Rwanda Travel Guide
Rwanda Travel Guide: Join Budget Gorilla Trekking as they welcome you to participate in a fantastic tale taking place in the heart of Africa. Rwanda is emerging from its turbulent past to become one of the world’s best conservation models! Discovering this nation in Central-East Africa will take you on a safari experience that is unlike any other on the continent. Encircled by the delicate, soft patterns of clouds, lush, dense rainforests paint the massive peaks sculpted by volcanic activity a deep green color.
Adorably tranquil Hutu and Tutsi settlements can be found nestled among these geologic giants. The sound of happy children laughing fills the valley, resonating almost ceaselessly with the breeze. The eye is drawn by the symmetrical patchwork of the hillside to a distant tea farm, where laborers are tending to seedlings that sprout from dark, rich soil. Higher up are protected bamboo woods, which are home to Rwanda‘s Virunga Mountain gorillas, a species that has won over hearts and minds all over the world.
Scenes like these can be seen all around Rwanda, which is evidence of the people’s strong dedication to striking a sustainable balance between the needs of humans and the natural world. Experiencing the people, flora, and animals of the place firsthand provides valuable insights. You learn that every Rwandan has extremely personal reasons for wanting to safeguard the country’s biological wealth and biodiversity.
Promoting nature tourism and conservation show a dedication to preserving a standard of living that will shield future generations from the terrible genocide that has plagued our nation for so long. Beyond the financial gains, Rwandans’ efforts preserve one of the planet’s most significant ecological zones. Africa has the highest concentration of endemic and threatened avian and mammal species in the Albertine Rift, with 35 bird species and 31 animal species found nowhere else in the world.
Our safaris in Rwanda take you to the country’s distinctive national parks, which are designated for wilderness tours due to cooperation between local people and government organizations. This is done to protect and highlight the exceptional species and environments of the nation. As you enter the rainforests of Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks, your senses are awakened by the calming and entrancing environment. Take in a peaceful symphony of singing avi-fauna, chattering primates, and rustling leaves.
Upon inhaling deeply, one is met with a strong scent of undergrowth mixed with notes of flowers and wild fruits. Greenery of all shades spills from every limb and covers nearly every square inch of the ground around you. Feel your heart pounding as you anticipate the wonders that await you around the next bend, or maybe just through a small hole in the thick undergrowth.
Seeing mountain gorilla families in their native environments is a wonderful experience that can only be had in Volcanoes National Park, one of the few sites on Earth where you can watch these fascinating creatures in the wild. After spending time with the chimpanzees and other primates in Nyungwe, as well as the gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes Park, you will have a newfound fascination with primates.
Rwanda‘s geology and ecology undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy the outdoors and birdwatching, but the nation also offers plenty of chances for high-adventure travel experiences. Networks of pathways cross the highest volcanic summits, the origins of the Nile River, above the forest canopy, and even follow in the footsteps of Rwandan kings in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park. You can choose from a variety of pathways that suit your fitness level, experience, and interests, ranging from pleasant one-hour walks to multi-day expeditions.
But Rwanda‘s ecological richness extends well beyond its rainforests. A traditional wildlife safari experience is provided by driving across huge Savannah plains in Akagera National Park, one of the Big 5 destinations. Here, predators and prey engage in a never-ending struggle for survival. While lions, leopards, hyenas, and other fierce predators are constantly on the lookout for the opportunity to capture a young or weak animal, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and other herbivores roam the grassy terrain in search of the greatest vegetation and watering holes. There are wetlands, swamps, and woodlands beyond the savannah, home to a variety of diverse animals and birds unique to these environments.
Another dimension of Rwanda is shown by visiting the beach at Lake Kivu. The warm fishing communities and long expanses of golden sand beach are interspersed with hot springs. Activities abound on land and in the water, including fishing, boat trips, cycling, plantation tours, nature hikes, and water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, among many others. The lake is one of the few locations on the African continent where you may swim safely and enjoy a refreshing swim without fear of crocodiles or hippos.
The warmth of the Rwandan people welcomes you wherever you go in the nation. Telling their tale to the world requires them to be transparent about their cultures and histories. Spend some time at a local village during your cultural safari to discover more about their arts and crafts, traditional medicine, family roles, Batwa hunting and gathering methods in the forest, regional cuisine, tribal beliefs, and much more!
Kigali’s capital is a bustling metropolis with unique dining options, shrines and museums, neighborhood art initiatives, and old buildings. A visit of the monuments is an essential component of an all-encompassing journey through Rwanda‘s past, present, and future—even though some of our guests may find discussing the genocide that took place in this Central-East African nation difficult.
Budget Gorilla Trekking is thrilled and humbled to provide each and every visitor an enlightening experience in Rwanda, a nation emerging from a turbulent past and creating a prosperous future for both Rwandese and the international community.