Essential Tips To Start Planning Your Safari to Rwanda

Are you planning your first-time safari to Rwanda? Jump-start your bucket list and begin envisioning pictures for a memorable trip with our simple but essential tips. Just apply them and you will be sure of making your safari dream a reality. Rwanda is a small and land-locked country in East-Central Africa where safari dreams become reality and if your picture for a perfect trip is experiencing the jungle and savannah, then you might consider traveling here. From trekking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats, to seeing the big five games up-close, experiencing the rich history and culture of the people to watching lots of colorful feathered beauties within a small home range, Rwanda is simply magical.

The following are the essential tips to jump-start planning your safari to Rwanda;

Pick out your ideal safari destinations

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small country but is bursting with a number of magical and incredible safari destinations and the only confusion travelers normally have is; “which ones to choose?” Each safari destination you choose provides an exceptional and unforgettable safari experience. Whether you are a primate enthusiast, beach lover, wildlife lover, adventure-seeker, bird watcher or even a foodie, there is always an ideal safari destination suited to you. Depending on the time of the year you plan to visit the country, duration of the safari and budget, there are places that are simply unmissable. The four National Parks (Akagera, Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes, and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks) offer exceptional experiences yet the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, Lake Kivu and others offer the best unwinding options and the Genocide memorial sites take visitors back in time.

Discover the things to do/experience in Rwanda

Regardless of its small size, Rwanda takes pride in its never-ending magical list of things to do or experience. Just picture immersing yourself in some of the most jaw-dropping cultures, trekking the magnificent mountain gorillas and incredible chimpanzees in their natural habitats, unwinding on secluded beaches of Lake Kivu, watching a plethora of bird species, undertaking a game viewing tour in Akagera National Park, enjoying the canopy walk, taking a trip back in time by exploring the numerous Genocide Memorial Sites across the country and many other experiences.

Choose a time of the year to undertake a safari to Rwanda

Another important key piece of the safari planning puzzle is figuring out the perfect time of the year to undertake your trip to magical Rwanda. It is recommended to consider seasons, School Holidays as well as important festivals or events because they greatly affect the general cost of the safari, availability of accommodation facilities as well as kinds of experience on offer. Talking of seasons, they are crucial when coming up with a packing list. The peak season is normally during the dry season-June to August and December to February when the sun is scorching and temperatures soaring. These conditions mean that forest trails become drier hence less challenging to undertake mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee, and golden monkey tracking. The dry conditions also mean that vegetation becomes scantier and water sources less hence increasing visibility during game drives in Akagera National Park.

Find Itineraries-short and long

Rwanda is undeniably small but you will be surprised that there are numerous itineraries to choose from, regardless of how much time you have in the country. You can see so much in as little as 3-5 days but travelers with more time in their hands can try out the unforgettable 6-15 days itineraries that offer the flavor and magic of numerous Rwandan safari destinations.

Health and safety during the safari in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the safest countries to visit and has a relatively stable political system as well as one of the lowest crime rates in the African Continent. Nonetheless, being cautious is important when carrying valuables in public, moving alone in isolated places. When it comes to health precautions, avoid drinking tap water and eating street foods in addition to traveling with a yellow fever inoculation certificate.

Select your ultimate lodging options

one & only nyungwe house

Selecting the ultimate lodging options for your safari to Rwanda makes a huge difference to your overall experience. Rwanda boasts of a wide array of lodging options that range from boutique Hotels in mostly Cities/Towns to the classic Tented Camps and luxurious Hotels/Safari Lodges/Tented Camps. The luxury Safari Lodges/Hotels like Bisate Lodge, the Retreat, One & Only Nyungwe House, Kigali Serena Hotel, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bishop’s House and Singita Kwitonda Lodge are perfect for travellers yearning to unwind in style while enjoying first-class services. The elegant Resorts are found on the shores of Lake Kivu while Camping, Homestays and Hostels are also offered.

Begin the budgeting process

Budgeting in advance is one of the surest ways of ensuring a stress-free and comfortable safari to Rwanda but the budget required largely depends on how your dream safari looks like. However, this shouldn’t worry you because there are great ways of saving money and visiting Rwanda on budget.

Have enough time to apply for your Rwanda Visa

The overseas passport holders planning to visit Rwanda might need to apply for visas and it is always advisable to ensure its approval before taking a flight to the land of a thousand hills. There are numerous visa categories to choose from and these include the Family visit or Holiday visa, Transit Visa, Tourist Visa and Conference Visa, all of which create an unforgettable safari to Rwanda. The visa you choose depends on your passport category or reason for your visit.