Explore & Discover Rwanda
Discover Rwanda the Land of a thousand Hills. “This world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – Saint Augustine. After long months in lockdown, we know many travelers are gearing up for travel and so we have some fantastic features here for those of you who are ready to explore and discover Rwanda with us!
Remarkable Rwanda is a small landlocked country extending for approximately 26, 338 square kilometers, about the size of the State of Massachusetts. Rwanda is no stranger to magical landscapes with verdant rolling hills throughout the country as well as majestic towering mountains like the Virunga Volcanoes in the north-west compensating for its small size and responsible for the country’s name for “land of a thousand hills”. When it comes to natural beauty, few places on Earth come close to Rwanda. BOOK NOW
TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN RWANDA
Volcanoes National Park.
There is no shortage of grandeur in Volcanoes National Park, whether you are trekking the endangered mountain gorillas through the incomparable jungles, hiking the Virunga Volcanoes, trekking the golden monkeys, or watching the outstanding bird species. Spending just one hour with one of the ten habituated gorilla families in this 160-square kilometer Park is worth a plane ticket to Rwanda. If you are an enthusiastic hiker, then hiking the Virunga Volcanoes (Karisimbi and Bisoke) should not miss on your bucket list.
Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park does not get the recognition it deserves but it is one of the most astonishing safaris destinations on the African Continent. This 1122-square kilometer savannah Park within the eastern side of Rwanda was established in 1934 and offers easy access to the big five animals-leopards, lions, Rhinos, elephants and buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, antelopes-Topis, Kobs, Oribis, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks and common elands, nocturnal animals such as serval cats, civets spotted hyenas and bush babies. Looking for relaxing watersports? Lake Ihema makes it possible to kayak, have a boat cruise, and enjoy many other water activities.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park’s biodiversity is unrivaled- from over 200 tree species, 85 mammal species including 13 species of primates, 300 bird species, and 32 amphibian species to over 38 species of reptiles. Trekking the chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, taking a scenic walk on one of the 13 hiking trails and birding should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The Park was gazetted in 2004 and has since then been every traveler’s must-visit tourist destination; and once here, all you will hear is the quiet sound of nature.
UNIQUE SAFARI EXPERIENCES IN RWANDA.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking.
Volcanoes National Park is found in many primate lovers’ bucket lists but trekking and meeting face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience to cherish. Gorilla trek safaris involve waking up by 6:00 am and transferring to Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 am with gorilla permit, trekking gear, and packed Lunch at hand for briefing. Treks are conducted on one of the 10 habituated gorilla families allowing a maximum of 8 persons aged 15 years and above as well as holding a valid permit valued at $1500.
Chimpanzee Trekking.
When you talk of chimpanzee trekking, Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park should flash right in front of your eyes. Any of the two habituated chimpanzee communities will make your visit go gaga but watching them exhibit human-like characters will make you fall permanently in love with them.
Golden Monkey Tracking.
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park is unmissable for all primate lovers and it’s not surprising that it is the second-most popular activity in Rwanda. Just like most primate treks, the activity starts early morning with converging at the Park Headquarters for briefing, and at 8:00 am, start the trek. The activity is not limited to the number of persons visiting; although one hour is the time to spend with them.
Kigali Genocide memorial centers.
You cannot visit Rwanda and leave without discovering the history that shaped it. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is a historical place of remembering the 250,000 lives that were lost as a result of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi. Faint-hearted visitors are cautioned against visiting this site because not only will you discover the pain and agony from the genocide, but also see skeletons, clothing, and former belongings of genocide victims. This center features three permanent exhibitions-the largest documenting the genocide and also the children’s memorial on the history of genocides around the World. The Genocide Archive of Rwanda, Education centers, and gardens are learning places for visitors to the site.
Game drives.
Who doesn’t want to drive through a safari wilderness? The cherry on top is when you encounter the big five animals-lions, leopards, Rhinos, elephants as well as buffaloes and this experience is possible within the Akagera National Park.
Canopy walk.
If you ever ask where the most exciting canopy walk is conducted, the answer will always be Nyungwe Forest National Park. The 160 meters long and 70 meters high suspension bridge above the ravine within the verdant montane rainforest provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops, wildlife such as the black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a colorful variety of bird species among others.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike.
Hiking the Dian Fossey Tomb is not just an ordinary hike but a journey of discovery to mountain gorilla conservation. Make it a must to undertake this 60-90 minutes hike to the grave of an American primatologist who dedicated 18 years to study and protect the giant apes.
Bird watching.
Rwanda has long mystified birders with its breathtaking birding sites such as Volcanoes, Gishwati-Mukura, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera National Parks as well as wetlands, Rivers, Lakes, and the City of Kigali with over 750 species of birds to look out to. With savannah, forest, Albertine Rift endemic, wetland, and water birds, this country is no wonder a compelling birding destination.
Village and cultural tours
Rwanda’s villages and tourist sites have the power to move you with the history and hidden secrets. There is so much to learn about the country’s awe-inspiring cultures, traditions, and history, with each aspect being fascinating in every sense. A visit to the genocide memorial sites, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, and Nyamirambo Women’s Center will leave you speechless.
Cycling
The stunning land of a thousand hills can be exciting and beautiful for photography or leisurely walks but it’s more magical and thrilling for cycling. Cycling across different altitudes of Rwanda is picturesque and challenging yet equally rewarding. Cycling along with the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, along the Congo-Nile Trail, and many parts of Kigali City, is a must-try during a Rwandan safari.
Hiking the Congo-Nile Trail.
Hiking the 227 kilometers (141 miles) of the Congo-Nile Trail from Rubavu through Rutsiro via Karongi and ending in the Rusizi district is undeniably a long hike lasting over 10 days. However, these hikes can be conducted in sections lasting hours and rewarding visitors with different scenic views.
Mountain Hikes.
You must have hiked mountains upon mountains all your life, but have you ever thought of reaching the jaw-dropping peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes? Well, if you have never, consider visiting Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and hiking Mount Karisimbi(towering at 4507 meters above sea level) or Bisoke Volcano (3711 meters) as a milestone. These hikes are different from other hikes you have ever had because they will involve maneuvering a jungle with the opportunity of encountering wildlife or bird species thus make sure to have hiking boots, a rain jacket, enough drinking water, a walking stick, and a backpack.
WHERE TO STAY DURING RWANDA SAFARI.
Rwanda is one of the few popular up-market destinations in Africa offering options for unwinding and comfort during your visit. Some of the up-market places to stay during your visit are Kigali Marriot Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, the Retreat by heaven, Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorillas Nest, Virunga Volcanoes, One & Only Nyungwe House, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bishops House Ruzizi Tented Lodge, and Magashi Camp. among others.
What to pack prior to visiting Rwanda.
Packing list for Uganda and Rwanda normally depends on the destination to be visited as well as activities you are planning to undertake. The standard packing list include comfortable walking shoes, light and warm sweater, rain jacket, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, pair of shorts, safari pants, long and short-sleeved shirts, backpack, good camera with enough memory space and batteries, pair of binoculars, and many others.
