Nyungwe Forest. This highly conserved forest reserve contains a spectacular ecosystem made up of over 75 mammalian species, and over 300 bird species residing within 1068 plant species. The area is largely covered by tall trees. It therefore offers a canopy walk experience, that exposes visitors to a 91-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 50 meters above the forest floor and stretching along the verdant rainforest. While on it, you can see the top of the trees and a bird’s view of the rainforest. The Park is also home to chimpanzees thus influencing chimpanzee trekking. Tourists can also use any of the park’s 15 trails for nature walks.
Chimpanzee trekking safaris to Nyungwe National Park can easily be combined with tours to Lake Kivu and Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park. Read a sample itinerary for the Combined Nyungwe National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park safari.
Offering one of the best Safari expeditions in Rwanda, enjoy game drives across the 1,140 km2 game park that boasts hosting the big five safari animals alongside other wildlife like zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, and abundant bird species. Akagera National Park has beautiful savanna plains, wetlands, and lakes where you can also see some crocodiles. Game drives are complemented by bird-watching opportunities for bird lovers. Additionally, game drives in Akagera National Park allow travelers to see the big five animals. These include; lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. It is only in this park that you will see many grazers roaming the park.
The vast extensive savannah plains of Akagera are home to many other wildlife species including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many more. Akagera National Park offers amazing game drives on Lake Ihema. These allow travelers to meet many hippos and crocodiles. The park also offers authentic guided nature walks and cultural tours.
Relax at this beautiful lake that is 2700 km2 wide and surrounded by rich vegetation and beautiful mountainous backdrops. While here, tourists can enjoy swimming, fishing relaxing boat rides, kayaking and so much more. Lake Kivu is one of the best places to relax and rub the dust off your shoes during an African safari. You will be treated to luxury and comfortable stays at one of the best lodges at the lake. if you are passionate about an off-the-beaten-path Rwanda safari experience, Lake Kivu can be a pristine place to be. On your way to Lake Kivu, you may take a visit to the Bat Caves and learn something new. A boat cruise on this lake is equally amazing.
Rwanda is not as diverse as Uganda when it comes to culture. The country is known to have three tribes (the Hutu, the Tusi, and the Batwa). However, this does not mean that you can’t do a cultural safari or tour in Rwanda. It is one of the best places for cultural tours in East Africa. On a gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park, you will visit the Gorilla Guardians Village for a cultural experience. This village was formerly known as the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village. It traces its name from the Batwa people who live alongside primates of the Virunga Conservation Area. During this tour, you get a chance to dance to traditional songs and taste locally brewed banana beer.
In Nyungwe National Park, you can visit the Gisakura Tea Plantation and try harvesting tea leaves. This is a chance to learn about planting and harvesting some of ancient African cash and food crops. Many other cultural events take place in Rwanda. Be part of the Umuganda (general cleaning day) happening every month. You may as well participate in a Gorilla naming event known as “Kwita Iziina”. For more updates on the cultural events in Rwanda, Talk to a travel planner now.
Despite the excellent weather in Rwanda, some activities are better enjoyed during particular seasons. Gorilla trekking which involves climbing hilly areas can be best done during dry seasons that occur between June to September and January to March and other activities like visiting National parks can be done all year round though it is always better during the dry season.
