Visit Rwanda and come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga mountains, and be entertained by Intore Rwanda Local Dancers in Butare.

Rwanda is unique and rich in nature scenic beauty. It is a country of thousands hills that are still natural and covered with forest ideal of adventure safaris. The Virunga mountain are home to the famous mountain Gorillas. This coupled with lakes and rivers winding through the thousand hills make up a beautiful country located right in the heart of Africa. Rwanda is rich in culture, fresh and still holds hidden treasures undiscovered by many the world over.

* Rwanda and Gorilla short tour

* Rwanda and Mountain Gorilla tour in 7 days

* Rwanda Cultures and Mountain Gorilla tour. 12 Days

* Rwanda, Uganda and Mountain Gorillas safari in 16 days 

* Rwanda, Congo DRC and Mountain Gorilla tour in 14 days

* Rwanda, Burundi and Mountain Gorillas tour in 14 days

* Rwanda, Tanzania and Mountain Gorilla safari in 14 days

TRACK GORILLA AND DISCOVER RWANDA IN 4DAYS 
 

HIGHLIGHT OF THIS TOUR

Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Monkeys tracking, Kigali genocide memorial center, Lake kivu, Butare National museum, Trekking in Nyungwe forest, Entertainments by Intore dancers…

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali airport- you will be welcomed by our Driver and local guide - transfer to the Hotel- Briefing- Dinner and Overnight in Kigali the capital city of Rwanda at Mille collines or Iris Hotel.

Kigali city was founded in 1907 as small colonial outpost by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda. The city has made tremendous progress since 1994 genocide. Considered one of the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali city is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate. It is inhabited by approximately 1 million people, mainly a Hutu majority of Bantu origin and a Nilotic Tutsi minority, after years of terrible problems, have once again begun to appreciate the benefits of peace.

The Rwandan capital provides both a comfortable and welcoming introduction to the Land of thousand hills and an ideal insight of Modern Rwanda.

Day 2: Discovering Kigali and its surrounding, Visit of the Kigali genocide memorial Center- After we proceed in the afternoon to Kinigi the home of mountain Gorillas - we passes through magnificent views of the hilly countryside which gives Rwanda its stature as “a country of a thousand hills”. Stay a night at Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guest house.

The Exhibition in the Kigali genocide Memorial centre tells the history of Rwanda leading up to genocide in 1994 and catalogues the details of the genocide using photographs, video, written accounts and artifacts. It includes personal testimonies and a moving memorial to the children of the Rwandan genocide. The exhibition also has a section called “wasted lives”, which reflects on the holocaust and genocides in Armenia, South-West Africa, Bosnia and Cambodia. The Kigali Memorial centre has gained a word-wide reputation for the powerful exhibition; take your time to absorb its message.

Day 3: Trekking in the forest on the edge of the Virunga mountain chain to find one of the last mountain gorilla families in the world- back in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

After Gorillas trek visitors may choose to go on walks in villages surrounding the park and interact with local people

Visit Ruhengeri Market, providing you with an opportunity to see and buy local Rwandan fabrics and to see how local markets are organized.

Attend traditional dance lessons to see and get a taste of local culture and see how it is embedded in the tradition.

Visit a local household and experience local lifestyle.

Taste local food and beer.

Visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and marvel at the views of the Virunga mountain chain.

Day 4: After breakfast we proceed to Nyungwe Forest Via Gisenyi, have a stopover for lunch in Kibuye, after lunch proceed to Nyungwe Forest Park Headquarters arriving late in the afternoon. Check in at Gisakura Guest House and overnight.

The Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake is in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas which have not been exploited. Lake Kivu is a tourist center, safe to swim, There are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning.

Day 5. Morning after Breakfast- Trekking in Nyungwe Forest national park to find- Chimpanzees, Hundred-strong troops of the Delightfully acrobatic Angolan Colobus monkeys, as well as handsome L’hoest monkeys- Back and Transfer at Gisakura Guest House.

