Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali – Trekking in Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Park.

Rwanda Safari Tours

A safari in Rwanda is incomplete without gorillas on the "menu"!trekking to see gorillas in Volcanoes from your base in Kigali is always top on the agenda for most visitors here.

Despite Rwanda’s dark history of the genocide it suffered back in 1994, the country has risen above its turbulent past to become the beautiful, safe, and peaceful country that it is today. There is a lot for visitors to explore in the ‘Land of a thousand hills,’ from the green terraced hills to its volcanic mountains, beautiful lakes, numerous rivers, amazing primates and wildlife, outstanding birdlife, and the hospitable and charming people.

Tours in Rwanda

The tourism industry in Rwanda has developed at a very fast rate and is among the country’s largest revenue earners. The country has three national parks namely; Akagera national park, Volcanoes national park and Nyungwe Forest national park.

What to see and do when in Rwanda.

There are quite a number of tourist attractions here and these include;

Kigali City

Kigali city is the main hub of Rwanda and is located in the heart of the country. The city has become famous for its well-paved and clean streets. Polythene bags have been banned in the country and hefty fines are given to those who break this law; with some leading to imprisonment. The city is a tourist attraction of her own and has become a great place for tourists to begin and end their Rwanda safaris.

What to see and do when in Kigali City.

There quite a number of places to visit in Kigali and these include;

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center: This memorial center displays pictures and other belonging of victims who died during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Tourists visiting the Kigali genocide memorial center are taken through the tragic history of events leading to the genocide and its end. The main aim of the center is to educate visitors on how important it is to maintain peace and unity in any society and also show how the country has risen above her dark past. There are other genocide memorial centers all over the country which tourists can visit and these include; Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site, Nyanza Memorial Site, Ntarama, Gisenyi, Burambi and Nyaruhuye Genocide Memorial Sites.

Camp Kigali Memorial Center: This site is where 10 Belgian soldiers belonging to the UN peacekeeping mission in Rwanda were murdered during the 1994 genocide. The Campsite has a small museum and stone monuments dedicated to those Belgian soldiers who lost their lives.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center: Most Rwanda safaris offered by tour operators in Rwanda include the Nyamirambo walking tour. Here, visitors have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural district of Nyamirambo guided by charming and warm-hearted women from the Nyamirambo women’s center. Visitors are can indulge a number of activities while visiting the women’s center and these include; craft-making classes, dance performances and also take part in cooking classes with the local women.

Other places that tourists can see while on holiday in Kigali include; Caplaki craft village, Kimironko market, Azizi Life Boutique and so many more.

Volcanoes National Park

If you dream of seeing gorillas in Rwanda, this is the place to be. Volcanoes is famous for its mountain gorillas, with an estimation of about 480 gorillas living within the park. There are 17 gorilla groups living in Volcanoes national park with only 10 gorilla groups available for tracking by tourists, while the other seven are for research purposes. Volcanoes Park has its Headquarters based in Kinigi which is a small village located in the town of Musanze (formerly called Ruhengeri).

Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park

What to look out for when visiting Pac National Des Volcans.

Most gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes National Park. These gorilla safaris have tourists visiting other tourist attractions in the park like, Dian Fossey grave site, Karisoke Research Center, Mountains Karisimbi and Bisoke, Musanze caves, golden monkeys and lakes Ruhondo and Burera which are twin lakes.

 Activities done in Volcanoes National Park

 There are plenty of activities that visitors can engage in while in Pac National des Volcans and these include;

