Rwanda is a small country located in Central Africa but officially part of the East African Community. Commonly known as the “The Land of Thousand Hills” Rwanda is an upcoming destination on the African continent. The country is popular for hosting a third of the total remaining population of the mountain gorillas in the world. Becoming a famous destination for mountain gorilla trekking, Rwanda is one of the 3 African countries that inhabit the critically endangered mountain gorillas (apes featured in the movie – “Gorillas in the Mist”) in Volcanoes National Park. It is only in this park together with Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and the Virunga National Park in congo, where travelers can see the endangered mountain gorillas and there is no such specie in captivity.
Top Things to See in Rwanda
- The Endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- The Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
- Genocide Memorial Sites & Museums – Learn about the 1959 and 1994 Rwanda Genocides
Top Places to Visit
- Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda – Visit the mountain gorillas in the park
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Kigali Genocide Memorial site
- Iby’wachu Village
- Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site
A Safari in Rwanda
With in the enchanting rain forest of the Virungas in northern Rwanda, mountain gorilla tracking is not-to-miss adventure that adventure seekers look for in the country. The famed Volcanoes National Park offers travelers the opportunity to see the last remnant population of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Rwanda is no ordinary destination. It offers travelers not only a great gateway to escape from life hassles and stress but also to experience nature and wildlife in well protected areas. The rare feeling of meeting the silver back and its family members after a tough rewarding gorilla trek creates truly a life changing experience in the life of every tourist who take on the challenge. The magical and changing sequence of the gorilla encounter creates a relaxing mind set as you meet up with several forest beauties. Colorful birds and monkeys cheer up the journey until the final meeting of the mountain gorillas. The abstractions they cause make you forget the hassles and challenging walks you have experience in the past few hours. Smiles and happy expressions fill up trekker’s faces as they proceed with the day search. Those with walking sticks rest on them as they gain more strength to carry on with the rewarding forest walk.
Interestingly, everyone is invited to join the gorilla tracking expedition as they explore the natural beauty of the rain forest. Simple challenging hikes and treks, morning meet ups with the park rangers together with other day’s trackers from different corners of the world prepare you even more for the life time adventure. After briefing and trekking through the forest, the experience clears off the mind and turns everything into memories that are celebrated for generations. Indeed Rwanda gorilla tracking offers a ultimate experience for those looking for natural jungle primate adventures. By the way to track Rwanda mountain gorillas, the logic is simple, simply spare 1-3 days to engage in the life changing adventure. One must have a Rwanda gorilla permit as a must and a valid travel document “passport” for issues of verification. When you engage in a Rwanda gorilla tracking tour, it’s another way of supporting the primate conservation drive that is aimed to serve generations. Besides some percentage of the gorilla permit fee goes to the local community for their well being in terms of health, Education and sanitation.
Gorilla Trekking safaris
Rwanda is a famous destination for mountain gorilla tracking safaris in Africa. Together with Uganda and Congo, the country protects the remaining few 720 mountain gorillas that thrive in the world. Gorilla Tracking is carried out in five gorilla groups within Parc Nationale des Volcanoes. Gorilla Permits can be arranged by a travel operator, or can be purchased directly through the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN) / The Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks, at the headquarters in Kigali, or at their office in Musanze.
All About Rwanda
Capital City:
Kigali
Location
The Republic of Rwanda is a land-locked country located in central Africa. It is bordered on the east by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with which it shares the shores of Lake Kivu; on the north by Uganda; on the west by Tanzania; and on the south by Burundi. Rwanda is a small country with an area of 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles). Comparatively, Rwanda is about the size of the state of Maryland. The capital city of Kigali is in the center of the country.
Time
GMT + 2
Population:
11,055,976
Area:
Land area: 9,633 sq mi (24,949 sq km)
Total area: 10,169 sq mi (26,338 sq km)
Climate
The average daytime temperature is around 24°C, except in the higher mountains, which take up a lot of the country, where the range is 10°C to 15°C. Rwanda can be visited at any time of year. The dry season from mid-May to mid-October is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills are barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season. Peak season for gorilla tracking is July and August; travelling outside this time means it is easier to arrange a permit.
