Explore Rwanda and its vast Wildlife Species with Us !! we are Rwanda wildlife safaris
Rwanda Wildlife Safari tours or Simply Rwanda safaris are amazing expeditions that travelers can undergo when they decide to visit Rwanda/ Tour Rwanda. Rwanda is also known as the land of a thousand hills and with in these hills is a great number of wildlife species that may interest you.
Among the very many wildlife species in Rwanda are the famous endangered mountain gorillas which can be found in Volcanoes National Park in an activity refered to as rwanda gorilla trekking/ Rwanda gorilla safari / Rwanda gorilla tours. Travelers travel from across the country to go and engage in the gorilla trekking experience. Be part of the gorilla trekking experience when you book for your Rwanda Wildlife Safari with us. Volcanoes national park also holds another kind of primate species type called the Golden Monkeys. Golden Monkey trekking is also one of the special activities done in Volcanoes National Park. Apart from the golden monkeys and the gorillas, a traveler can be able to view other wildlife species like birds when they go for their Rwanda Wildlife Safari /Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park.
Nyungwe National Park is another park famous in Rwanda for harboring the Chimpanzee species. Chimpanzee trekking is a famous Rwanda Wildlife Safari activity that many travelers engage in. Nyungwe National Park is also famous for having the hiking trails through which travelers can trek the thick forest as they view different wildlife species in the park like different bird species. The birding safari in Nyungwe is actually boosted by the presence of the canopy walkway which is a suspended bridge 60 meters above the ground. The park also holds other primate species which can be seen better high in the trees on the canopy walkway.
Rwanda happens tp be blessed by the presence of the amazing Akagera National Park. This is the only savannah national park in the country that harbors different mammal species and aquatic wildlife in the Lakes with in the park. In Akagera National Park, travelers can be able to view species like the Big 5 mammals i.e. lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. On your Rwanda Wildlife Safari/ Rwanda safari / Rwanda tour , you will also be able to view zebras, antelopes of different kinds, giraffes and many other wildlife species. To enable you to engage with this wildlife there are different activities put in place like game drives throughout the park, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing to view aquatic wildlife, and bird watching for the bird lovers.
Book your Rwanda Safari/ Rwanda tour / Rwanda gorilla trekking safari with us and let us take you through the amazing Rwanda Wildlife Safari smoothly and rewardingly.
Want to explore Rwanda's primates and wildlife? This 18 days safari leaves no good safari park untouched. You will explore most of the major national parks in Uganda and carry out various activities with mountain gorilla trekking being the main highlight.
Want to visit the most popular destinations in Uganda? This 10 Days budget safari package takes you to Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and a few other destinations like the Rwanda Memorial Tours, Cultural Tours etc.
Rwanda boasts of having diverse wildlife species in different National Parks. The wildlife is Rwanda is so fascinating as the country is one of the three countries in the World to have mountain gorillas. Other countries with mountain gorillas are Uganda and Congo. In Uganda, the mountain Gorillas are found in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Congo they can be found in Virunga National Park and in Rwanda, you will find them in Volcanoes National Park. Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park were protected by the American primatologist i.e. Dian Fossey who died in the struggle to protect the mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey became a hero and has her grave in the national park and it has become part of the tourists' attractions as the Rwanda tour can be to go for the Dian Fossey Hike.
Other Wildlife species in Rwanda include the endangered chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park which hosts a total of 12 different other primate species. Chimpanzee Trekking has become one of the biggest activities in Nyungwe National Park.
Rwanda also boasts of having other wildlife species like the Big 5 in Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park is the only savannah grassland national park in Rwanda and has the big 5 i.e. lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos. Other wildlife species that can be seen in Akagera National Park include the zebras, antelopes, giraffes and many more others.
With all these wildlife species, travelers can be able to book for their Rwanda Wildife Safari with us and we shall take care of the whole safari for you to experience Rwanda and its attractions.
RWANDA NATIONAL PARKS
Rwanda Tourism Industry
The Rwanda tourism industry has fast grown over the recent years into a top luxury safari destination in the East and Central African Region. Not has Rwanda been recognized as a luxury safari destination in Africa, but it is also a top business hub on the continent, with a number of international business summits and conferences being held in the country’s capital, Kigali City. So, whether you are traveling to Rwanda for either business or leisure, you are definitely bound to have a splendid and memorable experience in the ‘Land of a thousand hills.’
About Rwanda.
