Rwanda Safaris Tours
Rwanda Safaris Tours: Rwanda is well-known for its gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains. Dian Fossey studied and habituated mountain gorillas here in the 1960s. Although gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience, the nation has much more to offer.
If gorilla trekking is out of your price range, Rwanda is still worth a visit as an up-and-coming destination with primate walks, volcano hikes, and bird-watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, as well as boat trips on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and a classic safari in search of the Big Five in low-key Akagera National Park.
Rwanda is a lovely tiny nation well known for the 1994 genocide. The good news is that the country has mostly recovered from this calamitous incident and is now extremely safe and well prepared for tourists. Throughout this volatile time, Rwandan officials managed to keep their gorillas secure, and witnessing these gentle giants has become one of Africa’s top attractions. So, hiking mountain gorillas is by far the most popular activity in Rwanda, and most people will come for that reason alone, typically combining a visit to Rwanda with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
There is, however, much more to see and do in Rwanda than gorilla trekking. Other activities include golden monkey expeditions and hiking one of the Virungas’ volcanoes. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also worth a visit. This stunning high-altitude forest is surprisingly accessible and home to 13 primate species, including chimps.
Rwanda’s sole savannah reserve is Akagera National Park. Although it cannot compare to the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, this picturesque park has a lot to offer in terms of wilderness appeal and, thanks to recent reintroductions, it is also home to the Big Five.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Prices.
Trekking mountain gorillas is not inexpensive. Rwanda raised its gorilla trekking permit rates in 2017, bringing the current price to US$1500. The expensive charge is justified by the fact that there are only eight habituated groups of gorillas that visitors may visit in Volcanoes National Park, and each group can only be seen by a maximum of eight people per day. As a result, there is a daily limit of 64 permits. Is it worthwhile? If you can afford it, it is well worth the money. How can you place a price on such an incredible experience, which many who have done it consider as a trip highlight of their lives?
Rwanda Wildlife Viewing Safaris Tours.
A Rwanda safari is unlike most traditional East African safari vacations. The majority of the activities need trekking through rain forests. Aside from gorillas, other primates such as chimps and golden monkeys may be tracked. Viewing any of these monkeys is a pleasant experience, but it pales in comparison to, say, a safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Longer Rwanda vacations may include a visit to Akagera National Park for a more traditional safari. Human encroachment and poaching were major issues in Akagera in the past, but this is now mostly under control because to African Parks’ efforts. Animals are still wary, and sightings are more difficult to come by than in some other famed savannah parks, but a visit to Akagera is not to be missed.
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Rwanda is a safe place to visit. Unfortunately, the country’s memory of the genocide that happened as a result of historical struggle between the Hutu and Tutsi peoples remains tainted. There have been no events since the genocide occurred 24 years ago.
Rwanda now appears to be a well-run country, with a kind and welcoming population. Many people have returned from years of exile, giving Rwanda a cosmopolitan atmosphere, since many of the returnees have studied overseas. Poverty is related with crime, as it is in every developing nation, and tourists should take conventional safety measures in towns and metropolitan areas. If you book Rwandan gorilla trekking excursions with a trustworthy operator like Explore Rwanda Tours, none of this should be an issue.
How to choose a reliable Rwandan Tour Operator?
Most specialized Africa travel providers can include Rwanda gorilla trekking to any African safari. If you’re considering a holiday in Rwanda as opposed to a side trip to another country, you need carefully select your operator to guarantee you’re in good hands. Checking out the operators and Rwanda gorilla trekking excursions available on Trip Advisor is a great place to start, Rwanda Safaris Tours.
Always study the customer evaluations (but never base an assessment just on a few reviews), and consider selecting a local operator to avoid intermediaries with costly offices in London or New York. This means that all of your money will be invested in the Rwandan economy, and you will be helping to assist local communities. The disadvantage is that small companies may not always have the support and resources to cope with a problem, such as a vehicle breakdown. International tour providers, on the other hand, might include your flights in the cost of a Rwanda safari package.
What to expect from Rwanda Safaris Tours?
Although Akagera National Park is becoming a popular savannah safari destination, Rwanda safaris are not on par with those available in Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. As a result, the term “safari” may be slightly misleading. The majority of visitors to Rwanda come for the activities available in the rain forest, such as gorilla and chimp trekking, volcanic hikes, and bird-watching.
Seeing mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and most visitors leave in awe of these gorgeous gentle giants living in this breathtaking rain forest setting. Spending an hour with them is a true honour. Since of this, and because gorilla trekking has become increasingly popular in recent years, it has become a must-do excursion for many general tourists.
Other activities will mostly appeal to more energetic travelers. Because the nation receives a lot of rain throughout the year, you’ll be walking a lot on slick woodland pathways and may get soaked on a few instances. Because of the daily restriction on gorilla permits, tourist numbers tend to be minimal everywhere you go, giving you a sense of exclusivity and discovery. Rwandans are tremendously proud of their nation and extend a warm welcome to all tourists.