Nyungwe Forest national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’hoest monkeys and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angolan Colobus which may be over 300 individuals. These are the largest troops of this species known in the world! Nyungwe forest counts 25% of the African Primates!

There are l’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys present and often observed around Uwinka, requiring less strenuous hiking.

Day 6: Morning after break fast drive 2 hours to Butare- Visit of Butare museum and be entertained by Rwandan traditional dancer called ‘’Intore’’ after we Drive to Nyanza, the historical seat of the ancient Rwandan kings – visit to the Palace and narration of some village elders – drive to Kigali and overnight.

The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore.

The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fibre, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship mutual aid and protection

Day 7: Personal good-bye - Shopping in Kigali – Transfer to the airport for Departure.

NOTE/ Clients who choose to stay in Rwanda for more days at the end of their safari, are free to do so and will only have to pay a supplement for these extra days. If desired, we can always arrange further safaris in Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, depending on your particular wish.

TRACK GORILLAS AND DISCOVER RWANDA IN 12 DAYS

HIGHLIGHT

Gorillas, Chimpanzees and other primates Tracking, Nyungwe and Akagera National park, Kigali genocide memorial center, Lake Kivu, Butare National museum, Intore dancers, Rusumo falls and others.

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali airport- you will be welcomed by our Driver and local guide - transfer to the Hotel- Briefing- Dinner and Overnight in Kigali the capital city of Rwanda at Mille collines or Okapi Hotel.

Kigali city was founded in 1907 as small colonial outpost by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda. The city has made tremendous progress since 1994 genocide. Considered one of the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali city is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate. It is inhabited by approximately 1 million people, mainly a Hutu majority of Bantu origin and a Nilotic Tutsi minority, after years of terrible problems, have once again begun to appreciate the benefits of peace.

The Rwandan capital provides both a comfortable and welcoming introduction to the Land of thousand hills and an ideal insight of Modern Rwanda.

Day 2: Today will have Short city tour in Kigali and its surrounding- visit of the Kigali genocide memorial museum - Late in the Afternoon- transfer to Kinigi the home of mountain Gorillas. (2hours drive) - we passes through magnificent views of the hilly countryside which give Rwanda its stature as “a country of a thousand hills”. Stay night at Muhabura Hotel or at Kinigi GH.

The Exhibition in the Kigali genocide Memorial centre tells the history of Rwanda leading up to genocide in 1994 and catalogues the details of the genocide using photographs, video, written accounts and artifacts. It includes personal testimonies and a moving memorial to the children of the Rwandan genocide. The exhibition also has a section called “wasted lives”, which reflects on the holocaust and genocides in Armenia, South-West Africa, Bosnia and Cambodia. The Kigali Memorial centre has gained a word-wide reputation for the powerful exhibition; take your time to absorb its message.

Day 3: Trekking in the forest on the edge of the Virunga mountain chain to find one of the last mountain gorilla families in the world-- back in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Day 4: Golden monkeys trekking - Transfer in the after noon to Gisenyi

After Golden monkeys trek visitors may choose to go on walks in villages surrounding the park and interact with local people
Visit Ruhengeri Market, providing you with an opportunity to see and buy local Rwandan fabrics and to see how local markets are organized.
Attend traditional dance lessons to see and get a taste of local culture and see how it is embedded in the tradition.
Visit a local household and experience local lifestyle.
Taste local food and beer.
Visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and marvel at the views of the Virunga mountain chain.

Day 5: After breakfast- Have a boat tour on the lake kivu- Then proceed after lunch to Butare via Kibuye where you will visit the Rwandan historical national museum, Night at Ibisi or Credo Hotel. (4 hours drive)

The Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake is in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas which have not been exploited. Lake Kivu is a tourist center, safe to swim, There are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning.

Day 6: Morning after Breakfast- Trekking in Nyungwe Forest national park to find Hundred-strong troops of the Delightfully acrobatic Angolan Colobus monkeys, as well as handsome L’hoest monkeys- Back and Transfer at Gisakura Guest House.

