Is A Rwanda Visit Safe With Children

A visit to Rwanda is a gem in the jewelry of African safaris with great opportunities to marinate in the aromas of nature and beautiful sceneries. Rwanda is a safe destination to visit even with children as there is a lot for them to learn about wildlife, nature and the ecosystems.

While on Rwanda safari, some of the activities you can engage in with children including game drives, Rwanda cultural experience, chimpanzee trekking with age limit 12years and over, gorilla trekking with age limit 15 years, Kigali city tour and over and others.

To confirm some Rwanda safari activities, you need to posses a permit that is Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, Chimpanzee trekking, or golden monkey trekking all can only be possible with a permit. The permit is like a ticket that allows you entry to engage in these primate adventure of Rwanda.

Activities to Do With Children On Rwanda Safari Visit

Game Drives in Rwanda

Game drives in Rwanda are in Akagera National Park with chances of spotting animals that freely move in this wilderness. While driving on the tracks of Akagera National Park, you may encounter animals like herds of Zebras, waterbucks, giraffes, Rhinos, elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, lions, leopards, elands and others.

The mesmerizing views of the towering highlands that form part of the topography of this park cannot be missed. Note that game drives in Akagera National Park are best enjoyed with an early morning start before most animals disperse to there feeding spots. There no toilet breaks while on  game drive in Akagera National Park because you are not sure of what may be watching. Having a window seat or a vehicle with a porch during  Rwanda safari is exciting.

If you going on game drive with children, you need to put this into consideration and brief them about some of what is required of them while in Akagera National Park game drive.

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Boat trips on Rwanda Safari

Within Akagera National Park is a relaxing boat drive in Lake Ihema where children get the opportunity to spot some hippos, crocodile, several animals show up on the bank of this lake to have a good time. The rich vegetation that surrounds lake Ihema is always green all year.

FromKigali, the drive to Akagera National Park is about 5 hours to 6 hours which is a bearable drive for children. It is best to start the drive to Akagera National Park early before the children are exhausted so that they can enjoy the drive and make memories of the Africa safari together. It is best to enter the Park when there is still bright day light to allow you to freshen up.

Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Rwanda is a primate haven but the mountain gorillas out shine allwildlife safaris in the country as they are the only few left in the entire world. The volcanoes National Park is the only natural habitant for the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The gorillas live in families under the leadership of a Silverback.

Before allowing tourists to visit a gorilla family, it under goes habituation for unknown time as a way to help them with stand human presence without altering there nature. Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you meet them to minimize chances of rubbing wrongly with them.

Return time from Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is hard to determine because this depends on factors prevailing in the forest. Finding the mountain gorillas may be determined by weather conditions of the day, mood in the forest, pace of fellow tourists, fitness level and others. Having some level of patience and being open minded keep you going even before locating the mountain gorillas.

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years and over because of the nature of this adventure activity and the terrain of Volcanoes National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a primate haven with chimpanzee trekking also a possible safari activity were children aged 12 years and over can join. Nyungwe National Park is the only home for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. So far two communities of chimpanzees are habituated for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with in the Nyungwe forest and another in Cyamudondo on the periphery of this park

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to humans with about 98% human genes. They live in communities with the Alpha male as there supreme leader but is democratically voted. While in the wilderness, chimpanzees display characteristics that those in zoos may miss out. If you are looking for authenticity, the untamed chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park put on the best show.

You need a chimpanzee trekking permit from Rwanda Development Board for this adventure on a Rwanda Visit. Two sessions are open for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park that is morning and afternoon. While  searching for the chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, you may encounter other primates like black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, a plethora of birds and others.

Cultural experience in Rwanda

Rwandese are very proud of there culture and are not selfish to share it with the rest of the world. On a Rwanda visit, get yourself and the children ready to explore the land of a thousand hills with enthusiasm as you get a taste of the Rwanda Aromas from the irresistible locally grown and roasted coffee to the delicious local cuisines.

For some dance moves during Rwanda safari, the Intore dance is very addictive to watch as you just cannot keep your eyes away from the dancers for even a second. These Rwanda dance moves are very engaging and you may not remain seated as the sounds of the drums seduce you to stand up from your seat and join the fiesta.  The Rwanda dance moves are not age sensitive.

