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  • Best Rwanda National Parks

    Here are the best national parks to visit in Rwanda.

  • Self-Drive Guide to Exploring Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills

    Embarking on a self-drive adventure in Rwanda offers the freedom to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history at your own pace. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the lush rain forests of the national parks, Rwanda beckons travelers with its natural beauty and warm hospitality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide essential tips and insights to help you plan and enjoy an unforgettable self-drive journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.

    Prepare Your Itinerary:

    Start by outlining your itinerary and identifying key destinations you wish to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling capital of Kigali, the serene shores of Lake Kivu, or the wildlife-rich jungles of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda offers a diverse range of attractions to suit every traveler’s interests.

    Consider factors such as travel duration, driving distances, and road conditions when planning your itinerary. Allow flexibility for spontaneous detours and unexpected discoveries along the way. 

    Choose the Right Vehicle:

    Selecting a suitable vehicle is essential for a successful self-drive adventure in Rwanda. Opt for a reliable 4×4 vehicle with good ground clearance, especially if you plan to explore rural areas or venture off the beaten path.

    Check with rental companies to ensure the vehicle is properly serviced and equipped with essentials such as a spare tire, jack, and emergency toolkit. Consider additional features such as GPS navigation, air conditioning, and fuel efficiency for added comfort and convenience. 

    Obtain Necessary Documentation:

    Ensure you have all required documentation before embarking on your self-drive journey. This includes a valid driver’s license, passport or ID, vehicle registration and insurance papers, and any permits or visas required for travel.

    Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and traffic laws in Rwanda, including speed limits, road signage, and rules of the road. Drive cautiously and courteously, especially in urban areas and congested traffic. 

    Plan Your Routes:

    Research and plan your routes in advance using maps or GPS navigation systems. Rwandan roads are generally well-maintained, but some rural routes may be unpaved or require cautious driving.

    Allow extra time for travel, especially when navigating through hilly terrain or encountering unpredictable road conditions. Take breaks at scenic viewpoints, local markets, or roadside cafes to rest, recharge, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. 

    Safety and Security:

    Prioritize safety and security during your self-drive journey by taking necessary precautions and staying informed about local conditions.

    Keep valuables secure and out of sight, lock doors and windows when parked, and avoid leaving belongings unattended in the vehicle. Be vigilant, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots, and trust your instincts if something feels amiss. 

    Immerse in Local Culture:

    One of the highlights of self-driving in Rwanda is the opportunity to interact with local communities and immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture.

    Visit traditional villages, markets, and cultural centers to learn about Rwandan customs, traditions, and way of life. Engage with locals, sample regional cuisine, and participate in cultural activities such as dance, music, and storytelling for an authentic cultural experience. 

    Explore National Parks and Natural Wonders:

    Rwanda is home to several stunning national parks and natural wonders, each offering unique opportunities for adventure and exploration.

    Explore the dense rainforests of Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat or hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke for panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

    Discover the biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees, monkeys, and rare bird species, or unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu, where you can swim, kayak, or simply relax amidst tranquil surroundings. 

    Practice Responsible Tourism:

    As responsible travelers, it’s important to minimize your environmental impact and support sustainable tourism practices during your self-drive journey.

    Respect wildlife and natural habitats by adhering to park regulations and guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance from animals and avoiding littering or feeding wildlife.

    Support local communities by patronizing small businesses, purchasing locally-made souvenirs, and engaging in cultural exchanges that benefit the community.

    Conclusion:

    Embarking on a self-drive adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich heritage on your own terms. With careful planning, responsible driving, and an adventurous spirit, you can navigate Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and create unforgettable memories along the way. So buckle up, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills.

  • Booking a Gorilla Safari at Low Price!

    Booking a Gorilla Safari at Low Price!

