Rwanda, often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills,” offers one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Africa. Known primarily for its mountain gorillas, Rwanda has made significant strides in conservation and is rapidly growing as a top safari destination. As with any travel destination, there are both highlights and challenges. This guide will cover the best and worst aspects of planning a safari in Rwanda to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
#### The Best of Rwanda Safari
**1. Gorilla Trekking**
The crown jewel of Rwandan tourism is undoubtedly gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families. The experience of spending time with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is profound and worth every effort and expense involved in getting there.
**2. Rich Biodiversity**
Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda boasts a rich biodiversity housed within its three national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Akagera offers a more traditional safari experience with lions, elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species thriving after successful re-introduction projects. Nyungwe, known for its canopy walkway suspended above a vast rainforest, offers sightings of chimpanzees and other primates.
**3. Safety and Stability**
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. The government has invested heavily in ensuring that visitors feel secure. Roads are well-maintained, and public facilities are clean and accessible, making travel within the country relatively hassle-free.
**4. Conservation Efforts**
Rwanda’s approach to conservation is robust; it integrates community development with environmental protection initiatives effectively. A portion of the tourism revenue goes directly into local communities which helps in garnering local support for wildlife conservation.
**5. Cultural Experiences**
Cultural tours provide insights into the local traditions and history of Rwanda. Visits to cultural villages like Iby’Iwacu Village or participation in events such as Kigali’s monthly Umuganda—community service—allow travelers to engage deeply with Rwanda’s culture.
#### The Worst of Rwanda Safari
**1. Cost**
Traveling to Rwanda can be expensive; particularly due to high permit fees required for gorilla trekking ($1,500 per person). Additionally, accommodation options are often priced at a premium around major tourist sites.
**2. Accessibility Issues**
While most tourist sites are well-maintained, some parts of the country can still be challenging to access due to rugged terrain especially during rainy seasons causing travel delays or interruptions.
**3. Limited Wildlife Variety**
Compared to its neighbors like Tanzania or Kenya, Rwanda doesn’t offer as vast arrays of wildlife diversity especially outside its main parks which can be disappointing for those expecting extensive savannah landscapes teeming with wild animals.
**4. Overcrowding at Tourist Sites**
Popular spots like Volcanoes National Park sometimes experience overcrowding especially during peak tourist seasons (June-August). This can detract from the personal connection many seek with nature on their safaris.
#### Travel Tips
– **Plan Ahead**: Book your permits for gorilla trekking well in advance.
– **Pack Properly**: Wear suitable clothing especially hiking boots; terrain can be challenging.
– **Respect Guidelines**: Always listen to your guides particularly during treks; they’re trained not just for your safety but also for protecting wildlife.
– ***Support Local***: Opting for community-run or owned accommodations when possible contributes directly back into local economies.
#### Conclusion
A safari trip to Rwanda offers unique interactions with some of Africa’s most endangered species set against stunning backdrops that range from mist-covered mountains to expansive forests packed full of biodiversity surprises around every corner! However it’s important travelers come prepared not only financially but also mentally adjusting expectations about what wildlife encounters they might have compared other African countries known their vast savannahs teeming game animals!