Tips of planning a Rwanda safari : Rwanda, land of thousand hills, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountains, Rwanda offers an unparalleled safari experience that combines stunning serenity with thrilling wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a season traveller or embarking on your first African adventure, planning a Rwanda safari requires a careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. From selecting the best time of the year to visit to choose the perfect accommodations every detail matters.
In this guide, we’ll share valuable tips and insider knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable Rwanda safari. With our expert advance, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of planning a trip to this beautiful country and make thee most of your time in Rwanda, from determining the best destinations to visit to booking the perfect guides and accommodations, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create an unforgettable adventure. so, join us on this journey as well explore the best ways to plan a Rwanda safari that will leave you with lifelong memories of this incredible country.
Tips of planning a Rwanda safari
Choose the right time of year
Rwanda has a tropical climate with two main seasons; dry seasons which runs from June to September and wet seasons which runs from march to may and then November to December). the dry seasons are the best for wildlife viewing while the wet season offers fewer tourist and lower prices.
Select the right destinations
Rwanda is a home to 4 national parks, each offering unique experiences such as Volcanoes National Park is famous for gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park is an ideal for game drives, while Nyungwe Forest National Park is perfect for chimpanzee tracking and hiking’s and finally Gishwati-Mukura National Park is renowned for its incredible primates.
Book accommodations in advance
Book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September). Choose from a range of options from budget- friendly to luxury, mid-range accommodations and luxury resorts.
Plan your itinerary carefully
Create a daily schedule the balances game drives, gorilla trekking, park visits, and others activities with travel time between destinations. consider adding cultural experiences such as visiting local villages or attending traditional dance performances.
Hire a reputable guide or tour operator
Hire a licensed guide or join a reputable tour operator to ensure a safe and successful trip. they’ll help you navigate the logistics, including booking permits and arrange transportations.
Book permits and guides in advance
Booking a gorilla trekking and chimpanzees tracking permits well in advance, as they often sell out quickly. Choose a reputable guide or tour operator to ensure a smooth experience.
Pack wisely
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing’s in neutral colors for game drives. include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards. Don’t forget any necessary medications, toiletries and other essentials.
Stay hydrated and protected
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of waters especially during game drives. bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Be respectful of the environment and local communities
Respect local customs and traditions by dressing modestly removing shoes when entering temples or homes and avoiding public displays of affection
Stay flexible
Be prepared for chances in your itinerary due to the weather conditions or unexpected circumstances. remain flexible and patient and be ready to adapt to any changes that may arise.
Highlights of the things to do while on safari in Rwanda
Tips of planning a Rwanda safari : Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the famous world’s premier gorilla trekking destination. The Rwandan volcanoes are fame for its thriving population of mountain gorillas, occasional primate’s endemic to Africa. The park hosts almost a third of the remaining population of the mountain gorillas in the world. The national park is home to five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga mountains, which are chain of dormant and active volcanoes that stretch from Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s most famous volcano is the mount Karisimbi, which is the highest peak in Rwanda and one of the highest peaks in Africa. Volcanos national park is dominated by the towering volcanoes, which are surrounded by lush rainforest, bamboo groves and rolling hills. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, with steep slope covered in mist and cloud forest. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, rivers and lakes including lake Kivu, with forms part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park is a home to abundant and diverse wildlife with over 100 species of mammals including the primates like the joyful golden monkeys, chimpanzees, buffalos, and elephants. The park s also home to over 200 species of birds, including the endemic Rwenzori turaco and the rare Albertine graben endemics.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
The national park has gotten variety of accommodation options to suite each kind of tourists. The accommodation options ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury level such accommodation includes Ruzizi Tented Camp, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kataza House, Urungaano Virunga Palace, Volcano House, Aloha Crater Lodge, Volcano Inn, Volcano Village Lodge, Volcano Village Estate, Kilauea Military Camp among others
Tips of planning a Rwanda safari : Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This stunning national park is a treasure trove of wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers or adventure seekers. Akagera National Park is home to incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Fives such as lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhinoceros. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from open savannah to forest and hills offers a unique opportunity to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitats. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 species of birds recorded within its boundaries.
Where to stay in Akagera National Park during your holiday
Lodge options to stay in on holiday in Akagera National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options in Akagera National Park include Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, Akagera Transit Lodge, Ihema Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Lake Kasenda Lodge, Rutete Eco Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp and Akagera Reseory and Country Club among others
Tips of planning a Rwanda safari : Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest national park is located in the western part of Rwanda, approximately 220 kilometers from Kigali, the capital city. the park is situated near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and is part of the large Albertine Rift montane forest ecoregion. Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its large population of the primates including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabey, vervet monkeys. The national park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of bird record within its boundaries such as owls, sunbirds and hornbill among others.
Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Lodge options to stay in Nyungwe forest range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options in Nyungwe forest national park include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Golden Monkey Hotel, Nyungwe Nzizi Eco-Lodge Kitabi, Rwiza Village, Mariah Hill Resort, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Forest Lodge and ORTPN Rest House among others…
