Rwanda Safaris
With Kwafrika Travel
Rwanda, formally the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in Central Africa’s Great Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa meet. Located a few degrees south of the equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its terrain is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna in the southeast, with several lakes scattered throughout the country, earning it the nickname “land of a thousand hills.”
Each year, the climate in Rwanda ranges from moderate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Rwanda Safaris with Kwafika Travel are done in 3 major National parks to give you an chance to experience this beautiful country and what it has to offer including the real mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the African big 5 in Akagera National Park, and you will have a chance to get close to Chimpanzees trekking in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda safaris are truly rewarding. How much does it cost to go on safari in Rwanda? The cost of a safari in Rwanda ranges significantly depending on how long you want to stay on the trip and what is included, It costs from $200 per person per day to $2000 per person per day.
TOP RWANDA SAFARIS WITH KWAFRIKA TRAVEL
The “land of a thousand hills” is the most densely inhabited country in Africa, with a population of over 12.6 million people living on only 26,338 km2 of land. Rwanda is the fifth most densely populated country in the world among countries greater than 10,000 km2. Its largest and capital city, Kigali has a population of one million people: and Butare, Rwanda’s second-largest city is known as the “intellectual center of Rwanda,” Rwanda is endowed with beautiful flora and diverse fauna, bordered by mountains to the west and savannah to the east. Its historical legacy, climate, landscape, and people are what shaped the country into what it is now. Rwanda was colonized by the Germans in 1884 and was ruled by the Belgians during World War I. And during the Rwandan genocide, things went from bad to horrible for the inhabitants. But the country has already recovered to a considerable extent
RWANDA SAFARIS WITH KWAFRIKA TRAVEL
ENCOUNTER THE BIG FIVE IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
With all the attention put on mountain gorillas, it is easy to overlook Rwanda’s fantastic and typical wildlife safaris. The country boasts Akagera National Park which is home to the African big five wild animals (buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, lions, and elephants). Because it is one of the closest wildlife parks to the country’s national airport – Kigali International Airport, Akagera is a far more appealing East African destination. The park is about a 3-hour drive from the airport.
Spanning 1,085 square kilometers, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna park; nevertheless, one cannot imagine how enriched this safari destination is.
The Park was established in 1934, but during the 1994 genocide, the park lost a substantial number of animals as thousands of fleeing citizens exploited the park as a haven to neighboring countries. When the genocide ended, many people chose to settle in the park, resulting in unchecked poaching and encroachment. But later, when the African Parks Network collaborated with the government to restore the park, the amount of wildlife grew, and missing species were also reintroduced.
Akagera National Park is made up of diverse habitats including swamps, savanna plains, woods, lakes, rivers, and terraced hills: all of which boast natural habitats for the variety of creatures that call it home. Akagera now has all of the African big five, allowing travelers to go on full Rwanda safaris combined with other activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, cultural encounters, and mountain climbing, among others. To name other few mammals besides the big five, Akagera is also home to olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, hyenas, zebras, bushbucks, and hippos. Akagera is ideal for a variety of activities such as traditional game drives, bird watching, outdoor hikes, and sport fishing in Lake Shakani. More so, the afternoon boat excursion along Lake Ihema is also quite popular, rewarding travelers with breathtaking views as well as encounters with aquatic birds, crocodiles, hippos, and antelopes drinking by the lake.
EXPLORE RWANDA’S GORGEOUS CITY - KIGALI
Kigali, named the most beautiful city in Africa by the United Nations, is unquestionably the cleanest city in East Africa and Rwanda’s capital city. While on Rwanda safaris, a Kigali city tour will offer you a thorough grasp of the culture and people by visiting various historical sites such as; The museum at Handt House, the National History Museum, Statehouse Kigali Genocide Memorial Center Museum, and the Camp Kigali Memorial – also the city’s first modern structure, both of which have a rich history.
Still in Kigali, check out the Kimironko market, Kigali’s largest and busiest market, for a glimpse into the daily lives of the native Rwandese. You can also acquire souvenirs from the Nyamirambo women’s center to take home a piece of Africa with you. Additionally, the nightlife in Kigali is as vibrant as the day, with several hangouts and five-star hotels where you can party, relax and rest.
