BACKGROUND INFO
Rwanda is known as Le Pays de Mille Collines that is the land of a thousand hills with numerous hills and mountains in this scenically beautiful and landlocked country. Rwanda has 5 volcanoes, 23 lakes, and numerous rivers some forming the source of River Nile. The country lies 75 miles south of the Equator in the Tropic Capricorn, 880 miles “as the crow flies” west of the Indian Ocean and 1,250 west-east of the Atlantic Ocean – literally in the heart of Africa. With a land area of 26,338 Km² – one of Africa’s smallest countries. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the North, Tanzania to the East, Burundi the south and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.
Time zone; Central Africa time (GMT/UTC+2hrs)
Currency; Rwandan franc (Rfr)
Official Languages; Kinyarwanda, French, English
Population; 13 million
Independence/ National holiday;
Government Type; republic
Main Industries; cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes
Constitution; adopted in 2003 Provides for a two-house parliament, elected President, and multi-party politics. Also sought to prevent Hutu or Tutsi hegemony over political power.
Branches; executive, judicial, and legislative
Political Parties; Social Party Imberakuri, Rwandan Patriotic Front, Centrist Democratic Party, Ideal Democratic Party, Rwandan Socialist Party, Democratic Union of the Rwandan People, Social Democratic Party, Liberal Party, Party for Progress and Concord Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Natural Resources; Gold, Cassiterite (tin ore), Wolframite (tungsten ore), Methane, Hydropower, Arable land
TOURISM IN RWANDA
Tourism in Rwanda is rapidly increasing. In 2010, 666,000 tourists visited the country. This resulted in tourism revenues of $200 million, an increase of 14% over 2009. To further place Rwanda on the world map as a first class tourism destination, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) signed a three year partnership deal with London-based soccer team, Arsenal Football Club to help build the country’s tourism industry.
Rwanda is home to a hugely diverse population of animals including mountain gorillas and the world’s largest natural park for hippos – some 20,000 are believed to be there. Although Rwanda is still a developing country, it has quite hotels and its new international interest in tourism is helping economic growth.
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with a green, mountainous landscape. Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park encompasses 4,507m-tall Mt. Karisimbi and 4 other forested volcanoes. In the southwest is Nyungwe National Park, with ancient montane rainforest that’s a habitat for chimpanzees and other primates. Rwanda is also well versed with its culture through their ways of life and dances.
Towns
Kigali
The capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive. It's green, clean and safe with meaningful culture and remarkable drive.
Nyanza
Home to the King's Palace - a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive.
Musanze
Close to the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze is a hassle-free and buzzing city, with plenty of choices for eating out, ATMs to withdraw cash, vibrant nightlife, markets, and artisanal trades.
Karongi
A popular beach retreat on the shores of Lake Kivu with majestic vistas, a tranquil atmosphere and easy access from Kigali.
Rubavu
A waterfront town on the shores of Lake Kivu, with red sandy beaches, warm clean water, and an easygoing tropical character.
Huye
Peaceful and compact, Huye was founded in the early colonial era. Today is a center of academia, as well as housing the Ethnographic Museum.
Kibeho
Kibeho Parish has been a global pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics since the Virgin Mary appeared on 28 November 1981
Rusizi
A small town on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the closest town to Nyungwe National Park. Budget accommodation here will appeal to self-drive visitors to the National Park.
National Parks
Gishwati Mukura National Park
Rwanda's fourth National Park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests - the larger Gishwati and small Mukura. It is home to chimpanzees, golden, blue and L'Hoest's monkeys as well as a host of birds and smaller animals.
Nyungwe National Park
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate.
Volcanoes National Park
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas.”
Akagera National Park
The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland, and a dozen lakes. In partnership with African Parks, we have reintroduced lions and rhinos, meaning once again visitors can hope to see the Big Five on safari drives.
Adventure Safaris In Rwanda
Hiking
Rwanda’s epic scenery, pleasant climate, and magnificent wildlife make the land a remarkable place to explore on foot. The best hiking to be had is in the western half of the country, all the way from Volcanoes National Park in the north, along with the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west and down to Nyungwe National Park in the south.
Canopy Walkway
Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife.
Paramotor
A new sport in Rwanda. Visitors will be able to fly above the historic Huye district, the lakeside towns of Rubavu and Karongi, and the mountain rainforests of Nyungwe National Park. The Rwanda Flying Club offers tandem flights as well as flying courses.
