What is the Cost of a Safari in East Africa?
There are three kinds of safaris from which any intending traveler ought to make a selection the kind he/she would like to take up depending on various circumstances.The choice is always for the traveler depending on his/her desires and or budget.Below are some of the points that determines one’s safari;
Many times a safari will be overpriced when there are too many hands involved, especially if you buy a safari package in your country of origin. There can be a marked difference between the prices of safaris and just because you are paying more, does not mean you are getting more for your money.
Transportation
Transportation costs such as fuel, vehicle and English Speaking Driver. We use Safari type vehicles that have a pop-up roof for maximum viewing of wildlife and birding on game drives. Transportation Costs make up a large part of he safari, fuel being presently at around 1.40 USD a liter. There is a difference in price between a 4Wheel Drive Safari Van or a modified Toyota Land-Cruiser.
Park Fees & Logistics
National Park, Wildlife Reserves, Ugandan Places of interest entrance fees, game drives, boat rides, ferry crossings, etc. They are the same no matter what price range you choose.
Your choice of what to do while on a Uganda safari also affect the price of your safari. If you include gorilla tracking the price per person on Safari has just increased by US$700 and US$1500 for gorilla permits for Rwanda. Chimpanzee tracking is the next largest expense in parks ranging from US$50 to US$150 depending on where you will be tracking them plus park entrance of US$35 per day for foreigners and then there is the vehicle and driver.
Accommodation
Lodging and accommodations in Kampala and the National Parks come in three basic categories and in each one there is a certain cost range.
- Luxury accommodation can range from 200 USD per person per night to as high as 500 USD per person per night full board depending on the location, the type of accommodations available and so on. Luxury accommodations are available at most locations in or near National Parks and Wildlife Reserves.
- Midrange or Moderate rates from about 75 USD to 200 USD per night per person and are available in most locations. The difference is the decor and furnishings in the rooms, the quality of food served. A bit more basic than luxury where dinner might be 4 or 5 courses served. Some moderate accommodations are just a few dollars below up-market in certain areas and the difference in quality is miles apart but we will certainly advise you.
- Budget ranges from 15 to 75 USD per day per person. It is usually very basic and not self contained in most cases. There are some areas where budget accommodations are not advised and we will make you aware of those places.
Full Board safaris are our standard, but in cases of budget safaris where meals have to be figured in, we simply do not do stripped down safaris that leave out important things such as food, bottled water.
Africa may be the poorest continent on earth – however that does not make it the lowest priced continent to visit unless you are bouncing on the back of some overland truck safari where what you get a good portion of our ever-red dust, feel like you have been on a roller coaster and it turns out not at all as you have envisioned it.
Important Things to Know While Planning a Safari
There are certain things that one is sure of by virtual of dealing with a competent and reliable tour operating company like us and below are the most striking ones;
- Quality Vehicle with pop-up roof for best wildlife viewing.
- Tour Guide Driver with over 5 years of experience and a safe driving record.
- You share the vehicle with only and only your entourage
- On Game Drives we add a Uganda Wildlife Authority Guide who knows where the wildlife is on that day and enhances your opportunities to see the most and well as furnishing you with first hand information about the park and all its habitats
- Only better budget facilities – often that border on being compared to a moderate facility with room that have their own bath – are clean and comfortable – no bed bugs allowed.
- Normally budget facilities that have a good restaurant with nice meals and a variety of choices are picked
- There is always bottled water on board of vehicle for your consumption.
- The cost normally includes all permits and entrance fees – no fine print here or the words exclusive of.
- An itinerary is always provided to you detailing all the areas to be visited such that you are well acquainted with the flow of the journey.
- If you are going on 5 or longer day safari,you are given a mobile phone to use in order to stay in touch with your tour guide at all times, and the companies’ office and with your family as well.
Go on a Luxury Safari in Tanzania
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is a country home to the tallest peak in Africa and the most dramatic caldera on Earth. In the north are some of the most iconic landmarks and parks on the continent – such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Although Disney’s Lion King was loosely filmed in the Masai Mara in Kenya, a lot of research came from the plains of the Serengeti.
In the south, Tanzania homes some off-the-beaten-track destinations which, for safari enthusiasts, are worth visiting. Off the eastern coast is Zanzibar Island – a tropical paradise full of white-sand beaches and friendly local people. Tanzania should be on your bucket list.
Tanzania is has a number of luxury accommodation facilities that will give you a comfortable stay during your safari to Tanzania;
- It is home to the Great Migration
If you’re thinking of going on a luxury safari in Tanzania but finding it difficult to decide which country to head to, ask yourself this question: do you want to witness the greatest safari spectacle on Earth? If so, then head to Tanzania to experience the wildebeest migration. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras make the journey across the plains of the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) in search of green pasture and fresh rains. The round trip can be up to 1,000 kilometres long and, with lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and crocodiles lurking along the way, it’s an exhausting and brutal journey for them. As it’s possible to see the wildebeest herds throughout the year in Tanzania, this incredible sighting is often top of the list when it comes to things to do in Tanzania.
- Mount Kilimanjaro towers over the country
Standing at a height of 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is in northern Tanzania and is the tallest mountain in Africa. On clear days, you can see the snow-peaked tip of Kilimanjaro from northern Tanzania, but one of the best views of the mountain is from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Photographers usually head here for iconic pictures of elephant herds in the foreground and the mighty mountain as the backdrop. Although you need a good level of fitness, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly possible and sometimes referred to as ‘every man’s Everest’. There are around 6 hiking trails, each offering different lengths and strenuousness.
- Enjoy a tropical paradise island after your safari
Although the east coast of Tanzania is home to a beautiful coastline, the most visited beach destination is Zanzibar Island. The local name for the island is ‘Unguja’, and it’s composed of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, approximately 30 kilometres from Tanzania’s mainland. This relatively small island has so much to offer. Of course, stunning beach hotels and resorts sit on the northern and eastern coastlines, each offering barefoot luxury with breath-taking views across to the ocean. Here, you can do plenty of water sports such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and kite surfing. The capital of the island, named Stone Town, is also worth visiting. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to an abundance of culture and history.
- Enjoy a boat safari in the Selous
Although the traditional safari experience is in a 4×4 jeep, the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania offers a variety of game viewing activities. As well as game drives, you can do walking safaris and boat safaris here. As the mighty Rufiji River runs through the Selous Game Reserve, heading out on a boat is one of the best ways to see the wildlife. On the water, you’ll get close to hippo and crocodile beneath you, watch elephants swim and drink from the river, and tick off unique bird sightings throughout the day. From the river, you get a different perspective of the park, and if you’re lucky, you will get the opportunity to see big cats hunting along the riverbank as antelope or other small animals come to drink.