VISIT RWANDA’S GENOCIDE MEMORIAL SITES
Rwanda is a country steeped in history, most notably the 1994 genocide that killed over a million people. As a result, there are many sites and historical landmarks where you may learn about all of the country’s history and become a part of this rich culture. Among these sites are;
- The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where all of the war victims’ names are engraved on the wall. The site also holds the remains of around 250,000 persons who were ruthlessly slaughtered by the Interahamwe (Hutu fanatics)
- Gisenyi Memorial Site, where over 12000 bones are housed. It also includes Nyarubuye Memorial Site, which was originally a school and where 2000 people were slain
- Murambi Genocide Memorial Site, a school where over 2700 people were massacred and are currently being rebuilt as an exhibition site.
- Gisozi Memorial Site, where both Hutu and Tutsi victims were buried in 2000, about 300,000 people were buried at this site. The site is also a museum, a cemetery, a photo gallery, and a library.
- Nyamata memorial site, once a church in the Bugerera area; around 10,000 people who sought safety in the church were killed there and about 50,000 were buried in a mass grave outside the church.
- Bisesero memorial site in Karongi district, where 30,000 people were slain, is now also known as the ‘Hill of Resistance’ due to the strong front shown by the people of this region despite having fewer superior armaments during the genocide.
- Nyanza Memorial site, where the United Nations erected a school called ETO.
Ntarama Memorial Site near Bugesera, about an hour’s drive from Kigali town, was previously a chapel where people sought refuge during times of violence. 5000 people died in this church, which has subsequently been kept as a memorial and museum.
VISIT AND RELAX AT LAKE KIVU
Located in the Albertine Rift Valley, on the boundary of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake. The emerald green waters are dotted with islands (Napoleon Island, Amahoro island) and attractively mirror the neighboring Virunga mountains.
The drive to the lake follows a picturesque road through hills and farmed highlands. Lake Kivu is a breathtakingly gorgeous lake and an unforgettable spot to visit and relax or do sports like Kayaking on Lake Kivu during your Rwanda safaris. It is also one of the safest lakes in Africa, with no hippos or crocodiles and it contains crystal clear clean water.
There are three significant cities near the lake, including Rubavu, which is located right on Kivu’s shoreline. Rubavu (also known as Gisenyi) is a coastal town on Lake Kivu located about an hour from the Volcanoes National Park and is an excellent place to relax after a day of hikingor gorilla trekking. Also, Rubavu marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail which extends 227 kilometers to Rusizi, with plenty of riding and trekking options for those seeking more excitement. Rubavu is also well-known for its agritourism opportunities, as there are numerous tea and coffee estates nearby. Tourists visiting Lake Kivu should expect to explore, discover, and journey along its fascinating coastline. Moreover, observe the unusual fishing boats that ply the sea and discover interesting communities as well as beautiful birdlife amid pure calm and tranquillity.
VISIT THE TWINS LAKES - BURERA AND RUHONDO
The lovely Lake Ruhondo and Burera twin lakes can be discovered near the Volcanoes National Park. The lakes are situated at the base of the mountains Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga. These lakes are known as the twin lakes because they are linked at a point where one lake empties into the other. The lakes are unimaginably gorgeous, surrounded by mountains and a lush forest. Because the lakes are fishing grounds, they are essential not only to people on Rwanda safaris but also to the surrounding local communities.
Most people visit the lakes in the afternoon/evening after participating in park activities such as gorilla trekking. The lakes encompass a beautiful landscape that thrives with a variety of magnificent birds and plant species. Activities such as nature walks, kayaking, birding, camping, cycling, and visiting local fishermen are all options in this area. More so, the lakes offer a lovely view that is quite peaceful and invigorating for honeymooners and couples, especially after finishing tiring activities at Volcanoes National Park.
HIKING MOUNT KARISIMBI & BISOKE: Rwanda Safaris with Kwafrika Travel
- Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke, also known as “Visoke” is an active volcano in the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift Valley. The volcano lies on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; however, the summit is in Rwanda. It is roughly 35 kilometers northeast of Goma and next to Lake Kivu.