Helicopter Tours & Transfers
Based out of Kigali International Airport, Akagera Aviation offers charters or scenic tours by helicopter throughout Rwanda.
Caving
There are 52 caves in Northern Province. The most popular is Musanze Cave - the main cave has an entrance the size of a cathedral and is home to a sizeable bat colony.
Museums And Art Galleries
King’s Palace;
A reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, the King's Palace is a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. At the back live a few long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king's herd, whose keepers carefully tend and sing to them, keeping alive a unique tradition.
Ethnographic Museum;
The Ethnographic Museum, also known as the National Museum, houses perhaps the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa.
Rwanda Art Museum;
Formerly the Presidential Palace Museum, this new museum displays contemporary artworks from Rwanda as well as abroad. It hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions alongside the permanent collection.
Kigali Genocide Memorial;
The Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is where 250,000 victims have been buried. This memorial also serves to educate about how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century.
Kandt House Museum;
The Kandt House Museum looks at colonialism in relation to Rwanda, set in the old house of the first colonial governor.
Museum of the Environment;
The Museum of the Environment is an educational center, helping people to understand and safeguard their environment. It aims to ensure integrated and durable development.
Gorilla Tracking
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
Culture Experience
Centuries of music, dance, history and hospitality are waiting for you in Rwanda. While it might have been the gorillas that entice you to Rwanda, it’s the people of Rwanda who will keep you coming back. Ancient traditions of honor and hospitality run strong here, and anybody who takes the time to discover Rwandan culture for themselves will find a proud and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions. Music and dance play an indispensable role in everyday life here, and performances range from dashing demonstrations of bravery and prowess to humorous songs, light-hearted dances, and rural artistry with roots in traditional agriculture. Traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary lulunga—a harp-like instrument with eight strings—while more celebratory dances are backed by a drum orchestra, which typically comprises seven to nine members who collectively produce a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms. Below we list different cultural experiences that you can easily incorporate into your trip to Rwanda.
Coffee & Tea
The world’s favorite drinks have their roots right here in Rwanda. Tea is Rwanda’s largest export. The fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate are perfect for growing the plants that create this popular drink. Tea leaves can be seen covering the mountains – creating a stunning contrast to the blue skies, dirt roads, and sunshine. Visitors can discover how tea is harvested, processed, and even get to taste the results. Tea plantation tours take place in a variety of locations across Rwanda, with the major ones being around Nyungwe National park: Gisovu and Gisakura. This is a great family trip and travelers of all ages are welcome.
Walking Safaris
Rwanda is a well-suited destination to organizing walking holidays as the most popular and iconic activities are all undertaken on foot. This includes gorilla tracking and hikes the 4,507m Mount Karisimbi and the 3,711m Mount Bisoke in the Virunga Mountains, as well as chimp tracking and other forest walks in Nyungwe National Park. For dedicated walkers, the 227km Congo-Nile Trail, which runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu, and takes days to complete on foot. Visitors can enjoy a guided city walk around Kigali town and other areas outside but near the city. If you plan on walking a lot, bring suitable footwear and a few pairs of thick socks. A walking stick can be useful on the steep slopes of the Virungas and Nyungwe.
Spot Fishing
Lake Kivu, is one of a string of huge freshwater lakes which lie along Africa's Great Rift Valley. Dominating the border between Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth largest lake in Africa. Fishing safaris take place around the lake for example you can catch tasty fish like Isambaza, Tilapia, and Indugu. Every evening, one of Rwanda’s dreamiest activities takes place on the shores of Lake Kivu. As the sun sets, lakeside towns are abuzz with the songs and whistles of fishermen rowing their way to the center of the lake, ready for another night of work Canoeing in groups of three boats, Rwanda’s fishermen spend every night out on the crystalline water searching for sambaza (a fish similar to a small sardine) and tilapia. Though the profession is global, the process is unique to the region; the fishermen’s nightly journey across the lake, with their melodic songs and brightly lit lanterns, is truly captivating.daily, the men credit Rwanda’s long rainy season with their recent luck.It is carried out at Lake Ihema.
Accommodation In Rwanda
Sabinyo Silverback Lodge (luxury)
The lodge is situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft Volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed and appointed and the lodge is the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.
Hotel des Mille Collines (semi-luxury)
Known from the tragic film ‘Hotel Rwanda’ as the UN headquarters during the 1994 crisis in the country. Today it is a charming accommodation with the refurbished structure of the old building still visible. The swimming pool and the live music in the afternoon make it a wonderful place to just unwind before or after the flight.
