Rwanda has a rich and unique culture that people are proud to share with the rest of the world. A visit to Rwanda may give you the opportunity to enjoy some of cultural activities at your own terms but advance planning is necessary.
Some of the outstanding cultural activities to enjoy on Rwanda safari include the cultural dances (Intore dance accompanied by rhythmic orchestra of long drums called Lulunga and other accompaniments) , Rwandese cuisines and more. The presence of the Ethnological Museum in Huye where some traditional items used by people in the past are preserved including hunting, fishing, pottery, dress code and more. Request A Quotation
A visit to some craft shops in Rwanda especially the Nyakarimbi the prime crafts center in the country with better opportunities of finding the famous cow dung paint called “Imigongo”. The richness of Rwandese culture is apparently on the variety of crafts deep rooted love for oral traditions including folk songs, chants, proverbs, dynamic poetry and more.
Kwita Izina function which is the annual gorilla naming festival in Rwanda is the Modern tradition that the Rwandese have adopted to promote the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is the cradle land of gorilla conservation where the fallen Dianne Fossey an American primatologist engineered the conservation of these primates.
What To Do During Cultural Safari Activities In Rwanda
Enjoy Rwandese Dance And Music
In Rwanda, Music and dance play a big role in the traditions of the Rwandese. The famous Intore dance moves which was taken as a royal dance in the past can be experienced while on a cultural safari visit in Rwanda. To enjoy this traditional music and dance performance, you need to book in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made.
The word Intore locally means “the chosen ones”. There are chances of enjoying the Intore dance performance at the Ethnological National Museum in Huye. The Intore dance style is accompanied by an orchestra of long drums called Lulunga with a harp like instrument of 8 strings locally made.
The hoe dance performance is unforgettable and this best performed by those from the northern part of Rwanda.
Visit the Ethnological Museum
The Ethnological Museum in Rwanda is the collection center for traditional items used by Rwandese in the past life before modernization. The rooms in the museum have items including fishing, pottery, dress code, utensils and more and display the traditional culture of the people in Rwanda.
On September 18th 1989 the Ethnological Museum in Huye was opened in the southern province of Rwanda as a community project. Over time, this museum has been renovated to match the modern architect but maintaining the traditional style.
At the Ethnological museum, training is carried out for the young to learn their traditions including arts and crafts making, weaving, traditional dance training and more.
Visit To The Royal Traditional Palace Of The King In Nyanza
At the royal palace visitors can see the Inyambo which is the name given to the royal traditional cows. The Palace was built in 1899 by King Yuhi V Musinga.
The Mwima hill which is close by is the royal burial site for King Mutara III who reigned from 1811 to 1959 with his Queen Gicanda Rosalie who live till 1994.
Try on Traditional Rwandese attire
Traditionally, the Rwandese wear a long skirt, armless top with and another piece tied across the chest. The mean wear full white attire with a piece of cloth tied across their chests. There several boutiques where you can hire some traditional attire at an affordable cost. In case you wish to buy some Rwandese attire, you can check out from the boutiques especially in the town centers.
Nyakarimbi crafts Village
The prime crafts village is Nyakarimbi with chances of finding the cow dung painting called Imigongo. Where in Nyakarimbi, you get to find weaved baskets, ceramics, sculptures, basketry products and more. Many of the crafts are made from local materials and you can try out making some crafts from materials including banana leaves, reeds, papyrus, bamboo, clay and more. In case you wish to purchase some souvenir, this is the main crafts village of Rwanda.
Traditional wedding ceremonies of The Rwandese
To understand more about the life of the Rwandese people starts from the family where traditional ceremonies are included. If you visit Rwanda and are lucky attending a traditional ceremony a community event for the Rwandese gives you in depth understanding of the people. Its during this time that most joyful activities of the Rwandese are practiced.
Note that you need to seek permission from the organisers before attending so that you are not out spotted. Even when you hope to take photos or film the ceremony, seek permission from the organisers.
Kwita Izina Ceremony ( Gorilla naming)
Over the years of mountain gorilla conservation, the Rwanda Development Board with the government of Rwanda have adopted a modern day tradition of naming the gorillas born throughout the year. This is an annual ceremony in Rwanda that attracts international attendees in a way to cerebrate conservation mileage.
Rwanda is the cradle land of mountain gorilla conservation where an American primatologist Dian Fossey staged her research in Karisoke Research Center. Its from her that Dian Fossey carried out a census in the 1980s where results showed that about 250 mountain gorillas were living then. Her discovery and being the mouth piece for the vulnerable mountain gorillas prompted many conservation bodies both international and national to get on board to conserve these endangered primates.
So far great progress has been registered about the mountain gorillas with more than 1062 gorillas living in the world.
What Else To Do On Rwanda safari
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is the gorilla trekking safari destination worth adding to your adventure bucket list. In case you decide to do gorilla trekking at short notice, Rwanda is the ideal destination. The drive from Kigali to volcanoes National park is about 3 hours but you need to book the gorilla trekking permit first.