For art work, the Rwandese have so much to showcase with there signature colors black and white stripes on most of there art work. A visit to the Nyakarimbi home of Rwanda crafts may throw you off the choice line with its diversity. It is referred to as the source of crafts in Rwanda. You may also try out some dung painting called Imigongo, basketry, wood curving and others.

Rwanda also has an ethnological Museum which was opened in 1989 September. Here, you get to see some Rwanda elements that may not be quick to find anywhere else in the country like  ancient hunting equipment, farming tools, fishing, pottery, dress code and others. You may also visit the training center for traditional Rwandese arts and crafts for the young children set up for sustainability.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.

For that exciting experience in the jungle, the golden monkey trekking adventure on Rwanda safari is always that ideal choice. Golden monkeys are an endangered primate specie living in few destinations in the world including Volcanoes forest. They live in communities under the Alpa male. The Golden monkeys have golden brown hairs on the lower bottom with a larger body compared to other monkeys.

Even though the golden monkeys are habituated, they still posses there charming nature and keep you on your toes while there presence. When with children, the golden monkeys of Rwanda are exciting to watch.

Other Rwanda safari activities To Book.

Mountaineering on Rwanda safari

Even though some children may dare the mountaineering adventure while on Rwanda tour, it more comfortable for adults. Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills with some highlands you can hike some of which includes Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi and others.

You need to bear some level of fitness and have wilderness friendly wear too. The hike on these famous Rwanda highlands takes a day but very scenic as you may get the opportunity to stand on the border of three countries at the same time that is Rwanda, Uganda and D.R.Congo. s

Rwanda Canopy walk over Nyungwe forest

The canopy walk on the suspension bridge over Nyungwe forest is stunning but may stimulate some adrenaline if you are afraid of heights. The suspension bridge over Nyungwe forest is about 50 meters above the forest and about 92 meters long. From the canopy, you get to view the forest from an elevated point, its evergreen surrounding and beautiful highlands.

While on a visit in Nyungwe forest, the suspension bridge can be reached when you use the Igishigishigi trail.

Birding in Rwanda

Rwanda hosts over 700 bird species a list of birds that is surprising given its small size. Rwanda is a pro-eco tourism country and so this may explain why this huge list of birds find comfort in spending time in its environs.

During the birding safari in Rwanda, you may visit destinations like Nyungwe forest, Volcanoes forest, Akagera National Park and others. Rwanda hosts unique bird species including Albertine rift endemics. While on a birding adventure in Rwanda, you may spot birds like Dusky Tutle, Doves, Shelley’s Crimsonwings, Alpine Chat, Malachite sunbird, Handsome Francolin and others.

How Much Is The Cost Of Rwanda Safari

The Rwanda safari cost varies with categories you choose that is luxury, mid-range and basic. For those intending to do gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey trekking, the cost of the permit is not debatable as it is compulsory for very intending participant no matter the category.

At the moment, the cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permits is $1500, chimpanzees trekking permit cost is $ $250 for foreign nonresidents, $100 per person for golden monkey trekking permit for Rwanda.

Consider the cost of logistics that support Rwanda safaris like transport, accommodations, driver guide hire and others.

The number of days, number of people travelling with, options of activities to add in the Rwanda safari itinerary contribute to the final cost of this tour.

What Is The Best Time To Do a Rwanda safari With Children

The best time for a Rwanda safari with children is all the time but the most exciting is the dry season which is normally June, July, August, September, October, December, January. The environment in the wilderness is drier and for game safaris, the grass provides better visibility.

The tracks in the Akagera National Park are easier to traverse in the dry season although dusty and bumpy too. For the primate safaris in Rwanda, they feed closer to the ground in the dry season since there is scarcity of food up in the trees. This is a better position to watch the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Golden monkeys at a closer range. The trails in the forest also have less vegetation covering them so allowing faster movement.

In Rwanda, the dry season is normally the peak tourism season so you need advance booking for any safari you wish to be part of. This is because the best option of even logistics that support Rwanda safaris sellout

Donot ignore the wet season as you plan a Rwanda safari with children because there are many advantages. The wet season of Rwanda is normally March, April, May and November with less people visiting the country. Chances of finding Rwanda gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking permits are high since there is less demand for them.