• Tracking the rare Mountain gorillas: A classic Rwanda safari is not complete without gorilla trekking in Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. There a 10 habituated gorilla families that tourists visiting the park can track. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD 1500 dollars. Most gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda have tourists hiking through thick forests, with some steep and slippery terrains; thus calling for gorilla trekkers to be physically and mentally fit and ready for the adventurous and somewhat challenging activity. Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in groups of 8 individuals per gorilla group. Once a gorilla family has been located, trekkers are given only an hour to spend in the midst of the gorillas. In case you are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, do contact your trusted tour operator for the best deals and options.
• Golden Monkey Trekking in Virunga’s bamboo forest: Golden monkey trekking is an amazing experience that any tourist visiting Volcanoes can take part in. These species of primates is also listed as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List. The park has 2 habituated groups of Golden monkeys, with a total of 80 members. Golden monkey trekking starts at 7am at the park’s headquarters. Permits for golden monkey trekking cost USD 100 and this price cuts across Rwanda and Uganda.
• Volcano Climbing: Hiking tours in Volcanoes National Park are thrilling and adventurous as well. The national park has extinct volcanic mountains that fall under the Virunga Massif and some of these mountains where hiking expeditions take place include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke and Mount Sabyinyo. Tourists embarking on a hiking trip on Mount Karisimbi can enjoy pleasurable sights like a bird, wildlife like mountain gorillas and forest elephants, and insect species. While tourists hiking mount Bisoke can view attractions such as the Crater Lake on the mountain’s summit.
• Hike to Dian Fossey Grave Site: Tourists visiting Volcanoes National Park can enjoy a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and also pay a visit to Karisoke Research Centre, where she carried out her study. She was buried in a gravesite next to her beloved gorilla ‘Digit.’
• Caving: Whilst visiting Volcanoes National Park, visitors can also pay to go on a hike to Musanze Caves that are located within the national park. These caves were created as a result of volcanic eruption about 65 million years ago. Musanze caves were opened to the general public and tourists in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board. The lushly and green rocked caves run for about 2km and are home to cave bats. Tourists visiting the caves are provided with equipment like; gloves, knee caps, boots, face mask, helmet and head cap. Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: Located outside Volcanoes National Park, the Iby’iwacu cultural village gives visitors an insight to the amazing Rwandan culture. While visiting this cultural village, tourists are taken through the rich cultural history of the people of Rwanda, take part in hands-on activities such as making traditional crafts, and also enjoy dance performances from the local dance group. Some of the performers the community are reformed poachers who now actively take part in conservation projects in the national park.

Where to Stay While Visiting Volcanoes National Park.

In case who have decided to visit Volcanoes National Park, you can get accommodation in the following lodges; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain gorilla view, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge. These accommodation facilities offer budget, midrange and luxury suites.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park can be accessed by road from Gisenyi town or Kigali City. The drive to Volcanoes National Park is 2 hours hence making it a convenient option for a tourists to do gorilla trekking and return to Kigali on the same day.

Lake Kivu

After a thrilling gorilla tracking safari in Volcanoes National Park, tourists on safari in Rwanda can pay a short visit to Lake Kivu. The lake provides the ideal setting for one to relax and rejuvenate after a tedious gorilla trekking activity. Most travelers can also access the lake while en route to do chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The Amazing Lake Kivu

What to see and do while at Lake Kivu.

• Tour Gisenyi Town: Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the colorful and busy town of Gisenyi, formerly called Rubavu. Gisenyi is one of the most charming and developed resort towns situated along the shores of Lake Kivu. Tourists visiting the town have the opportunity to visit some of the amazing beaches in the town such as the Tam Tam Bikini beach, which is flocked by many on a weekend getaway. There are plenty of water sports activities that the town has to offer to visitors and these include; boat rides on the lake, windsurfing, fishing and swimming among others.
• Congo Nile Trail: Tourists on a Rwanda safari can also embark on a hiking expedition along the Congo Nile Trail. The trail is 227km long and starts in Gisenyi town, passing through Kibuye and ending in Cyangugu. It takes a maximum of 10 days hiking from Gisenyi to Cyangugu and offers one beautiful scenery and attractions like; sighting different bird species and flora while enroute.
• Visit Kibuye Town: This town was formers known as Karongi and is located just 100km south of Gisenyi. It is a romantic getaway, with white sandy beaches overlooking beautiful, terraced and pine-covered hills. Visitors can engage in quite a number of activities while in Kibuye town and these include; boat cruises, kayaking, canoeing and beach volleyball to mention but a few.
• Explore through the bustling Cyangugu Town: Cyangugu Town was formerly known as Rusizi and is an older border town. It is the closest to Nyungwe Forests of the three towns. The town has quite a number of curving inlets that spiral into narrow valleys.

Akagera National Park

Most wildlife safaris in Rwanda take place in Akagera National Park. It is the only national park in Rwanda where tourists can see the Big Five. The park is situated in the Northeastern region of Rwanda and is home to over 8000 large wildlife animals, over 500 bird species, approximately 100 elephants and 10 lakes.