Reserve necessary accommodation for the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda preferably that closer to the park. Only 8 gorilla trekking permits are open to the public per day from the about 12 gorilla trekking families. Demand for gorilla trekking permits is high but their supply is restricted to regulate the effects of mass tourism to the environment in which feeds these primates.
Game safaris in Rwanda
Akagera national park is the game viewing destination of Rwanda. This park has the big five that is rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and Buffalo sightings are possible here.
The Akagera National park was affected by civil unrest in Rwanda that ended in many animals fleeing, the country while others poached for ritual practices and more. The Rwanda Development Board and African Parks a non-government non-profit making organization are working hand in hand to reclaim its glory. So far more wild animals have been reintroduced in the park.
When on game drive in Akagera National Park you may spot zebras, giraffes, water bucks, bush bucks, Uganda kobs and more.
A boat ride on Lake Ihema is refreshing especially when you are from a hot day game drive. Other lakes too form a stunning appearance.
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
The golden monkeys are a special primate species in Rwanda with a larger physical body compare to other monkeys and golden brown hairs on the back and lower bottom. Even though the golden monkey community is habituated to get accustomed to human presence, they still maintain their restless characteristics.
One needs a golden monkey trekking permit to be allowed to engage in this adventure. In Rwanda golden monkeys are living in Volcanoes National park a prehistoric national park.
Birding in Rwanda
Rwanda is a birding haven in Africa all thanks to the variety of vegetation zones throughout the country. Some of the birds you may spot on a Rwanda birding safari include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing and more.
The notable birding destinations of Rwanda include Volcanoes forest, Nyungwe forest, Akagera National Park and others.
Hiking On Rwanda Safari
Rwanda is a mountainous country from which it gets its name “the land of a thousand hills”. You can test your fitness level by embarking on a guided hike while on Rwanda safari. The Volcanoes National Park has five of the 6 famous Virunga Volcanoes that is Mountain Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhavura, Sabyinyo and Karisimbi.
Having some level of fitness is very important when you embark on a hike on these mountains.
Canopy Walk over Nyungwe Forest
View nature from a different spot by embarking on a canopy walk via a suspension bridge which is 160 meters long and 70 meters high. While on the canopy, you enjoy the stunning view surrounding with lush green cover.
The amazing features that stand out in Nyungwe forest create some of unique locations to take nature inspired photos. You may watch several birds flock out of Nyungwe forest into the skies while on the suspension bridge. The canopy walk over Nyungwe forest is not for the faint hearted
How Safe Is Rwanda As A Safari Destination
Rwanda is a safe safari destination with welcoming people who are not afraid to share information about their culture with whoever cares to ask. Rwanda has strict laws and breaking the laws may end in getting a punishment. While moving in Rwanda, do not dump garbage carelessly but in designated locations.
Respect the culture of the people in Rwanda and even though you may be shocked at how they run their daily life, be open minded and not critise but find out why they act the way they do. This will help you understand the culture of the people of Rwanda better.
On ground are government security bodies who carry on the duty to protect the country and its occupants from unlawful persons.
In case you are to count large sums of money especially when in busy town centers, do it away from the public to avoid attracting wrong company. In case of theft, report to the police station close to you for follow up.
Moving on the road in Rwanda is on the left but you can hire a driver in case you are afraid of riding on the African roads.
Why Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is a unique African safari with amazing climate almost similar to the temperate climate. Rwanda is generally a mountainous country because of the nature of the topography of this country as it was affected by Volcanic action leaving behind amazing features.
World over, the natural forests are fading away because of human activities and environmental degradation but Rwanda still has some of the ancient forest including Nyungwe forest, volcanoes forest and more. Rwanda is a pro eco-system country.
A wide range of tourism activities are taking place in Rwanda including gorilla trekking one of the sought after African Safari activities, chimpanzee trekking, rich African cultural experience and more. For gorilla and chimpanzees trekking safaris in Rwanda, it is an opportunity to get up close with these vulnerable and endangered primates in their natural setting.
While on Rwanda safari, you contribute to the conservation of wildlife through purchasing gorilla permits, park entrances, participating in wildlife research and more. Rwanda is that destination you can visit at the last minute and make unforgettable memories.
Rwanda is a family friendly safari destination where you are not afraid of your children getting to watch outrageous people on holiday. Even some Rwanda safari activities have regulations on the number of participants so do not expect huge crowds on ground that is maximum 8 tourists for gorilla trekking per gorilla family per day.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Rwanda For Cultural Experience
The dry season is the preferred time to visit Rwanda for cultural safari activities that is June to September and December to January when the jungle and outdoor activities are expected to be more vibrant. Note that Rwanda safari activities are open all year so do not give up on visiting the country in the wet season which is March, April, May and November.
Rwanda is not affected by extreme weather conditions that can stop any safari activity. Even gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking sightings is a sure deal all year even though they freely live in the jungle. It is best to plan the Rwanda safari in advance so that to avoid last minute inconveniences. For gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, book the necessary permits in advance.