Nyungwe Forest national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’hoest monkeys and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angolan Colobus which may be over 300 individuals. These are the largest troops of this species known in the world! Nyungwe forest counts 25% of the African Primates!

There are l’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys present and often observed around Uwinka, requiring less strenuous hiking.

Day 7: Early morning we start the trekking in Nyungwe forest to fund the Chimpanzees- Transfer in the afternoon to Butare (2 hours Drive) - In Butare you will be entertained by Rwandan traditional dancers called “Intore”- Stay a night at Credo or Ibis Hotel.

The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore.

The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fiber, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship mutual aid and protection

Day 8: Visit of Butare museum where you will be entertained by Rwandan traditional dancer called ‘’Intore’’ after we Drive to Nyanza, the historical seat of the ancient Rwandan kings – visit to the Palace and narration of some village elders – drive to Kigali and overnight at Mille collines or Okapi Hotel.

The National Museum in Butare was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government and gave back a part of the ethnographic collection acquired during the colonial period. The design and concept of the museum was realized in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artifacts and objects, tools and different craft products. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to theme giving excellent information on the daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994.

Day 9: Morning after Breakfast drive to Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda – safari in the most complex Savannah ecosystem of The East Africa with impressive landscape, extraordinary bird life and the occasional big game animals – activities around The lake in the Park (e.g. canoing, fishing) – optional camping in/around the Park or drive back to Kigali

Day 10: Morning Game Drive in Akagera National park- Back to Kigali from. Stay night at Gorilla Hotel or Iris.

Day 11: Personal good bye- shopping- as far as possible, more optional short excursions to nearby attractions such as the markets in Kigali’s suburbs Or the Rusumo falls.

Officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of east-central Africa. It has a population of approximately 9 million. It is bordered by Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. It is comprised of fertile and hilly terrain. This explains the title "Land of a Thousand Hills," (French:Pays des Mille Collines) The country is well known to the outside world for being the home of mountains gorillas and for the infamous 1994 genocide that resulted in the deaths of nearly 800,000 people. Rwanda today struggles to heal and rebuild, but shows signs of rapid development.  Despite its reputation as a Gorilla destination, Rwanda is home to more than 9 species of mammal and several bird species, You can see elephants, Antelopes, Bush pigs, buffalos, Chimpanzees, and Golden monkeys among others, You can also do mountain climbing on the volcanoes chains of Virunga and camping. This year, cave tourism will be added on the list of activities in Rwanda your true destination. Beside all this Rwanda has become the Door of those who need to visit Okapi the rare animal, and those who need to climb the live and active Volcano in the Democratic Republic Of Congo.

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There are two flights a day from Nairobi, two per week direct from Brussels and two per week from Johannesburg

For information on connections from Nairobi, Entebbe and Johannesburg, please contact RWANDA AIR EXPRESS on www.rwandair.com

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Parc National De Volcan

This extraordinarily beautiful Park National consists of an impressive chain of 5 inactive volcanoes that hosts some groups of the highly endangered mountain gorilla. Amongst the various eco-tourism options are gorilla tracking, hiking up (some of the) volcanoes, walks to a group of rare golden monkeys or an excursion to Dian Fossey's burial site. The common base for exploring the National Park is the small town of Ruhengeri.