It rains more frequently and heavily in the northeast, where the volcanoes are covered by rainforest. The summit of Karisimbi (4507m), the highest peak in Rwanda, is often covered with sleet or snow.
Language
In addition to the indigenous language of Kinyarwanda, French and English are official languages. French is widely spoken throughout the country. In the capital and other tourist centres, many people speak English.
Economy
Primarily a subsistence agriculture economy, Rwanda nonetheless produces for export some of the finest tea and coffee in the world. Other industries include sugar, fishing and flowers for export.
Hiking and biking
The fine road network, with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for long bicycle trips across the verdant hills and valleys. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed on the thousands of kilometres of fine rural trails linking remote villages, criss-crossing the entire country.
Getting Around
Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa. Most visitors who have booked through a tour company will be provided with good private vehicles, usually 4-wheel drive. All of the major centres are connected with local and luxury bus services. Air charter services are available anywhere in the country.
Religions
The majority of Rwandans, about 65%, are Roman Catholic, with another 9% Protestant. Only about 1% of the population is Muslim. About a fourth of Rwandans are adherents of indigenous beliefs. However, these numbers and divisions are not clear cut. Many Rwandans practice both their traditional religion and Christianity at the same time.
Public Holidays
Good Friday and Easter Monday, which fall on variable dates, are recognised in Rwanda. Other public holidays are :
1 January (New Year’s Day);
1 February (National Heroes Day);
7 April (Genocide Memorial Day);
1 May (Labour Day);
1 July (Independance Day);
4 July (National Liberation Day);
15 August (Assumption Day);
1 October (Patriotism Day);
25 December (Christmas Day), and
26 December(Boxing Day).
Currency
The Rwandan Franc (Frw/Rwf) is the legal currency in Rwanda. American Dollars and Euros are accepted in some hotels and restaurants however expect to receive your change in Rwandan Francs.
Geography
Rwanda is a landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa, situated on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, on the watershed between Africa’s two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo. Much of the country’s 26,338 km2 is impressively mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m) in the volcanic Virunga chain protected by the Volcanoes National Park. The largest body of water is Lake Kivu, but there areother numerous lakes around the country, notably Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi and Mugesera, some of which have erratic shapes following the contours of the steep mountains that enclose them.
Communication
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several Internet cafes and computer centers.
Visa Requirements
All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Rwanda. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. In view of the bilateral agreements, nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period up to 90 days: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong
Getting to Rwanda
One can fly to Rwanda with SN Brussels, Alliance Express/Alliance Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and Air Burundi. All international flights land at Kanombe Airport which is 10kms away from central Kigali.
Safety and Health
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns.
Wildlife
Rwanda is home to the vast spectrum of East African wildlife, as well as both classic safariscapes and verdant equatorial rainforest.
Money
The Franc is the official currency of Rwanda. 1 Franc (RWF) = 100 centime. The Rwandan currency is available in both paper Notes and Coins.
Foreign currencies and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and airports, railway stations, ports & major hotels in Rwanda at the official exchange rates.
Credit & Debit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in Rwanda. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability in Rwanda. ATMs are widely available.
Traveler Cheques, International traveler’s cheques in Sterling Pounds, Euro, and US Dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz.
When to visit
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. Gorilla trekking and other forest walks are less demanding during the drier months. The European winter is the best time for birds, as Palaearctic migrants supplement resident species.
What to wear
Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses provide protection against the sun, and a waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.
What to bring
Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives and forest walks, as will a good field guide to East African birds. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film. Print film is available but transparency film is not. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
Gorilla sightings
Though not formally guaranteed, there are very high chances for meeting the mountain gorillas in the wild. Reports of not seeing them on gorilla treks are extremely not available though there has been a few cases. Gorilla permits cost $500 per person per day and should be applied for well in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during the high tourist season (July and August or over the Christmas holidays).