Volcanoes park – Walmark Rwanda Safaris

WHY RWANDA SHOULD BE YOUR AFRICA BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

WHY RWANDA SHOULD BE YOUR AFRICA BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

Rwanda, so many words echo in the mind of readers when they hear this country name but most often it’s the history of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide that claimed more than one million lives due to politically instigated ethnic divisions. But other than the Genocide museums that will be seen in urban centers and enroute to various towns, Life is much different now. They say history shapes the future and indeed if you don’t learn from it then it repeats itself and you will be doomed. Rwanda government has avoided this dive and citizens get along much easily as they bond to develop their country for a better future for the generations to come.

Rwanda has been named one of the fastest growing economy in Africa and this is much achieved due to the limited corruption that seem to plunder most of African states as seen in many African countries where politicians squander country resources for selfish gains than for society development and growth. The precision in how things are done in Rwanda is a lesson to many African leaders if they are to leave some legacy worth remembering. Upon landing in Kigali City, you will be amazed by how clean and organized the city is and the order demonstrated on roads, traffic control, urban planning inclusive and the air you breath is worth feeling alive. So much to explore in Kigali city and the Kigali Genocide Museum is a must visit to recap on the country history of how inhuman behavior can be extremely even to your own neighbors. Your free to shade some tears because these testimonies will move your soul as you watch survivors recount the events on how they happened.Accommodation and hospitality sector is well developed and whether luxury, budget or backpacking you will find your comfort and you will feel secure just ask your travel planner for guidance that suites your resources and time.

Volcanoes National Forest park in Musanze in the north bordering Uganda, is famous for the Giant Mountain Gorillas tracking and Golden Monkey primates and its worth the time. The landscapes and terracing enroute from Kigali city to the Volcanoes is breath taking and the road tarmac makes you feel relaxed even with a simple car. In Iby’Iwacu cultural village in Kinigi- Musanze you can also explore the cultural aspects of the Batwa the indigenous trip of the mountains. Sleeping in the Mountain gives another feeling for you will hear the nearby Gorillas families as you rise besides the birds and fog but don’t worry cottages/lodges have often the fire chimney to keep you warm. Some travelers have been skeptical of the new changes in the Gorilla tracking permits but I often think otherwise. Rwanda earnings from Tourism are effectively and efficiently invested in Government development projects and the community well being and it’s the only country where you will have a tarmac road directly to the park and you wont be worried of the bumpy roads and nature of car your using, health sector for the communities is much elevated and infrastructure too. Rwanda has the least corruption in Africa and based on this I wouldn’t mind spending on the Gorilla permits knowing my money will be effectively used for a common cause if I had a chance.

Lake Kivu beaches are another attraction after the hectic hikes of the volcanoes and Bisoke crater lake in Musanze and its often referred to as the cooling off zone. You can relax on the beaches, with some boating activities lined up to keep your stay comfortable. Gishenyi town where the lake Kivu beaches are found borders with Goma town and Border post to DR Congo.

Nyungwe Forest park also along the Albertine Rift Valley is found south of Lake Kivu and its home for the chimpanzee and white colobus monkey treks besides other primates, bird species over 350 and canopy walk trails. Its one of the oldest forest jungle in the rift valley with diversity of flora to explore for nature lovers. Other than being Hilly, Rwanda parks are easy to connect by road.

Akagera National Park is home for the nature wildlife game drives and has diversity of game to sight including the big cats like Lions, leopards and other Big Five in the eastern part of Rwanda.

With the interconnecting RwandAir flights, this further compliments access to Rwanda and other parts of the world.

Roger William

Regional Integrated Visas Attracting Tourists in East Africa Hub

Regional Integrated Visas Attracting Tourists in East Africa Hub

Well with just one Tourist Visa of US$100, travelers traverse Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya with ease seeing it all right from the epic inhuman Genocide experiences in Rwanda and vibrant Kigali city, primate adventures in the Thick Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Rwanda and Uganda respectively and Nature Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth with stopover in the city of Life Kampala before connecting to Masai Mara in Kenya for the Wildebeest Migration breath taking encounters where the crocodiles lay in wait for the game crossing the Mara River in search for greener pastures while the predatory Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Hyena and wild dogs anticipate the injured and vulnerable for easy preying. Typical survival for the fittest in the wild. After the epic safaris you can then cool it off at the coastal beaches on the Indian ocean to taste some sea foods and water sports. In 10-15 days you will enjoy the adventure in the region and note the visas are for 3months period so you can stay as long as you wish!