- Sleep under the stars in Ruaha National Park
Although the wildlife in Tanzania is second-to-none, the sky at night should never be underestimated. With so little light pollution, being out in the bush allows you to see the sky completely lit up, sparkling with stars and constellations. Some destinations across Tanzania allow you to sleep under the stars at night, such as Ruaha National Park. Some camps have sleep out decks and beds, while others offer an experience called ‘fly camping’. This is essentially an experience where you sleep under the stars with just a mosquito net around you. With your guide and a team of staff with you, it’s certainly one of the most memorable ways to spend a night in Tanzania.
- Experience the Lion King characters in real life
Disney took inspiration and did extensive research in both Kenya and Tanzania when it came to the making of the Lion King (1994). They used the backdrops of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti as inspiration – for example, the vast, extensive plains and dramatic acacia trees. There is also a considerable use of Swahili (the local language in Tanzania and East Africa) in the Lion King. While many of us know that ‘hakuna matata’ means ‘no worries’, other characters have Swahili translations. For example, Simba means lion, zazu means movement, and Rafiki means friend. During your Tanzania safari, you’ll have the opportunity to see these Lion King characters in real life, and answer the questions you have always wanted to know: Do hyenas really laugh? Are warthogs really forgetful? Is Pride Rock real? The list goes on.
- Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater
Located in northern Tanzania is the Ngorongoro Crater. Now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive caldera was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed approximately 3 million years ago. Today, you can descend the impressive sunken caldera and enjoy a safari on the crater floor. The landscape is so unique. From the top, the weather is cooler and there is a layer of mysterious fog over the crater. As you drive down, the fog lifts and you will see an expansive savannah in front of you. On your safari, you’ll get the chance to see lion, elephant, zebra, antelope, crocodile, hippo, and the elusive rhino.
Why choose a luxury holiday in Tanzania?
The difference between a budget and a luxury safari to Tanzania can be as much as £3,000 per person, but does a bigger price tag bring tangible benefits? In terms of ease of travel and seeing some truly spectacular, remote corners of this vast country, then yes. Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are far off the beaten track in the south, with only a handful of lodges, and they’re best reached by an internal flight. All this pushes up the price tag, but their remoteness and exclusivity means you’ll have the impressive wildlife pretty much to yourself. When it comes to accommodation and optional activities, though, paying the luxury full-whack is simply a matter of choice, but if you have the budget and want an unforgettable, supremely comfortable experience, Tanzania will happily deliver.
Read MoreThings to Know Before Self Driving in Rwanda
A self-drive holiday is a journey whereby one hires a car and drives it themselves rather than hiring a professional driver. Rwanda is one of the perfect self-drive destinations that one can enjoy since they are able to explore the country’s many beautiful sights and probably national parks, game viewing enjoy adventures among others. Doing Rwanda self-drive is better for the people who enjoy the drive themselves, want privacy, lots of flexibility and want to travel to Rwanda on a budget basis.
Are you planning on hitting the road on self-drive in Rwanda? Having a ride on your own makes you enjoy and have a smooth trip all through since you will be in full control behind the wheel. However, having a self-drive trip in a foreign country is a bit challenging.
Renting a self-drive car is prevalent in western countries, but in Rwanda, it is on the verge of gaining the limelight status. With so many cabs and taxi options available in Rwanda, people are always inclined towards choosing a convenient choice of sitting in the back seat and enjoying the ride.
However, let me ask you a question, ’’are we really enjoying?” Though it sounds to be a convenient option, we all have undergone some moments, when driver invades our privacy or taking his top speed on a highway leaving us to tremble with fear.
Below are some of the self-drive tips that will help you reach the unforgettable road trip that you are looking for in Rwanda.
Make sure the car is in a fine condition
Any good self-drive trip whether in Rwanda or around Africa needs a reliable and the right choice of the car to make sure that you enjoy all through. Do a quick inspection about the fluid levels, air filters, brake pads, wiper blades, lights, steering wheels, tires among others. It is always better to have a mechanic nearby in case you have any doubts about the vehicle that you have chosen for the road trip and let him find out what is not in a good condition other than finding out yourself when you go to unfamiliar areas, miles from any kind of help. Reliable mechanics are found in major towns.
Communicate
Keep in touch with the network of friends and family by communicating to them while you are on the road. Make sure that someone outside there knows about your road trip like your destination and planned dates so that they can check in if they do not hear from you again. Don’t forget to bring a Bluetooth headset with you since it is unsafe to receive or answer calls while your hands are on the steering wheel or maybe you can opt to use your phone’s voice assistant exclusively.
Pack emergency kits
Did you know that an emergency kit can save your road trip and perhaps even your life? Before you go, pack a kit of crucial emergencies like road flares, hand warmers, torches, jumper cables, warm clothes, phone chargers, rain gear and if possible, pack a fire extinguisher too. Keep the emergency kit in a waterproof bag and once it is there, you will have it when you need it the most, do not get disappointed once you complete the road trip without using any of the things that you had packed because prevention is better than cure an in any case you are already a victor.
Adjust the position
Make conscious effort to sit upright because slouching can make you drowsy. People often sit too far away from the steering wheel which is not good and safe. Actually the legs should be bent so that you can exert strong pressure on the brake pedal in case of anything, allow your elbows to be slightly bent so that you can use all your strength to turn the wheel if necessary. Failing to adjust the posture can to some extent lead to traffic accidents hence making your self-drive trip a night mere.
Follow the rules and regulations while on the road.
If you stay within your boundaries of the law, I assure you that things will go easier on your self-drive trip. By driving while maintaining the speed limit, not running in red lights and generally obeying traffic laws, is rest assured that you will get all the fun of the road without the hassle and danger of the tickets issued by the traffic police.
the tip also applies to one of the most common broken laws of wearing the seat belt, this might sound cliché but trust me seatbelts really do save a lot of lives and you never know when an accident will occur ahead, once you put on your seat belt, it is pretty easy to forget that it is even there, this is a world renowned by a number of safety measures. Taking the appropriate safety precautions serious will make your self-drive trip even more fun while helping to ensure that everyone gets home safe and sound without any legal troubles.
Don’t drink and drive
In case you go out for drinks at night, make sure you pick a designated driver to get you back to your destination, or maybe you can park the car and ask the hotel driver to pick you up from the place where you will be enjoying from. There is nothing good about driving while you are drunk, or driving while drinking alcohol, it is definitely a bad idea that you should not even think about doing because you we really want you safe and sound without any legal destruction.
Either way don’t get on the road before you recover claiming that you just have a hung over because history has it that hangover is not a better idea either, getting onto the road when you are fully sober and alert is the only way to do it safely. Being caught while drunk, it might result into unplanned things like affecting your wallet or maybe imprisonment.
Parking lanes.
Make sure that you endeavor parking in the safe places while in Kigali and elsewhere in the outskirts of the city itself. You should always remember to pay for your parking tickets issued to you according to the time that you have parked and if unpaid, you might end up paying a heavy fine.