    There are many ways of encountering Mountain Gorillas at the cheapest means possible. Mountain Gorilla safaris are done in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. National Parks hosting Mountain Gorillas include:

    • Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
    • Virunga National Park – Democratic Republic of Congo
    • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda
    • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda

    In this article, let us asses the possible ways of going on a low priced gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. What makes a cheap trip depends on the distance, the cost of gorilla permit, the price of accommodation, fair quotations from different tour operators among others.

    Currently, Rwanda gorilla permit cost US$1500, Uganda at US$800 while DRC cost US$400 so, travelers at low budget can wisely choose Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo to save big.

    • Self-driving is another way of cutting the prices. Here, you just need to hire a car and then drive to the gorilla park. Self – drive saves driver cost.
    • Book budget accommodation in case your budget is low. Budget accommodation charges pocket friendly prices compared to Mid-range and Luxury accommodation.
    • Book a short trip – 1 day Gorilla tour in Rwanda, Uganda or DRC is ideal. Short trip saves the travelers from high cost of accommodation, car charges and so on.
    • Travel in low season – low season results into low travelers turn up. During this period, accommodation cut off prices, tour operators offer pocket friendly prices and so on.
    • Visit multiple parks – Rwanda offers discounted gorilla permits for travelers who visit more than one National Park and spend at least 2 nights in each park. While in Rwanda, target to visit Volcanoes National Park (Home of mountain Gorillas), add on a visit to Nyungwe National Park or Akagera National Park.
    • Join scheduled gorilla tours – Some tour companies set scheduled gorilla trip for groups and once you confirm your slot, you are entitled to a cheap gorilla safari.
    • Get other people to join – they can be relatives or friend to share transport cost and accommodation thus reducing safari costs.
    • Trek Gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC is the cheapest destination as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. Currently, the cost of Gorilla permit in DRC is US$400 compared to that of Rwanda at US$1500 and Uganda at US$800.
    • Use public transport to reach the gorilla parks – public transport seems to be cheaper than customized private transport. You just need to buy a gorilla permit and then use public transport to reach the gorilla park – trek Gorillas and leave the park.

    Gorilla trekking is a life time event which every one should enjoy before death however; some people argue that the cost of gorilla permit is too high.

  • More Conservation Efforts Required for Eastern Lowland Gorillas

    More Conservation Efforts Required for Eastern Lowland Gorillas

    There are several groups of gorillas in the whole world, which include the western lowland gorillas, the cross-river gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas and the eastern mountain gorillas; the total of these gorilla groups is approximately 100,000 in the whole world. The mountain gorillas are approximately 880 where as the cross-river gorillas are between 250-300 located in the borders of Nigeria and Cameroon. World wide, gorillas are endangered species and share 95% of human being making them the most close relatives to humans among all other mammals.

    It is believed that there was rapid decrease of gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo both mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega National Park according to the state of apes report in 2014.

    The rapid decline of the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park was mainly due to civil wars that struck the area out of the Rwanda genocide in 1994 reducing the population of gorillas in the national park from 17,000 to only 2000, most gorillas were shot accidentally, others died in their trying to look for safer areas among others which led to a greater decline.

    More still, even though civil wars came to an end, Democratic Republic of Congo is still not very safe, the armed groups still occupy large parts of the Kahuzi Biega national park and other ape habitats in the country. These armed groups feed on these endangered species, killing them for daily food sources which has led to continued decline of the eastern lowland gorillas in the country.

    In addition, the devastating loss of Eastern lowland gorillas is due to lack of infrastructure (poor roads) connecting to Kahuzi Biega national park, the national park is in the remote areas of democratic republic of Congo which make its accessibility very difficult. Many people have resisted visiting the national park for example there is no gorilla tourism in the park, which would have saved these rare species. Therefore, the lack of accessibility to the national park by the responsible people (tourists) has contributed to the great decline of gorillas in the national park.

