Fun Things To Do On Rwanda Safari Visit

A Rwanda visit is basically one of the never disappointing Africa safari destination choices you can never regret, even though Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa covering an area of approximately 26,338 square kilometers of land, its beauties are immense. Rwanda is one of the booming African safari destinations on the bucket list of several adventure seekers. Enquire Now

Rwanda may have suffered the set back of 1994 genocide but this did not stop it from trying to achieve its development goals a move that is currently turning it into one of the model countries in Africa.

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While on a Rwanda visit, you feel a home away from home right from the warm welcome offered by the friendly gestures the people extend to you. The country is one of the homes of the endangered mountain gorillas that are only living in three countries in the entire world that is Rwanda, Uganda and D.R.Congo. Rwanda’s lush evergreen vegetation shaded along the slopes of various highlands in the country creates a stunning environment to relax.

Various Rwanda safari destinations and activities are dotted in different parts of the country including Akagera National Park where game drives happen, Nyungwe National Park home to the chimpanzees, Birding in Rwanda, Coffee and tea plantations, Kigali city tour, canopy walk over Nyungwe National Park, mountain hiking and others. If you want to enjoy your “me“ time with less crowds around you, Rwanda safari is the choice you can make.

What Safari Activities To Do On Rwanda Visit

Kigali city tour

Kigali city is where the heartbeat of Rwanda lies which is one of the cleanest cities in Africa. going on a Kigali city tour is an opportunity to learn more about the life of the people of Rwanda on a daily. During the Kigali city tour, you may visit the museum, Nyamirambo women’s centers, the local market, genocide memorial, shopping centers and much more that the city offers

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is top on the list of safari activities that Rwanda prides in. Volcanoes National Park is the only home of these endangered primates which are highly protected because of there limited number.

At the moment about 12 gorilla families are residents of Volcanoes National Park some of which include Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Susa, Sabyinyo, Muhoza and others. One must book a gorilla trekking permit to be allowed to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

The maximum number of Rwanda gorilla trekking permits open to the public per day is 8 per family. This was a measure adopted to reduce mass tourism and its effects in the park. Gorilla trekking starts early morning with briefing at the ORTPN then all tourists are allocated to different gorilla families. The Rwanda Development Board ranger guide leads the way but time of location the mountain gorillas is hard to determine. Upon locating the mountain gorillas, only on hour is allowed with them.

 The current cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is $1500 per person per trek.

Golden monkey Trekking in Rwanda

The golden monkeys are a unique monkey species and one of the endangered primates in the world. These monkeys are living in Volcanoes National Park with other primates of Rwanda. There physical body is larger than the usual monkeys, bear golden brown hairs on there lower back too. Even though habituated, the golden monkeys will always keep you gazing at there next move as they display there acrobatic styles.

Having a golden monkey trekking permit is the only way you can gain access to these exciting primates. Get ready to stay on your toes while on golden monkey search.

 Other primates are also residents of Volcanoes National Park that is olive baboons, owl faced monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys and others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park a pristine Rwanda forest is the only home for the Chimpanzees in Rwanda. These chimpanzees live in communities under the leadership of an alpha male. To take part on chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, you need to book a chimpanzee trekking permits from Rwanda Development Board.

Two chimpanzee trekking sessions happen each day in Nyungwe National Park that is morning ad afternoon . Cyamudondo is another part on the outskirt of Nyungwe National Park where a chimpanzee community is open for trekking.

 Canopy walk over Nyungwe National park Rwanda

Test your height resilience with the canopy walk over Nyungwe National park. The canopy walk is a suspension bridge elevate at about 70 meters above Nyungwe forest and about 160 meters long. From Uwinka the headquarters of Nyungwe National park, you take the Igishigishigi trail to where this suspension bridge is elevated.

While at the top, you enjoy the undulating views of the dense Nyungwe forest canopy, listed to the calls of the jungle and much more drama that the forest offers. The canopy walk over Nyungwe forest is better enjoyed in the dry season when the bridge passable yet the wet season the bridge is slippery.

During the Canopy walk, you may mark some life special moments while standing above the forest.

Birding In Rwanda

Rwanda is an African birding hot spot with unique species like the Albertine rift endemic species. Rwanda hosts more than 700 bird species living in various destinations like Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National park, Nyabalongo wetland to mention but a few.

 Some of the birds of Rwanda include Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing , Rwenzori Turaco and others. Having a professional and experienced Rwanda birding guide is an added advantage. To benefit from this Rwanda birding safari, an early start is recommended before the birds disperse to face the day

Game safari in Rwanda

Rwanda has Akagera National Park as its game safari destination. This park is still recovering from the effects of the genocide but by driving on the tracks within this park, you may get the opportunity to spot animals like zebras, buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, elands, lions, rhinos, giraffes to mention but a few.

