Lake Kivu
July 6, 2021
Packing for a Rwanda Family Safari: Essentials and Must-Haves
March 29, 2024Lake Kivu
July 6, 2021Packing for a Rwanda Family Safari: Essentials and Must-Haves
March 29, 2024
Safaris
Rwanda is now open for tourism, and there’s never been a better time to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda is truly one of the most magnificent countries in Africa, with its mountainous landscapes and incredible biodiversity, there are so many reasons why you should visit Rwanda. We offer trips to various Rwanda destinations, from the awe-inspiring National Parks to the bustling capital city of Kigali.
Many great companies, including Volkswagen have invested in Rwanda and expanded their business ventures here. But one noticeable and proud partnership is with Arsenal Football Club from the United Kingdom.
The Rwanda Development Board together with the backing of Arsenal are promoting Rwanda as not only a favourable country to invest in, but more importantly to grow its tourism market and create unity in sport with the focus on football at grassroots level.
Visit Rwanda is also Arsenal Football Club's Official Tourism Partner, as well as its first shirt sleeve partner. The partnership between Visit Rwanda and Arsenal is for an exciting three-years.
We have travelled and explored extensively in Rwanda with the Rwanda Development Board and are extremely passionate about promoting travel to this stunning and diverse country. Rob is one of only a handful of true Rwanda experts in the UK. He has explored most of the country in depth, spent time in all three of the main national parks over the years and has also stayed at almost all the best accommodation establishments.
Reasons to Love Rwanda
- Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- Hike to the source of the Nile
- See the reintroduced lions & rhinos of Akagera National Park
- Track Chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Museum
- Experience a traditional Intore dance performance
- Visit the ancient palace of King Mwami at Nyanza
Rwanda is a landlocked republic in east-central Africa, just South of the equator. Rwanda is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.
Yes, Rwanda is a safe place to visit, but like any country it’s important to understand the local culture and keep yourself aware and safe at all times. Crime rates are low, and while petty crime such as pickpocketing does exist, generally the locals are warm, friendly and inviting.
Since the genocide of 1994, the government has changed and there has been a considerable effort to create a more positive, safe environment for Rwandans and tourists alike. The genocide is a sensitive subject, so tourists should be respectful of the local people and avoid starting conversations about it.
Drug possession and drink driving are illegal and punishable by fines or jail time. It is also prohibited to take photos of military, government buildings and border crossing points. Knowing the local laws and having the appropriate travel insurance can help keep you safe and out of trouble. Find out more about safety in Rwanda on the Gov website, where you will also find coronavirus (COVID-19) travel information for Rwanda.
Rwanda is a popular tourist destination, with the Rwanda Development Board reporting over 1 million tourists visiting the country annually. The local people are reliant on tourism and are therefore very accommodating to tourists.
Rwanda is a fantastic place to visit for those seeking an adventure. There’s more to Rwanda than just Gorilla trekking (although this certainly is one of the highlights), and visitors can expect to see much more from a Rwanda safari, including all of the Big Five (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo leopard). From bird watching to city exploring, Rwanda really has something for everyone.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season, from June to September. This is the best time for gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking. Rwanda is a great place to visit all year round though, as it’s proximity to the equator allows for warm days and cool nights throughout the year.
If you’re looking to track gorillas in Rwanda, then you’ll want to head to Volcanoes National Park, but there are plenty of other places to go which offer other fascinating sights. See the lions and rhinos of Akagera National Park or rack the chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park. For more information on where to visit depending on what you want to experience, get in touch with us.
It’s best to visit Rwanda with a trusted tour operator to not only make the most out of your experience but to discover the ‘off the beaten track’ adventures that are waiting for you. At Tailormade Africa, we have various Rwanda special offer sample packages and itineraries, but where we really thrive is in helping create a trip which is tailored to your requirements. We handle everything from flights to activities and accommodation.
Why Tailormade Africa?
Wildlife Specialists
Due to our well established, strong personal relationships with all of our ground operators, National Park Authorities and Conservation Management teams in Rwanda, we are always kept up to date on the most recent information of wildlife & conservation projects, ensuring you get to see Rwanda's wildlife like never before.
Rwanda Safari Experts
Rob & Clyde are two of the most knowledgeable experts on Rwanda safaris in the world and have travelled extensively to all Rwanda's National Parks, camps and lodges. They have been recognized by the Rwandan Tourism Board as such and are regularly invited to special "invitation-only" events such as Kwita Izina, the annual Gorilla baby naming ceremony, and Visit Rwanda marketing events worldwide.
Bespoke Rwanda Safaris
With Tailormade Africa, no two safari holidays itineraries are ever the same. The combination of our in-depth knowledge of the country and taking the time to get to know all of our clients' travel personalities ensures truly bespoke itineraries and a trip specifically tailored to you.
Rwanda Safari Regions
Seven Reasons to Visit Rwanda
For most people, when they think about visiting Rwanda, their first thoughts are of gorilla trekking, which is certainly a highlight of the country, but Rwanda has so much more to offer than just its magnificent great apes. Here are a few more reasons why you might want to visit Rwanda.
1. Gorilla trekking
Of course gorilla trekking Rwanda has to make the list because it’s what Rwanda is famous for. Many of those who visit Rwanda, do so for the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Getting face to face with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment is an experience like no other.
2. Safaris
There is so much more to see in Rwanda than the gorillas, and a Rwanda safari offers views of the Big Five; lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Rwanda is a diverse land, so whether you’re seeing the giraffes of Akagera National Park or the chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park, you’re sure to enjoy a safari you’ll never forget.
3. Vibrant Culture
What makes Rwanda truly special are the warm and friendly, Rwandans. They are so respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top. From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.
4. The Great Rift Valley
The west of Rwanda forms a branch of the Great Rift Valley known as the Albertine Rift. It has many unique, endemic species and is teeming with life. Chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other primates live alongside hundreds of brightly-coloured birds, orchids and butterflies.
This is only scratching the surface of what the Rift Valley has to offer.
5. Rwanda has Epic Scenery
Rwanda’s dramatic vistas are endless, with a fresh perspective around every corner. The country is full of beauty and managing to explore it all is easy, thanks to an excellent road network linking the core areas.
Visitors can rest assured the country is safe as well as stunning – Rwanda was ranked the 9th safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum.
6. Responsible Tourism
As guardians of many iconic species, Rwanda is committed to safeguarding their existence within the four National Parks. We are constantly working to ensure we can live in sustainable harmony with our environment, with a clean and green mindset. We banned plastic bags in 2008, and our lands are possibly the cleanest in Africa thanks to efforts throughout every community.
Ten percent of the income derived from gorilla, safari and other tourist permits, as well as park fees, is spent in partnership with local communities to change lives for the better.
7. Tourism, Investment & Conventions
Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, its stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.
Travel enthusiast visit Rwanda to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, but there is now so much more to see and experience in Rwanda.
Rwanda is ranked as the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank. Rwanda has also been awarded for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum.
Rwanda is also a convenient hub for meetings and events, with world-class facilities – the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) has been chosen to host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in 2020. The KCC offers a premium environment for regional and international conventions, exhibitions, festivals, meetings and other events.
Book Your Rwanda Safari Today!
There’s no denying that Rwanda is a beautiful country, but we make sure you stay in the most luxurious accommodation and lodges, visit the most beautiful destinations and feel completely stress free during your trip, so it feels as relaxing as a holiday with all the excitement of a safari. You won’t find a tour operator like us. Make an enquiry online or give our experts a call today to find out more and book your dream Rwanda holiday.
