Rwanda Safari

Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills.

Rwanda is a land of rolling hills and volcanic peaks, fertile verdant landscapes and densely forested green woods. The Virunga Mountains, a hint of mist and huge, gentle apes whose footprints and memories have become embedded in the earth. Rwanda, popularly known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” takes you on a fascinating trip into the wild and magnificent; the mythical unknown…

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African Safari Rwanda Travel Guide

Rwanda is a genuinely stunning country, blanketed mostly by grassy highlands. With heights ranging from 3,960 feet (1,207 meters) above sea level to 14,786 feet (4,507 meters) at Mt. Karisimbi’s peak, the country is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rwanda is located in central-east Africa, bordering Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Tanzania.
Rwanda, although being one of the world’s most densely inhabited countries, is also one of its cleanest. Plastic bags are, in fact, prohibited. The entire country unites in their separate communities on the last Saturday of the month for Umuganda, a day dedicated to communal effort for the public welfare. Among other things, operations include street cleaning, road maintenance, and the construction of homes for genocide survivors. The country is also a leader in wildlife conservation, with its booming mountain gorilla population increasing from 320 animals in the first census in 1989 to 400 individuals in the most recent census, which was carried out in 2010. The island has created a thriving tourism business that, although cognizant of sustainability and the preservation of protected areas, has become the country’s cornerstone and key source of foreign money.

Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Akagera National Park

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African Safari Rwanda Deals

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is perhaps the country’s most popular tourist attraction, thanks in great part to the pioneering efforts of Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the protection of these wonderful gentle giants. The legendary film Gorillas in the Mist, starring Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey, was globally acclaimed and helped put Rwanda’s mountain gorillas firmly on the map, grabbing the hearts of people all over the world. The Nyungwe Forest National Park in the country’s southwest is particularly known for chimp trekking. This mysterious park, teeming with foliage, is home to 13 primate species and over 275 bird species. The Akagera National Park, established in 1934, is Rwanda’s largest national park. It is home to predators such as lions, leopards, servals, hyenas, and jackals, as well as rhinos, zebras, antelopes, and over 400 bird species.

Examples of Itineraries

Please take a look at our sample African Safari below for inspiration. Every Safari you take can be tailored to meet your individual needs. You can choose any number of days. You can choose any departure date. Feel free to choose any experience.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

This excursion is ideal for individuals who want to save time while still getting close to the gorillas….

3 Days

$2800/person

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Rwanda Gorilla

Throughout this Gorilla Trekking Rwanda tour, you will encounter Safari Rwanda gorillas, be driven to….

3 Days

$3900/person

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Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

You will be able to meet friendly people and embark on safari Rwanda gorilla tracking and chimp….

7 Days

$6000/person

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Chimp vs Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

This low-cost tour has been created to put you in touch with the greatest parts of this country…

7 Days

$4000/person

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Rwanda Gorilla Tours and Tanzania Safari

Ideal for those looking to combine Safari Rwanda Gorilla trecking in Rwanda with Tanzania Safari ….

9 Days

$6500/person

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Gorillas in Rwanda

The locals are welcoming, and you can track the Safari Rwanda gorillas and enjoy beautiful lakes….

10 Days

$4900/person

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Some Frequently Asked Questions

Visa prerequisites

All travellers to Rwanda must have a passport valid for at least six months. Visas are required for all visitors except citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, Kenya, and South Africa. Tourist visas with multiple entries can be obtained at your local Rwandan embassy or consulate. Visas are normally valid for three months and can be extended in Kigali on a month-to-month basis.

Medical requirements for Rwanda

Before traveling to Rwanda, you must obtain a document demonstrating that you have got a yellow fever vaccination. Furthermore, your health practitioner must document all required immunizations on a certified vaccination certificate. This document must be carried with you at all times during the tour. Malaria prevention medications should be taken by all visitors. We also recommend that you pack mosquito repellent. For the most up-to-date requirements, immunizations, and personal suggestions, always see your doctor or pharmacist!

Normally you need the following vaccinations but please always consult a doctor

-Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
-DTP
-COVID19

Hepatitis

For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.

On arrival

When you arrive at the airport, our guide will be waiting for you. During safari, we use specially designed safari vehicles that allow us to have the best possible view of the wildlife. Luggage space is limited in safari vehicles (and small planes). It is therefore advised to travel with light bags, as heavy suitcases would overburden the plane and may be difficult to transport.