Have extra cash around you.
We very well know that you have planned for the self-drive journey in Rwanda and that you have maintained a minimum balance in your pockets, but here we are advising you to keep some extra cash around you in order to cater for what you have not planned. Don’t lean by your shopping card because they might not apply in some parts of Rwanda since some of the major supermarkets are found in urban centers while others in the scarce locations. Keep the extra money not only for shopping the surplus but also paying expenses like parking fees and fuel costs.
Conclusion
Now that you have acquired a clear understanding of things to check before renting a self-drive car in Rwanda, it’s time to collect the keys and start “Vrooming”. Rent the best car in Rwanda by hiring your car from Rwanda car rental.
Read MoreHow to Find a Good Car Rental Agency in Rwanda
Hiring a car is one thing any traveler on Rwanda safari should put into consideration. It is what makes your safari complete but the car rental company you choose to deal with also matters a lot. Whereas others opt to borrowing from friend or family or embarking on public means, they are not the best options if you are interested in flexible road trip that is why dealing with a reliable car rental agency is best way to go.
To guide well when choosing the best agency to for Rwanda car hire, the following factors should be put into consideration.
The rates for car rental
When choosing a car hire company to deal with, take note of the rates of car rental. Each car hire agency in Rwanda has its set prices for car hire which you need to be aware of before you make your last choice. To be on safer side, we advise our clients to spare sometime and research on different car rental companies to get to know about their rates. This is one way that you can make comparison such that you find the best car rental agency with pocket friendly rates and the best offers. Also do not be mistaken that the high rates reflect better services at times it is not the case and again do not be moved by cheap things as they may cost on your wallet.
Reputation
When you Google, different car rental companies/tour companies have reviews written about them by other visitors who also dealt with them company you wish to deal with in Rwanda. You can check on trip advisor and you find out what others have said about the company. You can also cross check the profile to ascertain if it is really a registered company before you consider dealing with it.
Fuel
Different Car Hire Company may or may not quote fuel rates and even when they do, you will realize that others quote a high or low rate. Meanwhile others rent a car out with fuel and you are expected to bring it with same quantity of fuel and bridge of agreement may mean a cost on your wallet. Before you make your decision, make sure that you know fuel policy of a particular Car Rental Company you hope to deal with.
Road assistance
When choosing for Rwanda car rental to deal with, make sure that you inquire more on breakdown-if there is any provision for rescue of car and if you will be required to pay addition amount or not. However, most car hire agencies off a 24hour road assistance although you do not need to assume that it happens to all.
Additional costs
Did you know that there are hidden costs/charges that some car rental companies do not tell clients online but when booking they disclose to you? Do not be taken by surprise with a new charge presented to you at the end of day/actual day of hiring a car. Ask and find out what your quotation includes or excludes.
Insurance
Different car hire companies have their own set insurance policy or terms and conditions. Because of this, you need not to assume that this applies to all or they all provide comprehensive or third party insurance. To be on safer side, you have to inquire more about this. Usually, insurance policy covers the car rental only while others include the visitor’s life and property. On the other hand, other agencies may require you to purchase your own or for the car too.
Mileage provided
Each Car Hire Company has its mileage provision. Some offer unlimited while others limited. You are required to inquire more about what mileage the company you hope to deal with offers to avoid incurring unexpected charges.
Car Varieties
Cars are hired for different reasons. When choosing a Car Hire Company search for an organization that has a variety of vehicles to cater for number of passengers and location of your destination. The type of vehicle will also affect the size of luggage one has to carry.
Location of the Car Rental Company.
Many companies have been established to offer car rental services. One should consider the location of the car rental company to minimize cost and reduce time it takes to access the car services. This company is located in the major cities and arrangements can be made for the car to be delivered to one’s location.
Car Rental Terms.
It’s vital you consider the car rental terms before making the final decision. Make sure that you read all the details and seek clarification on any information that you do not seem to understand. Not complying with the car rental terms can cost you more money, if all the requirements are not met.
Drop-off times & location
The drop off time and the company’s rules towards it are among the most vital factors to consider before hiring a car. It is good to look for service providers that are inexpensive and lenient as far as drop off locations is concerned.
Value Addition
Ask the convenience that the company offers before making a final decision. There are service providers that offer online bookings. Without a doubt, online interaction will save time and stress. Some car rental companies may offer a bundle deal with discounted price for several extra items like GPS units, child seats, booster seat, roof racks for an additional fee. Most car rental companies do not allow smoking in the car. Car rental companies will charge you a cleaning fee in case you do so. Some rental car companies may or may not charge for a chauffeur.
Conclusion
Are you renting a car for your vacation? If yes, you should take your time to learn how to get the right type of car that will suit your vacation needs. When choosing Car Hire Company in Rwanda to deal with, you need to take note of several things to guide you most of which include the ones listed above.
Read MoreGorilla Trekking in Rwanda vs Congo
A combined trip from Volcanoes National Park to National Parks in Democratic Republic of Congo is one that is very exciting and filled with lots of adventure and fun. A safari in Rwanda and Congo that combines game viewing and gorilla trekking will give you the two ultimate safari experiences i.e. game drives in Virunga, Kahuzi Biega national parks in Congo and gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS
Volcanoes national park in Rwanda was first established in 1925 making it the oldest national park in Africa. The national park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to its west and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, to its east.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.
The largest living primate, gorillas are spread across much of the equatorial African rain forest. Broadly speaking, the species is split into lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.
The volcanic range which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible.
At the latest count, there are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif.
There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters.
The troops are somewhat fluid in composition, but tend to stick to a preferred area. They are constantly monitored and protected by park rangers, with each group coming into contact with tourists for a strict maximum of one hour per day.
Permits
Six tracking permits are issued per troop per day, meaning the encounter is as intimate and as unobtrusive as possible. With only 96 permits available each day in Rwanda, it is highly recommended to book in advance, either online or via a reputable tour operator.
Visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am, and are allocated a family group on the day according to fitness levels, as well as being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas.
Gorilla families
The families are known as Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda and Muhoza.
Hikes up to their various locations can last anything from 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route.
For those interested in tracing the footsteps of Dian Fossey, her tomb is a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters and then two or three hours hike through the forest, to above 3,000m altitude.
The annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony is a special time to visit the Volcanoes National Park, with guided tours leading up the main event providing an opportunity to meet park staff and conservationists, attend cultural evenings and a celebration in Musanze.
