RWANDA TOURS
Rwanda wildlife safaris present supreme prospects for travelers to tour the country’s array of ecosystems and encounter its rich biodiversity. Rwanda has 3 national parks where travelers can witness diverse landscapes, and various wildlife species in their natural habitats. These include Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National park and Volcanoes National Park. These are unique destinations for travelers desiring game drives, gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, golden monkey tracking, canopy walk, nature walk, birding, boat safaris and many others.
Additionally, travelers on Rwanda tours can experience the genocide tours. These offer poignant and somber exploration of the country’s dark history. The most significant of which is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, in the capital city of Kigali. This site serves as a tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This tour also provides insight into the events that triggered the mass massacres. Another important site is the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, situated about 30 kilometers south of Kigali city. This is found in a former church, where thousands of Tutsi refugees were murdered during the genocide. During a guided tour, visitors are offered a sobering glimpse into the brutality of the genocide and how they can honor the memory of the victims.
Rwanda cultural tours also offer captivating glimpses into the country’s lively traditions, customs, and heritage. The best example is the Iby’iwachu Cultural Village at Volcanoes National Park. This community-based tourism initiative provides visitors with a deeper experience of Rwandan culture, including traditional dances, storytelling, and handmade crafts presentations. Also, visitors can engage in activities such as banana beer brewing and also learnt about traditional medical practices. Another key Rwanda cultural tour site is the Nyanza Royal Palace. This is located about 35 kilometers south of Kigali. The Nyanza Royal Palace was once the residence of the Rwandan Monarchy and offers understanding into traditional Rwanda architecture, lifestyle, and governance. Travelers on a Rwanda cultural tour around this place are offered guided tours to witness Rwanda’s royal heritage and cultural identity.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda covers an approximate land area of 160 square kilometers, and it is situated near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes is found within geographical coordinates of approximately 1.475o S Latitude and 29.494o E longitude. By road, Volcanoes National Park is about 116 kilometers from Kigali and this journey usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. On air, the flight from Kigali to the nearby town of Ruhengeri takes around 30-40 minutes. After this it is a short transfer by road to Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and its significance as a habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes features a diversity of vegetation, ranging from bamboo forests to alpine meadows, with elevations ranging from 2,400 to 4,500 meters above sea level. The extravagant rainforests are characterized by a variety of plant species, including Hagenia trees, giant lobelias, and dense undergrowth among others.
The key attractions are the endangered mountain gorillas, which are some of the rarest primates in the world. There are 10 gorilla families that present a unique opportunity for a visitor to engage in guided gorilla trekking safaris. Moreover, there are other primate species such as the endemic golden monkeys for golden monkey tracking adventures. With over 200 bird species, birders can spot the handsome spurfowl, western crested Guinea-fowl, and the African black duck among others. Other key tourist attractions at Volcanoes National Park include hiking tours, cultural experiences at the Iby’Iwacu cultural village and others.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National park in eastern Rwanda is the largest savannah ecosystem in the country, covering a total land area of about 1,200 square kilometers. Akagera is found along the border with Tanzania on geographical coordinates 1.8796o S and 30.7040o E. Akagera National park is about 135 kilometers east of Kigali and a traveler can take about 2.5 to 3 hours by road to reach there. By air, it takes around 40 minutes from Kigali International Airport to Akagera airstrip.
Akagera National Park is blessed with diverse landscapes of rolling hills, savannah plains, lakes and wetlands. These are comprised of mosaic vegetation types, such as grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and forests. These habitats are home to a range of wildlife species, including the African big five—elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino and leopard. Other mammals include zebra, giraffe, antelopes, and hyenas among others. Akagera is home to over 500 species of birds including the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, African jacana, and booted eagle among others.
Key tourist activities at Akagera National park include game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, guided nature walks, and birding safaris among others. Travelers can also experience the cultural tours in the local communities and traditional fishing villages to gain deeper insights into their ways of life.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda sits on a total land area of around 1,020 square kilometers and coordinates 2.5282o S, and 29.2784o E. Nyungwe is the largest montane rainforest in Central Africa with rich biodiversity amidst the undulating hills of Rwanda. Nyungwe is close to Lake Kivu and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. This makes it have a unique ecological significance.
On road, Nyungwe Forest National Park is about 225 kilometers from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The road trip is about 6-7 hours, depending on the road conditions or traffic. Alternatively, on air, the journey is shorter and more convenient on a flight from Kigali to Kamembe airport, near Cyangugu. The flight takes around 1 hour, followed by a short road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe is characterized by dense, montane rainforest vegetation, comprising various ecosystems such as bamboo forest, swamps, and waterfalls. The habitats are covered with an array of floral diversity, including 1,000 plant species, some of which endemic and rare. There are towering trees, luxurious undergrowth, and epiphytic ferns. These create a lovely canopy that also provide habitat for an array of wildlife species.
Nyungwe has remarkable fauna, including over 96 mammals, and 300 bird species. The mammals include 13 primate species such as chimp, colobus monkey, L’hoest’s monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey among others. The birds include the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori nightjar and handsome francolin among others. Wildlife species include the forest elephant, bush pig, and various antelope species.
Besides exploring its natural wonders, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safaris, visitors can engage in guided forest walks, canopy walks, cultural tours and many others.
Best time to take a tour to Rwanda
When planning to take a Rwanda tour, timing is significant in ensuring the success of your experience. Travelers can take a tour to Rwanda throughout the year, but the best time to take a tour is during the dry season, which typically spans from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the weather is basically warm and dry, with relatively low rainfall amounts compared to the wetter periods. This creates the best opportunities to navigate the tourist sites, get a clear view of wildlife, hike through the dense forest trails. Moreover, during the dry seasons, Rwanda has clear skies that offers travelers the best panoramic views of the luxurious canopy surrounding landscapes.
Packing for a tour to Rwanda
When planning a tour to Rwanda it is important to ensure comfort, safety and enjoyment throughout the experience. Firstly, for wildlife tours, including gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and chimpanzee tracking adventures, it is crucial to pack strong, comfortable hiking shoes or boots. These should have effective grips to allow navigation through the various terrains.
Choose light-weight moisture-wicking attire like long sleeved shirts, and pants to protect against bugs, direct sun rays, and scratches from vegetation. A waterproof jacket or poncho is necessary as rain might fall unexpectedly, especially in rainforest environments. bring a small backpack to carry requisites like drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars and any souvenirs bought.
For travelers on cultural and city tours, lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather is ideal, along with comfortable hiking shoes for exploring urban centers and cultural sites. A hut, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor excursions. Bring a travel guidebook, or smartphone with relevant applications for learning about the history, culture, and attractions of Rwanda’s cities and cultural sites.
Ensure to pack important travel documents such as passport, visa, travel insurance, and any necessary permits or tickets for specific activities such as gorilla trekking, chimp tracking and golden monkey tracking. Also, bring a basic first aid kit with essentials such as antiseptic, wipes, pain relievers, bandages and any personal medications.