    To add on, the illegal mining in the Kahuzi Biega national park has led to the decline of gorillas in the national park, the small scale mining known as the Aka artisanal mining is done in the ecologically sensitive areas of the national park extracting minerals such as gold, tantalum AKA Colton used in electronics, tungsten also used in components for electronics, and tin. This form of mining is unsafe and high destructive to the eastern lowland gorillas since it is un regulated, it is done by a small group of people who move into ecologically sensitive areas to extract minerals. The mining in the national park is seen as one of the few viable options of generating income for these small groups of people in order to support their families and improve their standards of living but in turn, has led to the decline of the rare gorillas.
    Also, the on going pet trade in the Democratic republic of Congo has reduced the number of Eastern low land gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega national park, according to the great ape survival program, the collection and selling of infant apes (gorillas) by the local people and the armed groups in the park is of great loss, these infants are sold to the private buyers and zoo owners in the middle east and Asia after the massacre of family groups. The adults within the gorilla group are first killed for food and meat for selling where as the infants are sold as pets and others to those people with zoos, this trade is illegal and has greatly reduced the population of gorillas in the national park since there is regeneration, adults are killed and infants sold out. Is so unfortunate.

    In conclusion therefore, despite of the devastating decline of the eastern lowland gorillas in the democratic republic of Congo, there is great hope for the increased gorillas in the future, the war came to un end and Congo is now politically stable making is a tourism destination (gorilla tourism) in the national park which is of great importance. Today tourists cross from Rwanda to Congo for lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park, this is a great income source for lowland gorilla conservation efforts in D.R.Congo. Other support programs both by the government and private organizations are also believed to save these rare endangered species, effective projects, programs and strategies have been put in place and are moving forward to save the rare endangered Eastern lowland gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

  • Going on a Self Drive Holiday in Rwanda

    Going on a Self Drive Holiday in Rwanda

    Renting a self-drive car is prevalent in western countries, but in Rwanda, it is on the verge of gaining the limelight status. With so many cabs and taxi options available in Rwanda, people are always inclined towards choosing a convenient choice of sitting in the back seat and enjoying the ride.

    Having a vehicle offers a great opportunity for convenience when traveling around Rwanda. You can move at your own speed, stop anytime you want to take photos and enjoy the amazing scenery and still, you can reach to different places that can’t be accessed by public transport.

    Rwanda is ranked as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Africa due to its spectacular rolling hills and endowed cultures. Though the terrific 1994 Rwanda genocide could have had its own impacts in this remarkable country for a period of time, it was able to get out of this drama till some positive impact was realized and today, it features as one of the safest and most remarkable tourist sites that Africa offers to the world travelers. Depending on what your travel interests are in Africa bit guided safaris, self-drive adventures, you will certainly realize that comfort when you hire one of our car rentals for your safaris in Rwanda.

    Be that as it may, putting these things in mind before hiring a self-drive car in Rwanda will save you a lot of money, time, and even a big travel headache.

    Choosing a Company

    The growth of self-drive safaris in Rwanda has led to the establishment of different local car rental companies in the country in addition to the well-known international companies in the country like Rwanda car rental.

    During the planning phase of a self-drive safari to Rwanda, you need to reserve your 4×4 rental car in advance so that you can get enough time to compare the prices for a great deal. It takes time to compare the prices from different agencies and prices can vary depending on the season you renting the car, the rental duration, promotional offers, and the company you hiring from.

    Reviews about the self-drive car company

    Why not browse the internet and look for some reliable car rentals company before finalizing one? Car rentals market is expanding with more and more adding to the list. However, if you look at the reliability, not all car rental companies are maintaining a high-level quality. Looking for reviews and ratings before booking one is essential. You can even enquire with your friends who often hire a car for their weekend gateway.

    Ask all the detail about the car

    We positively didn’t deny on your familiarity about car models and how to drive them, but the things that you don’t know is, about the renting car’s mileage, oil levels, age of the vehicle, petrol or diesel vehicle, availability of road support, and more. Try asking questions about that particular car that you are going to rent and acquire all the required details.

