DESTINATION RWANDA

Rwanda is a small landlocked country (has no direct access to major water bodies) in East Africa. It is also known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” The country is a true reflection of its name as it is home to endless rolling hills.

Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The capital and major city is Kigali and her major airport is Kigali International Airport. Rwanda is also known for its hospitable people. It also comprises three major ethnic groups that is; the Batutsi, the Batwa, and the Hutu. The country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush rainforests, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Rwanda is as old as thousands of years ago. In the early days, Rwanda was under the famous Tutsi kingdom whose downfall came after the coming of European colonialists. Its history has been characterized by bloodshed and power shifts from one group to the other. Rwanda was formerly a German colony but later the Belgians took over power. On 1 July 1961, Rwanda gained political independence from the United Nations. This was later on followed by the tragic bloody revolution known as the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. This was a tribal conflict between the Tutsi and the Hutu. It involved the death of thousands of Rwandese while others fled to the neighboring states such as Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As of today, Rwanda is one of the symbols of peace, hope, and reconciliation not only on the face of Africa but also the world as a whole. Several United Nations conferences and other world peace gatherings have been held in Rwanda. This has caused tremendous social and economic transformation in the country and the entire region.

Due to its high elevation, Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate characterized by an average rainfall of about 800mm. Rwanda has four distinct seasons that one should be aware of while planning a Rwanda safari. The seasons include;

March to May: This is the time of the year when there are higher chances of rainfall. Gorilla trekking tends to be a challenging one during this period. However, other national parks such as Akagera can be visited normally. The terrains are generally slippery and activities like cycling can be equally challenging.

June to September: During this period, rainfall radically reduces and most travelers consider this the best time to take on a Rwanda safari. Look Rwanda is best all year round; it all depends on your travel needs. In the dry months of June to September, temperatures are always high during the day and low during the night. Activities like cycling and gorilla trekking can best be done during this time of the year. It is important to book your Rwanda Gorilla permits in advance since there is a tendency for traffic at such times.

October to November: This is Rwanda’s short rain season with more like the March to May characteristic. Rains in this period tend to be heavier and temperatures range from 15⁰ C to 27⁰ C. This is always considered the best time for Chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe National Park. Other park activities such as game drives can as well be undertaken.

December to February: This is yet another good period for gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. The short dry season in Rwanda comes with sunny and windy days and somewhat higher temperatures compared to those of the wet season. For those looking for Rwanda hiking adventures, this is the right time to visit the Virunga mountains. You will enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas and the terrain is equally navigable. This is also a prime time to take on a beach safari to Lake Kivu.

Taking on a Rwanda Safari entirely depends on your travel needs. Are you looking for birding safaris, gorilla trekking adventures, safari game drives, or Rwanda cultural tours? All these can be done all year round, however, the dry months of December to February and June to September tend to be the most favorable.

This is because there are fewer chances of rainfall and trails are not as slippery as those of the wet seasons. On the other hand, the wet season is good in a way that it comes with discounts since it is regarded as a low season.

A Rwanda safari is incomplete without taking on a chimp trek in the famous Nyungwe Forest National Park. This ancient rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an array of flora and fauna. Nyungwe Forest is famous for its population of chimpanzees, as well as various monkey species, including the endangered golden monkey.

Nyungwe Forest National Park also allows travelers to take on a canopy walking tour. This allows them to discover the hidden treasures of the park right from the suspended bridge on top of the forest. What an Iconic adventure safari activity! For bird lovers, Nyungwe Forest is a reliable birding destination in Rwanda.

Taking on a Rwanda Cultural safari is such a rewarding experience. It is a chance for you to interact with the local members of the community as well as learn about past events in Rwanda. Rwanda gorilla trekking and cultural safaris usually involve a visit to the Ibyi’wacu cultural village. This is one of the leading areas for cultural tours in Rwanda.

By participating in Rwanda’s cultural adventures, you are contributing to sustainable tourism and supporting conservation efforts. Ensure to buy craft and other locally made products whenever you visit such communities. This is a way of giving back to the community.

Rwanda safaris are not just about mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking. If you are a wildlife safari enthusiast, Akagera National Park might be something you should add to your travel list. The park is famous for harboring the big five animals that is; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. These animals are categorized as endangered species by UNESCO and are worth visiting on any African Safari adventure. The park is also home to other animal species such as zebras, gazelles, warthogs, hyenas, and antelopes, to mention but a few.

Other safari destinations in Rwanda include; Gishwati Mukura National Park, Kigali City, and Lake Kivu.

Like many other safari destinations in East Africa, Rwanda is a safe travel destination for tourists. The country has been with prevailing peace over the past decades and the government of Rwanda has been doing its best to ensure security and safety in the region. However, it is important to follow the local park rules and regulations during your stay in Rwanda. Do not provoke violence and make use of your tour guide to minimize safety and security risks.

Getting around Rwanda can be done using both road and air transport. Rwanda is a small country and can thus be explored using a public taxi, bus, or tourism safari vehicle. Traveling using public means usually presents an opportunity to interact with the local members of the community. Most of the tour companies in Rwanda offer safari vehicles at negotiable prices.

For African Resident travelers, Rwanda is a visa-free destination. Other nationalities are required to have a valid entry visa before entering Rwanda. The visas can be booked online and in advance or at the entry points upon arrival. Get detailed advice from your embassies and Consulates in Rwanda before you travel.

Rwanda is well-connected to various international destinations through its major airports, including Kigali International Airport. Several international airlines operate regular flights to and from Kigali, making it easily accessible for tourists from around the world. It is recommended to book flights well in advance to secure the best fares and availability.

Rwanda, with its rich history, cool climate, and endless rolling hills has emerged as a reliable tourist destination in Africa. From the spectacular gorilla trekking adventures to chimpanzee trekking and wildlife adventures. This is in addition to diverse cultural encounters, Rwanda is worth adding to your travel list. Safety and security are guaranteed during your stay in Rwanda. Take on a Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari and create everlasting memories.