Flame Tree Village (mid-range)
Flame Tree Village is strategically located in the quiet suburb of Nyarutarama in Kigali. It boasts a total of 20 spacious villas that are not only comfortable but provide a tranquil, homely experience. They provide free Wi-Fi internet connection as well as a well-stocked pool bar. The residence has a pool as well as an indoor restaurant and an outdoor sitting area.
Why Travel to Rwanda
From the trumpeting elephants of Akegera to the grazing gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is full of humbling safari experiences. Uncover the secrets of Kigali's history or combine your tour and travel to the jungles of Uganda for the ultimate gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure!
All our Rwanda Tours are budget-friendly from lodge safaris centred on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These affordable Rwanda Safaris range in duration from 3 days to 10 days in length with the longer tours visiting other highlights as well as Volcanoes Park.
Highlights of Rwanda Tours
In addition to taking you gorilla trekking in the biodiverse Volcanoes National Park, our tours also include the following highlights:
golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, the oldest national park in Africa
chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to a multitude of primates, other mammals, birds, butterflies and plants, including orchids
game viewing and boat cruises on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, one of Africa's oldest national parks
visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, relax on Lake Kivu beaches and enjoy a boat cruise
city tour of Kigali, the historical, clean and modern capital of Rwanda
Our longer Rwanda Tours combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. These Uganda and Rwanda safaris are unique in offering you the opportunity to go gorilla trekking twice, in two of Africa's best rainforests for gorilla trekking.
Suggested Itineraries
3 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING
3 days gorilla tracking Rwanda is a tour safari package that spots you to the gaint mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Therefore this 3 days gorilla trekking Rwanda safari trip takes you to the Volcanoes National Park (Pac Des Volacans) to trek the mountain gorillas. The park is also called Pac Des Volacans found in Ruhengeri - Kinigi in Musanze district in the Northern part of Rwanda. Also visit the Iby'iwacu cultural village for a great community and dance show-casing the Kings Palace and Queen. On this 3 days gorilla tracking rwanda trip, you could become a King or Queen of the day.
Day 1 - Arrive in Rwanda at the Kigali International Airport.
A brief Kigali city tour /drive and transfer to Ruhengeri / Musanze district for the next days gorilla safari.
Accommodation:
Budget - Muhabura Hotel
Mid range - Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Luxury - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 2 - Transfer to Kinigi office for a briefing of the Gorillas.
After our early morning breakfast, drive for half a kilometer to Kinigi briefing area after which we join other travellers to start the Gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation choices:
Budget - Muhabura Hotel
Mid range - Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Luxury - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 3 - Morning Cultural Visit at Iby'iwacu and travel back to Kigali.
After our breakfast, we head for the cultural visit at the Ibyiwacu cultural center, lunch at our lodge and drive back to Kigali.
Meal plan: Half-Board
Some of the Gorilla tracking guidelines
Do not eat or smoke when with the gorillas or within a distance of 200 meters from the gorillas.
Do not get closer than 7 meters (21 feet) to the gorillas.
Do not use flash photography.
Do not Make loud noise or move suddenly
No one with any communicable disease (e.g Flu, Diarrhoea) is allowed to enter the park.
Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas, do not surround them.
No person under the age of 15 years is allowed to track gorillas
What you need to Carry for your Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Adventure
Rain Jackets
Insect Repellent
Hiking Shoes / Boots
Walking or Supporting Sticks
At-least 2 - 3 litters of bottled Water
Packed food.
A porter to carry you or your bag in case you fail to make it.
5 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzee tour in Rwanda with canopy walk
5 Days gorillas and chimpanzee tour in rwanda to track the giant mountain gorillas in the volcanoes national park and do the chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest national park. The safari also gives you a great chance to visit the kings palace in nyanza plus a great canopy walk in Nyungwe forest where you are chanced to seeing a number of different plant, bird and mammal species.
Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park
You meet with our driver and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, visit the iby'iwacu cultural village. Dinner and overnight at the Gorilla Nest Lodge or La Palme Hotel or Kinigi Guest House.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Expedition
Be up for breakfast as early as 6:30am, grab your packed lunch and transfer to the park offices. You join up with other trekkers briefing by your guide/ranger. In a group comprising of not more than eight trekkers, a guide, an armed ranger and porters you ascend into park to track the assigned gorilla group.