Rwanda Development strategy Boosting Tourism Sector

Rwanda Development strategy Boosting Tourism Sector

First word when one hears “Rwanda” is the inhuman Genocide that claimed almost a million lives and as i write memories often draw a shiver in my soul. Its unspeakable, unforgettable but the bonding of citizens has made it more simpler to forge away forward embracing togetherness and avoid divisive politics but work together for a better tomorrow for us and our generations after we are gone.

Well if you have been to Rwanda of late then you bear witness to the fast pace of development and investments taking place due to its economic stability and of course an iron hard on corruption which is the nemesis of African Governments. But the wounds of the Genocide can be felt when you visit the Genocide museums across the country and you should never miss visiting the “Kigali Genocide Museum” in case you have a minute of your tight schedule. Note its free of charge just a cab or bike to drop you over is the main cost and possibly our coffee/tea in the Museum canteen after the touching tour that will see you shade tears if your not strong enough to handle emotions.

Besides the scars of the Museum, Rwanda is gifted by Nature with the Famous Giant Mountain Gorilla’s in the Volcanoes National Park that have been the main tourism attraction drivers. Besides Gorillas you can also sight other unique primates like the Golden Monkeys, White colubus Monkeys and Chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Rain forest National park that stretches around Lake Kivu and also home for diversity of bird species and canopy walks for the strong hearted ones.

Introduction of Lions that had become extinct in the Akagera National park will give you a complete coverage of Africa world life experience from Primates, Birds to nature wildlife.

Hotels and Restaurants offer cuisine diversity for people from all walks of life to ensure Rwanda becomes your Home away from Home coupled with the Warm hospitality and reception of the locals who are always available to offer all necessary guidance when needed.

Lake Kivu offers beautiful beaches and water sports to keep you relaxed and busy during your stay in Rwanda.

Truth about Mountain Gorillas after Harambe’s Zoo episode

Truth about Mountain Gorillas after Harambe’s Zoo episode

After the killing of Harambe Gorilla at Cincinnati zoo which is unfortunate, people need to know more what Gorilla’s are really like. Among the primates, mountain gorillas are the largest, unique, shy and adorable which make them more attractive in the many primate species across the world. In the world, Mountain Gorilla’s can only be sighted in Three countries in their Natural Habitants in Uganda (Bwindi impenetrable rain forest national park and Mgahinga national parks in south western Uganda), Rwanda (Volcanoes national park) and Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga park. This is one unique adventure in the regional attracting Thousands of travelers to experience an awesome encounter with our human affiliated relatives. Interesting, there are two types of gorillas in the wild and the world. The Eastern gorilla’s are the most tracked and most desired because of their size and nature. They are huge and sited in Rwanda at Volcanoes National park and Uganda in both Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.They include the mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. However the second type of the western gorillas is smaller in size and less in number but look similar like the other.

Feeding. Gorillas’ love eating leaves, shoots, roots, vines, berries ,grass, and fruits while in their natural wild habitat and Small insects spicy up their meal sometimes. Eating is one of their daily main activities in the wild because they have large stomach which demand so much in order to get filled up. The funny bit with these animals is that despite the plenty of food around them, still they will always move to other places in search for more. Their movements irritate some unfit gorilla tracking tourists but its rewarding experience to fit travelers who visit different Africa countries for Gorilla tracking safaris. After knowing the gorilla favorite dishes, gorilla tracking travelers can now start looking at gorillas and new friends in the wild unlike the thinking that they can eat fresh. But always remember to respect all the park Gorilla tracking rules and regulations because the Gorillas are wild animals that can harm humans in one way or the other.

Gestation period. Gorillas spend 8.5 months in the gestation period which is approximately around 257 days less that for humans’ 265. This period allows the fetus to mature and infant are born helpless as real babies. Its takes a while for them to crawl and walk. Mother gorillas care and nurse their babies for about three year, 2 months to crawl, 8-9 months to walk and the other to adapt to being independent. Normally gorillas give birth to single babies but rare twin birth occurs in them once in a while. Twin birth to gorillas is tough because mothers always find difficulty in raising the two infants. Lot of monitoring has to be done by gorilla doctors and conservation rangers to see that the two infants grow up together and health. Movements of baby gorillas is too minimal that can only be moved from one place to other by the mother gorilla a hassle she faces if they are born two. However, there are some interesting reflexes in young gorillas which are common in human newborn babies like natural searching for the nipple and the teat fitting reflex. Same characters grow as months pass by and babies cling more to their mothers without help.