    Cross the border with the rental Vehicle

    Some car rental agencies in Rwanda may not allow you to cross with their vehicle to other countries and some have a list of countries where their vehicles are not allowed to go and the common countries on most car rental agencies lists include; The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Central African Republic, South Sudan, and others. However, the list always changes according to the company.

    Make Sure you have all the papers you need to pick the car

    On the day of picking the car from the car rental agency, they will ask for your driving permit and any other means of identification from your country of origin.

    Having an international driving permit/license doesn’t mean that you should not carry your driver’s license or passport, the international driver’s license is just a supplement to the passport and the driving permit this means you should have both of them.

    That means your passport, driver’s license are the common documents you need to be with when going to pick up the vehicle from the car rental agency and even if you requested the car rental agency to deliver the vehicle to your hotel, the agent will need to see them before he gives you the car keys.

    Read the contract thoroughly before you sign

    Don’t go easy on this part. You need to study the fine prints of terms and conditions also analyze their tariffs then choose. Some companies renting a self-drive car rental by limiting the kilometers according to the number of days you are renting. Some might ask for security or caution deposit and some come with hidden charges. It all differs according to the car renting company that you choose, so look for kilometer limit, cancellation policy, fuel charges, caution deposit, types of payment accepted, process while returning and fees for the delay, you can even check for discounts and refunds.

    Take a better look at any damages

    Take a walk around the car and also peep inside for any damages. You do not want to take up the responsibility of the last person’s reckless driving. Isn’t it? It is just going to take a few minutes to check the car for the damages. If you find any, ask the car rentals company to make a note of it on their paperwork. Why not click few pictures in your smartphone to have evidence? It helps you when you are surrendering the car and if your rental company is charging for the damage. 

    Check for the Fuel levels

    The car rentals companies deliver the car with a full tank fuel. However, while collecting the keys, ensure the fuel levels to verify whether it is on a full tank.  Some companies offer, with or without fuel package whereas some covers the fuel cost in rental charges. Whatever be the package you are using, it is better to check by yourself the fuel levels to avoid any hiccups while returning the vehicle.

    Conclusion

    Putting all these points in mind before you hire a vehicle for self-drive in Rwanda, you will be sure of having a successful and amazing road trip in Tanzania national parks. Now that you have acquired a clear understanding of things to check before renting a self-drive car in Rwanda.

  • What to Know When Planning a Self Drive in Rwanda

    What to Know When Planning a Self Drive in Rwanda

    Planning for self drive in Africa, below is what you should know to make your planning effective. I remember scouring the internet for all kinds of information and it was so confusing. Enjoy the planning stages and use the time to prepare yourself physically and psychologically and find reputable companies and our holiday was arranged by now my friend Moses who helped us to plan our holiday. Through his company he offers self drive in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya and our safari was full of fun and hassle free due to the reliable cars that he offers to clients.

    Visas

    For some countries you will need to apply for a visa in advance, either from the embassy in your own country or in a neighboring African country. Others you’ll be able to get at the point of entry (airport/border).

    Money

    Visa is much more widely accepted than Master Card or any other card so always take a Visa card with you. Just remember to tell your bank where you are going; otherwise they may block your cards.

    If I can’t get local currency, I take a couple of hundred (Dollars/Pounds/Euros etc) in an accessible purse, and change that amount at the airport. Or use the ATM to get out a little bit. Then, I’ll change the rest of my money as I go, just so that I’m not getting out tons of cash at the airport, especially when I’m tired and disoriented.

    Safety

    Unfortunately, there will always be some places that you will be advised to avoid, for various reasons, but luckily, those places tend to be in the minority.

    Health

    The World Health Organization is the place to find out about any particular issues that are affecting the areas you might be travelling to. Like for instance, the current Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. Or you can try The Travel Doctor, another great resource when looking at what precautions you need to take in which countries.

