Each year comes with its own travel demands and so is 2019 and it is every visitors’ dream to take part in that exceptional safari experience that leaves lasting memories in them. For unique experiences, Rwanda is that one African safari destination you need to consider a must to explore this year. With a lot more that waits for you to explore, a visit to Rwanda gets you the best of African safari experiences. In other words, everyone has something to take part. A visit to this magical landlocked country takes you through its varied ecosystems, abundant wildlife, majestic volcanoes or its pristine national parks and above all, distinct safari activities.
Astonishing things to not to miss out while on Rwanda safari
Gorilla trekking
A Rwanda safari is only considered complete when you include gorilla trekking in your bucket list adventure. With only 3 countries where you can catch a glimpse at mountain gorillas, a visit to Rwanda remarkably gets you that opportunity to trek to see these unique creatures in their natural habitat. Currently, these primate species are fewer than 1004 and they thrive within Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the only option available for you to make your dream come true. This park lies suitably in the northwest about 2 to 3 hours’ drive off Kigali capital and its closeness to city center; even visitors with limited time are covered. Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park may last you about 3 to 6 hours although this may also depend on a number of factors including your hiking speed, nature of habitat and location of gorillas.
However, like other adventures, gorilla trekking in Rwanda equally comes at a cost and in order for you to take place in this thrilling primate adventure; you need $1500 to help you secure a permit. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be obtained through a reliable tour operator or reservation department at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). To be on a safer side, make sure that you secure your permit early enough at least 3 months prior actual trek. Remember that demand for permits is high and only 1 permit gets you a chance to track 1 habituated family in a group of 8 visitors.
Chimpanzee tracking
Besides thrilling gorilla adventures, a visit to Rwanda equally takes you through exciting chimpanzee tracking. This is another bucket list primate adventure if you plan to visit Rwanda soon. Chimpanzee treks in Rwanda are perfectly done within the lust rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park. There are 3 reception centers within this park and they include Uwinka, Gisakura or Kitabi. This primate experience takes you through habituated chimpanzee groups in Nyungwe forest national parks. One group is found within the park and the other is within Cyamudongo forest. The other option is Gishwati Mukura National Park. Remarkably, this primate experience also gets you the best sights at other creatures including L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, Den’t monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and many more. Chimpanzee permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park costs $100 per visitor.
Canopy walk
Within Nyungwe Forest National Park, visitors on Rwanda safari have a chance to take part in canopy walk. This is by far, the rarest experience and in East Africa it is first of its kind. Canopy walk in this park takes you through 200 meters walk and you will spend at least 2 hours. It always starts at Uwinka visitor center and comes with exciting sights at distinct species including primates, birds and magical views at the Ishuno waterfalls. You need $60 to take part in this experience.
Bird watching
Rwanda boasts of its diverse Important Bird Areas each of which reward you with distinct sights at varied bird species. A birding tour in Rwanda takes you through tourist sites such as Nyungwe Forest National Park which hosts over 310 bird species. While on bird tour in this park, you have a chance to spot out birds like pockefellers’s sunbird, Chapin’s flycatchers, the Great Blue Turaco, the Grauer’s rush warbler, red collared mountain babbler, white tailed fly catcher, blue headed and regal sunbird, Congo bay owlet and purple throated.
Volcano hike
5 of 8 Virunga Volcanoes are confined within Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and they include Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Gahinga and this makes Rwanda among a few most remarkable sites for hiking adventures. Hiking experiences in Rwanda take you through Sabyinyo but Uganda side, Karisimbi Volcano, Bisoke.
Wildlife viewing
For most visitors, a trip to Rwanda is mainly focused on gorilla trekking but in real sense, you have a lot more besides mountain gorillas. Think about the big game and several of savanna grassland dwellers and think of Akagera National Park! Rwanda is an ideal destination for you to view elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards, elands, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, klipspringer, Oribis and others as well as several bird species including terrestrial and water birds. You can catch a glimpse at these varied species while on a game drive or boat cruise mostly hippos and crocodiles as well as water birds
Mountain biking
There are many cycling trails set for mountain biking in Rwanda and they include Congo trail. These trails come with campsites along the way for adventure seekers to relax from and there are many well-trained guides to take you through.
Para motoring
Para motoring is so far the newest adventure and while on Rwanda safari, count it a must to take part. In East Africa, it is a first of its kind and it takes you through Rubavu, Karongi, Nyungwe Forest National Park or Huye town.
Cultural experience with Intore dancers
The word Intore means dance of the heroes and indeed a cultural trip here rewards you with amazingly exciting and unique tradition this country boasts of. The dancers in this troupe are very skilled and professional.
Explore more about the 1994 Rwanda genocide
Rwanda is known for its past and for visitors who are interested in dark tourism, a visit to any of genocide sites is worth. The notable sites to explore include Kigali genocide site, Murambi genocide memorial site, Nyamata genocide memorial center, Nyanza and many others.
You may also take part in golden monkey tracking; pay a visit to King’s palace museum, visiting the red rocks Rwanda and many more.
