Carbon Free Experiences in Rwanda

Carbon-free experiences in Rwanda allow visitors the opportunity to truly experience the destination. Trekking and hiking other than driving connects them closer to nature and the local communities. These are now the in-demand and impactful travel trends in Rwanda. Come visit Rwand and explore the surroundings in your own space and contribute towards sustainability. BOOK NOW

Rwanda is one of the few safari destinations that provide quality, sustainable, and carbon-free experiences to travelers looking to be responsible visitors. Through a majority of the country’s tourist activities, a solid commitment to sustainable practices has been demonstrated, ranging from waste management, recycling, energy efficiency, minimizing environmental damage, and supporting local communities. As one of the best nature tour operators who organize Rwanda safaris, we shall guide you to the exceptional carbon-free experiences to enjoy in Rwanda to allow you to make your contribution towards the protection of the natural environment.

If you prefer exploring Mother Nature with as little roar or gasoline as humanly possible, then this article is for you. To help our responsible travelers keep their carbon footprints modest, we have put together this list of tourist experiences that are carbon-free by nature- from guided walks, cycling, and primate tracking, to mountain climbing, the majority of these experiences are sure to arouse your fancy.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park 

Trekking through Volcanoes National Park to search for the endangered mountain gorillas is one of the most delightful carbon-free experiences in Rwanda, with visitors getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the exciting life of the Giant Apes. With 12 habituated gorilla families, only 96 gorilla permits are issued each day, meaning only 96 visitors can visit these endangered primates each day. Rwanda is very committed to protecting these creatures by setting the price of gorilla permits at $1500 per person (compared to Uganda’s $700 per person), hence only a few visitors will be afford it to protect the mountain gorillas. Gorilla treks are done while following several guidelines that include restricting the number of persons visiting a habituated gorilla family to 8 visitors per day, not dumping rubbish in the park, limiting the time spent with mountain gorillas to one, and many others.

Volcano climbing

Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes can be climbed/hiked by travelers looking for carbon-free experiences in Rwanda. This adventure provides an eco-friendly way for climbers/hikers to explore the beautiful landscapes and exceptional ecosystems of these mountains, along with jaw-dropping views from specific lookout points. The 4507-meter-tall Karisimbi is the highest of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes (found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), and is shared by two countries- Rwanda and DRC. It takes two days to hike this mountain and for visitors looking for a shorter and faster hike/climbing adventure, then the 3711-meter tall Mount Bisoke is the perfect option because it can be climbed in just 6-7 hours for a round trip. Visitors are advised to practice environmental protection by not disposing of wrappers, paper, and napkins on forest trails, not disturbing wildlife, and using reusable water bottles.

Village/Community walks

Whether you are looking to learn about the traditional ways of life of Rwandans, learning about the traditional local dishes and how to prepare them, taking part in the traditional dances of the people, or purchasing local arts and crafts/souvenirs from local artisans, village/community walks leave a low carbon footprint. Some of the must-visit community projects are the Azizi Life Experience, Gorilla Guardian Village, and many others.

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe. 

Another unmissable carbon-free experience in Rwanda is the chimpanzee tracking experience, done in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here, visitors embark on guided walks accompanied by experienced Ranger guides to search for the Great Apes in their natural habitat. These walks take 2-4 hours and leave a low carbon footprint as long as visitors don’t leave behind rubbish while tracking, following the mandatory number of visitors (8 persons) tracking a particular chimpanzee community.

Guided walks/hiking

Guided forest walks/hiking are another carbon-free activity and Rwanda offers these opportunities in abundance. From the 15 hiking trails and the canopy walkway in Nyungwe to guided bush walks in Akagera National Park and forest walking trails in Volcanoes National Park, there is something for every traveler- age and physical ability. Guided walks are done on foot and in the company of armed Ranger guides, there is reduced carbon footprint. However, several important guidelines have to be followed and these include taking all rubbish with you, digging holes in the forest and later covering it after use (answering the call of nature, especially in the forests with limited toilets), respecting the animals and not disturbing them, as well as sticking to the established hiking trails.

Tea plantation tours

Yes, travelers can incorporate tea into their carbon-free travel experiences by taking guided tours through the tea plantations/estates of Rwanda (especially the Gisovu tea estate tucked away in the extreme northern edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gisakura tea estate hugging the rolling hills in the western edges of Nyungwe National Park). Nature lovers get the chance to enjoy guided tours of these plantations, and see how tea is hand-picked, how the leaves are dried, and how tea is brewed. These guided tours also include learning about the history of tea factories, how tea is packaged, and tea tasting with a free package to take home.

Cycling Tours

For your visit to Rwanda, you can get off the safari vehicle and get on a bike, and it is interesting to know that cycling tours are super carbon-free experiences in the “land of a thousand hills”. This country is one of the few places where travelers can enjoy off-the-beaten-track experiences while exploring the countryside and interacting with the local communities. Arguably the best cycling route in the country, the 227-kilometer Congo Nile Trail starts in Rubavu, runs parallel to the Eastern shores of Lake Kivu, and ends in Rusizi. The Trail lasts about 5 days and is one of the unmissable adventures of any nature lover. Bikes can be hired in Rubavu (with assistance from E and J Consultants) and breathtaking views should be expected. As part of the country’s initiative to promote/encourage cycling, cycling lanes have recently been designed in Kigali City.