PRIMATE WATCHING IN CONGO
The Republic of Congo is widely known as the world’s leading destination for lowland gorillas and wild chimpanzees, which are usually found in the thick areas of rainforest that comprise the second largest swathe of tropical rainforest in the world.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga, Kahuzi Biega & Maiko National Park
Gorilla trekking is the prime activity in Virunga national park. This is the only place you find mountain gorillas in Congo. Just like in Uganda and Rwanda, one must have a valid gorilla trekking permit issued by the organization in charge. You will then be informed of the location from where you will begin your gorilla trek. Virunga national park has seven gorilla groups habituated for tourism
In the morning of the gorilla trek, you will be transferred to the park offices where you will receive a briefing from the park ranger in charge about the expectations in the forest. After this you and the people in your group will start the trek in the forest to search for the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Maiko national Park is possible due to the presence of the eastern lowland gorillas. Travelers can take part in gorilla trekking in Maiko National Park for an encounter with the eastern lowland gorillas that are endemic to only the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is only here and in Kahuzi Biega National Park that eastern lowland gorillas can be trekked. While gorilla trekking in Maiko Park Congo, travelers can encounter a number of other wildlife including primates like chimpanzees
Most tourists who go to Kahuzi-Biega National Park do so to spot Grauer’s gorillas. Eastern lowland gorillas are larger than the mountain gorillas. The specie is making one of its last stands here and faces the possibility of extinction. The census of 2013 discovered 145 individuals in the highland sector of the park, a great decline from the 600 first counted in 1990.
Grauer’s gorillas face threats from poaching (young gorillas for trade), illegal cutting down of trees, encroachment on land for farming and mining coltan. Three Grauer’s lowland gorilla groups are fully habituated and open to tourists in the highlands. Kahuzi-Biega National Park Congo Tracking the gorillas involves hiking though the dense tropical rain forests, swamps and even highlands depending on the last location of the gorilla group.
You should also be able to identify the different individuals, personalities and group dynamics. By the end of the activity you will realize just how similar human beings are with gorillas and the more reason why we should protect them at all costs. Permits for gorilla tracking cost $400.
Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Chimpanzee in Congo is one of the most famous animal species that travellers look out for in the wilderness during their Congo Safari tours. This has become of the famous activities although mountain gorilla trekking is one of the biggest primate safaris which is only in three east African countries namely Virunga in Congo, volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga national park in the Uganda. With about 1000 gorilla species left in the world and distributed on these national parks, which has attracted a lot of tourists for gorilla trekking. However, Virunga national park has a hidden gem of chimpanzee of habituated groups that can be visited by the travellers having interest in chimpanzee trekking in Congo.
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary; this place is one of the best homes to protect the chimpanzee and one of the best places for chimpanzee tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is situated within the two national parks that is Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega National parks. The sanctuary can be visited by the travellers taking part in chimpanzee trekking, the sanctuary mainly keeps orphaned chimps which are under rehabilitation at the centre. The sanctuary is located in the place that can be easily accessed by the travellers after gorilla trekking, it can be an addition to your gorilla trekking safari in Virunga national part in DR. Congo.
Golden Monkeys in Virunga & Kahuzi Biega NP
Golden monkeys in Rwanda can be found in the famous Virunga Mountains, they are common on highland forests and bamboo vegetation because they feed on bamboo. Shoot living in social groups of about 30 individuals feeding on insects, flowers, shrubs, bamboo branches,, fruits, invertebrates and leaves. They are said to be a sub species of the blue monkey that belonged to the old order of monkeys.
The Virunga volcanoes harbor about 4000-5000 Golden monkeys. These monkeys have a rare beautiful strike of gold on the backs. The Golden monkeys can be trekked in Congo, they can be seen in the Kahuzi Biega and Virunga national parks.
The golden monkey trekking activity always starts at 7:00am in the morning where you will be briefed a provided with armed game rangers and tour guides. The maximum number for a group is very limited unlike gorilla trekking where only eight people can visit a group of gorillas, the maximum time for studying them is an hour. The maximum age for children trekking is 8 years old.
Conclusion, this is without doubt one of Africa’s most undiscovered destinations with excellent potential for Primate Safaris. Gorillas in Rwanda and Primates in Congo are of a good combination when it comes to hidden treasures.
Read MoreTop Places to Visit in Kigali on Self Drive
Wondering about the Things to do in Kigali? Read on. Rwanda is known as a charming country of countless hills and natural beauty. The capital Kigali is no exception. Kigali has a population of over one million people and is built right at the centre of the country making it easy to access by road from all of Rwanda’s neighboring countries. Get the best car rental in Kigali that has become known as one of the quietest, safest, cleanest and most organized cities in Africa. It is the centre of arts, transportation and culture in Rwanda. Things to do in Kigali include the following;
Mount Kigali
For those who love adventure, climbing Mount Kigali could be just the thing you need. It is not a mountain as such but the highest hill in Kigali reaching 6,000 feet. The starting point is in Nyamirambo near the Sun City Hotel. Overall, hiking to the top of the mountain is easy because of its gentle slopes. The top of Mount Kigali offers amazing views of the city and with opportunities to take beautiful photos. While on top of Mount Kigali, you can stop for food and beer at the Mera Neza bar or visit the Fazenda Sengha horse ranch for horseback riding. There is a platform in the ranch overlooking the beautiful city where barbecue is served for visitors.
Take a Motorcycle Taxi
This is perhaps the most effective and cheap means of touring the city and its suburbs. The motorbikes are perfect for navigating through the traffic and provide flexibility to stop at literarily any place of interest. The bikes can be rented by anyone but it is important to move with a trustworthy Guide if you are not sure how to use them. Be careful using them during the rainy season and always put on the helmet provided by the Guide.
Volunteering
If you have a strong believe in the spirit of volunteerism, then you need to know that Kigali will provide you with opportunities to get involved in important causes. You can request to help patients in the hospitals, teach English in a school, teach a new sport and design a website for one of the numerous Non-governmental organizations looking for the services of committed and skilled international volunteers. Expect to work in difficult conditions with minimal comfort. The only reward to expect from your volunteering spirit is the feeling of knowing that you have done something for the good and betterment of others.
Visit a bowling alley
Mamba club was the first place to bring a boiling alley in Kigali. The club is found in Kimihurura and has helped raise the popularity of the sport among people in Rwanda. The club has quality imported bowling gear and puts together other indoor sporting activities that are enjoyed in an atmosphere of fun with good international and local cuisines on offer.
Visit Art Centers, Crafts Shops and art galleries
A visit to African cities is incomplete without visiting one of the art/craft shops – Kigali is no exception. The people of Rwanda love art and if you are looking for evidence, then visit their homes and sitting rooms. The Inema Art Center is the best art Centre in Kigali. This center was opened in the year 2012 by the two Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmnuel Nkuranga. The Centre now houses about 13 of the country’s best artists as well as international guest artists. Places to visit in KigaliIt is the place to go to if you are interested in beautiful African sculptures and paintings. It is possible to witness the artists at work or learn dancing and drumming skills. The centre also arranges yoga classes for visitors and has a bar that opens on Thursday allowing visitors to listen to music as they marvel at the art collections. For the best Jewelry collection, check out the popular Abraham Konga Collections. Konga uses discarded materials to create high quality earrings and necklaces. GoKigali Boutique within the Marriot Hotel has got high quality jewelry, shoes and books. You can also find baskets, clothes and a nice map of Kigali at GoKigali Boutique. For a cheaper jewelry and other household items, why not visit the Sarah Day Design located a few meters away from the boutique at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.