Mount Bisoke, at 3,711 meters, is Rwanda’s easiest volcano to hike and thus makes it the most popular hike. The trip to the volcano’s summit and return takes only one day and getting to the summit allows hikers to explore a massive crater as well as see the other Virunga volcanoes and the Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, you might come upon a mountain gorilla or golden monkey group as you climb the mountain’s lower slopes.
- Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is one of Africa’s tallest mountains, elevated at 4,507 meters above sea level, and the tallest of all the Virunga volcanoes. The active stratovolcano is located in Volcanoes National Park and is one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga ranges of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Mount Karisimbi is a two-day hike and though difficult, the hike rewards hikers with stunning vistas of the Virunga massif, the lava-spewing Nyiragongo volcano, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi is a very popular safari activity on Rwanda safaris with Kwafrika Travel and is also sometimes combined with gorilla and golden monkey trekking experiences in the Volcanoes National Park.
VISIT THE GORILLA GUARDIANS VILLAGE
Formerly known as the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, this center is one of the best cultural villages in Rwanda. The Iby’iwacu cultural village is located in the District of Musanze and is a new notable addition to the menu for potential visitors to the country. The term “Iby’iwacu” is Kinyarwanda for “treasures of our home and history.” On top of the gorgeous scenery and countless green hills that make Rwanda an amazing country, the gorilla guardian village is a must-visit while on Rwanda safaris
The village is one of Rwanda’s most important cultural attractions to visit during Rwanda safaris. It brings together all of Rwanda’s well-known cultural customs, people, and history in one location for display and personal experience. Tourists from around the globe can experience what life is like in a typical African Rwandan village setting including the lifestyle, houses, traditional dances, dress code, food, herbs, and how old kingdoms were managed in general. Tourists can also learn historical hunting techniques, how to weave baskets and mats, and carpentry, to mention but a few. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience has gained the hearts of many people who want to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture after seeing the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes and viewing wildlife in Akagera. It’s also a great place to relax while shopping for local crafts, presents, and souvenirs to show friends back home.
BEST TIME TO GO FOR RWANDA SAFARIS
The land of a thousand hills can be visited at any time of the year. But the best time to embark on Rwanda Safaris with Kwafrika Travelis between June and September when the dry season is at its peak for wildlife viewing. More so, the dry season is when you have the best chance of spotting the country’s undoubted highlight the mountain gorilla. Gorillas and chimpanzees can be seen at any time of year, but the experience is often better in dry weather. Rainforests have a naturally damp environment, and it is impossible to avoid rain altogether. However, walking in the jungle is easier during the dry season, which is also when most primate hikes are recommended.
Furthermore, Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is best visited during the dry season. Wildlife is easier to detect in the park when the savannah is thinner, and animals congregate around the water sources. Because Rwanda is located just south of the Equator, temperatures rarely fluctuate throughout the year. The days are warm, with temperatures ranging from the late teens to the mid-twenties depending on where you go in the country. The nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
GETTING TO AND AROUND RWANDA
Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of Kigali, would most likely be your point of entry into the country on your Rwanda safaris. Rwandair operates daily flights between Kigali and Entebbe, Nairobi and Kigali, Kilimanjaro (near Arusha in Tanzania), and Johannesburg. RwandAir also operates the only domestic route between Kigali and Kamembe Airport (KME) in Rusizi, at the southern end of Lake Kivu. Travelers rarely use this flight though: most of the time, your local tour operator will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and arrange for additional transportation as part of your Rwanda safaris packages.
Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of Kigali, would most likely be your point of entry into the country on your Rwanda safaris. Rwandair operates daily flights between Kigali and Entebbe, Nairobi and Kigali, Kilimanjaro (near Arusha in Tanzania), and Johannesburg. RwandAir also operates the only domestic route between Kigali and Kamembe Airport (KME) in Rusizi, at the southern end of Lake Kivu. Travelers rarely use this flight though: most of the time, your local tour operator will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and arrange for additional transportation as part of your Rwanda safaris packages.
Rwanda Safaris with Kwafrika Travel is calling your name.