Safari Activities To Do In Rwanda

Rwanda safari activities to do include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural experience and more. Rwanda is country endowed by nature even with its small size there is so much to enjoy. Rwandese are proud of their culture and ready to share it with the world right from folktales to their dress code. Rwandese offer a warm welcome and provides a comfortable home away from home for you time on holiday.

Primate experiences in Rwanda are some of the best with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park on the forefront, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and golden monkey trekking. Rwanda’s varied topography resulting from volcanic actions that affected this area ending in the formation of several land forms that baptized Rwanda the land of a thousand hills.  

When planning a Rwanda safari choose the time you wish to spend on holiday and time so that a customized itinerary can be tailored for you. Below are the Rwanda safari activities you can choose from.

Rwanda safari activities

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the prime safari activity for any Rwanda safari. To do gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, one need a permit from Rwanda Development Board. Each day only 8 gorilla permits are opened to the public a measure taken to reduce on the possible population that may trample on foliage.

Even though gorilla trekking in Rwanda is quite steep because of the several highlands that form the topography of Volcanoes forest that is mountain Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabyinyo. When trekking to find the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, you may encounter other primates including black and white colobus, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and more.

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Game safari in Rwanda

Akagera national park a recovering game park in Rwanda is the only destination where to do game safaris in the country. When on game drive in Akagera National park in Rwanda, you may find the big five that is leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants and cape buffaloes. Other animals in Akagera National park include giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elands, impalas and more.

Akagera National Park was affected by civil unrest that affected Rwanda in the past forcing many animals to flee to neighboring countries or die. As Rwanda is recovering the glory of Akagera national Park, a non government organization called African Parks and Rwanda Development Board are taking center stage.

 During a boat trip on Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park you get to enjoy several animals than move to the lake banks to quench thirst and cool of the day’s heat.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park is the Rwanda chimpanzee trekking haven with more chimpanzees living at Cyamudondo. Uwinka is the main headquarters of Nyungwe forest and its here that briefing to do chimpanzee trekking Nyungwe National Park is done.

Different trails in Nyungwe forest head to the chimpanzee communities some include Igishigishigi trail. On the way to find the chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, you may encounter black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys and more.

Birding in Rwanda

The environment in Rwanda favors the survival of different birds with over 700 bird species recorded in Rwanda. Some of the bird species of Rwanda include Alpine chat Kivu, Malachite Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, handsome Francolin and more.

Some of the Rwanda birding destinations include Nyungwe forest, Volcanoes forest and more.

Cultural Experience In Rwanda

The Rwandese are very proud of their culture and ready to share it with the rest of the world. The culture of the people in Rwanda is rich with chances of visiting center like Nyakarimbi crafts village, the Ethnological Museum and more.

Attending a traditional marriage ceremony for Rwandese gives you more chances to understand their family life. When the traditional dance troupes of the Rwandese are in action, your eyes are glued to there unique dance moves similar to the crested cranes nuptial dance moves. Listening to the orchestra of drums being played to accompany the traditional dance troupe of the Rwandese is also contagious  and you may try to join them.

Visit to the Buhanga sacred forest believed to be the dwelling spot for the Rwandese spirits gives you chance to know how the people worship traditionally. An array of birds and other primates can be seen wondering through the forest during the community walks.

A visit to the Ethnological museum in Rwanda gives you a glimpse into the life of the Rwandese experienced in the past. At this museum, some items used in the daily life of the people of Rwanda are kept for future reference.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

The golden monkeys are some of the endangered primates of Rwanda living in Volcanoes National park. Each day a team of tourists with golden monkey permits are allowed to visit these unique primates. Golden monkeys have a larger body, golden brown hairs, and even though habituated, they still posses their charming nature.

Get ready to stay on your toes when doing golden monkey trekking because these monkeys keep hoping from one tree to another.

Mountaineering in Rwanda

The several highlands around Rwanda can be hiked but you need a ranger guide to escort you. Some of the notable hiking destinations in Rwanda include Mountain Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Muhavura and Gahinga. On the way, you get to enjoy the amazing scenery and beautiful features that are hard to see clearly while on the ground.

These highlands can be hiked in a day or more depending on your arrangement.

Kigali city tour

Rwanda safaris can never be complete without adding Kigali city tour, Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda where economic, social and political activities happen. While on Kigali city tour, you may visit the genocide memorials, business centers, crafts villages and more.  An early start is recommended to enable you cover the biggest part before jam getting to tight to maneuver.

