What to do during your Rwanda safari
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the premium attraction of all Rwanda safaris. The experience attracts the highest number of visitors to Rwanda to trek these endangered primates in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains. There are over 400 gorillas in the park habituated into 10 groups which are visited by trekkers every day. Each habituated gorilla group is visited by a group of 8 trekkers per day who are permitted to spend one hour in the presence of the primates. Mountain gorillas are endangered species which were at the brink of extinction a few decades ago only to be rescued by the intensive conservation efforts from both governments and conservationists. In order to strike a balance between gorilla tourism and conservation, gorilla-trekking guidelines were drafted to limit human interference and allow gorillas to thrive in their natural habitat. Other measures like strict laws against poaching of gorillas and expansion of their habitat have also been undertaken in order to enhance gorilla protection. There has been a significant increase in the number of mountain gorillas as a result of this enhanced conservation effort. The gorilla census of 2018 revealed that about 1,064 mountain gorillas are living in the wild a tremendous increase from about 250 which were surviving in the 1970s. Gorilla tourism has highly been developed in Rwanda to benefit both the animals and the community. Proceeds from gorilla trekking revenue are used to enhance gorilla conservation as well as developing the communities around the park. 20% of gorilla tourism revenue is given back to develop these communities through establishing schools, hospitals, roads and creating jobs. Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 and can be booked online through a trusted local tour operator.
Chimpanzee Trekking
This takes places in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south western region of Rwanda. Enjoy a close encounter with the endangered chimpanzees of Rwanda seen in either the main Nyungwe Forest or the Cyamudongo Forest. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest costs $90 which make it a bit cheaper compared to the sister mountain gorillas. In most cases, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is done alongside canopy walk which offer you great aerial views of Nyungwe Forest, Virunga Volcanoes and the neighboring communities
Game Viewing
Explore the big five game in Akagera National Park with Excellent Africa Safaris. The guided game drives in the morning, evening and night offer you great views of wild animals such as Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Rhinos, Giraffes, Topis, Oribis, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Zebras, Duikers, Impalas and Hyenas among others. Also, in Akagera National Park, join a boat ride at Lake Ihema best for bird watching on the shores
Kigali City Tour
Enjoy the Kigali city tour and appreciate the beauty and cleanness of this small city ranked top in Africa. You will visit numerous destinations in the city centre such as the iconic Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali genocide memorial Centre, Presidential Palace, Art galleries and local markets.
Volcano hiking
Join our Rwanda adventure safaris to hike Mt Karisimbi located in the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo guided by Excellent African Safaris. The volcano stands at 4507 meters above sea level making it the tallest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area. The 4 Days Gorilla tour and Mt Karisimbi hiking tour is the best package to conquer this iconic volcano. The other Volcano to hike in Rwanda is Bisoke Volcano which can be hiked up and down in one day.