The time taken to track these delightful giants varies from a few minutes to several hours. Chances of not finding the gorillas are very slim. By the time you start the trek, your guide/ranger has an idea of where to find them. He uses his knowledge of gorilla movements and their known location the previous day. When you finally locate your gorilla group, a maximum of one hour is allowed to observe and photograph the gorillas.
Exhausted, you retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast you check out and travel to Kigali City for a tour. You then visit the King's palace at Nyanza, the Butare Museums and Murambi Memorial Center.
Lunch shall be en-route at Butare.
Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park and check in at your preferred lodge.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking
Be up by 6:30 am for breakfast and then transfer to the park for the chimp experience. You are briefed by the park guides/rangers after you begin the search for these delightful primates. The terrain is relatively steep and slippery and thus strenuous to trek.
Apart from chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is a habitat to a range of other primates that you stand a good chance of L'Hoest monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Angola monkeys, silver monkey, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. You also have a great birding opportunity. The forest is habitat to about 300 bird species.
After an thrilling experience in Nyungwe Forest you retire to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Canopy walk tour and drive back to Kigali
After breakfast check out of the lodge, proceed to the Uwinka visitors center for the 2 hrs canopy walk tour, after drive back to kigali for your onward flight.
6 Days Gorillas and Wildlife tour in Rwanda with a visit to Akagera
6 Days Gorillas and Wildlife tour in Rwanda to track the giant mountain gorillas in the volcanoes national park, also visit the Akagera national park to see the zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, lions, topis, waterbucks with a great boat ride on Lake Ihema. Relax in Gisenyi on Lake Kivu bordering Congo. With this 6 day safari, expect a visit to the Iby'iwacu cultural village.
Day 1 - Travel to Akagera National Park, Afternoon Ihema boat ride.
Meet with your driver after breakfast at your preferred place of pick up, get a briefing about your whole trip, and drive to Akagera Nationl park. The drive time from Kigali to the Park is about 2 hours of which the last 45 minutes is mainly done on a dirt but paved road.
We shall register at the park's entrance and be assigned a game park guide to take us around. We shall kick off with sighting the usual Zebras which feed around the parks main entrance and headquarters. Water bucks, Topis, Buffaloes, Impalas plus Giraffes will be spotted.
Drive to your chosen lodge for check and lunch. Relax by the lodge and have a 2 hours boat ride on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park.
Dinner and Overnight at the preferred lodge.
Day 2 - Full day Game drive in the Northern section.
Early breakfast, with your packed lunch, bottled water. Drive towards the Northern section of the park via the mutumba hill for great wildlife over looking Tanzania. The northern section is a great wildlife spotting section which has both Savannah woodlands and Open Savannah grasslands.
Lunch in the Open plains, continue spotting the Elands, Buffaloes, Masai Giraffes, and return later to your lodge for relaxation, Overnight and Dinner.
Day 3 - Travel to Volcanoes Natonal Park.
An early breakfast will prepare us for a 4 hours drive from Akagera National Park crossing through Kigali city to Volcanoes National Park the home of the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.
Lunch will be en-route and several stop overs will be taken as we view the Volcanoes mountains for picture moments and of course the 1000 rolling hills of Rwanda and valleys.
Check into our preferred lodge for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 4 - Full Day Gorilla tracking.
This is a fully packed day. Breakfast from our lodge, packed lunch and food with atleast a litter of bottled water per person. Walking stick on you, rain jackets, long water proof pants tucked in socks, with strong trekking boots and a small back pack. Continue to the briefing center and make registration, get grouped in a Gorilla family to track. Continue to the starting section for the days adventure.
NOTE - The tracking can take less than 1hr or may even take a full day.Return later and for graduation where you will receive a certificate from the Volcanoes National Park confirming participation in the Rwandan Gorilla tracking.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - Morning Iby'iwacu Cultural visit, and Visit Gisenyi for relaxation.
Its a relaxation day after the Gorilla trek in the Volcanoes National Park. We shall visit the cultural village of iby'iwacu for a great performance from a reprica of the Kings palace of Nyanza and you could become a king or queen for the day. Performances such as Kinyarwanda traditional marriage, the medicine man, the black smith and the local food grinding on a carved stone.
Continue to Gisenyi for a 1hr drive and have a city tour. Drive along Lake Kivu Overlooking the Democratic Republic of Congo with a relaxation and swimming in the white sand beach.
Day 6 - Visit Lake Kivu and travel back to Kigali.
After the tour of Lake Kivu, embark on your return journey to Kigali with a drive around town and later continue to Kigali International Airport for your return journey back home or onward journey
