The land of a thousand hills with Tranquil Safaris. Many have come to know Rwanda for the Mighty Mountain gorillas which have made their home in Volcanoes National Park. However, the country is endowed with a lot more than just gorillas. Rwanda lies in East Africa and is gifted with beautiful scenery, a rich cultural heritage and various wildlife and primate species found in its protected National Parks.
The capital of Rwanda is called Kigali and it also has much more to offer. The biggest advantage about the location of Rwanda’s Capital is that it’s where the country’s International Airport is found and most tourism destinations are not located far from it, hence making it easy for travellers.
Leaving where you are for a safari to Rwanda, will be one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions to make, since you will have an opportunity to engage in activities on most people’s bucket lists. Let us guide you plan for your memorable safari.
Things to do while in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking
Firstly, go for Gorilla trekking in the rain forests of the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park, this activity is the highlight of your visit to Rwanda. Gorilla trekking starts in morning and how long it takes is determined by the location of these mighty giants, but the whole experience of spending time with them upon meeting them takes only one hour.
The trekking permit costs $1500, however regardless of the cost, this is a very memorable experience which you must do while in Rwanda. The journey time from Kigali to the Park is 2 to 3 hours hence making it possible for one to leave Kigali and travel to trek gorillas and drive back to Kigali on the same day.
Explore Akagera National park
For the Big game experience, you will see various wildlife species including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, even lions and leopards. Still in this very park, enjoy a boat cruise along the Akagera River and bird watching while on the cruise.
Kigali City
Visit the Capital’s museums, various craft shops, food & fabric markets and mainly visit to the Genocide memorial centre. This tour will be a bit emotional yet very rewarding. So for the traveller interested in dark tourism, this is the place to visit. It is at this place that over 250,000 Rwandans were buried during the 1994 horrific genocide.
A tour to this centre enlightens you about what happened during the genocide and also serves as great tribute to those who were brutally murdered. The Genocide memorial opens every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Track Chimpanzees
Of course track these creatures and other kinds of primates in Nyungwe Forest. This is also a National Park, and apart from seeing the primates, you will enjoy a canopy walk on the suspended bridge above this forest. Nyungwe also has 13 trails for hiking which are all available for the adventurous traveller to trail through.
Attend Events
Attend events that take place annually such as the Gorilla Naming ceremony known as ‘Kwita Izina’ in Kinyarwanda. This event is usually held in September and it involves naming baby gorillas. The travellers interested in events, will surely love to be a part of the Kwita Izina ceremony.
This event is meant to raise funds and conservation awareness for wildlife hence contributing much to the protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Activities to enjoy during this festival include; traditional dances, art, music, the naming ceremony and other performances from local artists.
Cultural village visits
Visit a number of cultural vullages in Rwanda for a great experience of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, which is expressed through the dress code, foods, music, dance and many other ways. These villages include; the Iby’wacu cultural village, Kigali Cultural centre, Murugo Cultural centre and Nyungwe Cultural village.
Lake Kivu Experiences
Experience the beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu while enjoying the tranquility of this lake your eyes will be fed with spectacular sights of the forested mountains. You will use a kayak to explore this lake.
Hike the Virungas
Are you an adventurous traveller? Volcanoes National Park offers the opportunity to hike its volcanoes. There are 5 volcanoes in this Park and they include; Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi and Bisoke. The hikers that are ready to challenge themselves, can take up a hike to Mount Karismbi; it is strenuous but also very rewarding when you get to the summit. For those who would like a simple but interesting hike; you can follow the 3hour hike along Mount Bisoke all through to Lake Ngezi.
Luxurious Eco-lodges experience
Spend a night or more in Rwanda’s most Luxurious Eco-lodges. Most of the country’s forest accommodation is made for luxury and tranquil experiences. It is from these lodges that travellers receive comfort and great views while in the thick forests and the volcanoes. Some of these lodges include; Virunga lodge, Gorilla Nest, Kwitonda lodges and Bisate lodge. They have trendy and stylish settings hence offering the finest bush glamour for the guests.
Taste the cuisines
Experience Rwanda’s finger licking cuisines; from the local food served in the high-end hotels to the food sold along the streets.
Travel to Rwanda’s country side
It is in the country side that you will go for an amazing guided visit through the massive tea plantations in Gisakura or Gosovu. While there you will watch how tea is harvested, processed, brewed and served. Ensure to taste some of the country’s best tea. Also don’t taste the tea alone taste the Rwandan coffee as well.
Fly high
Finally, fly high over Rwanda’s landscape for the best view of Rwanda. While driving on the roads you may not fully grasp the country’s beauty that’s why flying in a helicopter will give you chance to see more eye-catching views. You can contact Akagera Aviation for this scenic aerial tour or contact your chosen local operator who will organize this tour for you.
