Rwanda
The Land of A thousand hills
Whether it’s gorilla trekking Rwanda or birding safaris, our professionals can help you arrange your trip to the areas listed below, based on your preferences and interests.
Rwanda is renowned as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and its stunning environment and quiet, kind people provide unique experiences. Rwanda is a landlocked nation in East Africa that borders the Great Rift Valley, which contains the African Great Lakes area. It is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, with its capital in Kigali. Rwanda’s gorgeous environment and kind, friendly inhabitants provide unique adventure experiences, making it one of the world’s most outstanding countries. It has an incredibly diverse spectrum of biodiversity, with spectacular animal species dwelling in its mountains, alpine rainforest, and huge savanna plains.
Visit Kigali city to get a taste of the most unique historical experience on display at the Kigali genocide monument, and see the most fascinating endangered animals in their native environment at Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla hiking and trekking Rwanda’s Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk experiences take place in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest montane rain forests in the tropics region, and Akagera National Park, one of Africa’s most spectacular savanna parks with the highest chances of seeing the big five. The primary focus of Qari travel services is on group and private travel. With competence, experience, specialised knowledge, and expertise in developing, pricing, advising, and executing group travel to Rwanda. Our experienced consultants offer all-inclusive itineraries, exclusive added value to this tour and safari destinations.
Rwanda Tours
There are so many wonderful sites and places to explore in Rwanda. Unfortunately, it does not benefit clients of budget gorilla tracking. The genocide memorial monuments, Gisenyi trails, Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park (where Rwanda gorilla trekking tours take place from), Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, Caplaki Crafts Village, as well as several other lovely vacation spots, are some of the most well-liked locations you will visit while on your safari in Rwanda. Each of these locations has a variety of intriguing things to do to offer visitors. Beyond tourism, Rwanda is a relatively tranquil, orderly, and structured nation, which is in part why most travelers have it on their bucket lists to visit. The hills, mountains and rich culture are definitely something worth having a sight of! Small landlocked Rwanda country has so much to offer for holidays and you shouldn’t hesitate to visit it. Please browse through some of our Rwanda safaris above to get started.
Why you should go on Rwanda safaris
Every year, a huge number of visitors visit Rwanda to go on safaris to see the gorillas. Your top reason for coming should also be this. You may include a variety of extra activities in your Rwanda vacation packages to broaden your experience. PNV has enough variety to keep you interested for seven days. Consider visiting locations like Nyungwe Forest, Akagera, Gisenyi – Lake Kivu, and touring Kigali City while you vacation. There are several mountains to select from for individuals who enjoy climbing excursions. You may climb Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo right away for a very low cost. Despite the fact that there isn’t much to see on Rwanda safaris, try to make the most of the travel arrangements you have made.
Rwanda gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris
When Rwanda increased the price of gorilla permits to $1500 per in 2017, it became a recognized luxury gorilla safari destination. Due in part to PNV’s low height, the walk in Rwanda is significantly simpler than those in other places. The simplest gorillas to find are those in Rwanda. By car, it takes just two hours to reach Volcanoes National Park. During Uganda safaris, the trip from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes nine hours, which is seven hours shorter. We advise that you go gorilla trekking from here if you can afford to spend that much on permits. Akagera National Park is one of the few safari parks in Africa having the big five game species, making it a popular destination for Rwandan wildlife safaris. It is excellent place for wildlife viewing encounters.
Best time to go on Rwanda tours
between the greatest experience, plan your Rwanda vacation between June through September or December through February. These are reportedly the driest months of the year and provide the finest opportunities for animal observation. You may easily go mountain gorilla trekking in PNV and view animals in large herds as they travel across the separate Rwanda safari areas. What about the opposite months? Rwanda is a year-round safari destination, so you may go there whenever you choose. If it rains, the weather will eventually return to normal, and the day will continue. The aforementioned months are the most advised for safari vacations in Rwanda, although other months are also excellent.