The physical features around the Akagera national park form a stunning scenery. By taking a boat ride on Lake Ihema, you enjoy the cool breeze and watch out for pods of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Rwanda Cultural Experience

The Rwandese culture is unique and they people are proud to show it off starting from the languages, the dances like the Itore dance moves accompanied by rhythmic long drums, the folk songs and much more. The beats from these long drums donot leave you seated.

The local designs of black and white from the cow dung smear is unique to Rwanda. Visiting the crafts shops immerses you in the rich handcraft and pottery designs of the people of Rwanda.

Taking a community visit gives you a glimpse into the life of the locals of Rwanda. some of the places where you can learn more about Rwanda is at the Ibyi’lwacu cultural village, visit the kings place museum and others.

 Mountain Climbing In Rwanda

Test your level of fitness with a hike on some of the several highlands in Rwanda. taking a hike on mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Karisoke and others is a one day excursion that may last about 8 hours return trip.

Advance planning is required because this is conducted by a ranger guide.

During the hike in Rwanda, enjoy the stunning views around these highlands, keen birders have a lot to look out for, listed to the calls of the wilderness too.

Coffee and local Rwanda cuisine tasting

Taste Rwanda through your stomach by visiting some of the local food centers but with the help of your driver guide. Also Rwanda brews some of the best coffee in Africa with great and unique aromas which is worth tasting. Ask the driver guide for the best places where you can sip a cup of Rwanda coffee before departure time.

 The coffees is picked from the local gardens and goes through different processes that make it stimulate your taste bags before lifting the cup to your lips.

 Milk tasting may also excite your taste bags as Rwanda is also a land of milk. The Banyarwanda are generally cattle keepers and milk is a household item. Get to know how some milk products are locally made like ghee, may engage in cow milking Channing the milk and much more. the Rwandese have the long horned cattle as there indigenous breeds a resembles they share with the Ankole people in Uganda.

Boat Rides In Rwanda

Rwanda may be small but the various water bodies within its boundaries make create a stunning environment to relax on a boat ride. Some of the boat rides in Rwanda can occur on Lake Kivu, Twin Lakes, Lake Muhazi, lake Ihema and others.

 Advance booking for the boat is necessary so that all necessary arrangements can be done.

Visit the Dian Fossey Grave

Dian Fossey is a fallen mountain gorilla hero who was massacred while trying to defend the existence of the mountain Gorillas one of the endangered primate species in the world. She was an American philanthropist who dedicated her life to the mountain gorillas and there habitant. Her last wish was to be buried amongst the mountains gorillas who she had befriended her entire currier life.

Walking into the steps of Dian fossey who took her last breath at battle with those wishing to destroy the existence of the mountain gorillas is like walking into the life of a hero. She was passionate and enthusiastic about supporting the vulnerable mountain gorillas whose population by the 1980s had drastically dwindled to about 250 mountain gorillas.

In 1985, Diane Fossey was massacred by unknown assassins and buried in Volcanoes. The funds collected from the visit to the Diane Fossey grave are used to continue supporting gorilla research and spread the gospel of the need to protect the mountain gorillas and there habitants for sustainable existence.

Kwita Izina Festival

The Kwita Izina festival is the gorilla naming ceremony that happens each year as new births are received in the gorilla land of Rwanda.

Although the dates for Kwita Izina are altered each year, this festival attracts tourists from different parts of the world and it normally happens as the peak season opens. Get the opportunity to be part of the people that choose names for the infant mountain gorillas.

 What to pack for a Rwanda Visit to Do Safaris?

Safari boots to protect your feet while walking in the jungle during Rwanda safari

A camera to capture photos of the incredible moments in the wilderness.

Sun screen to protect your body from ultra violet rays and it must match your skin

Safari hat with a foldable brim to keep away buzzing insects moving in the jungle.

 Garden gloves to protect your palms from getting hurt in case you touch rough surfaces

Light clothes in case the weather in the Rwanda safari parks is hot. The color of the clothes must not be blue, white or black as they attract tsetse flies.

Warmers for the early morning and late afternoons

Insect repellent to keep away biting insect like tsetse flies

Light backpack to carry with your belongings.

Some treats to munch on as breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time in the jungle

Flip flops to change into after the long day in the jungle.

Toiletries in case your lodge doesn’t provide

 Shoe bag in case your foot wear gets wet and you need to pack them.

Water bottle to carry in drinking water

Some hard cash to use for on ground purchases

First aid kit in case of any emergency

A pair of binoculars to capture a better view of far ranging features

Extra full charged batteries in case one runs law yet you still have a lot to capture.

Travel adapter and charger in case your garget run low

A torch in case lights run low in the night because most facilities up country use solar as there main power source.

 A raincoat or poncho in case the Rwanda safari activity requires walking in the jungle. During the rainy seasons, you may need to wet the raincoat so as not to get cold.

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