A list of popular Rwanda safari activities and things to do.
One of the most popular safari locations in Africa is Rwanda, which is known for its amazing gorilla trekking experiences.
Rwanda has learnt some lessons from its terrible past, and the nation is still healing from the ashes of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Unfortunately, Rwanda’s inadequate resources have prevented it from marketing and publicizing its safari activities both domestically and abroad.
Things to Do in Rwanda While Safari Gorilla Trekking
Some of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas may be found in Rwanda, one of the world’s gorilla trekking locations. There are presently around 605 mountain gorillas in the Virunga region, which includes Rwanda.
The mountain gorillas live in families and are exclusively found in Volcanoes National Park. Every gorilla family has a dominant silverback who is followed by the other members of the family.
About 15 gorilla families are completely habituated and accessible to tourists in Rwanda. To be permitted admission into Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trekking safari, each individual must obtain a gorilla permit.
How Much Does a Rwandan Gorilla Permit Cost?
Currently, each Rwandan gorilla permit costs $1500 per trekper. This covers day-use park fees, ranger guide fees, security, assistance for the Gorilla Conservation Fund, and local community support.
Tipping, transportation, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of a Rwanda gorilla permit.
Is it possible to schedule a Rwandan gorilla permit in installments?
Depending on when you buy the permit, you may reserve Rwanda gorilla permits in installments. When purchasing a Rwanda gorilla permit in installments, a proportion between 30% and 70% of the entire fee is permitted.
You must buy your gorilla permit 90 days prior to the trip date in order to apply, and don’t forget to top it up 90 days before the trek date.
Rwandan chimpanzee hiking
Nyungwe National Park is the location for Rwandan chimpanzee trekking. The southwest region of Rwanda is home to Nyungwe National Park. The park was created in 3004 and became a Rwanda National Park in its entirety in 3005. It may take five hours to travel from Kigali airport to Nyungwe National Park, which is around 230 kilometers away.
Despite their semi-habituated state, the chimpanzees in this park are fascinating to watch at this time. Nyungwe National Park is home to two chimpanzee populations. One of the places where a gathering takes place is Cyamdongo. Part of the Rwandan chimpanzee populations reside here, which is located on the outskirts of Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe National Park’s primary park headquarters is Uwinka, where you get a briefing before to chimpanzee trekking and then follow a number of paths.
It is necessary to obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda, which currently costs around $90 per person per trip.
How much does a Rwandan chimpanzee permit cost?
Ranger guide costs, assistance for the Chimpanzee Conservation Fund, security, an hour with the chimp, and other expenses are included in the purchase of Rwandan chimpanzee licenses.
Tipping, logistics, transportation to Nyungwe National Park, porters, and any other personal belongings are not included in this price.
How to Purchase a Rwandan Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
Decide how many permits you want to buy and the day you want to go chimpanzee trekking. Because of the destination’s rough terrain, the time it takes to find the chimpanzees, and other issues, make sure all participants are at least 15 years old.
To find out whether Rwanda chimpanzee permits are available on the day of your choice, get in touch with Katland Safaris or the Rwanda Development Board. Nyungwe National Park has two morning and afternoon chimpanzee trekking programs.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is limited to 10 visitors, thus reservations are required in advance.
Nyungwe National Park Canopy Walk
The canopy walks over Nyungwe National Park are an exhilarating experience on a roughly 90-meter-long suspension bridge. From the summit, you may take in the stunning views of Nyungwe National Park and the surrounding area.
After receiving a briefing from Uwinka, you begin your quest by following the igishigishigi route. Seek for a variety of monkeys, including olive baboons, red-tailed, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, and others. Enjoy the presence of the many birds that frequent this woodland.
Trekking with Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
There are between 30,000 and 40,000 golden monkeys in the globe, making them one of the endangered primates.
They have a bigger body structure than typical monkeys and are entertaining creatures to watch. They also have lower back hairs that are golden brown.
Golden monkeys in the jungle are fascinating to observe as they bounce from tree to tree; despite being used to human presence, they still exhibit their innate traits.
How much do licenses for Rwandan Golden Monkeys cost?
Currently, the cost of a golden monkey permit in Rwanda is $100 per person per trek for international nonresidents, $65 per person for foreign residents in Rwanda, $80 per person for foreign residents in East Africa, and RWF 4,000 per person for Rwandan nationals.
What The Golden Monkey Permit For Rwanda Covers
Ranger guide costs, security, an hour with the golden monkeys, conservation assistance, local community support, and other expenses are included in the price of Rwanda’s golden monkey permit.
Tips, snacks, porter fees, beverages, a packed lunch, and other personal belongings are not included in the price of this golden monkey permit.
Rwandan cultural experience
One African nation that takes pride in its own culture is Rwanda. Make preparations if you want to learn anything about Rwandan culture. You could be unable to stay sitting while seeing the Intore dance, which is rhythmic and accompanied by loud drums.
You may discover more about the defunct Rwandese monarchy by seeing the king’s old palace.