Elephants in Akagera National Park

What to do when in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park has a range of activities to offer its visitors. Some of these activities include;

• Guided Game Drives: A wildlife safari in Akagera National Park is not complete minus going on a guided game drive. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park have an opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most scenic savannah plains, its spectacular wildlife and bird species. While guided game drive, you are likely to spot wildlife such as; antelopes, zebras, elephants, bush babies, lions, leopards, civets, buffaloes and gazelles among others. However, due to the fact that the park is dominated by swamps, it is not easily navigated and it’s not 100% certain that a tourist will get to see all the park’s wildlife. The game drives in this park last between 1- 2 hours and costs USD 40 dollars per person with an extra cost of USD 25 dollars for a park guide.
• Fishing on Lake Shakani: Rwanda safari also has tourists taking part in fishing tournaments on Lake Shakani. The national park often organizes fishing competitions and visitors in the park can take part in the Catch and release tournaments. The lake has quite a number of tilapia and catfish species. Visitors can also spend the day fishing off the lakeshore and cook your catch over a campfire.
• Launch Cruise on Lake Ihema: Tourists visiting Akagera National Park can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is well known for its impressive populations of hippos, crocodiles and numerous water birds. This activity is a must-do for any bird lovers.
• Guided nature walks: While in Akagera National Park, tourists interested in taking nature walks can do so with the guidance of a well-trained park ranger. While on a walk, get to view the various plant, insect and bird species in Akagera National Park. 
• Birding: Akagera National Park is home to over 500 bird species including marabou stocks, egrets, crowned cranes and herons. Bird lovers will find this national park a good destination for bird watching while on safari.

Accommodation Facilities in Akagera National Park.

Accommodation facilities in Akagera National Park include; Magashi Safari Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Resort and Country Club, Nyagasambu realm beach hotel, Vintage Cottages, Karenge Bush Camp.

How to get to Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park can be accessed by road from Kigali City. It is about 110km From Kigali which is roughly a 2 and half hour drive. Akagera National Park can also be accessed by air from Kigali International Airport. Akagera Aviation offers chartered helicopter flights to the national park.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National park is home to over 300 bird species, 75 mammal species and 13 primate species. The national park is part of Nyungwe forest which is the largest tropical afro-montane rain forests in East and Central Africa. The highlight of any primate tracking safari to Nyungwe National Park is its famous habituated chimpanzees. There are also other tourist attractions within the park such as; the Isumo Falls, Nyungwe Canopy walk, Gisakura Tea estate, primates such as the Rwenzori colobus monkey, the Golden monkeys and many more; as well as chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park

What to do and see in Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe national park has a wide range of activities carried out within the park and these include;

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Tracking habituated chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park is the ultimate highlight of any Rwanda primate trekking experience in the park. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to about 500 chimpanzees and tracking begins from 3 major points; Uwinka, Gisakura and Kitabi. Visitors who are interested in chimpanzee trekking can obtain a chimp tracking permit for only 90 USD.
• Nyugwe Canopy walk: The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is one of the highlights of a visit to the park. The canopy walkway is 90 meters long and 60 meters high above the forest floor and hangs 200 meters across a steep and deep valley. This gives tourists the adrenalin rush as they walk along the bridge with epic scenic views of the forests and its inhabitants like the different bird species, monkeys, butterflies and so many more.
• Gisakura Tea Estate: A Rwanda safari also comprises of tours to popular tea farm such as the Gisakura Tea Plantation, close to Nyungwe national park. Tea is Rwanda’s largest export product and tourists who opt to visit the lush tea plantations in Gisakura have the opportunity to discover how tea is grown, harvested and processed. You can also get to taste the delicious result/ final product.
• Bird watching: The national park is home to over 300 bird species and 12 of these species are endemic to the Nyungwe forest area. Tourists on a birding safari in Rwanda have the chance to see unique bird species like; Archer’s Robin-Chat, the Strange weaver, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefeller’s sunbird amongst others.
• Hike to Isumo waterfalls: These falls are 17 meters high and elevated at 100 meters. They lie at the bottom of Kamiranzovu marsh. The water from the falls has a tea-colored tint which is as a result of tannin content in the waters of the swamp.
• Colobus Monkey Tracking: Nyungwe National Park is home to the largest group of black and white colobus monkeys on the African continent. Tracking activities start at exactly 8 am and last 2- 5 hours with an hour of direct contact.
• Guided forest walks: Nyungwe National Park has a total of 13 hiking trails with over 130 kilometers of hiking trails through and within the forest. Hiking expeditions can take between 1- 8 hours and offer visitors an excellent opportunity for birding and primate viewing.