Choosing your Rwanda travel package
Your choice of Rwanda holiday packages will be based on your favorite safari activities. Your Rwanda safari may only take two days if seeing mountain gorillas is your only goal. small gorilla trekking safaris are significantly favored by the country’s small distances. Your vacation will last longer if you mix additional activities. Additionally, pick a package with excellent, comfy facilities. When it comes to safaris, comfort is key. Your trip might be ruined by uncomfortable amenities. Your comfort is a top concern for us when you travel with us. We utilize some of the best safari lodges in Rwanda that we have collaborated with for all of our vacation excursions.
Why make us your safari company
Our reviews on Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor speak for themselves. One of the most cost-conscious tour and travel companies you will ever come across is us. Our team of advisors has extensive knowledge of the Rwandan travel and tourism sector. We have a great deal of expertise and experience. In this land of a thousand hills and mountains, we are prepared to help you have an unforgettable vacation. Now is the time to reserve any of the safaris we offer to Rwanda.
Rwanda Gorilla Tours
A trip to Rwanda is one that will make you smile a million times over since there are so many opportunities to see the stunning animals of East-Central Africa thanks to Rwanda Gorilla Tours. We provide information about the remarkable big apes in their natural environment, the price of Rwanda gorilla tours, the optimum time to do this life-changing journey, and lodging options.
About gorilla tours in Rwanda
Only found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwandan gorillas are a subspecies of Eastern gorillas. The diverse gorilla subspecies may not be easily distinguished by a novice gorilla trekker, but mountain gorillas may be identified by their longer, darker, and thicker fur, which helps to guarantee their survival in the chilly and mountainous regions where they inhabit.
After 8.5 months of pregnancy, a baby mountain gorilla weighs between 1.8 and 2 kilos and grows up to reach between 100 and 200 kilograms (depending on the sex). As of this writing, Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, giving guests interested in Rwanda gorilla tours 96 gorilla permits.
What to expect during Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris?
Making plans for Rwanda In order to ensure that unforgettable experiences are had, gorilla excursions start early, even before travelers reach the region of a thousand hills. Trekkers meet at the Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 am for the required briefing, which is conducted by Park Rangers. After that, a habituated gorilla group will be assigned to you depending on your age, degree of fitness, and personal interests.
After a 20-to-30-minute journey to the trailheads at the park’s edge, hikes begin at 8 a.m. and ascend to several gorilla family areas. Until heights of 8202 feet to 13123 feet above sea level, these hikes will take anything from 30 minutes to three hours or more. Because gorilla habitats are located in high altitudes with difficult terrain, hiring porters is advised to support you throughout your gorilla trekking trip by carrying your bag and camera gear.
The English-speaking Ranger guides are informed on mountain gorilla behavior and frequently drive tourists through areas where habituated gorilla groups—groups that are clearly used to human presence—can be found. As just one hour is allowed for observation and photography, hikers anticipate to see the massive silverback, which may weigh up to 200 kilos, and the lively infant gorillas.
While encountering these gentle giants of the African rainforests is the primary goal of Rwanda gorilla tours, the nearby local inhabitants that live close to these National Parks also gain from the industry. In Rwanda, 10% of the $1500 you spend on gorilla permits is returned to the community for the construction of health centers, schools, and road infrastructure. In addition, there is a fund set up to compensate farmers whose crops have been destroyed by mountain gorillas in order to encourage the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals.
HABITUATED FAMILIES TREKKED DURING RWANDA GORILLA TOURS
Igisha gorilla group
This group, led by silverback Igisha, broke away from the Susa group on November 30, 2014, when the stubborn silverback made the decision to break ways with more than 23 members. Since then, the group has expanded to nearly 31 individuals, including nine adult females, three sub-adult females, three blackbacks, three adolescents, and eight newborns.
Karisimbi gorilla group
Also referred as Susa B (because it broke-off from Susa) and is made up of about 15 members, occupying the slopes of Mount Karisimbi-highest of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. This makes the group one of the difficult-to-trek families in Volcanoes National Park.
Agashya/Group 13 gorilla family
Because there were only 13 members of Agashya when it was found, it is also known as “Group 13”. At the moment, there are more than 25 individuals, including a silverback, twelve adult females, two sub-adult females, three adolescents, and seven newborns. At first, Nyakarima served as the group’s leader, but after Agashya challenged him, the group’s name was also altered.