Money information

Money can be withdrawn from an ATM in the majority of cities. Travelers Cheques are not generally accepted, and paying by credit card is difficult or impossible outside of cities. The US dollar has typically been the preferred hard money. We recommend bringing several dollars for everyday costs and tips, and dollar bills should be no older than ten years old.

Currency Information

The Rwandan Franc is the country’s currency. Please check the most recent exchange rates before departing for your trip. This will serve as a guideline. Please keep in mind that you will get a higher exchange rate in larger cities.

AMREF Flying Doctors

We recommend that you apply for a Flying Doctors membership. If necessary, the membership enables a speedy and dependable air evacuation as well as medical assistance. AMREF Flying Doctors provides two covers (Annual and Tourist). You can pick from Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi), and Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar) (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia). Please visit the AMREF Flying Doctors website for additional information and to join.

Language in Rwanda

Rwanda’s official languages are French and English, and the local tongue is Kinyarwanda.

When to visit Rwanda

Rwanda is open all year and can be visited at any time. However, mountain hikes, gorilla tracking, and other forest walks are more difficult during the rainy seasons (March – May and October – November). The rainy season is thought to be the greatest time to visit Rwanda for birders. It rains more frequently during the rainy season, although not every day and not all day.

What Should You Wear in Rwanda?

Daytime temps range from pleasant to hot, so pack plenty of light clothing. Evenings are chilly, especially at high altitudes (areas around Volcanoes National Park and the Virungas), so bring a sweater or two. Mountain hikers will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should dress appropriately. For woodland walks, good walking shoes and sturdy clothing are essential. Because of the dense flora and thorns, gardening gloves come in helpful during gorilla tracking. Remember to pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof jacket. We recommend that you avoid wearing black or dark blue clothing on safari (because they can attract tsetse flies). We recommend that you dress appropriately if you are going on a community stroll or visiting the locals. Women, for example, may wear long skirts and a blouse that conceals their shoulders. We also recommend that you avoid wearing purple clothing. Following the 1994 Genocide, Rwanda “adopted” purple as the official color of mourning.

What to bring during Rwanda Travel ?

A valid passport is required (valid for at least three months after re-entry), and visa requirements for all countries you intend to visit should be confirmed before you travel. We recommend that you bring binoculars and field guides with you to make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks. Wildlife photography will necessitate the use of a zoom lens (70-300 or more). Please bring plenty of memory cards with you. Toiletries and other necessities can be purchased in towns, and a torch (flashlight) can be extremely beneficial.

Rwanda Electricity

We recommend that you bring an international adaptor for your electrical equipment. The Western European system is applied in Rwanda. Most lodges allow you to charge your batteries.

Driving in Rwanda

Driving is done on the right side of the road in Rwanda. Visitors who are unfamiliar with African roads are encouraged to travel in a 4WD vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide rather than self-drive, and all of our guides are properly educated in “Defensive Driving.”

Stopover Points

Please keep in mind that washrooms along the road are not always up to European standards, such as squatting toilets, no flushing toilets, or a lack of toilet paper. T.I.A. stands for This Is Africa, as the people say.

Facilities and accommodations

When traveling on a medium to low budget, bathroom facilities and accommodations may be more basic. Keep in mind that water reserves in eco lodges are limited, and in most cases, there are no plugs in the room, but you can always charge your electronics at the reception.

Tipping

Tipping is always graciously accepted. In hotels and restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10%. Tipping guides, drivers, and carriers is always appreciated. Indication: USD 1-3 for carriers and USD 5-15 for your driver/guide each day, depending on group size, number of days, and your pleasure.

Need More Information ?

The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Rwanda. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.

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Meet Some Happy African Safari Travellers

Sight View Safaris, thank you again for a brilliant safari and stay in Uganda. Everything scored on A plus. The Ugandan people are a joyful and welcoming…….

Martin and Stella

Canada

When traveling to Uganda, there are many choices for safari companies but the service and experience provided by Sight View Safaris cannot be matched……

Isabella and Gary

USA

We went on safari with Sight View Safaris in August 2015. We cannot rave enough about what a fantastic experience this was. The most memorable experiences of my life…..

Amy

Australia