Go for Sauna and Massage
While in Kigali, you will have no shortage of places to go to that offer pedicure, facials or manicure. Massage and Sauna isn’t reserved for only the high end hotels but also specialized outlets scattered around the city centre.
Visit one of the large shopping Malls
Nakumatt is located within the Union Trade Centre and is arguably the largest super market in the town centre at the moment. You can find almost everything there.
Skydiving
This activity has become so popular in Kigali after being introduced only recently. Jumping from a small plane to the ground will raise your adrenaline to phenomenal levels. The activity can be done by anybody but needs great mental preparation. The instructors give an orientation about all aspects of safety including how to organize the parachute. The instructor will fly close to or with you all the way to the ground. I recommend that you read about the top activities in Nairobi if you plan to visit Kenya in the near future.
Ride a Horse
Kigali offers the opportunity to go horseback riding through the beautiful countryside and around Mount Kigali with amazing views of the city. Horseback riding is arranged at the Fazenda Sengha in Mount Kigali and at the Rugende Park. Anyone can take part in horseback riding. Before starting the long ride, participants are taken for practice riding around a pen or tree as they learn the basics of handling a horse
Skating
This is one of the recently introduced outdoor activities in Kigali. The park used for skating is at the SOS School in What to do in KigaliKacyiru. The SOS School offers opportunities to learn the fundamentals of skating for beginners while also teaching new skills for the advanced skaters.
Golfing
The Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama allows non-members to play for a small fee while also providing golfing equipment and bags. The club has a well maintained and beautiful 18-hole course.
Play Tennis
The best tennis courts in Kigali are found at Cercle Sportif, Hotel Des Places to see in KigaliMilles Collines, Nyarutarama Sports Club, Umubano hotel and the Amahoro stadium. Many of the other courts are still made of clay and may stress your feet as you play for a long time.
Go Fishing
Lake Muhazi is the best place to go for fishing in Kigali. It takes about one hour driving by road to reach the lake from Kigali. The lake stretches about 32kms across and has several fishing holes where you can throw your line from a speedboat or a canoe. The area surrounding the lake has amazing scenery which adds value to the activity.
The Kigali Convention Center
The Center is built next to the famous Radisson Blu Hotel. The Kigali Convention Centre is one of the prominent places in Kigali. It was built in the shape of a beehive with beautiful lights that look amazing in the night. It is said that the architect was inspired by the King’s palace in Nyanza, which has a similar design.
Go to the local markets
The best way to learn about the culture of a country is to visit the local markets. From the market, you can know their favorite food and how they interact. Kimironko Market is arguably the largest local market in Kigali. It is built away from the city centre and has the best collection of fresh vegetable, fruits, species and flours. Places to visit in KigaliApart from food stalls, the market has several electronics, clothes and other craft shops. You can find local Rwandan fabrics with bright colors ready to be bought and sewed into a skirt, top or dress for small fee. The other major market is the Nyamirambo market. This market is more spacious allowing you to mingle with the locals as you get to know about their products. Most Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda and a bit of French. It is important to move with a guide whenever you visit these markets to help you with translation where necessary.
Watching Movies or visiting the Night Clubs
The night life in Kigali is filled with activity. Century Cinema located right at the city centre is Kigali’s main movie theater. They show the latest blockbusters (some before official release from the US) in 3-D and 5-D with great motion, special effects and surround sound. The Goethe-Institut and Korean Embassy show German and Korean movies (themed) respectively on certain days of the week.
For those who love dancing, partying and mingling with new people, visiting one of the night clubs would be just the thing. These night clubs are frequented by all classes of people looking for a good time and fun over the weekend.
Watch Soccer at the Amahoro Stadium
Amahoro Stadium in the Remera area is the largest soccer stadium in Rwanda with the ability to accommodate 30,000 people. Soccer is very popular among the people Rwanda and the stadium gets filled each time the top teams play. The top and most popular league teams in Rwanda are Rayon Sports FC, Police FC and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise FC. Tickets for the matches aren’t expensive. So go and support one of the teams and mingle with the locals as you have fun and make new friends.
Visit restaurants
While in Kigali, you can’t miss trying out delicacies like Akabenzi (cooked pork), brochettes (roasted meat with chips), Nyama Choma (roasted meat), Ibirayi (goat mixed with potatoes) and giant fried fish. These delicious meals are prepared in Hotels like Hotel des Mille Collines or in specialized restaurants around the city. The first place to check out is Brachetto. This high-end facility is managed by an Italian chief and is known for very tasty Italian dishes like pasta, grills, risotto, sandwich and gourmet.
The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
Nyamirambo Women’s Centre is found in suburb in Kigali. This centre and workshop was opened in 2007 by a group of local Rwandan women who were victims of gender violence in the past. As a Non-governmental organization, the Nyamirambo Women’s Center helps fight gender-based violence while also organizing English language trainings and computer literacy classes for the victims. Top things to do in the city of Kigali The centre provides modern sewing machines that the women use to produce local clothes, bags and other accessories from local material. The final product is of high quality and some of the best colorful Kitenge (a local fabric) can be bought at their boutique to support the centre. Nyamirambo Women’s Centre organizes walking tours in Kigali with the purpose of exposing visitors to the rural life in Kigali. The two hour walking tours involves stops at the Natural History Museum, State House museum, local shops, local homes, hair salons and the local markets.
The Gaddafi Mosque
The Gaddafi mosque is an impressive structure in Nyamirambo. It wasn’t built by the former Libyan leader but is referred to him by name in recognition of a road that he built passing close to the mosque. The Islamic Cultural Center is the official name of the mosque but people in Rwanda don’t use that name. The mosque also has a community center, a school and clinic that serve the people of Nyamirambo.
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Whereas Kigali and Rwanda now represents many of the good things about a new and fast changing Africa, the people had to watch as one of the worst genocides in history occurred in 1994. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is built to honor about 200,000 victims of the genocide but also to remind people about the atrocities committed so that it never occurs again. Best attractions in KigaliAs upsetting as it can be, visiting this memorial centre will give you an insight of what transpired while also helping you appreciate the current achievements of the. From the exhibitions, you will learn about the overall history of Rwanda, her colonization and other factors that set the stage for the horrific slaughter. At the site, you will see mages of young children slaughtered mercilessly by the Interahamwe. The Kigali Genocide Memorial goes beyond Rwanda to make you understand the other great atrocities committed by mankind around the world. The third exhibition shows the great atrocities by the Nazis during the Holocaust, the genocides in Armenia and Cambodia. Spare about 2 hours to see all the videos and listen to the audio recordings.
