7 Outdoor Activities Suitable for Kids in Rwanda
7 Outdoor Activities Suitable for Kids in Rwanda: Besides being a home to mountain gorillas and adventures such as mountain biking and bungee jumping; Rwanda is one of the best family vacations. The physical environment consists of beautiful scenery, national parks, and other attractions to make wildlife and family-friendly experiences. From stunning lakes, visiting forested areas, and watching wildlife to experiencing Rwanda as a whole, there is something for everybody, children inclusive.
- Lake Kivu: A Family-Friendly Escape
One of the best natural attractions that are safe for families is Lake Kivu – Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. A fabulous view of surrounding hills and small waves make this attraction appropriate for children and adults involved in various water activities.
People can go for instance engage in riding on boats for recreational purposes around the lake, the island, and the surrounding region. The beaches around the Gisenyi and Kibuye towns are enviable; these are excellent places for swimming and picnicking, especially where children are involved. Others include kayaking – a better way to explore the lake with a very quiet and close encounter of birds and local fishermen. For a more nature-rich and informative visit, families can visit coffee and tea producers in and around the lake to learn about Rwandan agriculture as well as coffee and tea production.
- Nyungwe forest is popular is chimpanzee trekking where tourists go track different kinds of primates including chimpanzees.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, and it has been known to host many animals such as chimpanzees. Trekking in the Nyungwe forest in search of chimpanzees is an exciting family holiday activity especially for families with children of the right age to enjoy the natural world.
Some of the activities that can be mentioned for the trek include crossing great expanses of rainforests, most of which might prove a little boring for kids but the adventurous types most are likely to enjoy every bit of it. While they are referred to as the ‘Outdoor Gym,’ chimpanzee trekking is not an extremely strenuous activity but very much is worth the effort to observe these active primates move and comfortably go about their business in the trees. Nyungwe also provides family-friendly nature walks as a way of experiencing different birds and their feeds, butterflies, and monkeys.
Young families with children can begin with relatively easy routes such as the one in Igishigishigi.
- Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Those families who are interested in finding something extraordinary, it is recommended to take a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest: the rainforest can be observed from the height. Located 50 meters above the ground and extending to over 90 meters long in length, guests using the canopy walk will be able to get close looks of the upper, middle, and lower canopy together with the ground space and the hillsides.
The exciting giant continuous set catwalk is especially appealing to children who like to climb heights and walls. I find the actual suspension bridge perfectly safe for families and a fun and informative tour as you get to see the forest ecosystems from a completely different perspective. On the way up there are monkeys, birds, and other animals that can be observed in the upper story of the forest. This is an excellent holiday activity for families who need some physical exercise and a chance to explore the great outdoors.
- Ibyiwacu Cultural Village popularly known as Gorilla Guardians Village
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village turned into Gorilla Guardians Village to be interactive for families staying near Volcanoes National Park. It avails a natural cultural experience of the Rwandese traditional values to children and other people of young ages in a playful manner.
They can learn how Rwandans dance, learn some of the traditional drums, and discover the day-to-day activities of Rwandans. Children will enjoy mimicking dressing in traditional outfits, spear throwing, and participating in ‘’talking drum’ talk and tales. The village can be done before other very tiring activities as it offers an exciting touch with Rwandan culture in a tangible manner.
- Akagera National Park: A Family Safari Experience
The Akagera National Park situated in the eastern part of Rwanda should therefore be viewed as one park for those families aspiring to take the classic African proffered-flavoured vacation. The park also has the big five, lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos as well as other animals like giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes. It is an excellent moment for children to learn how close they can get to wildlife and still be safe and protected.
It has close-to-touch game drives perfect for families with rangers who will guide you through extreme terrains while hunting for game. Another thrilling experience is a boat safari on Lake Ihema which offers a view of hippos, crocodiles, and various types of birds. There are also guided nature walks for those families who like more active ways of exploring the savannah; all the visitors can walk through the territory on foot.
Almost all the lodges in Akagera National Park are endowed for families with children and have special facilities and activities that are appropriate for kids. The animals and natural scenery that abound within and around the park make the destination a perfect one for a family safari.
- Hiking Mount Kigali
If your family is more into hiking but the more serious mountains of Rwanda are too intensive, Mount Kigali has a relatively easy walk from which you will get a great view of the capital city. The trail is less strenuous and can be done by children; therefore, making it perfect for any family intending to hike in Rwanda but not very far from the city.
Hiking has options to climb Mount Kigali through the forests and bypassing the local villages, thus the chance to interact with the community. Once families reach the top, they are welcomed with a view of Kigali city and other hills surrounding the area. Fazenda Sengha a little up the mountain, also has horse riding amenities where the children can ride horses or engage in archery and zipline.
- Musanze Caves Exploration
One family-friendly activity is the Musanze Caves which are closer to Volcanoes National Park. These have been formed because of volcanic activity extends for over 2km and are stuffed with wonderful king features and archaeological interests. A little adventure consists in visiting the caves; the path is narrow and the tunnels additional; the caves dazzle because they were a very important part of Rwanda’s history.
The caves are safe and easily exploitable; which makes these destinations child-friendly. Guided tours supply helmets and flashlights so even children are likely to cherish this experience. Musanze Caves should these vacations be considered by your family as one way of trusting the youth to explore other types of outdoor exercises such as the geology and history of the caves.