For safaris in Akagera National Park, you may have the park to yourself since there are fewer or less vehicles driving on the tracks. If you have a limited budget but wishing take a visit to Rwanda, the wet season may be your lucky charm as some service providers discount there costs to breakeven.

For those wishing to enjoy exclusive Rwanda safari activities, the wet season is great timing for you to close off some activities since there is normally less or no booking on tours like gorilla safaris. If you wish to be on Rwanda safari less unknown company but without spending more on closing off this activity, the wet season would be that time for your Rwanda safari with children.

No matter when you plan to visit Rwanda, you need to make all necessary preparations in advance especially of you are destined for this tour in the peak season and have company. Rwanda safaris adventures are mainly in the wilderness but you can also engage with the locals during a community visit or home stay adventure. In case you plan to travel with children for a Rwanda safari, you may also request for a domestic worker to accompany you for the time on tour.

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Boat trips on Rwanda Safari

Within Akagera National Park is a relaxing boat drive in Lake Ihema where children get the opportunity to spot some hippos, crocodile, several animals show up on the bank of this lake to have a good time. The rich vegetation that surrounds lake Ihema is always green all year.

FromKigali, the drive to Akagera National Park is about 5 hours to 6 hours which is a bearable drive for children. It is best to start the drive to Akagera National Park early before the children are exhausted so that they can enjoy the drive and make memories of the Africa safari together. It is best to enter the Park when there is still bright day light to allow you to freshen up.

Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Rwanda is a primate haven but the mountain gorillas out shine allwildlife safaris in the country as they are the only few left in the entire world. The volcanoes National Park is the only natural habitant for the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The gorillas live in families under the leadership of a Silverback.

Before allowing tourists to visit a gorilla family, it under goes habituation for unknown time as a way to help them with stand human presence without altering there nature. Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you meet them to minimize chances of rubbing wrongly with them.

Return time from Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is hard to determine because this depends on factors prevailing in the forest. Finding the mountain gorillas may be determined by weather conditions of the day, mood in the forest, pace of fellow tourists, fitness level and others. Having some level of patience and being open minded keep you going even before locating the mountain gorillas.

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years and over because of the nature of this adventure activity and the terrain of Volcanoes National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a primate haven with chimpanzee trekking also a possible safari activity were children aged 12 years and over can join. Nyungwe National Park is the only home for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. So far two communities of chimpanzees are habituated for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with in the Nyungwe forest and another in Cyamudondo on the periphery of this park

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to humans with about 98% human genes. They live in communities with the Alpha male as there supreme leader but is democratically voted. While in the wilderness, chimpanzees display characteristics that those in zoos may miss out. If you are looking for authenticity, the untamed chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park put on the best show.

You need a chimpanzee trekking permit from Rwanda Development Board for this adventure on a Rwanda Visit. Two sessions are open for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park that is morning and afternoon. While  searching for the chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, you may encounter other primates like black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, a plethora of birds and others.

Cultural experience in Rwanda

Rwandese are very proud of there culture and are not selfish to share it with the rest of the world. On a Rwanda visit, get yourself and the children ready to explore the land of a thousand hills with enthusiasm as you get a taste of the Rwanda Aromas from the irresistible locally grown and roasted coffee to the delicious local cuisines.

For some dance moves during Rwanda safari, the Intore dance is very addictive to watch as you just cannot keep your eyes away from the dancers for even a second. These Rwanda dance moves are very engaging and you may not remain seated as the sounds of the drums seduce you to stand up from your seat and join the fiesta.  The Rwanda dance moves are not age sensitive.

For art work, the Rwandese have so much to showcase with there signature colors black and white stripes on most of there art work. A visit to the Nyakarimbi home of Rwanda crafts may throw you off the choice line with its diversity. It is referred to as the source of crafts in Rwanda. You may also try out some dung painting called Imigongo, basketry, wood curving and others.

Rwanda also has an ethnological Museum which was opened in 1989 September. Here, you get to see some Rwanda elements that may not be quick to find anywhere else in the country like  ancient hunting equipment, farming tools, fishing, pottery, dress code and others. You may also visit the training center for traditional Rwandese arts and crafts for the young children set up for sustainability.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.

For that exciting experience in the jungle, the golden monkey trekking adventure on Rwanda safari is always that ideal choice. Golden monkeys are an endangered primate specie living in few destinations in the world including Volcanoes forest. They live in communities under the Alpa male. The Golden monkeys have golden brown hairs on the lower bottom with a larger body compared to other monkeys.

