Rwanda Tours
RWANDA TOURS
Rwanda is located in East Africa and its capital is City is Kigali. It is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, as well as Burundi in the south. The country lies a few degrees south of the equator and is a landlocked country. It is also known as the “land of a thousand hills”, with its geography dominated by mountains in the west and savannah to the southeast, with numerous lakes throughout the country. Rwandans are drawn from just one cultural and linguistic group, the Banyarwanda however, within this group there are three subgroups: the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. Rwanda is the world’s 149th-largest country, and the fourth smallest on the African mainland after Gambia, Eswatini and Djibouti. The country’s longest river is the Nyabarongo which rises in the south-west, flows north, east, and southeast before merging with the Ruvubu to form the Kagera. Besides, Rwanda is one of only three countries in which mountain gorillas can be visited safely. Mountains dominate central and western Rwanda and the country is sometimes called “Pays des mille collines” in French (“Land of a thousand hills”). The country has five provinces based primarily on geography and these are Northern Province, Eastern Province, Western Province as well as Southern Province and the Municipality of Kigali in the centre.
Attractions & activities in Rwanda
National Park
Rwanda has got different National Parks with different attractions and activities to enjoy while on your safari. Volcanoes National Park is a home to the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, rare golden monkeys, and a vast number of bird species. The Park was made famous through the works and connection to the late Diane Fossey, an American primatologist. While gorilla trekking is the number one reason for visiting the Volcanoes National Park there are many other opportunities that visitors can enjoy during their visit. Nyungwe Forest National Park home to an abundance of bird species, chimpanzees, and the Ruwenzori Colobus monkeys. Nature trails, spectacular waterfalls, and the unique canopy walkway round up the beauty and still ambiance of one of Rwanda’s most-loved national parks. Akagera National Park is characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah as well as a home to the Big 5 Animals. Game drives in Akagera National Park are known for the opportunity for wildlife spotting such as the common Antelope species, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, some primates, different bird species, and many more across varied terrains far in its wilderness.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds
The various genocide memorial sites have been constructed to commemorate the lives of thousands of individuals who died in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Testimonies from Genocide survivors and those that came to their rescue as well as formal documentation of court proceedings and footage of remembrance ceremonies (Kwibuka) can be found at the memorial grounds. Spend time at this humbling venue and observe the historical implications of the Genocide in East Africa, paying respects to those victims of a truly horrendous time in Rwanda’s history. When you pay a visit to any of these genocide memorial sites, you are given detailed account of what transpired during the civil war. Discover the damage that the genocide war inflicted on the people of Rwanda and also how the country is moving forward from her tragic past.
Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village
The Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village still stands today as one of Rwanda’s greatest tourist attractions found around the Volcanoes National Park. This conservation-driven project is headed up by former poachers who now work as conservationists for all wildlife in the Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can view artifacts and rich traditions that showcase the life of Rwandan people. Embrace songs and dances performed by local Rwandans that highlight this rich Rwandan culture.
Kigali City Tour
Kigali city has a lot to offer during your safari in Rwanda. Some of these include; markets, museums, and art galleries await when you visit one of Africa’s cleanest and calmest cities, Kigali. Take the opportunity to visit the Kimironko Market where local vendors proudly display their wares from vibrant textiles to beautifully crafted souvenirs. Kigali City does not only offer culture, cuisine, and a rich history but also offers beautiful green sceneries and short hikes nearby, such as Mount Kigali which offers captivating views from the top over. Key museums to visit in Kigali include the Campaign against Genocide Museum, a tribute to the overcoming of Rwanda’s dark past as well as the more well-known Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds. The Kandt House Museum, formerly known as Kigali’s Natural History Museum, and the Camp Kigali Memorial honoring 10 Belgian slain soldiers, are both worth visiting during your stay in Kigali.
Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes national park is home to half the world’s mountain gorilla population and the park comprises of habituated gorilla families. During gorilla trekking you hike into the forest in search of the gorillas and upon locating a gorilla family, you are given I hour in their presence. This time generally allows you to enjoy their daily day activities as well as take photos and videos for remembrance. After this enjoyable activity you are awarded a gorilla trekking certificate as a way of appreciation/welcoming you back from this great experience.
Lake Kivu
This impressive watershed supports the towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye which surround Lake Kivu. Rest, relaxation, and tranquil surroundings are the order of the day around here and canoe trips and kayaking are just two of the activities visitors to Lake Kivu can enjoy.
The King’s Palace in Nyaza
The King’s Palace in Nyanza is located in Butare town about 25 miles. Here, you get a chance to tour around the dorm styled palace thereby learning about the cultural history of the past kings of Rwanda. In this place, you also get a chance to see some royal regalia such as drums, spears, ornaments used by the Rwanda’s past kings, shields, etc. Later, you get to be crowned as a king or queen and take pictures and videos to take back home for remembrance.