Rwanda has been referred to as the ‘Land of a thousand hills’ because of her beautiful scenery, green- terraced hills and mountains, ever-green forests and not forgetting her crystal clear lakes and rivers that gently flow through the countryside and into her neighboring countries like Uganda.
Culturally, Rwanda is dominated by three ethnic groups which include; the Tutsi, Hutu and the Twa, commonly known as pygmies. The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups are believed to have migrated to Rwanda between 700BC and 1500 AD detail can be unearthered while on Rwanda safari / Rwanda tour.
Between 1885 to 1919, the Republic of Rwanda was under the colonial rule of Germany up until 1922 when it was handed over to Belgium. It was in 1962 when Rwanda received her independence from the Belgian colonial government.
7th April 1994 marked the start of the horrific Rwanda Genocide which claimed the lives of more than 800,000 Rwandans. The civil war was sparked off by the crashing of the plane carrying H.E. Juvenal Habyarimana, who was then the president of the Republic of Rwanda. In the plane was also the Burundian president Cyprian Ntaryamira. However, the Rwandan genocide came to an end on 15th July 1994 when the Rwanda Patriotic Front, which was led by H.E. Paul Kagame, successfully defeated the Hutu rebels and restored peace back to the country. This event also saw H.E. Paul Kagame sworn in as the president of the Republic of Rwanda, a position he still holds to this day.
The Republic of Rwanda is a relatively small country covering a total surface area of approximately 26,338 square kilometers. Rwanda has a total population of about 11,262,564 people according to the 2015 population Census.
Rwanda is a land locked country bordering Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, Tanzania to the east and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. The major cash crops grown in the country include Tea and Coffee.
Rwanda has moved on past her dark and tragic past and anyone who travels can hardly tell that a great tragedy and political unrest once reigned over this small and beautiful central African country.
The Tourism Industry in Rwanda.
The tourism industry in Rwanda is rapidly growing. In 2010, Rwanda received 666,000 tourists which resulted in tourism revenue of USD 200 million dollars. To further boost the tourism industry in the country, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) signed a three-year partnership deal with London based soccer team, Arsenal Football Club, to help market Rwanda as a first class tourism destination in Africa and world at large. Since signing the deal, Rwanda has registered a 13% increase in the number of its tourist arrivals in the country, with a 5% increase in visitors travelling from the United Kingdom alone.
In addition to this, the board also signed a three year promotion deal with French club, Paris Saint Germain (PSG), in order to further boost its tourism industry. RDB announced that Rwanda has received about 1.7 million tourists in the past year, collecting tourism revenue of USD 2 billion in the same year.
Places to visit during your stay in Rwanda.
Kigali City
Kigali city in Rwanda is the main entry point into the country. The city is strategically situated at the heart of the country, surrounded by lots of green, well-terraced hills and well paved and clean streets. Polythene bags have been banned in the country and thus tourists entering the country through any border points are thoroughly checked to ensure that no one smuggles polythene bags into the country.
Interesting places to see during your stay in Kigali City.
Visitors in Kigali city can pay a visit to some of the interesting tour sites like;
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center: This memorial center displays pictures and other belonging of victims who died during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Tourists visiting Kigali genocide memorial center are taken through the tragic history of events leading to the genocide and its end. The main aim of the center is to educate visitors on how important it is to maintain peace and unity in any society and also show how the country has risen above her dark past.
There are other genocide memorial centers all over the country which tourists can visit and these include; Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site, Nyanza Memorial Site, Ntarama, Gisenyi, Burambi and Nyaruhuye Genocide Memorial Sites.
Camp Kigali: Camp Kigali in Rwanda is one of the historical sites in the country that tourists can visit and learn more about the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. The campsite is where 10 Belgian soldiers from the United Nations peace keeping mission lost their lives during the genocide. While at the camp, visitors can tour the small museum at the site and also the stone monuments which were built in memory of each Belgian solider murdered during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Umusambi Village: The Umusambi village in one of the educative and conservation sites located within Kigali city. This tourism site derives its name from a Kinyarwanda word, ‘Umusambi,’ which means grey crested crane. The village is a restored wetland which provides a safe haven for over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes that have been rescued from illegal wildlife trade. It is located 8 minutes from Kigali International Airport which makes it a great place for a short excursion.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center: Most Rwanda safaris offered by tour operators in Rwanda include the Nyamirambo walking tour. Here, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural district of Nyamirambo guided by charming and warm hearted women from the Nyamirambo women’s center. Visitors are can indulge a number of activities while visiting the women’s center and these include; craft making classes, dance performances and also take part in cooking classes with the local women.