Even though the golden monkeys are habituated, they still posses there charming nature and keep you on your toes while there presence. When with children, the golden monkeys of Rwanda are exciting to watch.

Other Rwanda safari activities To Book.

Mountaineering on Rwanda safari

Even though some children may dare the mountaineering adventure while on Rwanda tour, it more comfortable for adults. Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills with some highlands you can hike some of which includes Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi and others.

You need to bear some level of fitness and have wilderness friendly wear too. The hike on these famous Rwanda highlands takes a day but very scenic as you may get the opportunity to stand on the border of three countries at the same time that is Rwanda, Uganda and D.R.Congo. s

Rwanda Canopy walk over Nyungwe forest

The canopy walk on the suspension bridge over Nyungwe forest is stunning but may stimulate some adrenaline if you are afraid of heights. The suspension bridge over Nyungwe forest is about 50 meters above the forest and about 92 meters long. From the canopy, you get to view the forest from an elevated point, its evergreen surrounding and beautiful highlands.

While on a visit in Nyungwe forest, the suspension bridge can be reached when you use the Igishigishigi trail.

Birding in Rwanda

Rwanda hosts over 700 bird species a list of birds that is surprising given its small size. Rwanda is a pro-eco tourism country and so this may explain why this huge list of birds find comfort in spending time in its environs.

During the birding safari in Rwanda, you may visit destinations like Nyungwe forest, Volcanoes forest, Akagera National Park and others. Rwanda hosts unique bird species including Albertine rift endemics. While on a birding adventure in Rwanda, you may spot birds like Dusky Tutle, Doves, Shelley’s Crimsonwings, Alpine Chat, Malachite sunbird, Handsome Francolin and others.

How Much Is The Cost Of Rwanda Safari

The Rwanda safari cost varies with categories you choose that is luxury, mid-range and basic. For those intending to do gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey trekking, the cost of the permit is not debatable as it is compulsory for very intending participant no matter the category.

At the moment, the cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permits is $1500, chimpanzees trekking permit cost is $ $250 for foreign nonresidents, $100 per person for golden monkey trekking permit for Rwanda.

Consider the cost of logistics that support Rwanda safaris like transport, accommodations, driver guide hire and others.

The number of days, number of people travelling with, options of activities to add in the Rwanda safari itinerary contribute to the final cost of this tour.

What Is The Best Time To Do a Rwanda safari With Children

The best time for a Rwanda safari with children is all the time but the most exciting is the dry season which is normally June, July, August, September, October, December, January. The environment in the wilderness is drier and for game safaris, the grass provides better visibility.

The tracks in the Akagera National Park are easier to traverse in the dry season although dusty and bumpy too. For the primate safaris in Rwanda, they feed closer to the ground in the dry season since there is scarcity of food up in the trees. This is a better position to watch the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Golden monkeys at a closer range. The trails in the forest also have less vegetation covering them so allowing faster movement.

In Rwanda, the dry season is normally the peak tourism season so you need advance booking for any safari you wish to be part of. This is because the best option of even logistics that support Rwanda safaris sellout

Donot ignore the wet season as you plan a Rwanda safari with children because there are many advantages. The wet season of Rwanda is normally March, April, May and November with less people visiting the country. Chances of finding Rwanda gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking permits are high since there is less demand for them.

For safaris in Akagera National Park, you may have the park to yourself since there are fewer or less vehicles driving on the tracks. If you have a limited budget but wishing take a visit to Rwanda, the wet season may be your lucky charm as some service providers discount there costs to breakeven.

For those wishing to enjoy exclusive Rwanda safari activities, the wet season is great timing for you to close off some activities since there is normally less or no booking on tours like gorilla safaris. If you wish to be on Rwanda safari less unknown company but without spending more on closing off this activity, the wet season would be that time for your Rwanda safari with children.

No matter when you plan to visit Rwanda, you need to make all necessary preparations in advance especially of you are destined for this tour in the peak season and have company. Rwanda safaris adventures are mainly in the wilderness but you can also engage with the locals during a community visit or home stay adventure. In case you plan to travel with children for a Rwanda safari, you may also request for a domestic worker to accompany you for the time on tour.

Book Now