Mountain climbing

Even if you don't go for the gorillas, there's still enough reason to visit the Parc, as I found out. As volcanoes are one of my passions, the presence of 5 more or less free standing and beautifully shaped volcanoes in a chain was sufficient reason for me to hang around a couple of days. The NP-office offers guided climbs to the top of 2 of them, Visoke (3711m) and Karisimbi* (4705m -the tallest). The latter has only been opened for climbers since the summer of 2002! Plans have been made to organise an amazing 1 week trek to all the summits, but trails have still to be cleared. Note: 2 of the 3 not yet accessible peaks can be climbed from Uganda side: Gahinga (3474m) and Muhabura (4127m) ***see also my "Uganda-Mgahinga NP" page!*** The climbs to the summits are not technical and can be done by fit hikers. The scenery is great! However, the trek to Karisimbi's summit is an overnight trek and should be prepared properly (f.e. food, cold). During my stay there was a lot, A LOT of rain and the clouds covered Karisimbi most of the day. I only climbed Visoke (aka Bisoke), which took about 5 hours roundtrip from the Parc entrance. **See also my impressions in the travelogue**! The official rates (2003): --- Gorilla Tracking $250/ 1 hour permit --- Climbing Visoke $40 --- Climbing Karisimbi $100 (overnight) includes permit, guiding and protection only. If you are only 1 or 2, transport might be arranged in the Park vehicle for free. Otherwise you have to charter expensive 4WD taxi.

Nyungwe forest National park.

Extending for 1,000 square kilometres across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East or Central Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age. A uniquely rich centre of floral diversity, the forest has more than 200 different types of tree, and a myriad of flowering plants including the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colourful orchids.

Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. The avian highlight of Nyungwe is the great blue turaco - an outlandish blue, red and green bird which streams from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys.

An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. A comfortably rustic resthouse and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can readily be visited as a day trip from the towns of Butare and Cyangugu. Nyungwe does, however, deserve more time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate will need two days there - and dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave! 

Akagera National park

Set at a relatively low altitude on the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park could scarcely be more different in mood to the breezy cultivated hills that characterise much of Rwanda. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, this is archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland.

Akagera is, above all, big game country! Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while lucky visitors might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a stray lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly the handsome chestnut-coated impala, but also the diminutive oribi and secretive bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tsessebe and the world's largest antelope, the statuesque Cape eland.

Camping alongside the picturesque lakes of Akagera is a truly mystical introduction to the wonders of the African bush. Pods of 50 hippopotami grunt and splutter throughout the day, while outsized crocodiles soak up the sun with their vast jaws menacingly agape. Magically, the air is torn apart by the unforgettable high duetting of a pair of fish eagles, asserting their status as the avian monarchs of Africa's waterways. Lining the lakes are some of the continent’s densest concentrations of waterbirds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork - the latter perhaps the most eagerly sought of all African birds.

Genocide Memorial centers

What happened in Rwanda in 1994 was one of the most horrible and shocking things in human history. If you could not find refuge, you had only 1 choice: kill or be killed. An estimated 800.000 people of the Tutsi tribe and moderate Hutus were brutally slaughtered in only 3 months time. When travelling Rwanda it's hardly imaginable that the people carry a history like that. There's such a peaceful and friendly mood in the all places . That said, it's important to visit one of the genocide memorials to understand Rwanda and to show respect to the survivors that carry such terrible memories. Bones and skulls are on display around some of the massgraves that makes it all an even more shivering experience. Only in the Kibuye region about 60.000 people were killed (the majority in only 2 weeks' time), which equalled 83% of the Tutsi population. You can visit the RC church on the top of a hill just outside Kibuye town, where about 500 people were killed after they sought refuge. Another site is in the hills at Bisesero, where about 13.000 Tutsi managed to defend themselves for a month after the start of the genocide. Other memorial sites are f.e. in Nyamata and Ntarama, some 20-30 km south of Kigali.

The Kigali genocide memorial center

The Kigali memorial centre was built to mark the 10th anniversary of the genocide. It contains ten mass graves- a site of burial for almost 250,000 victims, who were killed in the Kigali region. After the genocide, as mass graves were being discovered around the city, it was decided that a single monument/ burial place should be created, where the victims could be laid to rest with dignity. The memorial houses a childrens section, a particularly powerful experience to read about the childern- how they lived, and how they died. Amongst other things, it traces how things came to being so bad, how the ideology of genocide emerged, how the tragedy could have been averted, and how the world ignored the signs and warnings repeatedly. Some of the survivors of the genocide have been trained as guides at the centre.

