When it comes to Rwanda Safaris, there is more than just undulating hill side of this landlocked country. A trip to this vibrant African country rewards travel endeavors with the most amazing wildlife experiences right from magical encounters with the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat to the big five game in Africa. As well, you have opportunity to explore the great and most scenic Lakes for instance the twin lakes, Lake Kivu, meet the humble and hospitable Rwandans and have overnight stay at the world class lodges and hotels in Rwanda that will leave a lasting memory in you.
What it is like to visit Rwanda
Usually, when planning a holiday to a particular destination for instance Rwanda, many questions are raised and interested visitors may demand answers of which a few have got responses. Among many areas of concern include what a holiday in Rwanda is like! However, Rwanda is one of kind travel destinations in Africa. Based on East African standards, this magical country features the best network of tarmac road to all its 4 national parks. The route from Kigali to the Virunga Volcanoes is in its good condition though it encounters much traffic and it is also constructed along most winding hills. This means that while you are driving around this area, you need to first slow down and amazingly, you will have the best views of the surrounding areas. Even in other parts, the roads are good and the fact that Rwanda itself isn’t that a large nation, most tourist destinations are easily reached within a day. Besides, visitors have a wide range of flight options whether you are interested in scheduled flights or private helicopter transfers to some of Rwanda’s safari lodges and national parks while on your safari. It all depends on your budget and time.
What is amazing about road trips in this country is that as soon as you get out of the main towns and cities, there you find the stunning countryside and traditional villages thus a great opportunity for you to take as many photos as possible. Interestingly, with your 4wheel drive safari vehicle, you get the best of your safari in the remarkable Rwanda. In order for you to have a successful holiday, make sure you deal with a ground tour operator who is recognized, trust worthy and reliable. There are many tour operators/tour and travel companies in Rwanda for you to make a choice however, for exceptional and unforgettable travel experiences, simply contact our reservationist and we shall have your dreams come true in this magical country.
What you should expect to see and do in Rwanda besides gorilla trekking tours
Most tourists on safari to Rwanda are usually left to think that this magical country is only ideal for mountain gorilla adventure but the latter isn’t true because you should expect a lot more. In the northeastern corner, there is Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna grassland wildlife park and one of the oldest in Africa. The 1122 square kilometers’ savanna grassland park features the savanna grassland, woodland, scenic Lakes, wetlands with varied wildlife species ranging from the big five game in Africa-the cape buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos as well as hippos, crocodiles, topis, zebras, giraffes, bohor, reedbuck, duikers, Oribis, bush babies, blue monkeys, impalas, klipspringer, birds like the papyrus gonoleks, shoebill stork a mention but a few. The main safari activities to do while on holiday in Rwanda at Akagera National Park include game drive-both day and at night, launch cruise via Lake Ihema, bird watching, nature walks, helicopter tours a mention but a few.
In the southern part, explore the beautiful Nyungwe forest national park a home to 13 amazing primate species including chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys, Mona monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, silver monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, baboons among others. Besides, do not forget to sight at the different bird species and several species. While on Rwanda safari holiday, expect to enjoy activities like canopy walk and swing on a 200 feet suspended walkway while catching a glimpse at varied primates and several bird species, chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey tracking, bird watching, nature walks/hiking to spot out most of the butterflies, birds such as the blue turacos, purple and blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori turaco and others, several monkeys among others.
In addition, don’t miss to relax and chill around the shores of Lake Kivu with your dear ones. This is one African great Lakes and lies just at the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). You take a drive to the scenic Gisenyi and Lake Kivu through stunning volcanoes, tea plantations. A side from mountain gorillas, volcanoes national park on the other hand offers refuge to other vast wildlife species like the rare golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, over 200 bird species and many more. This park is perfect for mountain gorilla trekking (gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and one permit is equal to one habituated gorilla families of which 10 of them have been have been habituated and readily available for tracking), birding, golden monkey tracking; cultural encounters at the Iby’Iwacu cultural village and while here interact with local and learn more about the amazing cultural and traditional practices in Rwanda, Dian Fossey tomb hike, visit the twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, exploring the Musanze caves and others.
A side from wildlife, you can as well explore the Kigali/Gisozi genocide memorial site and many other significant genocide centers for horrifying experience although on the other hand, it is an essential part for you to understand what makes Rwanda what it is today. It is from these genocide sites that nearly a million lives were lost in terrific civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis in 1994 and in Kigali genocide site alone, over 250000 people were buried here. This area is ideal for those of you who are interested in dark tourism and a tour in this area mainly focuses on education and peace building. The others include murambi genocide memorial site, Nyamata genocide memorial site, Nyanza genocide memorial center, Bisesero genocide center, Nyarubuye and many others. Within Kigali, pay a visit to Nyanza a main refuge to King’s palace museum complex or visit a home of King Rudahigwa the third who ruled between 1931 and 1959 and others.
Where to spend a night in Rwanda
For visitor stay, Rwanda boasts of wide range of accommodation options for you make the best choice. They include Moriah hill resort just along lake shores, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Bisate safari lodge at Volcanoes National Park, Ruzizi tented lodge, Magashi luxury tented camp, Akagera Game Lodge at Akagera National Park, Nyungwe forest lodge at Nyungwe forest national park, Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre, Onomo Hotel within Kigali capital city and others.
In conclusion, despite its small size, Rwanda is a home to vast attractions and while on your safari holiday, expect to see more than mountain gorillas. While on your safari, you have a lot to enjoy right from wildlife, primates, birds, volcanoes to cultural encounters.