Sabyinyo gorilla group
This is one of the easy-to-trek gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park and occupies the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. It is led by Guhonda, the oldest silverback alive and is made up of 8 members that include several adult females, only one silverback (after keeping away his challenger, Ryango), juveniles and one baby gorilla.
Ugenda gorilla group
This family was named “Ugenda”, meaning “on the move” for its behavior of constantly roaming around Bisoke and Karisimbi Mountain areas. It presently has about 11 members with two silverbacks.
Bwenge gorilla family
This 11-member group is led by Bwenge and was formed in 2007 after he left with some females from his natal group. It is mainly trekked from slopes of Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains.
Amahoro gorilla group
Amahoro means “peace” in the Kinyarwanda dialect, owing to the peaceful nature of group members and is made up of 17 individuals that include one silverback, five adult females, four blackbacks, two juveniles and infants. The group had more members untilUmubano, one of the silverbacks took members to form Umubano group.
Kwitonda gorilla group
This 18-member group is led by silverback Kwitonda and is said to have migrated from Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo and has since then found permanent shelter in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Hirwa gorilla family
This group was first sighted around Mount Sabyinyo and was habituated in 2006. It has 9 members with one silverback, three adult females, two sub-adult females and three infants.
Susa Agorilla family
It is known as one of the most famous groups in Volcanoes National Park, owing to Dian Fossey studies of 1967 to 1985. Before splitting, it was the largest group with over 42 members in 2008. It was named after Susa River because that’s the location where it was first spotted. The group further lost its members in 2014 when Igisha left with over 23 gorillas.
Umubano gorilla family
Umubano means “benevolence” because the group lives in closeness with Amahoro group. This break-away group from Amahoro is led by Umubano and is made up of 11 members
The cost of Rwanda gorilla permits
Because there were only 13 members of Agashya when it was found, it is also known as “Group 13”. At the moment, there are more than 25 individuals, including a silverback, twelve adult females, two sub-adult females, three adolescents, and seven newborns. At first, Nyakarima served as the group’s leader, but after Agashya challenged him, the group’s name was also altered.
Packing list for travelers planning to undertake Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Insect repellent, well-fitting and comfortable hiking boots for walking/hiking, a flashlight with a rechargeable battery, a daypack for storing items needed during gorilla trekking, a camera with a waterproof case to prevent damage from rains, comfortable and loose-fitting clothing (long safari pants and long-sleeved shirts), fleece or warm sweater, lightweight and waterproof rain jacket, long cotton socks, pajamas and underwear.
Accommodation options for Rwanda Gorilla Tours
There are several lodging alternatives, from inexpensive to opulent, for Rwanda Gorilla Tours. These locations will affect your entire safari experience and rely on your budget. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain gorilla View Lodge, Bishop’s House, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Palme Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Muhabura Hotel, Best View Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, among many others.
When is the best time to go for Rwanda Gorilla Tours?
Due to the extended dry season and better circumstances for seeing mountain gorillas in their native habitat, late May to mid-October is the optimum period for Rwanda Gorilla Tours. This time of year is recommended since there are fewer or no raindrops, park roads and hiking paths are drier, and it is easier to navigate through the forest.
While you should anticipate to hike through muddy and treacherous forest pathways, travelers who wish to enjoy Rwanda gorilla tours in a less crowded setting can schedule to embark on the trip during the low season (wet months in March, April, late October and November).
Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali City
Volcanoes National Park is only 116 kilometers away and can be reached by car in 2 to 3 hours. Given that Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are around 8 to 9 hours by car from Kampala City, it is the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking location.
Other safari adventures to undertake alongside Rwanda Gorilla Tours.
Travelers may visit the other three Rwandan National Parks, including Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, guided forest treks, and bird viewing, in addition to Volcanoes National Park, which facilitates Rwanda Gorilla Tours. Visitors are introduced to 75 different kinds of mammals through these activities, including 13 different primates, 322 different bird species, butterflies, and reptiles, to name a few.
For wildlife viewing, birding excursions, boat cruises, helicopter tours, and wilderness camping, tourists on Rwanda gorilla tours can also visit Akagera National Park, while the remote and less visited Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers an alternative for chimpanzee trekking, birding tours, and solitary nature walks