Rwanda Safari

An Adventure Into The Land Of A Thousand Hills

The Republic of Rwanda is by far one of the most fascinating safari destinations in the African continent. For most, the main highlight is the easily accessible gorilla tracking activities, and while this is an undeniably wonderful experience, there is so much more to the country that is well worth spending a few extra days to experience as well.

Where is Rwanda?

Rwanda is located in the central-eastern part of Africa and is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite being a landlocked country, it boasts numerous lakes and a temperate to subtropical climate. The country also features sweeping grasslands and mountainous landscapes, which has earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Kigali, the nation’s sprawling capital, has great infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife scene.

How To Get There Ease Of Travel

Very few airlines have direct flights to Rwanda, so the best way is to fly into its neighbouring countries and then connect to the Gregoire Kayibanda Airport in Kigali. Kenya Airways, British Airways, and South African Airways are some of the most popular carriers. Once you land in Kigali, your local tour operator should take over the rest of your transport and logistics concerns. Then again, there are tour agencies that include the international trip in their packages.

Entry and Exit Requirements

A valid passport
Yellow fever certificate of vaccination is MANDATORY for travelers coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries within the last 24 days.
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Rwanda for less than 90 days of tourism.
Travelers leaving Rwanda are expected to pay a departure tax of US$20.

Possible Tourism Barriers

Expensive gorilla trekking permits.
Primate trekking permits are not flexible. If you want to change the date, you have to purchase a new one.
Hit-or-miss chimpanzee tracking.
Lack of budget accommodation options in the wild. Most lodges are available in town.

Why Rwanda Over The Other African Safari Destinations ?

Though not quite as popular as the iconic safari destinations of Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda offers some of the best primate trackings on earth. The best part is that you get to do so against a stunning backdrop of endless green hills and soaring mountainsides. Despite its turbulent past, Rwanda is a safe and friendly destination today – a glowing testament to the resilience of its people.

So if you seek a deeply enriching and tranquil safari, Rwanda parks offers an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else. There’s also a wide variety of accommodation options, whether for the new couple on their honeymoon or the family group looking for some unique bonding experiences. The country is relatively inexpensive to visit too, with an average of 50$ per day, which will cover your transport, meals, and lodging.

If you are after a beach vacation, the best time to go is from late January to the end of April when the weather is perfect for that golden glow.

Best Time To Go

You can visit Rwanda and enjoy its best offerings year-round. However, the best time to visit for gorilla tracking is from mid-December to early February or June to September. What are you waiting for? Book your trip today!

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Top Parks in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans PNV)

This is situated in the far northwest corner of Rwanda around the great volcanic massif known as the Virunga Mountains, which straddles the Rwandan, Ugandan and DRC borders. The park is the most famous destination in Rwanda and is home to about half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as 5 volcanoes – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, each with lush slopes that provide a charming, dramatic natural setting for these majestic primates.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

This park holds the honor of being the largest protected rainforest in Africa. It offers an impressive selection of activities, including chimpanzee trekking, hiking and biking, tea plantations, bird watching of over 300 bird species, and the only canopy walk in East Africa.

Akagera National Park

Rwanda’s largest national park is teeming with wildlife, such as lions, hyenas, leopards, giraffes, servals, and jackals, as well as large herds of buffaloes, zebras, impalas, and several antelope species. There are lakes in and around the park where you can spot elephants congregating, as well as hippos and Nile crocodiles. Akagera is also home to around 482 bird species including the endangered shoebill.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest lake in Africa. It is located in the quaint town of Gisenyi and offers an idyllic shoreside interlude before or after your gorilla trekking in the nearby parks. Spend the time kayaking, boating and simply unwinding as you soak up the captivating sights and sounds. The townsfolk are also warm and welcoming and will happily wave at you as you cruise past.

Lakes Burera and Ruhondo

A trip to these twin lakes offers exploration opportunities of green volcano slopes and the magnificent landscapes sprawled across. You can also rent a boat or Canoe to sail serene blue waters and enjoy the soothing effects.

The Cultural Heritage Corridor

Located in the southern province of Rwanda, the corridor proudly showcases the country’s important cultural and historical sites. You can explore traditional royal living in the Royal Palace in Nyanza, former home of King Mutara III Rudahigwa dating as far back as 1931, which was later converted into a museum. There’s also the Ethnographic Museum in Huye district which houses an impressive exhibit of the finest collections of pre and post-colonial ethnographic, artistic and archaeological pieces in Africa.

Musanze Caves

Located just out of Musanze town, the musanze caves are home to a large number of bats. Back in the day, the caves were used as a shelter during war times and is, therefore, an important place for the local people. Access is usually limited to guided visits, but the guides are well versed in the history and formation of the caves.

Camp Kigali Belgian Monument

This is a small museum in Kigali City that was set up in honor of the 10 Belgian UN Blue Beret that was killed during the onset of the genocide. There are 10 stone pillars to memorialize each soldier.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument

Another heartrending tribute to the victims of the genocide that tore Rwanda apart in 1994. This memorial serves as a remembrance to those who were killed and educate visitors about the causes, reality, and subsequent consequences of the tragic event. Today, however, the country is at peace and visitors are welcome from all over the world.

Presidential Palace

Located near the Kigali International Airport, the former state house of the late President Habyarimana was turned into a history and cultural museum.