Rwanda Safaris : Africa’s Most Favorite Gorilla Trekking Destination
Rwanda also referred to as “Land of a Thousand Hills” is a divine country offering exceptionally the best wildlife tours of visitor interest on a vacation in East Africa. Rwanda is beautiful country with an astonishing biodiversity, volcanoes and highland rainforests that harbors the gorillas. It is also home to the primate-filled Nyungwe Forest National Park, where Eastern chimpanzees and abundant birds live.
Top destinations to visit in Rwanda | Where to go?
Rwanda prides its self with four national parks which act as in habitant for wonderful flora and fauna that many travelers would love to explore. National Parks include; Nyungwe national park a home for chimpanzees where by traveler can do chimpanzee trekking.
One can do a canopy walk and be able to walk on a suspended bridge like connection between trees high above the canopy at about 60 m off the ground. Hiking can also be done to explore the thicket of a forest in Nyungwe Forest.
Akagera National Park which is the biggest park located in the eastern part of Rwanda. The park has few wildlife species which include; rhinos, elephant, buffalos, leopard and lions which are known as the big 5 game. Other wildlife species sighted in the park are zebras, antelopes, giraffes, topis among others.
Volcanoes national park which is the most selling national park in Rwanda. The park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas which are the most selling and unique attractions in the country. Aside mountain gorillas, the Dian Fossey grave also lies in this park. Other areas to visit on safari in Rwanda include Lake Kivu and Kigali.
Best time to go for a safari in Rwanda.
The best time to visit or go to Rwanda is during the dry season: June-September & December-February. During the dry season, travelers can do different activities such as hiking and gorilla trekking. However these activities can also be done throughout the year but it might be difficult to trek and hike during the rainy season since the paths be muddy and slippery
What to pack for Rwanda safaris
-Binoculars and camera equipment, Water-proof jacket, Insect repellent, Sunglasses and hat, Sun scream, Water bottle, Comfortable shoes, Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days, Long-sleeved shirts, Gorilla permits, Visas and Passport.
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda is famous for gorilla trekking which is done in Volcanoes National Park. In order to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda one requires a gorilla permit which costs $1500 throughout the year. Almost all Rwanda safaris revolve around gorilla tours in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park.
The trekking activity starts in the morning where trekkers are briefed about how to go about gorilla trekking as they are entertained by the local traditional dancers. After they head to track the gorillas while escorted by the guides after finding the gorillas, you are given one hour to socialize with them inform of taking photos, seeing them how they live and this provides a remarkable experience to the travelers.
Is Rwanda good for a safari?
Rwanda is good for safaris since it has got a variety of activities that can be done during the visit. These include; gorilla trekking, birding, chimpanzee trekking and cultural encounters, etc.
Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is one of the major activities that most tourists come to do in East Africa and they can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Gorilla safari vacations in Rwanda and Uganda all guarantee primatologists wonderful experiences. Rwanda has well developed infrastructure compared to the ones in Uganda which makes trekking easy in Rwanda.
The vegetation in Bwindi is too thick and the slopes are steep. There are no designed trails making your gorilla trekking the perfect experience for adventure seekers on African safari. The terrain in Rwanda is less difficult for tracking when compared to Uganda hence this makes Rwanda a better gorilla trekking than Uganda.
Does Rwanda have gorillas?
Rwanda is among the three countries where you can find the endangered mountain gorillas over 300 and other two countries are DRC and Uganda. Rwanda shares half of the total of the gorillas with DRC and the rest half of the total of the mountain gorillas is in Uganda.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is one of the safest African destinations, attracting holidaymakers all yea-round for different purposes. However much Rwanda experienced the genocide period and most people fear to visit Rwanda because of its violent past. The government of Rwanda has tried so much to make it a safe country and generally desired destination. Rwanda is now among the most visited country since travelers come to do Gorilla trekking and other activities.
Rwanda is a peaceful country and safe for the travelers however you need to make your own safety a priority and take alertness not to fall a victim to being scammed by fraud.
How much is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda goes for $1500 throughout the year. Just like Uganda, a traveler needs to book a gorilla permit in order to do trekking in Rwanda and the country doesn’t offer discounts on permits.