Other places that tourists can see while on holiday in Kigali include; Caplaki craft village, Kimironko market, Azizi Life Boutique and so many more.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the only savannah national park in the country. The national park, which was established in 1934, is home to over 8,000 large wildlife animals. The park shelters about 25 black eastern rhinos, 100 savannah elephants, 80 Rothschild giraffes and over 500 species of birds.
Akagera national park covers about 1,122 square kilometers and is mainly dominated by savannah grasslands, swamp, woodland, lakes and marshland. The park has 10 lakes within its boundaries which visitors can explore on a boat cruise.
Buffaloes in Akagera National Park
Activities done in Akagera National Park.
Guided Game Drives:
Akagera national park offers visitors guided game drives at a fee of USD 30 and USD 40 dollars per person for both day and night game drives respectively. Some of the wildlife animals to look out for during your game drive in the park include; zebras, lion, leopard, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, rhinos, Sitatunga, hippos and so many more. Night game drives are predominately the best for those looking to see nocturnal animals in the park.
Boat Cruise.
Boat cruise tours in Akagera national park are mainly conducted on Lake Ihema. It is the largest lake in the national park and is popular among tourists for its large numbers of hippos and crocodiles.
Guided Nature Walks:
Guided nature walks in Akagera national park are a great way for visitors to explore the park on foot. While on a walk, get to view the various plant, insect and bird species in the national park.
Other activities offered to tourists in Akagera national park include; behind the scenes tour, walk the line, fishing on Lake Shakani, Bird watching, and community tours among others.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park.
For accommodation in Akagera national park, visitors can stay in the following places; Magashi Safari Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Resort and Country Club, Nyagasambu realm beach hotel, Vintage Cottages, Karenge Bush Camp.
How to get to the Akagera.
Akagera national park in Rwanda is located approximately 110 kilometers from Kigali city, which is about a two and a half hours’ drive via road. In case you want to travel to the park by air, you can always book a charter flight from Kigali International Airport to the park using Akagera Aviation Company.
Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is the ideal place to be for visitors interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The national park is famous for its mountain gorillas, with an estimation of about 480 gorillas living within the park. There are about 17 gorilla groups living in Volcanoes national park with only 10 gorilla groups available for tracking by tourists, while the other seven are for research purposes. Volcanoes National Park has its Headquarters based in Kinigi which is a small village located near Musanze town.
Activities offered in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking:
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda is such a wonderful and incredible activity for those on a Rwanda safari. For a fee of USD 1500 dollars, you can book your gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda. The national park has about 10 habituated gorilla groups which are available for tourists to track.
Gorillas in Vocanoes National Park
Most gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda have tourists hiking through thick forests, with some steep and slippery terrains; thus calling for gorilla trekkers to be physically and mentally fit and ready for the adventurous and somewhat challenging activity.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park is conducted in groups of eight members per gorilla group. Once a gorilla family has been located, trekkers are given only an hour to spend in the midst of the gorillas.
Golden Monkey Trekking:
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park is one of the unique experiences offered at the national park. Golden monkeys predominately inhabit the bamboo rainforests in the Virunga Conservation Area which is shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are two habituated groups of golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park which consist of a total of 80 individuals. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park starts at 7am at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi. Permits for golden monkey trekking cost USD 100 and this price cuts across Rwanda and Uganda.
Volcano Climbing:
Volcano climbing in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most thrilling and adventurous activities offered in the national park. The national park has extinct volcanic mountains that fall under the Virunga Massif and some of these mountains where hiking expeditions take place include; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo.
Tourists embarking on a hiking trip on Mount Karisimbi can enjoy pleasurable sights like bird, wildlife like mountain gorillas and forest elephants, and insect species. While tourists hiking mount Bisoke can view attractions such the Crater Lake on the mountain’s summit.
Hike to Dian Fossey Grave Site:
Tourists visiting the national park can enjoy a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and also pay a visit to Karisoke Research Centre, where she carried out her study. She was buried in Volcanoes national park in a gravesite next to her beloved gorilla ‘Digit.’
Caving:
During your visit to Volcanoes national park, you can also pay to go on a hike to Musanze Caves that are located within the national park. These caves were created as a result of volcanic eruption about 65 million years ago.