    Vaccinations:

    Aside from your routine vaccinations (MMR, Polio, Diphtheria, Meningitis etc.) Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (3 x vaccinations), Tetanus and Typhoid are all highly recommended. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is a risk you can find a list here. 3 x Rabies vaccinations are also recommended if you are going to be visiting any remote areas or likely to come into contact with animals. First port of call is to speak to your doctor. They should be able to advise you on what you need and may be able to give you some of your vaccinations for free, or on a cheap prescription. For everything else go to your local travel clinic.

    Malaria:

    Malaria is rife in many parts of Africa. Taking anti-malarial is a personal choice and some people don’t like them as the side effects can be a bit nasty. I do take anti-malarial, that’s my choice and I’ve never had any trouble with the ones I’ve tried. If you choose to take them, your doctor can advise the best ones for you. Always test them out a few weeks before you go. If you do get side effects, probably best to find out before you leave home. See below in the ‘Staying Healthy’ section for more info on malaria prevention (just remember some malaria tablets make the contraceptive pill ineffective).

    Travel Insurance:

    Travel insurance is a must. That way, if you need any specialist help whilst you are there, you are covered to get the best care

    What to Pack

    • Clothing: 

    In terms of what’s appropriate to wear, it varies from country to country. Predominantly Muslim countries tend to be more conservative than other countries, but here are a few guidelines I tend to stick to wherever I travel to avoid any unnecessary attention (or offending anyone):

    • Dress modestly, if going to a school, market, village, border crossing etc. Shoulders are usually fine, but keep your knees covered. No miniskirts or hot pants. Knees and shoulders should be covered in Muslim areas, such as Zanzibar.
    • You’ll be ok in shorts in some tourist spots i.e.) Victoria Falls. But still, don’t go too short. If in doubt, look at what the locals are wearing. Follow suit.
    • At your hotel/round the pool it is usually fine to wear what you want.
    • I always carry a scarf with me in case I need to cover my shoulders or head.
    • It is rude to show the small of your back in some places so wear longer tops or tie something round your waist.
    • Take at least one nicer outfit if you are planning to go to any of the up market hotels, however they don’t usually have strict dress codes.
    • Leave your fancy jewelry at home.
    • Leggings are good to take. You can wear these under a dress that might be too short otherwise.
    • Even though it’s Africa and you don’t expect it to be cold, it DOES get cold at night in many places, so take some warm clothes i.e.) a fleece.
    • A good pair of sturdy shoes.
    • Take a sports bra for those bumpy roads.

    Where to Stay

    There are loads of great hostels, hotels, camps and guesthouses in Africa. You can book most of these through places like Hostel bookers or direct by emailing them. I tend to get recommendations from other travelers as I go, and cross reference with Trip advisor and Lonely Planet. I also know loads of great places to stay, so if you want to know any for specific areas, just ask in the comments below! If you’re camping, they’re usually pretty safe (hippos etc. aside), and almost all places have a guard, probably your main concern is in cities and towns.

  • A Day Trip to See Rwanda Gorillas

    A Day Trip to See Rwanda Gorillas

    Rwanda is a very beautiful Africa country with a lot to see and discover but just a day in Rwanda is enough for one to enjoy the best country attractions and adventures. Are you a first time visitor or you got less time?.If you’re planning unforgettable Rwanda trip outside the city, a one day Rwanda gorilla safari is that you must not miss in Rwanda especially for saving and limited time travelers. This trip simplifies life for many travelers with fixed travel schedules and budget because, you experience the most loved wildlife encounter and also maintain your work or travel schedules.Less is spent on this trip and travelers save much on accommodation, transport and the entire holiday than those who go for long Rwanda holidays. The amazing thing is that it converts many from city noise and hassles to the wild and the breathtaking jungle tiled in bamboo trees and green vegetation. The one day Rwanda trip to Volcanoes national park and the finest gorilla tracking destination in Africa fulfills all human imaginations of Africa gorilla safaris as well as offering impressive jungle experience.