Hotel des Mille Collines
Hotel des Mille Collines is one of the best hotels in Kigali. This is the hotel that was featured in the 2004 movie “Hotel Rwanda”. Many people took refuge in the hotel during the genocide in 2004. The hotel managers saved over 1,000 people by hiding them in the hotel rooms. Hotel des Mille Collines is a large luxury hotel with 112 rooms. It has a fitness centre, swimming pool, and a restaurant serving intercontinental dishes. Even though you are not a resident in the hotel, you can still pay a visit to the hotel. No tours are allowed and there are no visible displays to show the role it played during the genocide.
In conclusion, Kigali itself is a colorful and chaotic city, it does not suffer from many of the problems of other African cities and is welcoming and clean (Rwanda has banned plastic bags and runs a number of buses on bio-fuel). Kigali also offers a good place from which to start or end your journey given its central location with a number of surprisingly great restaurants and cafes and a number of colorful markets keeping you busy.
Read MoreSteps to Planning a Safari in Rwanda
Rwanda is a fast-growing safari destination that is seeing ever-growing numbers of travelers. If you’re eying this destination for your next Africa holiday trip, memories are expected in Rwanda. When planning a safari to Rwanda, some people already have their hearts set on a country or two. Others, on the other hand, are still completely clueless. But Rwanda is the best next destination to be on your minds.
Rwanda is famous for its gorilla trekking opportunities in the Virunga Mountains. This is where Dian Fossey researched and habituated mountain gorillas in the 1960s. Although gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the country has a lot more to offer. In fact, if gorilla trekking is beyond your budget, Rwanda is still worth visiting as an up-and-coming destination offering primate walks, volcano hikes and bird-watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, plus boat trips on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and a classic safari in search of the Big Five in low-key Akagera National Park.
PLAN YOUR SAFARI ACCORDING TO THESE STEPS
Decide where to Go
With 4 National Parks and Wildlife Reserves to choose from, deciding where to go in Rwanda can be daunting. The first step is to determine the kind of safari vacation you want or the specific things you’d like to see.
Are you looking for the classic safari experience? Then perhaps Volcanoes National Park is the right choice for you. Want to discover great ancient cultures? Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park may be more your speed. For forest jungle trekking, consider the Volcanoes National Park (home of the mountain gorillas).
Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can meet our tree-dwelling cousin chimpanzee bands or Gishwati-Mukura national park is the newest national park in Rwanda and is known for chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity in this park and visitors’ chances of seeing chimpanzees in this park are very high. These parks have other primates like Golden monkey trekking among others.
Decide when to go
Once you’ve chosen your destination, the next step is to decide when to travel. Rwanda has two optimum travel seasons that most travelers consider; the Dry season and Rainy Season.
Usually, the dry season is better for most Rwanda safari trips. June to September: This is the peak season and the longest dry season in Rwanda. It is apparently the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda and you’re sure you and your photography equipment will not get drenched in the torrential downpours. Getting to the parks is easy and the hiking trails are not muddy and slippery. There are also no chances of rain during the gorilla trekking.
The wet months, from October to May, are the best time for chimp trekking and forest birding, but general hiking and spotting other primates might be easier in the drier months, from June to September. Boat Safaris on Rwanda’s lakes have become popular because they offer more relaxing opportunities to view wildlife and beautiful sceneries. Boat trips in Rwanda are mainly done on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park which lies in Eastern Rwanda and is a two and a half hours drive away from Kigali but during dry season.
Book your tour Activities and Lodging
Next, you need to decide whether you’re going to travel solo or with the help of tour guide. If you opt for an all-inclusive guided safari, your tour operator should organize details like accommodations and tours for you. Even if you decide to book everything yourself, you’ll probably have to arrange treks and safaris through a specialized local safari company (unless you’re taking a self-game drive in easy destinations).
The best local operator to give you a great experience in planning and during your trip is Primate Safari Experiences Ltd. They have been operating Rwanda expeditions, and they book strategically located award winning lodges for your trip to Rwanda. For example; Akagera game lodge, One&Only Nyungwe lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge in Volcanoes NP, King fisher beach hotel among others.
Get in touch with your preferred local operator as much as a year beforehand, and it’s a good idea to book your gorilla permit well in advance because seeing the mountain giants is limited to eight trekkers per habituated gorilla group.
Book your flights
Depending on where you’re flying from, flights to Rwanda can be a bit expensive, and a limited number of carriers often means that seats fill up quickly. For the best rates, book as far in advance as possible.
Does RwandaAir (WB) have online web check-in? Yes, you may check-in for your RwandaAir (WB) domestic or international flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a printable boarding pass.
Try to communicate your international flights with your local operator when booking, so the ground handler or first night hotel will be responsible for arranging airport transfers.
Buy travel Insurance
By this time in the planning process of your safari trip to Rwanda, you’ll have invested a significant amount of money in flights, tours, and your accommodation. It would be best if you had protection at this point. Travel insurance is essential, especially in Africa, where airlines cancel flights without warning regularly, and state hospitals are not places you want to end up after an emergency.
Besides medical costs, your insurance should cover trip cancellation, loss of valuables, baggage loss, or theft. If you’re headed to a particularly remote spot, make sure that your insurance covers medical evacuation as well.
Check your visa requirements
Several months before your departure date, make sure to check with your consulate whether you need a visa. This will be determined based on your nationality, not on your country of residence. Rwanda visa rules change at any time, so it’s important to check with an official government source rather than relying on advice given by outdated travel websites.
Rwanda’s immigration allows you to purchase a visa upon arrival, but also you can apply online in advance from your home country. Even if you don’t need a visa, there may be some special requirements for your passport; like entering Rwanda, your passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry in Rwanda.
Visa Fees, these are fees for processing of applications. If applications are denied, or withdrawn by the applicant, refunds of fees will not be made.
Validity of a Visa, the maximum and minimum period of validity of a visa is set out in the Information for Applicants for each visa class.
Single or Multiple Entries, whether a visa is issued for single or multiple entries is set out in the Information for Applicants for each visa class.
Organize Travel Medication
A vaccination certificate may be required at the border post. In the event of a major disease outbreak, specific requirements could be set and put to the knowledge of the public. At least two months before you depart for your Rwanda trip, you need to visit a travel Hospital and determine what vaccinations are recommended for your destination.
Hepatitis A&B, typhoid, and rabies are good ones to have. Rwanda immigration will require proof of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry, while malaria is prevalent throughout most regions.
A negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate is a mandatory entry requirement in Rwanda. That and other entry requirements you should look out for. Be sure to consult your doctor before deciding which anti-malaria prophylactic to take as all of them have different side effects. Pregnant women should be aware that the Zika virus is also a problem in some areas.
Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we travel, and on safari trips, we lookout for yours and our protection. Make sure you’re up to date with current coronavirus recommendations for travelers like checking frequently about Rwanda.
Buy your travel equipment
Now comes the fun part of planning your impending safari trip to Rwanda, buying all of your specialized equipment. Your shopping list may include items from mosquito repellents to a good set of binoculars and a pair of durable hiking shoes.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather because, even in the Dry season, nights can be incredibly cold. Think about preserving your memories, whether that means investing in a quality camera or buying a scrapbook and a spare set of pens. One essential purchase is a first aid kit, complete with any personal medications as well as all items you’ll need to treat minor injuries.
What to pack for your trip include;
Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and Tsetse flies), T-shirts, Shorts, Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days, a jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives, Lightweight water-proof jacket, Sturdy trousers, Rain hat, Swim and beachwear while at camp, Comfortable walking shoes, Strong waterproof walking boots (comfortable for going up steep hills).
Pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking, Sun block, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials, Strong insect repellent, Binoculars and camera equipment, Small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch
Decide what to do about Money
Decide what to do about money a few weeks before you travel. In Rwanda, carrying large amounts of cash around isn’t safe; however, ATM’s are not necessarily available on every street corner. Avoid traveler’s checks, also, as they’re rarely accepted as a viable currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in Kigali.
The maximum amount of Rwandan Francs you can withdraw per transaction at an ATM is 200,000 RWF (about $240 USD) and most machines will allow two withdrawals of 200,000 RWF. You can withdraw USD from KCB ATMs scattered around town ($500 USD maximum per withdrawal). If you bring USD to use during travel make sure all bills are newer than 2006.
Read about your Destination
Researching your Rwanda before you get in, there is a great way to increase your excitement level and improve your local knowledge. Primate Safari Experiences Ltd can give you valuable insight into a country’s history and culture while also advising you on lesser-known things to see and do.
Phrasebooks are a good idea, too, because knowing even a few local language sentences will go a long way towards helping you make friends. Try Swahili or Luganda-English phrases for travelers.
Lastly, fictional books are written by African writers or set in the country you’re traveling to help give you a sense of what to expect before you travel.
In conclusion, Rwanda is a small country with natural wonders, vast lands of amazing wildlife, great city and cultural experiences. Deciding what to do during your travels can be intimidating. However, first deciding to visit Rwanda can help narrow down all the sights and activities available in other countries.
Read MoreTop Birding Place In Rwanda
When you think of an African safari to Rwanda, expect to see more than just mountain gorillas but also numerous exciting and inspiring birds. About 750 rare bird species are widely distributed in various parts of this stunning country making it one of the most ideal destinations for bird watching. With an area coverage of about 26338 square kilometers, this country features intense bird concentration per square kilometers in Africa. Each of the sites is composed of rare birds and they include among others;
Kigali city
For any plans to go on a birding tour in Rwanda, start your exploration in Kigali capital city which lies just at the entry point to this country via Kigali airport. While birding in this magical country, you will be left amazed by incredible birds. Around Lake Nyarutarama just at the border to the Kigali golf course, you will find distinct birds for you to sight at. You can also visit Nyabarongo wetland which equally offers walking trails and excellent birding encounters. While on a birding tour in Kigali expect to spot birds like brown-throated wattle eye, cardinal woodpecker, African grey hornbill a mention but a few.
Albertine eco-region
This region comprises mountain ranges that formed as a result of uplift and volcanic eruption. It expands to cover parts of western Rwanda and covers 5 countries. The Albertine region is a famous hub for the afro-montane inhabitants comprising of incredible fauna and flora with 40 bird species as well as a variety of wildlife species.
Volcanoes National Park
Suitably located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is remarkably one of the most ideal tourist sites for birding. This park features five of the Virunga Mountain ranges that make up the eight chained mountains especially Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. It offers refuge to about 200 bird species 17 of which are endemic to this area. The popular birds for you to sight at this park include red-billed fir finch, cinnamon chested bee-eater, Chubb’s Cisticola, dusky flycatcher a mention but a few.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This forested protected area stands among a few tropical rainforest protected areas in Africa and boasts of about 310 avifaunal species. While on a birding tour in this park, you will sight at birds such as the Grauer’s swamp warbler, blue-headed sunbird, Albertine owlets, red collared babbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, archer’s robin chat, masked mountain Apalis, blue-headed and regal sunbirds, purple throated, Rockefeller’s sunbirds, Rwenzori hill babbler, stripe breasted tit, strange weaver, handsome francolin, Rwenzori Turaco a mention but a few. Besides, there is also an ideal forest track for bird watching in the Gisakura guesthouse and Rwanda Development Board Tourism and Conservation Campsite at Uwinka where you can spot out birds such as the red-throated alethe, collared Apalis, archer’s robin chat, Kivu ground thrush, Shelley’s and dusky crimson wing, white-bellied robin chat, Doherty’s and Lagden’s bush shrikes, white-tailed blue flycatcher, Great blue Turaco, white-bellied crested flycatcher, barred long-tailed cuckoo a mention but a few.
Akagera National Park
In the northeast, you will find Akagera National Park Rwanda’s only savanna grassland protected area which allows you to catch a glimpse at not only the big game but also numerous bird species. While on a birding tour in this park, you get a chance to spot out birds such as papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary, shoebill stork, white-headed black and familiar chats, Bennett’s woodpecker, red-faced barbet, white-winged and broad-tailed warblers, miombo wren warblers, Caruthers’s cisticola and many more. About 530 birds call this park their home and can be spotted while you are even on a game drive or boat cruise. The other best place for you to encounter incredible bird species in Rwanda includes the wetlands and marshes that make up ten percent of the country. They include Rugezi, Nyabarongo and Akanyaru.
Rugezi Swamp
Tucked away in a flooded valley near Gicumbi and the Ugandan border, the 100 sqkm Rugezi Swamp is, despite being recognized as both a Ramsar Wetland and Important Bird Area, very rarely visited by tourists, and the reed-and-papyrus marshes here are home to some 43 different bird species, including several endemic to the Albertine rift mountains, such as the endangered Grauer’s Swamp-warbler. Other threatened or vulnerable species resident here and endemic to the area include the Papyrus Gonolek and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Most of the swamp is covered in vegetation, but there’s an unexpected and stunningly pretty area of open water at the south end of the marsh called Lake Nyagafunzo, which attracts a compelling variety of herons, pelicans, egrets, and cranes.
Akanyaru Wetlands
Covering 300 sqkm over a narrow, 80 km-long band along the course of the Akanyaru River, the Akanyaru Wetlands start off in the south straddling Rwanda – Burundi border and wind their way north to the village of Ntarama, where the sluggish Akanyaru joins the much larger Nyabarongo River. Though they’re probably less-visited than any other birding site in the country, the papyrus-dominated swamps here have been recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International and are home to more than 54 species, including the vulnerable Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Papyrus Gonolek, along with examples of Great snipe, Pallid harrier, and the Malagasy pond heron.