During the genocide in Rwnada in 1994, over a million people were murdered. Some 250,000 perished on the streets and in the houses, churches and hospitals of Kigali alone. After the genocide, the Kigali City Council decided to dedicate a site for the burial of its people in a single place. Many mass graves were exhumed from around the city and the remains interred at the Kigali Memorial Centre in Gisori district. This is now their final resting place. It is a poignant symbol of the devastation that genocide brought to families across the city and the country as a whole. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Entrance by donation. The place is really heart breaking!

Murambi genocide Memorial center, in Gikorngoro

30km west of Butare is the town of Gikongoro. Located on a flat hillock, with a 360 panorama, on the outskirts of town is this new genocide memorial. The location was the missionary school where thousands of Tutsis fled for sanctuary but their faith and fate were betrayed by the holy men who sheltered them, leading to mass extinction of many…60 000and counting!
The museum at the front contains history as well as film material of the Troubles…but the real reason to visit are the well presented ‘real-life’ portrayals in the classrooms at the back. Very sombre and the ‘scent’ of death and damnation lingers. Very emotionally charged….be prepared. Visit to empathise and sympathise with Rwandans- they are glad for the outside world to know what happened. Visit to assist the local community in their endeavours; and even if you don’t make it to the macabre exhibits just being there the locals appreciate your concern to venture this far. Worth the detour.

Butare national museum

Though several museums-mostly genocide memorials-are found in Kigali, Butare houses the proud and prestigious national museum. The rooms are spacious, without the excessive clutter of distracting memorabilia. This makes the well-labelled exhibits easy to appreciate and enjoy. It starts with a geographical display and then gets down to the real treasure of royal tribal tradition, ending of course with some recent history.
Here the dancers can be commissioned to perform but this is not a good deal for a single traveller. If a group is present the price would definitely be worthwhile as shows are few and far between. Its actually easier to catch them abroad or on DVD!

The University of Rwanda is located here and the faculties are scattered over a large area. Definitely worth a visit as it is always great to mingle with the pulse of student life especially if education is your foray. It has a large forestry research centre and agricultural division with Law, Medicine and the usual gang of undergrads. Easy to reach with local transport and like any tertiary campus: all the rules apply.

Nyanza

The Royal Palace: MODERN
The royal residence at Nyanza is north of Butare off the main road towards Kigali.
The residence is well kept and sits on top of a hillock with commanding views around. The palace is a simple art-deco 1950s Italianate bungalow residence splashed in pale green. The interior is quite sparse with some grand fire-places. The most interesting rooms are the sleeping quarters and inside bathroom which must have been splendid regalia in this part of the continent in its heyday
Around a sweeping bend turning left as you exit the palace, passing thru what feels like a dead-end lies the tomb of his royal highness and the queen. The graves are white tiled mounds with handsome portraits of the royal couple on the tombstones. They lie in a field under a nondescript field enclosed by a low barbed-wire fence in a very non-flattering aspec-needless to say the village around is more rewarding than the site itself. You will need a guide to find this place as it’s a bit off the beaten track..literally!

The town of Nyanza has a great market enclosed by a fortress like wall. This is surrounded by the bustle of colourfully painted one-story establishments with coal-heated ironing tailors; foot operated ‘singer’ seamstresses; young taxi-tout townies and local farmers and sellers with produce. Truly the life of Africa teems in its characteristic townships. The need to trade and socialise reverberates throughout human history no matter where people are….take time to walk around and indulge in the local drama!

                                                         
Rusumo falls

If you happen to cross the border with Tanzania at Rusumo -yes this is a very suitable and fussless overland option- don't forget to see the falls. Visas for both countries are available on the border, although for Rwanda I would recommend that you get it in advance since you'll get a multiple entry 1month visa for the same price as a 15 days single entry on the border. True March 2003

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo. There are some excellent places to stay on the Lakeside such as Kibuye and -especially-Gisenyi. The water is safe to swim (but just ask locally to be completely sure), there are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning.


RWANDA VISA

A Visa is required by all visitors except nationals of the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong, cost USD 60 and can be bought upon arrival.

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