The land of a thousand hills
Rwanda is located in East Africa south of the equator. Although small, Rwanda is known as a land of a thousand hills because its landscapes spans Virunga Mountains in the north, Albertine rift valley lakes in the north west, savannah and wetlands on the eastern border with Tanzania.
The country has only 4 national parks but what makes it popular for adventure tourism are the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park has habituated 10 gorilla families which attract for visitors for gorilla tracking safaris. Despite the high cost of Rwanda gorilla permits at $1500 per person, it’s clear that safe guarding the future of mountain gorillas is more important.
While there are a few wildlife parks, don’t underestimate the greatness of a safari to Rwanda. besides gorillas, Rwanda offers primate tracking adventures, birding, wildlife viewing, beach spots, volcano hiking and culture. Rwanda wildlife includes mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, big 5 mammals, birds and so much more. If what you want is not found in Rwanda, its better you combine Rwanda and Uganda which gives you a lot of choice.
Safari Destinations in Rwanda
The things to do while in Rwanda are not many but they’re very unique. The country is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa thus making it one of the best safari destination on the continent.
Unlike other East African destinations Rwanda is has strict laws on perfecting the streets from garbage and to be precise this is one of the cleanest countries you can find in Africa.
The highlight of a safari to Rwanda is Gorilla trekking in the famous Volcanoes National park. But there are some other activities you can do besides gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park is the biggest attraction for many travelers visiting here, and ticks every box for a safari lover.
Permits must be booked in advance prior the tracking dates and only 80 permits are issued daily and cost $1500 each. You can book either with a tour operator or through the government.
Kigali City
Far from being haunted by it’s tremulous past, Kigali is quite getting away with it. The country’s capital is a buz with hip new bars and a lot of outdoor activities. Clean and composed of beautiful hotels and restaurants, Kigali is without any doubt one of the safest cities to stay in when on the African continent.
National Museum
The intellectual capital of the country is in Butare where the National University is found. The most popular attraction here is the Museum where the iconic collections of East Africa’s ethnographies are found.