Lake Kivu
With more than 150 km of jagged, winding coastline on its Rwandan side alone, Lake Kivu is far and away from the largest body of water in the country, and its many dozens of coves, cliffs, islands, islets, and beaches provide ample habitat for a wide variety of waterbirds. To see many of them, you won’t even have to leave the grounds of your hotel. Bring a pair of binoculars to any of the numerous lakeside lodges, and you’re likely to see any number of fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, or kingfishers on the hunt, along with lovely examples of Double-toothed Barbet, Pin-tailed whydah, Malachite kingfisher, and the iconic Crested crane, all without ever leaving the comfort of your balcony, though we still, of course, recommend that you do!
At the Nyarutarama Lake near the Golf Course in Kigali one can spot the African Reed Warbler and Great Sedge Warbler, the Winding Cisticola as well as the Common Waxbill, Grey-backed Fiscal, Tropical Boubou, Red-rumped, and Mosque Swallows, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Pelican, Common Moorhens, Grosbeak Weaver, Grey Heron, Yellow-backed (Black-headed) Weavers, and the Pied Kingfisher.
Read MoreComplete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is a country in central and East Africa and one of the smallest countries on the African mainland. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla population is one of the countries’ greatest tourist attractions as well as animal conservation success stories.
Where to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park north of Rwanda runs along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This is the only national park in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. The park is also home to the Rwandan section of the Virunga’s comprising of five volcanoes, the Virunga’s are totally beautiful and few would argue that this is not one of the most exciting national parks in Africa. I probably needn’t remind you, but of all the extraordinary sights and attractions around the Virunga’s, the one that really draws people here are the famous endangered mountain gorillas.
Today there are over 1063 mountain gorillas left in the wild and half of that population resides in the Virunga Mountain range spanning Rwanda and the other part of mountain reside in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you’re planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda, it is easier than ever.
Rwanda’s most popular tourist attraction is Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is one of the safest and most secure countries in Africa, especially for visitors to Rwanda and even more so if certain Safety and Security guidelines and tips are followed during your visit to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Rwanda currently has 3 official national parks; that is Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park. These National Parks are the centre of Rwanda’s tourism and attracts thousands of tourists each and every year. Rwanda is a country with a diverse culture and rich heritage. The Rwandan cuisine is famous all-over East Africa, with its signature East African dish Ugali and vegetables.
While most tourists to Volcanoes National Park are understandably driven by the desire to have a face-to-face encounter with Mountain gorillas in the mist, there is good reason to stay in the area once you’ve finished tracking: the gorillas share the park with rare golden monkeys, a troop of which has also been habituated to human contact. The Virunga’s, which tower over Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also present a variety of rewarding climbing and trekking options. To get the most from the Virunga’s give yourself as much time as you possibly can as this is absolutely a park that rewards those who linger.
The renowned mammologist George Schaller was the first to research gorillas in the late 1950s. But it was Dian Fossey who brought their plight to international attention, studying them for 18 years in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. She lived with them in the forest, raised funds for rangers and protected the gorillas despite extreme danger from poachers, culminating in her unsolved murder in 1985. At that time, Fossey had estimated that just 250 gorillas survived, under threat from habitat loss, extensive poaching and the crossfire of civil wars.
Today there are over 16 gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla groups consist of at least 1 silverback along with several female and youngsters. The thrilling opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a-life time experience, some even say unforgettable experience.
Mountain Gorilla Experience
From Kigali, you need to get to Musanze. Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. You can either hire a private care or take a public taxi minibus. From there, you need to get to Kinigi, where the trip begins. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town. The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day. At 1,700m above sea level, the city is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised. Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings. Steady walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Raingear useful
The Gorilla Trek
On the day of gorilla tracking, tea and Coffee are provided from around 7:00am for gorilla tracking visitors assembled at Kinigi park headquarters, where entertainment was once provided by the traditional Intore Dancers from SACOLA. After the entrainment, you will be assigned a gorilla family during briefing. The fitter you are, the more likely you are to be allocated a gorilla family that involves a longer trek.
The rangers assess you according to your health, general fitness, age and interests. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda generally starts with a 45-minute walk up gently sloping farmland. The backdrop of the volcanoes is spectacular and the air is pure. As you approach the park entrance, the ground becomes steeper and thick with bamboo. Depending on the group you are with, your total tracking time will take 30 minutes to 4 hours in either direction in Rwanda than in Uganda.
The Gorilla Encounter
Gorilla treks are led by trained guides and habituated gorilla families are used to being with humans, which makes the experience safe. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours plus depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the excitement you feel after seeing the gorillas. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.
Volcanoes National Park has more activities to offer to tourists including; the Dian Fossey Tomb Trail, Golden Monkey Tracking, hiking Mt Karisimbi, Mt Bisoke, Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Gahinga, Buhanga Eco park, Musanze caves, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Trail is located just outside the national park, this living museum highlights aspects of traditional Rwanda society.
Read MoreBest Van Rentals in Rwanda
Are you planning to rent a car in Rwanda and you do not which one is the best? Have you ever used a van or you are looking for one to hire for your safari in Rwanda? Well, our fleet of vans come in different sizes and they range from the usual vans to minivans as well as full size for you to hire and can be hired for vacation in any part of Rwanda. We offer van hire services for visitors on Rwanda safari and depending on your travel interests in this magical and mysterious country, our van rentals are luxurious and offer you that total comfort and luxurious room for you to stretch legs and also adequate space for your cargo. Our van fleet include;
Passenger Vans
For those of you who are interested in passenger vans and you are within Kampala, our passenger vans are the best for you to rent for your vacation. We are available 24/7 to help you navigate to that dream destination at a right time and you can hire one at a relatively cheaper price.
15 passenger vans
Depending on what your travel interests are and number of people you intend to move with, we have many 15 passenger vans and all of them are very ideal for large family trips or if you are planning to travel as youths, sports teams and others. Our vans are pocket friendly and we offer the best for you to live within your dreams.
Cargo van hire
In case you have heavy luggage and looking for the best solution then the best you can do is simply find our cargo vans. Our cargo van rentals are reliable, simple, pocket friendly and relieve you from any stress. They come with adequate space for you to transport your goods and very easy for you load and off load. What stresses people more is landing into a destination and they become stranded with cargo but with our excellent cargo van rentals, we have you covered up.
Omnibus vehicles
If you are searching for the best omnibus car for your safari in Rwanda or if you are planning to travel with your family our omnibus car rentals are the best for you realize your dreams in Rwanda. We provide many kinds of omnibus vehicles for you to rent and they are ideal for wildlife viewing experiences in the savanna grassland protected areas.
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