Gorilla Trekking And Cultural Safari in Rwanda

A combo of gorilla trekking and cultural experience on Rwanda safari gives you the best of Rwanda and a glimpse into the heritage of the people. Gorilla trekking is the prime safari activity in the country and being one of the lucky three countries in the world to host the few mountain gorillas puts Rwanda in a better position in Africa. Book Now

Rwandese pride in their culture and are ready to share it with the world through folk songs, traditional dances like Intore dance, arts and crafts, cultural museums and more. To enjoy the best of Rwandese culture, you need to specify where the focus for your Rwanda cultural safari is.

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Key Information On Gorilla Trekking And Cultural Safari In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is in a steep destination because of the effects of volcanic forces that swept through this area leaving behind several highlands. At times the mountain gorillas migrate to the slopes or in the valleys of the several highlands of Volcanoes National Park.

Language barrier is expected while on Rwanda Safari because the country still has the residues of colonial error as it was colonized by France with some people more conversant with speaking French and others English.

Volcanoes National Park is a misty rain forest, thick, at high altitude that can go as high as over 2670 meters above sea level so plan in advance. Do maintain some level of fitness to help you traverse the forest with less chances of getting fatigued along the way.

Open your mind to the Rwandese culture as some things may be a cultural shock however try as much as you can to participate so that the performers or instructors can avail more details.

Organise the Rwanda safari in advance so that all necessary plans can be arranged in advance to avoid disappointments at the last minute. Book the gorilla permits in advance and prebook Rwanda cultural performances.

Where To Go For Gorilla Trekking And Cultural Safari In Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

In southwestern Uganda lies Volcanoes National Park a rainforest and home to the few leftover mountain gorillas in the world. This biosphere reserve also hosts a range of other inhabitants including golden monkeys, black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons and others. Over 200 bird species are confirmed residents of the forest too including Albertine rift endemics.

At the moment about 12 gorilla trekking families are living in Volcanoes National Park including Hirwa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Agashya and more. Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is in a steep environment so expect to hike.

On gorilla trekking day, tourists gather at the ORTPN which is the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park for briefing then each person is allocated a gorilla family to trek with a ranger guide.

Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda

The Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda in Huye was the first to be set up in Rwanda where some of the items used by locals before influx of modernization are preserved. Some of these items include spears, fishing equipment, pottery, farming and others.

While at the Museum, you may get to see local dance performances like Intore dance accompanied by an orchestra of long local drums. The Museum also has a local crafts and arts training where children are taught about their Rwandese heritage.

Ancient History Museum of Rwanda

In Nyanza is the former traditional palace of the Rwandese king. At the palace are the Inyambo which is the local name for the traditional Royal Cows which live in the Royal place. This Museum was built in 1932 as the place of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda.

The local guide at the place take you through some of the traditions of the Rwandese like Milking, ghee making, local milk preservation methods and others.

Visit the Mwima Hill in Rwanda

The tombs of the last king of Rwanda King Mutara III from 1811 to 1959 and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda 1928 to 1994 were buried here.

Crafts Shops In Rwanda

Throughout Rwanda are different crafts shops with mostly items locally made. Some of the renowned crafts centers in Rwanda include Nyakarimbi, Kaplaki and more. The richness of Rwandese culture is portrayed in the range of crafts like ceramics, basketry, wood carvings, temporary paintings.

The “Imigongo” which is a dung painting a technique that is dominated by natural materials in colors black, white whorls, brown in geometric abstractions. The Museum in Butare shows the finest Ethnographic absorbing display of traditional and subsequent modern development.

The Museum at Butare showcases the finest display of tradition and subsequent modern development of Rwanda. This Museum in Butare has the finest ethnographic absorption a replication of King Rwabugili’s retreat palace Uratare Rwandaba with the King’s bed and more on display.

Best Time To Visit Rwanda For Gorilla Trekking And Cultura Safari

Any time is Rwanda Safari however, the dry season is the best time that is June to September and December to January. The trails in Volcanoes National Park are often moist from the regular untimely rains that fall and dense network of rivers that crisscross the forest.

The mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants move freely in the forest and can be seen meandering through the jungle. Competition for the available food sources in the jungle is high in the dry season.

Do not be shy to do gorilla trekking in the wet season that is March to May and November because seeing the mountain gorillas is a sure deal no matter the season

Rwandese are ready to share their culture any season but advance planning gives you better chances to a variety especially if you have to interact with the local of Rwanda.

How Much Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking And Cultural Safari In Rwanda

The cost of cultural safari in Rwanda and gorilla trekking depends on the category of safari package you choose however there are some constant costs like cost of gorilla permit for Rwanda. Currently, the cost of Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 for international nonresidents, $500 for international residents and others Africans and $200 for East Africans.

The cost of logistics to use during Rwanda safari depends on your budget and time to take on tour.

Do not forget to include the cost of personal expenses to incur during Rwanda safari.

Rwanda safari packages are categorized into Luxury, midrange and basic.

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking And Cultural Safari In Rwanda

Moments with the mountain gorillas are a sneak peek into the how humans lived in the past. Mountain gorillas are some of the closest relatives of humans with about 96% human DNA so some of what they do has a close resemblance to human life.

World over mountain gorillas are living in only three countries which is a dream come true adventure. The cultural experience of the Rwandese gives you an understanding of how unique their lives are and appreciate their heritage.