7 THINGS TO INCLUDE ON THE WISHLIST WHILE ON RWANDA SAFARI/HOLIDAY
1.GORILLA SAFARIS AND PRIMATE TREKKING:
Great adventures have been in the world but None them compares to Gorilla tracking in Africa. It was until 1903 that the third species of mountain gorillas was identified best known as the largest living primates in the world. Mountain Gorillas live in three countries Rwanda inclusive and the recent census confirm that 780 mountain Gorillas still exist. Number of visitors go up to Volcanoes National park every year and the crowds can sometimes feel endless especially from June-September during the high season where even some visitor miss the gorilla tracking due to late booking of the Gorilla permit.
If you are planning to do a gorilla safari in Rwanda, follow some rules and regulations in order you’re tracking to be a success. Book your gorilla permit at least a month before your tour since only a maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to track each habituated Gorilla family. As you enter the jungle for tracking keep your voices low so that you can observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest and do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you. When approaching the mountain gorillas, the Tour Guides will inform you to get ready, Stand 7 meter (21 feet) distance as you view the great apes, Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas, listen and follow the park ranger instructions since Gorillas change some times, Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully, Do not touch the gorillas, After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
2.BIRD WATCHING SAFARIS
If you really enjoy bird watching, Our home country Rwanda is simply the best pleasant birding tours destination in Africa offering unrivaled wildlife viewing, class infrastructure and unbeatable value for money. It’s a great experience to observe birds in there locality as a recreational activity in Rwanda’s endemic birding destinations known as one of the finest kept secret.
Out of 930 bird species found in the country, Akagera has over 525 species which reflects a wide diversity of habitat. 44 species are raptor, Papyrus Gonolek, Shoebill Storkand a good number of Pale arctic migrants, amongst which Lesser Kestrel, Great Snipe and Black-winged have been recorded. Nyungwe forest 276 species, volcanoes National park 25 species, Rugezi marsh 13 species,’Akanyuru wetlands 54 species of wetland habitats both migrant and globally threatened (Papyrus Gonolek, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Madagascar Squacco Heron, Pallid Harrier, Great Snipe and Lesser Kestrel). Cyamudongo forest 74 species with 33 afrotropical highlands biome that occur in Rwanda, Nyabarongo River Wetlands with
Birding is more than our passion, it’s our lifestyle, and we are dedicated to making professional best value trips filled with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. We run bird Tours in Rwanda and further into Uganda for individual birders, small birding groups and international tour companies.
3.CULTURAL & COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM
Learning about the culture and customs of other people is one of the great experiences of travel. Here Rwanda’s past and present come alive and real with visitors having hands on cultural experiences that for many are most meaningful. The countries culture begins from the Moment you set foot in its boundaries. You’ll be greeted by the warmth of the Rwandan people as soon you arrive. Villages led projects offering services such as accommodation, traditional gastronomy, eco-tourism and cultural activities. A fair-trade logic applies, so tourists pay a fair price in exchange for high quality and often unique products and services, within a context of transparency and equality. For tourists it is a genuine and rich experience. They get to know the local traditions, get involved in cultural activities and have the opportunity to see unspoilt nature and eco-systems.
Communities also express culture through music dance and drama where tourists are entertains by traditional songs and dances. Traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary lulunga a sharp like instrument with eight strings. Iby’ Iwacu cultural village in Musanze, National Museum of Rwanda are places with live dance performances from different troupes like Intore dance troupes. However, today their exciting act can be arranged at short notice through the National Museum in Huye. Learn about our traditions and help us remember the past.
4.CANOPY WALK OF NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
The first ever hanging platform which allows tourists to view different animal species in the Jungle is found in one of Rwanda’s National park “Nyungwe “ and the only one in East Africa. Besides the beautiful scenery, huge, centuries old trees and extra thick forest, this outstanding tropical forest is shelter to a 200m Canopy Walk which makes the stay for many more charming since they can view all the park attractions in just a minute. Tourist view the incredible biodiversity of the forest, 13 primate species chimpanzees inclusive, Birds, and other by just taking a walk on a wonderful vantage point of the canopy. For Exclusive safari holiday to East Africa, Rwanda has it all.
5.MUSANZE CAVES
Take on new adventures of different destinations you visit during your holidays. Here is Rwanda’s most visited cave of over 1.25 miles long. It was formed from lava basaltic layers from the Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes though most of the caves in Rwanda are developed from Cenozoic volcanic rocks. The appearance of the side passages leading off from the main cave is lovely with a clear view of the 10km vast entrance.
The cave adventure can be combined with gorilla tracking and since its very possible to visit the cave after the Gorilla tracking tour in volcanoes national park. You can use same accommodation like that of Gorilla safari tours since the cave is just at the foothills of volcanoes national park. Mountain Gorilla view lodge, Virunga lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Gorilla nest lodge, Bamboau gorilla lodge, Muhabura hotel, Kinigi guest house are recommended accommodations.
6.WATER FUN & BEACHES
Relax for a couple of days on one of Rwanda most visited Lake Kivu enjoying the red sandy beaches, beautiful views , green hills and the cool atmosphere definitely makes the place worthy a visit. The lake covers a total surface area of some 2730 km2 and stands at a height of 1463 m above sea level. The lake bed sits upon a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity in the area, and making it deep to 485 m and ranked eighteenth in the world.
Lake Kivu is a perfect place for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boat rides, sun bathing without forgetting bird watching. As you enjoy the lake activity, also visit the nearby town of Gisenyi Offering lovely sightings of old colonial buildings and a chance to experience the hustle of a local market. There is also some interesting lake found 60km east of Kigali called Jambo beache.Visitors who visit Lake Muhazi either for birding or beach holiday take part in all the beach activities. Boat trips and fishing are the main activity.
7.FESTIVAL AND EVENTS
Most of the festivals in Rwanda are focused on the country’s rich culture and the arts. All year round visitors to Rwanda have a number of opportunities to experience various unique festivals and events that are held around the country. However, all events are open to any one bit local or foreign. Do you want to be part of the events? Check out the events schedules and celebrate with us.
Kwita Izina (Gorilla naming ceremony): Rwanda normally holds this event every year 1st July at volcanoes national park a home to the mountain Gorillas. Last year 2014, the 18 baby mountain Gorillas where named as part of an ongoing conservation effort to protect the Mountain Gorillas. Be part of the celebration this year 2015 and give a chance to a baby gorilla to share a name with you.The event brings together thousands of locals and foreign visitors all over the world.
The Hope Rwanda (100 Days of Hope) This event is always held to help the people of Rwanda overcome the horrors of the genocides experienced in 1994. This is truly a global effort, as churches and private parties around the world will raise money, and many people will travel to Rwanda to help hands-on. Join the event and give joy and hope to many. Other events include cultural, Rwanda Film festival and many others.
