In Rwanda, Visiting Africa’s Garden
Rwanda has abundant natural resources and good foreign investment, which has made it one of the most prosperous and stable countries in the east African region. Rwanda has a population of 11,776,522 million people made up of big numbers of Tutsi (84%), Twa (1%) and Hutu people (15%). French and Kinyarwanda are the official languages throughout the country and France still maintains the influence in the country.
On the edge of Virunga region, the country is dominated by volcanoes National Park and Rwanda has definitely taken the first steps to being taken seriously as a safari destination. There are 3 National Parks which are well accessible. Most trips visit Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park. We know our adventure stuff, and take heed when we say that some of the safaris in Rwanda are really, really wild – a decent degree of fitness, enthusiasm and determination are definitely required! There are those that appreciate exploration and travel in the remotest parts of the world – if you think you’re up to it speak to us in person and we’ll see what can be arranged!
Where is Rwanda?
Rwanda is located in East Africa on borders with the Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. It lies near the equator, and as a result has a tropical climate which averages 21°C. The entire country is at a high altitude: the lowest point is the Rusizi River at 950 metres (3,117 ft) above sea level. There are three distinct regions: Mountains that dominate central and western Rwanda; the Albertine Rift montane forests eco-region that dominate western section of Rwanda, and lakes that dominate the western border with DRC.
What to Do In Rwanda?
Famous for beaches, Lake Kivu has seaside-like atmosphere and temperate climates that provide fun for the entire family! Lake Kivu is a perfect place to practice a variety of water sports, such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing and boat rides.
There are an estimated 300 mountain gorillas in Rwanda, chimpanzees and as well as a large number of other primates such as the black and White Colobus monkey, Elephants, Giraffes and other antelopes- Rwanda is genuinely a good African safari destination.
Other large mammals such as hippopotamus, leopard and buffalo can be seen in Rwanda, whilst smaller mammals such as genets, mongoose and civets also live in the forest. Antelope are also found, such as duiker, bushbuck and water waters. There are crocodiles and monitor lizards in the rivers and snakes throughout the area—Akagera National Park is a good place to visit if you’re interesting in witnessing or photographing this. The monkeys of Rwanda are often endemic to east Africa, the best known example is the black and white Colobus monkey, which can be recognized by its pure black and white color and long, thin tail. Baboons are commonly found in these areas.
With the large amount of rainforest in Rwanda, there are obviously a huge number of birds. With over 700 different species identified in the country, some endemic or regionally endemic, birding in Rwanda has not yet taken off and so visitors have been known to make significant discoveries surprisingly often. For species local to east Africa it is the best place to visit, with species such as Bennett’s Woodpecker, Red-Faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek and the Miombo Wren-Warblers and many more.
There is a standard birding circuit which can be covered in two weeks, and covers the Akagera National Park, Rugezi Wetland, Nyabarongo Wetland, and Akanyaru Wetlands. Nyungwe Forest National Park contains both rainforest species which need a minimum of two nights; although four nights is recommended because forest birding takes more time than regular birding. Sun birds, Weaver birds, horn bills and bee-eaters are some of the key species of interests.
Why Travel To Rwanda?
Rwanda has inland unspoilt beaches (and we mean unspoilt – tourism is still very much in its infancy here!), huge regions of wild rainforest and a selection of wildlife that is definitely not your African norm – most travelers go to the traditional safaris found in Kenya and Uganda…gorilla tracking and rainforest trails are still very much isolated adventures. Food is particularly splendid, and one of our guides has gone so far as to say that it’s the best he’s tasted in 25 years of covering Africa’s finest.
When to Go To Rwanda?
You can visit Rwanda at any time of the year; it is hot and chilly the whole year, but not as much in the dry season from June to September. The best time to visit in our opinion is between June/August, because of brilliant light and hours of sunshine allowing a combination of beach and safari. For gorilla-trekking in Rwanda, you are more likely to see the magnificent creatures any time of the year.
Birders, migratory birds can be seen in Rwanda between November and April coming from Europe or northern Asia and Africa, whilst photographers should note that during the rainy season the sky is blue and sparkling after the rainstorms have consumed themselves, and continuously grey and dull during the dry season (this may sound wrong – but no mistake! Blue sky during rainy season when the rain stops, and dull light during the predominantly overcast dry season)
How to Travel Rwanda
Most of the usual Rwanda air service and regular flights are run to the following cities: Accra, Bujumbura, Douala, Brazzaville, Juba, Libreville, Lagos, Mombasa, Nairobi, Cyangugu, Kigali, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Entebbe and Dubai. Flights are fairly regular, especially with Kenya airways and Rwanda air. If you are coming from the USA, you must first travel to Europe, then catch a connecting flight as there are no direct flights.
How to Book a Safari in Rwanda or Uganda with us?
We are Number One Rwanda safari company, offering excellent services at the best prices on the market. You can choose your desired travel package from our website, or send us an email to info@africaexoticsafaritours.com to assist you tailor make your desired travel package that best fits your budget, interests and time.