Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda Safaris are very popular tours among tourists visiting Rwanda, the ‘land of a thousand hills.’ Rwanda is a relatively small country that is located in the central region of Africa. The country borders the Republic of Uganda to the north, Burundi to the South and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and Tanzania to the East.
With a population of about 11,262,564 people, this land locked African country has a lot to offer its visitors. Usually, a Rwanda Safaris consists of a tour of Kigali City, Rwanda’s capital, and a visit to any of her four national parks which are; Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
During your Rwanda Safaris, these are some of the interesting places and activities that you can do during your trip;
Kigali City Tour.
Situated at the heart of the country, Kigali City is the main business hub of Rwanda. Kigali City tours will give you a great opportunity to explore the beautiful city. Get to appreciate the breath-taking and lush green hills, extremely clean and organized streets. Kigali city in Rwanda has been nominated as one of the cleanest cities in Africa by various tourists and travel magazines worldwide. Some places that you are likely to visit during a Kigali City Tour include;
- The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center:
This memorial center displays pictures and other belonging of victims who died during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Tourists visiting Kigali genocide memorial center are taken through the tragic history of events leading to the genocide and its end. The main aim of the center is to educate visitors on how important it is to maintain peace and unity in any society and also show how the country has risen above her dark past.
- Nyamirambo Women’s Center:
The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a major stop for any visitor looking to have a cultural experience and learn more about the Rwanda culture. The center is run by women with an aim of empowering Rwanda women with entrepreneurial skills. Some interesting activities that you can do while at the center include; craft making classes, dance performances and also take part in cooking classes with the local women.
Other interesting sites to visit during your Kigali city tour include; Camp Kigali, Caplaki craft village, Kimironko market, Azizi Life Boutique to mention but a few.
Away from the city, most Rwanda Safaris are not complete without a visit to any of the country’s national parks, and these are;
Volcanoes National Park:
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a number one destination for Rwanda Safaris. It is located in the northwestern part of the country in Ruhengeri district, with its nearest town being Musanze. Covering only 160 square kilometers of rainforest, Volcanoes national park is the capital for primate tours in Rwanda. The national park is home to the endangered species of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Volcanoes national park in Rwanda is strategically located within the Virunga Conservation Area, and neighbors Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
What you can see and do in Volcanoes National Park.
In case you are interested in visiting Volcanoes national park for your Rwanda Safaris, there is a lot for you to see and do in the national park; gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hike Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains, visit Dian Fossey’s tomb and Karisoke Research Center, Bird watching, tour Musanze caves and the Iby’iwacu cultural visit.
Accommodation in the park.
There are a variety of accommodation facilities available in Volcanoes national park which include; One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain gorilla view, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge. Most of the lodges in Volcanoes national park are luxury lodges, with only a few being mid-range.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern province of Rwanda, covering about 1020 square kilometers of rainforest. The park is also another favorite destination among tourists on a Rwanda Safari.
Activities carried out in Nyungwe National Park.
Rwanda Safaris to Nyungwe Forest national park involve tourists doing the following activities; Chimpanzee trekking, Primate tracking, Nyungwe canopy walk, hiking and guided nature walks, Birding, and visit to Gisakura tea estate.
Where to stay when visiting Nyungwe forest national park.
Accommodation facilities near Nyungwe national park include; One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel and Gisakura Guest House among others. These lodges are located around the Gisakura reception center, within close range to the national park.
Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park in Rwanda. It is also the only national park where you can be able to see the famous Big Five animals during your Rwanda Safaris. The national park spans over an area of 1,122 square kilometers and has over 8,000 land wildlife species. Akagera national park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda in Kayonza district.
Activities in Akagera National Park.
When in Akagera national park during your Rwanda safaris, these are some of the activities that you can take park in; Day and Night game drives, Boat cruise, Sport fishing, Bird watching, Behind the scenes Akagera tour, Walk the Line tour, Community/ Cultural encounters, Camping and Guided nature walks.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park.
There are a range of accommodation facilities in Akagera national park to carter for visitors who want to spend a night or more in the national park, and these include; Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp, and Karenge Bush Camp. There are also good camping sites located within the park for those who wish to camp and these include; Shakani Akagera Campsite, Mutumba Campsite, and Muyumbu campsite.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
The Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda is the country’s newest national park. The national park covers 34 square kilometers and is located in the western part of Rwanda near Nyungwe Forest national park. The national park shelters 395 bird species, about 60 tree species, a group of 20 chimpanzees and other primates species like golden monkeys, L’Hoest and Blue monkeys among others.
What to do during your visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Activities offered to tourists visiting Gishwati-Mukura National Park on a Rwanda Safari include; golden monkey trekking, birding, chimpanzee trekking, community visits and guided nature walks.
Where you can stay during your visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Visitors travelling to this national park will be able to get accommodation in the newly constructed Gishwati Lodge. It is a simple and eco-friendly lodge, located within the Gishwati Forest Reserve. The newly constructed lodge has 6 cottages and able to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests.
Other interesting places to visit during your Rwanda Safaris include; Lake Kivu, the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, Nyanza, Ntarama, Gisenyi, Burambi and Nyaruhuye Genocide Memorial Sites.
In case you are planning a safari to Rwanda, do get in tour with our tour operators for the best deals on tour packages as well as get advice on which activities you can engage in while in the country. Also, do check out some of our Rwanda safaris tour packages for some interesting offers.