    Volcanoes national park location is for history because it qualifies as the nearest mountain gorilla tracking destination for everyone visiting Africa for gorilla tracking holidays. Travelers have breakfast very early before leaving there lodge of residence in Kigali and also enjoy a morning cup of coffee before briefing in company of Rwanda cultural dancers. After the trek you can have lunch in any of the gorilla lodge around the park or drive back to Kigali city and have it done in complete comfort and relaxation. No entrance fees are paid and the trip permits one to explore Kigali city as well because the Rwanda gorilla safaris end a little bit early than expected. Please be aware those Rwanda gorillas permits are on high demand year round so book your gorilla pass as early as possible in order not to be disappointed. However, lucky travelers book last minute Rwanda gorilla tracking tours and still find gorilla permits available though some ones luck can never be yours. The one day trip does not need one to book accommodation at the park on the day for the trek since you will leave immediately.

    All you need is only, the valid passport, Rwanda gorilla permit, tracking gears, some little cash that is you want to tip or donate to any local community project around the park.Some times its tricky during the high season so would highly recommend travelers to book their gorilla permits, transport and other essential through a trusted and genuine Rwanda travel agent.

    Those with more time in the country can engage in other park tour activities like golden monkey trek, hiking, birding, community visits, Dian Fossey visit, forest walk, hiking ,or visit other Rwanda tourist attractions near the gorilla park like Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera national park among others.In Africa its only Rwanda with perfect tour destinations and spots to unwind, rejuvenate and also enjoy the fresh atmosphere.

  • How to Find Discounted Rwanda Primate Safaris

    Planning for Rwanda primate Safari holiday can be interesting and challenging at the very Same time , many travelers are looking for primate safari companies to ensure they enjoy the gorilla trekking in Rwanda.  Mountain Gorilla Trekking  can be done in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo.

    Rwanda primate safaris is a local safari company that is offering gorilla tours to africa for over a decade. Select the reliable safari company to offer you an interesting Rwanda Safari Tour and Find the complete things to guide you on the finding the ultimate safari company.

    There is nothing that make ones vacation a success than finding the right company to organize such a safari on his/her behalf. However, every safari company is after profit maximization and you as a tourist is after profit minimization. So there are some factors that can play in your favor to find the cheap company for the task.

    1) Always take advantage of low seasons

    There are seasons when these safari companies are fully booked or have an influx of tourists. So what they normally do is to raise their total safari cost in order to drive away some of them. So always try to travel in low seasons where you will get a very low cost since very few people travel during these times and this force every service provider like hotels, car hirers, meals to lessen their prices thus affecting the total safari cost positively to the tourist.

    2) Desist last minute bookings.

    There is nothing as bad as last minute inquiries. This is very bad and leads to over pricing as the safari company. So it is always better to book your safari company in advance. This will help you to consult several companies and take your time to select the one with the cheapest and lowest rate. In this case you will get a good deal at a very cheap rate.

    3) Always make use of the travel forums.

    It is always better to go somewhere after getting some information from those people that have gone there before. These people will always have first-hand information and share it with you and this can really help you. Such information caters for all areas of travel from car hiring companies, cheap accommodations, competent safari companies and estimation of safari total cost. So all this can be achieved through such travel forums like trip advisor, lonely planet, Brandt, thorn tree, Fodor

     Compare prices across multiple companies

    Gone are those days when one safari company could operate throughout the country. So Rwandan currently boasts of several safari companies from which you can have a wide range of them to select from. Each one has its own quotation it can avail to you for scrutiny which means that a particular company might not be the cheapest one at all times. It is best if you search across many and make a decision from an informed point of view.

    Book everything with one company

    There is a tendency of travelers booking everything separately. This is very bad and always desists from it as it ends up making you pay heavily for everything. When you happen to book everything with several companies, you are always highly priced yet when you book with one company; you are liable for a discount since you have booked a lot of services from them thus getting a cheap deal from that company.