Intelligence. When comparing primates’ intelligence, gorillas come first close to humans. Gorillas are shy, peaceful, tolerant and reserved evidenced by the large number of tourists who visit them in their natural wild habitats daily. Also there has been an increase of gorilla habituated families ready for trackers each day in all the gorilla parks since 1970 a good sign of gorilla intelligence. If intelligence was judged according to size of brain, gorillas would come last because they have the smallest weighing approximately 500gm. Chimpanzees have a close look like the gorillas but have completely different characters and level of intelligence. Scientists say that gorillas can recognize themselves unlike other animals and their intelligence develop according to the environment where they live. Gorillas live in families/groups headed by one Silver back male together with several females and infants. However, in mountain gorillas about 40% of groups contain several adult males who are closely related. According to researchers the wild gorilla forest has many roaming male gorillas who count on the gorilla population though the silver backs dominate the group until death. After his death the group dissolves or gets a new silver back but normally the son of the dead leader. The silver back intelligence is just like for a caring father in a home. The silver back makes the decisions on when his group wakes up, eats, moves and rests for the night because protecting its family is the main priority though it also goes with benefits.

Gorillas also have the most fun and interesting time of their life when they play, wrestling, hug, hold each other, and even smile for themselves in the loudest voice ever a thing which keeps them young and health though they are said to live up to 50 years of age. Gorillas laugh, grumble especially the young ones as the silver back and female gorillas watch over them.

Above all gorillas are known as unique beautiful creatures in the wild but have you ever wondered why the silver back is too outstanding and attractive? Their body is mass with striking and fearful face though in the real sense it’s a friendly animal. Looking into their eyes makes you feel feverish if not strong and being close to it is a miracle. The mixed up colour hairy body makes tourists admire what nature presents and give thanks to the park conservationist who keep an eye on the apes and even care for them like their own children. Be one of those to meet the Silver back this year in wild by booking a Rwanda or Uganda gorilla tracking holiday any time of the year.

Besides the Gorilla tracking safaris, travelers too enjoy other primate treks such as Chimpanzee’s, Monkeys (Golden and colubus monkey unique and rare species), Birding with over 500 bird species in the region, nature wildlife game drives and water games such as rafting and boat cruises besides people and culture tourism that is life touching adventure to know how people have evolved with modernization in Africa while preserving their heritage.

Amazing People and Cultural Experiences on a Rwanda Safari

Amazing People and Cultural Experiences on a Rwanda Safari

Rwanda a small rich country of unusual imaginations and unfounded creativity greatly influenced by culture dance performance prides it excellent in cultural tourism across the region. Apart from cultural group performances the country portrays its rich culture through hand weaved baskets, cultural wears, traditional ceremonies and pottery. The country also has open boundaries to culture that what is in the city is also in remote villages and is much similar to that of the late ancestors. Tourists experience exciting first hand cultural experience in every Rwanda cultural tour done in any part of the country. Get exclusive Africa cultural experience full of deep insight on the main royal palace personalities and duties show cased by Rwanda exhibited by the whole traditional cultural setting. In Rwanda you can experience culture in many aspects, visiting well set Cultural villages Ibywachu, local community women projects , cultural tours to main cultural site-the Kings palace and through culture dance entertainments. Culture is everywhere but its very interesting when you experience it especially at Ibywachu cultural village in Musanze former Ruhengeri and at the same time a home to the Mountain Gorilla’s-Volcanoes National park.

More often tourists on different Rwanda tours take cultural tour excursions after fulfilling the main reason for their travel like the Mountain Gorilla tracking especially a visit to the ibywachu cultural village after tracking mountain gorilla. Others chose to visit village culture performance groups to be entertained instead of spending an afternoon chilling at their lodge of residence. The first impression of culture is at different lodging where lodge rooms and restaurants are built using local materials and decorated in cultural aspects. Some lodges have culture entertainment groups available to keep guests happy as a way of raising and preserving the country’s culture for the future generation especially at Mountain Gorilla view lodge. The attractive Art & Craft market in Kigali. Other cultural attractions and sites are in Nyanza making Rwanda the land of Unique cultural values. The Rwanda people are down to earth and provide foreign visitors with all the necessary answers and presentations regarding culture.

Tourists try to imitate their life style especially the role of the king & the Queen, the cultural wears, women duties of grinding and drum performances. Sometimes visitors perform the cultural roles better than the Rwanda locals a good impression which make locals to preserve their culture even more. People and culture are critical for any traveler to know some eccentric background to their travel destinations and how events have modeled the way people live together besides the morals and norms. Don’t miss out o taste the Rwanda locally prepared dishes at your stunning overnight lodge or village visited. Place in a special meal request early enough in order to give the lodging facility ample time to make it ready that is if they don’t prepare it at all. Wonderful things happen on our way through as we explore the world but Rwanda culture has all about the African culture.