See Rwanda’s Genocide Memorials.
Locals in Rwanda perished from ignorance over a terrible 100-day period. Furthermore, a number of victims endured abuse at the hands of their fellow citizens.
In remembrance of this, a number of facilities containing the bones of the dead have been established across the nation for the surviving Rwandans and anyone who would want to interfere with their freedom without attempting genocide.
St. Famille Church, the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, the Blue Beret Memorial site, and others are examples of Rwandan genocide memorials.
Rwandan Birdwatching
You may add Rwanda’s outstanding bird habitats to the list of places to see while on a safari there. Volcanoes National Park, home to more than 300 bird species, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and other areas are well-known birdwatching sites in Rwanda.
On a Rwandan birding trip, you could see endemic species of the Albertine Rift. The Blue Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Banded Prinia Apalis, Handsome Francolin, and other species are also found in various parts of Rwanda.
Tour of Kigali City
One of the most beautiful cities in Africa is Kigali, which has a clean environment and stringent regulations. No trash dumping in Kigali city, notwithstanding.
You may see the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Kadit House, Kwita Izina Function, and the genocide monuments. To get through the traffic, it would be ideal to have a well-planned schedule.
Go to the grave of Dian Fossey.
It is well worth the effort to take a guided trek in the footsteps of Dian Fossey, the heroine of the fallen mountain gorilla. The American primatologist Dian Fossey saved the mountain gorillas from extinction.
In 1967, she established the Karisoke study Station and conducted study on mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Her findings form the basis of most contemporary research on mountain gorillas.
She was brutally slain by unidentified attackers in 1985, and her bones were interred with the gorillas she had fought for to the end of her life.
When Is the Best Time to Reserve a Safari in Rwanda?
Safari activities in Rwanda are available year-round, however the dry season (June to September and December to January) is when most visitors choose to go.
This is also the busiest time of year for tourism in Rwanda. This is due to the fact that the majority of Rwanda safari activities take place in natural environments, or the wild.
There is life in the forest since the majority of its inhabitants are active throughout the dry season. There may likely be trekking involved in some events since Rwanda is a country with thousands of hills.
Because there are less people during the wet season, you may enjoy the activities all to yourself on your Rwanda safari. Taking excellent wildlife shots is not hindered by any distractions.
In the low season, which is often the rainy season, there is a greater chance of finding several Rwanda safari activities and service providers at a reduced cost.
You may also take advantage of the inexpensive Rwanda safari season if you’re on a tight budget.
How Secure Is Rwanda for Safari Travel in Africa?
Rwanda has learnt from its previous errors and is not prepared to repeat them in the wake of the 1994 genocide.
The security forces in Rwanda are alert and prepared to fight against anything that would bring the country back to this despotism.
You are safe wherever you go on the Rwanda safari. You risk being imprisoned in one of the local jails if you break any of Rwanda’s laws.
Make sure you don’t throw trash on the streets; in Rwanda and other countries, it’s illegal to wear drugs.
How much does a safari in Rwanda cost?
A Rwanda safari’s price is determined by a number of variables, including
The duration of the safari vacation in Rwanda
The gross cost of the Rwanda safari increases with the number of days. This is due to the fact that the majority of Rwandan activities and service providers charge daily rates.
To make the most of your time in Rwanda, it would be ideal if you collaborated with a knowledgeable and skilled tour operator to create an amazing itinerary.
The number of passengers on the Rwanda safari
The cost per participant for the Rwanda safari will decrease as more people sign up. Some expenses, such as car rental, petrol, driver’s guide, and others, are shared by you.
How many activities are included in the safari package for Rwanda
Combining the aforementioned Rwanda safari activities will cost you the most money. The cost of each activity varies. In Rwanda, you may set up chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safaris.
The low-cost plan you choose for your safari in Rwanda
The prices of Rwanda safari packages vary depending on whether they are luxury, midrange, or budget packages. A Rwanda safari package’s total cost increases with the number of features it offers, since each option has unique inclusions and exclusions. The cost of each safari package decreases with the number of inclusions.
When to arrange a safari in Rwanda
Safari packages in Rwanda are often expensive during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January. Rwanda safari packages may be eligible for discounts from some service providers, like as lodging and vehicle upgrades, during the off-peak months, which are typically March through May and November.
What Are The Requirements For A Safari in Rwanda?
It takes 72 hours to fully immunize against COVID-19 or to carry a certificate proving negative findings from a COVID-19 PCR test.
Given that Rwanda is a tropical nation, use sunscreen.
If you are going on a safari in the Rwandan bush, bring insect repellent.
Given that Rwanda is a nation with thousands of hills and a generally cool climate, you should bring a sweater or warmers.
A first aid bag including emergency drugs.
Passports and other easily identifiable travel papers are necessary for Rwanda.
A safari hat
For the Rwanda safari adventure you could participate in, extra clean safari clothing is required.
Bring adequate supplies in a duffel bag for your safari trip in case you need assistance.