    Plan in advance

    Finally, the most traditional and the most accurate way to find those cheapest companies to serve you is to plan in advance. This way you might get subsidized rates especially for booking. If you are one of those who can plan 3 to 6 months into the future, then you can get some fantastic fares. But, the key is to plan well in advance, which is always very difficult.

    Hope the above information will guide you on finding the ultimate gorilla tour company that will reward you the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo with the chance of viewing the mountain gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas and other primates like golden monkey.

  • Amazing Facts About Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

    Amazing Facts About Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

    There can be a few experiences in the world more memorable and magical than an encounter with a mountain gorilla. Rwanda is blessed to be among the few countries that happen to be a home to  the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world. There are thought to be around only 1000 mountain gorillas’ world wide today and all found in small areas of east Africa straddling the boarder of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo with none in the Zoo.

    CONSERVATION HISTORY:

    Rwanda is the premier destination to track these giants besides Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Oscar Von Beringe a German officer was the first European to encounter the mountain gorillas; he decided that some thing must be done to preserve the population of these magnificent creatures, and in 1925 he persuaded the Belgian government to create Africa’s first protected area , Albert National park(now volcanoes national park). The first scientific study of mountain gorillas in the virunga volcanoes was undertaken by George Schaller in 1959. And later his work was continued by Dian Fossey from 1967 she studied the behaviors of mountain gorillas for a period of over 18 years and her story has been made the subject of her film, Gorillas in the Mist. But she was later murdered in December 1985, most likely by poachers with whom she had made her self very unpopular.

    SIZE :

    Gorillas are one of the largest of the great apes and share about 97% of their biology with human; the other three are chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans. Great apes are different from monkeys for a variety of reasons; they are larger, walk upright for a longer period of time, don’t have tails and have more developed brains.

    GORILLAS AS A GENUS:

    Gorillas are divided into two species and that is the Eastern Gorillas and the western Gorillas.  Each species is the further divided two tow there by making four subspecies of western lowland gorillas, the eastern lowland gorillas, the mountain gorillas and the Cross River gorilla. Western lowland gorillas inhabit Cameroon, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, eastern DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Angola Eastern lowland gorillas are found in part of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and sometimes visit the areas one borders of  Uganda and Rwanda with D. R. Congo, while Mountain gorillas can only be found in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and the slopes of Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda. The mountain gorillas are distinguished from there lowland relatives by there broader chest, longer black fur , and a wider jaw, they also tend to be a bit larger than other gorillas and as their name suggests, they can only be found in Forested Mountains.

    MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING:

    Rwanda has the easiest groups to track in the Virunga volcanoes as it’s a 3hours drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. And the habituated gorilla groups are a little easier to reach from Rwanda side, than those living in the same mountain range in Uganda and the democratic Republic of Congo (just a cross the boarder). Although however much it’s easy to reach to the gorillas in Rwanda, tracking gorillas takes some effort. The bush is thick with stinging and burning nettles, the slopes of the mountains are steep and muddy. But all this is unforgettable for the one hour you spend with this giant species as they are fabulous fan to watch while doing their daily activities.

    BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS:

    Mountain gorillas are shy, but when in danger, they can be aggressive. They beat their chests and let out angry grunts and roars. Group leaders will charge at the threat. Mothers will fight to death to protect their young ones. And the silverback will strongly fight to protect the group. Mountain gorillas of Rwanda live in groups of up to 6-12. The group is led by a single male, called silverbacks because of the distinctive silvery fur growing on their back and hips when they mature at least 12 years olds , these silverback scares away other animals by standing on their back legs they  decide all activities within their troop. They schedule feeding trips, resting time, and travel. These troops also include several younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants. Females always give birth at about 10 years and will have more offspring every three or four years and give birth after an 8.5-month gestation period ad it produce a single young, twine cases are so rare in gorillas. A male gorilla begins to breed between 12 and 15 years, when he is in charge of his own group. Young male gorillas called blackbucks usually leave their family group when they are about 11 years old and have their own family group by the age of 15 years old. Young female gorillas join a new group at about 8 years old.
    A Fully-grown male mountain gorilla can weigh up to 180 kg (400 lb). Females weigh half that at about 90 kg (200 lb)