Musanze caves were opened to the general public and tourists in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board. The lushly and green rocked caves run for about 2km and are home to cave bats. Tourists visiting the caves are provided with equipment like; gloves, knee caps, boots, face mask, helmet and head cap.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village:
The Iby’ iwacu cultural village is located just a few kilometers from Volcanoes National Park. The village gives visitors an insight to the amazing Rwandan culture. While visiting this cultural village, tourists are taken through the rich cultural history of the people of Rwanda, take part in hands-on activities such as making traditional crafts, and also enjoy dance performances from the local dance group. A majority of the performers the communities are reformed poachers who now actively take part in conservation projects in the national park.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors planning to spend a night or two in the national park can stay in the following accommodation facilities; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain gorilla view, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors traveling to Volcanoes National Park can be access the park by road from Gisenyi town or Kigali City. The drive to the national park takes about two hours hence making it a convenient option for tourists to do gorilla trekking and return to Kigali on the same day.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda. The national park is part of the renowned Nyungwe forest and covers an area of about 1020 square kilometers of rain forest. The park was established in 2005 and is home to over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species inclusive of 13 primate species. This makes the national park a place to be for any curious and adventure thrilled visitors.
Activities offered to tourists in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking;
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to at least 25% of all primate species in Africa with majority of its chimpanzees being habituated. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest national park is the make one of the highlights of a visit to the national park and there are about 500 individuals living within Nyungwe Forest.
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park costs USD 60 dollars per person and the activities lasts between 2- 6 hours. Tracking begins at exactly 8 am from three major points which are; Uwinka, Kitabi and Gisakura.
Colobus Monkey Tracking:
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda shelters about 400 black and white colobus monkeys. Tracking these colobus monkeys costs USD 60 dollars and can take from 2- 5 hours with an hour of direct contact.
Nyungwe Canopy Walk:
The Nyungwe forest canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park was introduced in October 2010 as a new tourism product in the park. The canopy walkway extends 200 feet above the forest floor and is 90 meters long.
The Nyungwe Forest canopy walk begins at Uwinka headquarters and lasts 2 hours. It will cost USD 60 dollars per person for those who want to take part in this activity. The canopy walk also allows tourists to explore the higher forest canopy with beautiful views of the forest’s landscape.
Forest hiking:
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is a hiking paradise. With a total of 13 hiking trails, hiking expeditions in the forest can last between 1- 8 hours and costs USD 40 dollars.
Birding:
The national park is home to over 300 bird species that tourists can sight such as; Archer’s Robin Chat, the Strange weaver, Chapin’s Fly catcher and Rockefeller’s sunbird amongst others. Birding in Nyungwe national park costs USD 50 per person per day.
Hike to Isumo waterfalls:
Tourists visiting the national park can also enjoy a guided hike to the renowned Isumo waterfalls. The falls are 17 meters high and give tourists great views of some caves and even Kamiranzovu swamp. Some hiking trails will offer a tourist chance to see snakes, birds, butterflies wildflowers and unique tree and plant species.
There are hiking trails that begin at car park 1 and car park 2 which may be shorter hiking routes as compared to other head trails in the national park.
Other activities that tourists can partake in while visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park include; Congo Nile guided hike which is a 3 day hiking expedition; and camping in the forest.
Accommodation in the park.
Accommodation facilities within and around Nyungwe national park include; One & Only Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guesthouse and Nyungwe Top View Hotel among others.
How to get to the Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be accessed by road from Kigali city. The national park is located approximately 225 kilometers from the city Centre.
Gishwati Forest National Park.
Gishwati Forest National Park is a newly established national park in Rwanda. The national park was established in 2015 and opened to for tourism in 2019. The park spans over a radius of 34 square kilometers, which makes it the smallest national park in the country. The new national park is strategically situated on the edge of the Congo Nile Basin, and is composed of 60 tree species including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. The national park also shelters a group of 20 chimpanzees, as well as other primate species like golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and Blue monkeys. It is also home to over 395 species of birds which makes it a great location for bird watching tours in Rwanda.
Activities done in Gishwati Forest National Park.
For those interested in visiting Gishwati Forest national park, here are some activities that you can do while in the park; golden monkey trekking, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking, hike to waterfalls, community visits and a guided nature walk.
Accommodation in the Park.
Visitors travelling to this national park will be able to get accommodation in the newly constructed Gishwati Lodge. It is a simple and eco-friendly lodge, located within the Gishwati Forest Reserve. The newly constructed lodge has 6 cottages and able to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests.