Accommodation Facilities in Nyungwe National Park.

When visiting Nyungwe National Park, visitors can find accommodation in the following facilities; Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guesthouse and Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

A few Key Points About Rwanda

Are Rwandans Hospitable? Visitors embarking on a Rwanda safari experience should not be alarmed by what kind of treatment you will get while on your Rwanda safari tour. Generally, Rwandans are polite, hospitable and welcoming to all foreigners and you can be certain that as you journey through most tour destinations and towns in the country, you will be met by a huge hug, warm smile and cheerful greeting from the locals.

Currency in Rwanda: Visitors traveling to Rwanda on a safari should note that the official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. Those who need to exchange their foreign currency into the Rwanda franc can do so at any bank or forex bureau in the country. Alternatively, do not hesitate to have your money changed at Kigali International Airport.

Banking in Rwanda: While on your Rwanda safari, don’t hesitate to stop by any of the banks in the country, to do your banking. Most of the banks in Rwanda have ATM machines that accept visa credit or debit cards. Some banks that tourists can access while on tour in Rwanda include; Bank of Kigali, I&M BANK, Equity bank, Eco bank Rwanda, Kenya Commercial Bank[KBC], NCBA bank, Urwego Opportunity Bank, Development Bank of Rwanda, Co-operative bank Rwanda and Zigama CSS among others.

Languages Spoken in Rwanda: Visitors traveling to Rwanda on holiday should know that the official languages spoken in Rwanda are; Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili.

Unique Features in Rwanda

Mountains and Lakes: Tourists who are interested in exploring Rwanda’s mountains can find a range of mountains to hike and these include; Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Huye,  Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira.

The country also has a number of lakes that tourists can explore and even do some fishing in some. These include; Lake Kivu, Shakani, Ihema, Muhazi, Burera, Ruhondo, Rweru and Cyohoha to mention but a few. Also, note that boat rides on these lakes can be arranged for upon a tourist’s request.

Local Markets & Craftshops: A Rwandan safari is not complete without a tour to the local markets and craft shops in the Kigali City and other parts of the country. Local markets and craft shops that a tourist can visit include; Kimironko Market, Caplaki Craft Village in Kigali, Azizi Life Boutique, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre and Haute Baso to mention but a few. Don’t forget to get yourself a souvenir while you are visiting any of these places.

Hang Outs in Rwanda: In case you are in need of a fun spot to relax, chill and socialize with the locals in Rwanda over a cold drink or coffee, here are some places in Kigali that any fun-loving tourist can unwind from; Le Bourbon Coffee, Planete Club, Republica Club, K- Club, Legacy Lounge & Wine Bar and Coco Bean Night club among others.

Beaches in Rwanda: Rwanda does not have many beaches given that it is a landlocked country; however, there are some beaches in the towns of Gisenyi, Cyangugu, and Kibuye which are located on the shores of Lake Kivu. Some of the beaches include; Tam Tam Bikini Beach in Gisenyi, Palm Beach Resort, Ruhondo Beach Resort, and Nyagasambu Realm Beach Resort.

Domestic Airports in Rwanda

Rwanda has a couple of airports around the country and these can be used by tourists who travelling to and within the country. Some of these airports include; Bugesera International Airport in Nyamata province, Kigali International Airport in Kigali and is the country’s main entry and exit hub; Butare Airpot in Butare, Kamembe International Airport in Cyangugu, Gisenyi Airport, Nemba Airport in Nemba and Ruhengeri Airport in Ruhengeri.

Rwanda VISA

Visitors embarking on a Rwanda Safari tour MUST ensure that you have a valid visa for Rwanda. You can purchase one through your trusted travel agent or at any embassy of Rwanda in your home country. Alternatively, those visiting Rwanda on tour can purchase a Rwandan VISA at the Airport in Kigali. A VISA for Rwanda costs 50 USD and 100 USD for an East African VISA, which will allow you multiple access to Uganda or Kenya.

Best time to visit Rwanda 

Tourists can visit Rwanda all year round; however, mid-May to mid- October is a great time to visit the country as this is the dry season and it is a great time to go mountain gorilla trekking.

In case you are planning a tour to this beautiful country, do get in tour with our tour operators for the best deals on tour packages as well as get advice on which activities you can engage in while in the country. 

So, there you have it; whatever you choose, trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali, we are here to help.