Canopy Walk In Nyungwe Forest

The canopy walk in Nyungwe National park is remarkable giving you a better glimpse into the beauties around the park. The canopy walk is on the suspension bridge which is about 160 meters long and 70 meters high. From the bridge, you enjoy the cathedral like view of Nyungwe forest and its thick canopy that is hard to see while on ground.

Why Choose Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda is home to some of the only few mountain gorillas living in the world. By choosing to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you get to meet some of the few living mountain gorillas in the world that can only be seen in Uganda and D.R.Congo only.

In Africa, Rwanda is one of the few destinations that still offer chance to visiting untamed natural destinations that are hard to find elsewhere in the world. Most of the conservation areas in the world are manmade and do not offer animals chance to live naturally and take control of their lives.

When you pay conservation fees including permits, park entrance and more, you contribute to the sustainable conservation of the wildlife habitats and the dwellers.

Most of the Rwanda safari destinations are less crowded because of the minimum number of participants allowed per time. Do not expected to find heavy crowds at the Rwanda safari destinations which provides chance to better closer time  with nature while on holiday.

The drive time to most Rwanda safari destinations is not so long giving you chance to relax and take off jet lag before the safari activities.

Best Time To Do Rwanda Safari Activities

The dry season is the best time to do Rwanda safaris even though the wet season should not be ignored too. The dry season in Rwanda is normally June, July, August, September, October December and January.

Most of the Rwanda safari activities involve direct participation of tourists that is walking in the jungle that is gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, hiking and more. Such Rwanda safari activities require moving on foot a dry environment to get through and enjoy the moment.

Most Rwanda safari destination are busy in the dry season with more tourists expected in the country. The cost of most safari amenities are quite high because of the competition for them in this season.

The wet season which is March to May and November is open for Rwanda safari activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and more. Rwanda is generally not affected by extreme weather conditions so this opens most safari activities to the public all year.

What are the requirements for Booking Rwanda Safaris

Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Booking permits to do gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and golden monkey trekking is a must document before being allowed to see these primates. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board has the mandate to sell and regulate these permits.

Book necessary Rwanda safari amenities

For a comfortable Rwanda safari holiday, have accommodation, transport, meals, driver guides and more safari logistics pre-booked before the best options run out. The more you feel comfortable while on safari, the better you feel at the end of your safari.

Keep fit for Rwanda safari

Rwanda safari activities include walking in the dense jungle yet the general topography of most of Rwanda is ragged requiring hiking. Having some level of fitness enables tourists to explore the best of the country and enjoy its stunning beauties.

Apply for Rwanda visa

In case your country is not exempted from presenting a visa as a travel document, apply for it in advance to prevent yourself from taking long at immigration on arrival.

Pack the right safari gears when travelling For Rwanda safari

In your travel baggage, do not forget to use the assistance of the gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking gears list in order not to forget so essentials.

 Is Rwanda A safe Safari Destination in Africa

Rwanda is safe safari destination in African as most of its destinations are under the Rwanda Development Board rangers supervision and tourism police.

When on gorilla, chimpanzee or golden monkey trekking safari in Rwanda, tourists must attend briefing from the rangers where details of how to behave when with these primates are communicated in details. Each primate safari or nature walks in Rwanda must be escorted by the ranger guidance and tourism police officers for better safety.

Try to follow the rules of each Rwanda safari as these were set to protect the forest in habitants, the forest and visitors. Do not try to provoke these primates as this may cause them to charge causing a stampede.

What are the rules of Rwanda safaris

For gorilla, chimpanzee or golden monkey trekking, do not provoke these primates

Dumping garbage in the wilderness is forbidden as it alters the nature of the forest where these primates live.

When with the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys do not stare into their eyes because this appears to be suspicious.

In case you wish to ease your self during the walk to find the Rwandese primates, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you atleast 30 centimeters deep and cover beyond recognition.

No spitting on the grass or ground as this many contaminates the food shared by the forest dwellers.

No using a flash photography when with the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys.

In case you catch a communicable infection like cough, flu, cough, volunteer to stay behind in order not to pass such infections to the vulnerable primates.

Do not drive off track but follow the demarcated tracks because you may knock down some animals.

No feeding the animals in the wilderness because they must depend on supplies from the jungle and not human supplies.

What is the cost of Rwanda safari

In general, the cost of the Rwanda safari varies with activities you hope to engage in, number of people travelling with number of days on safari and more.

In general, Rwanda safaris are categorized into Luxury, mid-range and basic. Beyond the safari logistics that support Rwanda safaris, there are some common cost incurred including the cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which is currently $1500 per person. The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Rwanda include $150 per person. Cost of Rwanda golden monkey permits is about $100 per person.