Gishwati Forest National Park in Rwanda is located about 157 kilometers from Kigali city, this is about a three to four hours’ drive.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu in Rwanda is the largest fresh water lake in the country. The lake is shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo; and can be easily accessed by visitors travelling from Volcanoes national park and Gishwati Forest national park respectively. Visitors can explore the lake on a boat cruise from the towns of Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye.
What else to know about Rwanda.
Here are few more interesting facts to know about Rwanda;
RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND OF RWANDA.
Rwanda is a very religious and conservative country. When it comes to religious denominations in the country, a great majority of Rwandans are Christians with 56.7% as Catholics, 26% of the population are Anglican, 11.1% under the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and 4.6% as Muslims. Small populations of Rwandans still practice traditional indigenous religions.
ARE RWANDANS HOSPITABLE PEOPLE?
A lot of visitors travelling to Rwanda, especially solo travellers, often wonder how friendly the locals in Rwanda are! Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Rwandans are generally hospitable and very welcome people especially to foreigners/visitors as is demanded by the Rwanda culture. It is a norm in Rwanda, as is in many African cultures that the host warmly welcomes his/her guest and makes the guest feel at home.
CURRENCY USED IN RWANDA.
The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. However, other currencies are accepted in the country such as; the US dollar, Pound sterling, Shilling and the Euro among. Travellers can always exchange their money for the Rwandan Franc at any commercial bank in the country or forex bureau. Some of the banks and forex exchange bureaus operating in Rwanda include; Bank of Kigali, I&M BANK, Equity bank, Eco bank Rwanda, Kenya Commercial Bank[KBC], NCBA bank, Urwego Opportunity bank, Development Bank of Rwanda, Co-operative bank Rwanda and Zigama CSS, Western Union and many others.
What Languages are spoken in Rwanda?
The official languages that are spoken in Rwanda include; Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili.
Shopping Centers in Rwanda?
Shopping centers in Rwanda consist of both local markets and craft shops. Some of the shopping centers that visitors can tour while in the country include; Kimironko Market, Azizi Life Boutique, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Caplaki Craft Village, and Haute Baso to mention but a few.
Where to Hangout during your stay in Rwanda?
Travellers visiting Rwanda on holiday can always relax and unwind at any of the following hangout spots in the country; Le Bourbon Coffee, Planete Club, Republica Club, K- Club, Legacy Lounge & Wine Bar and Coco Bean Night club to mention but a few.
There are also a couple of sandy beaches in Rwanda where you can relax and unwind with friends and family during your Rwanda safari. Some of the beaches include; Tam Tam Bikini Beach in Gisenyi, Palm Beach Resort, Ruhondo Beach Resort and Nyagasambu Realm Beach Resort. These beaches are located along the shores of Lake Kivu in the towns of Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye.
Domestic Airport in Rwanda?
The main entry point into Rwanda is at Kigali International Airport. The airport is located in the suburb of Kanombe in the eastern part of Kigali city. It is located approximately 5 kilometers by road from Kigali city center. The airport also serves as transit airport for visitors travelling to Goma and Bukavu in the eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other airports in Rwanda include; Bugesera International Airport in Nyamata province,Butare Airport in Butare, Kamembe International Airport in Cyangugu, Gisenyi Airport, Nemba Airport in Nemba.
All airports in Rwanda have been opened after months of lockdown caused by the outbreak of the deadly novel corona virus pandemic. All visitors travelling to Rwanda will have to adhere to the strict regulations that have been set by the Rwandan government in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some of the preventive measures set by the government include; wearing a mask, hand sanitizing, temperature checks and keeping the recommended social distance of at least two meters.
What Airlines Fly to Kigali city in Rwanda?
Some of the airlines with flights to Kigali city in Rwanda include; KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines.
How to book your Rwanda Visa?
Visitors travelling to Rwanda can book their visa to Rwanda through a trusted travel agent or from any various embassies and consulates in your respective countries of origin. Alternatively, visitors can also acquire a Rwandan Visa upon your arrival in Kigali International Airport. A visa to Rwanda costs USD 50 and USD 100 for an East African Visa which will grant you multiple entries into the East African countries of Uganda and Kenya.
In Conclusion: Rwanda has been referred to as the ‘Land of a thousand hills’ for all the right reasons. The tourism industry in the country continues to grow at a fast and steady rate; with the country receiving tourists even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. So, don’t cancel your trip to Rwanda, simply change your travel dates and escape the lockdown at home!
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