    DIET

    ; Gorillas although eat a variety of plants, favorites include wild celery, bamboo, thistles, stinging nettles, bedstraw and certain fruit. These plants seem to provide sufficient moisture so that gorillas do not need water. And they are known to be herbivores as they spend most of their day foraging for food
    These species live between 40 to 50 years and an adult gorilla is about 1 meter tall to their shoulders when walking on all fours using their arms and their legs.
    There are 9 gorilla groups in Rwanda these include the Susa, Group 13, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Omubano, Hirwa.

    Threats

    Gorillas are threatened by human activities such as poaching for the bush meat and diseases like Ebola, wild animals like lion, leopards also attack and kill most especially the young gorillas. They are also affected by climate change especially that live in higher elevations like mountains.

    Why not plan your rwanda gorilla tour today and support Gorilla conservation in the Wild in Rwanda today for future generations.

  • Planning Family Safaris in Rwanda

    Like any other travel destination, Rwanda the land of great views welcomes all kinds of visitors at any time of the year to explore its natural beauty. Despite it being the smallest in the region, the country is bordered by Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Burundi which make it act as the most convenient connecting hub to most amazing regional tourist attractions. Bwindi forest, Mgahinga national park, Virunga conservation area, active volcanoes – Nyirangongo and Nyinamulagira plus rewarding mountains ,Muhavura, Bisoke & Karisimbi are one of the most selected attractions which make travellers to Rwanda cross borders for more adventure fun. Among the many new and creative tour options that are available for families and group tours to Rwanda include the 5-9 day gorilla and wildlife safari Uganda & Rwanda and a 5 day gorilla tracking tour Rwanda & Congo. These Rwanda gorilla safaris turn into life time opportunities for multi generations even those yet to come.

    Opportunities don’t seem to end when travel expats modify tour itinerary programs to suit different tastes of traveller to Rwanda for holidays.

    Rwanda family and group tours are always down to earth in costs and affordable by many despite the pricy gorilla permits at US$1500. Lodging facilities also fit in many traveller budgets because 2-3 people can share a room and cost unlike the single occupancy. Tourists get worried when it comes to connecting between different destinations in foreign country but the solution is only to travel in a group or family so that you can share the same vehicle and also spend less on both car hire and fuel. Besides for those interested in visiting other tourist attractions in the region still safari vehicles are allowed to cross from one country to the other hence adventuring on minimal budget.No family holiday can end in Rwanda without taking a wild forest walk to Volcanoes national park to meet the endangered mountain gorillas. Also Learning about the Rwanda culture is a must for many travellers because no guest can fail to steer at a live cultural dance performance before the Gorilla trek or even after. Those who get to the park late at the time for Gorilla briefing can still catch up with the most Rwanda cultural tour experience after the trek that is they are stay around the country for an extra day.

    Guests are allowed to be part of all the different cultural activities, the cultural dance, the warrior performance, king and queen performance, marriage celebration performances etc a thing which make them love the foreign culture even more. It’s a great experience to be treated as a royal in the foreign land. Wonderful afternoon forest walks also count a lot in most Rwanda group and family holidays providing unforgettable moment together as one.Imagine being one of them on your Rwanda Gorilla tracking tour. Don’t feel sad if you planning your Rwanda safari holiday alone but you can still join others on a group tour or convince your friends to join you and explore Rwanda’s main attraction together. I understand some times travel dates can be a problem to match with friends but try and set distant dates for everyone to plan. Though Gorilla permit prices are bound to be higher by 2020 I believe family and group tours will be the best tour option for every travellers Rwanda.