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Experience the classic Rwandian safari
Rwanda is one Africa’s smallest countries and sits on the edge of the Rift Valley in the Central part of East Africa. Referred to as the “Land of a thousand hills” it is easy to see why when you visit this country. Rolling hills dominant the landscape here as does the intensity of its agriculture with lots of terraces along the edges of these hills. This is one of the most densely populated countries in the World. As a result of this dense population very little of the country has been spared for wildlife and nature so you have only three national parks. Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Parks. Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest protected montane forest areas in Africa with many endemic species and a healthy population of Chimpanzees along with other smaller primates. Volcanoes National Park is where you would go to see the Mountain Gorillas. Akagera National Park is over on the Eastern side of the country and protects your typical Savannah habitats, through private NGO management this park is rebuilding its populations of animals through reintroductions of species like Lion and rhino
Get a taste of it all
A safari in Rwanda often has Mountain Gorillas as they key highlight, they have 10 habituated families here in Rwanda. You can then combine this with a trek through the beautiful Nyungwe forest in search of the other classic big primate of Africa, the Chimpanzee. You then add on a few days in Akagera National Park for a complete safari experience with all your Big 5 animals here and some beautiful sweeping landscapes. The capital city Kigali is a fast growing and modern African city so there are also some interesting things to do here where you can learn more about its people and history.
What you need
to know
Things that are worth knowing about when traveling to Rwanda
Nyamirundi Island
For coffee lovers this is a must do visit on Lake Kivu, between February and May the hundreds of small scale coffee plantations are being harvested by the farmers so you can see the whole process happening from bean to cup with this much loved coffee variety and you can be a part of the process and learn how it is all done.
Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Center
Not far from Ruhengeri town which is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park you can easily spend some time here at the centre seeing and being a part of a number of traditional Rwandan activities – basket making, banana beer brewing, storytelling, dance, cookery and even spend a night with a host family. A great way to interact with Rwandan people and their cultures.
Musanze Caves
A network of volcanic tubes through the lava which you can explore – they also host big bat populations so if you enjoy exploring caves this is a great addition to your Rwandan safari, after trekking for Gorillas in the morning you can go and explore the caves.
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GeneralWhat do I pack for a safari in Zimbabwe? Please remember that there may be luggage weight or size restrictions on your Zimbabwe safari. Before you travel, we shall advise you on what would be suitable for your specific safari as sometimes you may need a wide range of clothing to cater for the different conditions of your safari. If bush walks are a part of your safari, we advise to not wear white or black coloured clothes. What Stone Ruins are in Zimbabwe? The name Zimbabwe translates as “House of stone”. Between the 11th to 15th Century these stone edifices were constructed around the country and were important centres of trade and government. The main ones being Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins and Dhlodhlo Ruins, there are many other smaller ones scattered around. Can I walk by myself in the National Parks? No, you cannot, this is only available in designated areas within Mana Pools National Park after paying for a special permit and signing a disclaimer. We do not recommend doing this, you will have a much better experience being accompanied by a trained professional safari guide familiar with the area. Licensed professional guides working for a registered operator are allowed to take you for walks anywhere within the National Parks. What currency is used in Zimbabwe? The currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar. In tourist areas most transactions are quoted and done in US Dollars with South African Rand also possible. What time zone is Zimbabwe in? Zimbabwe shares the same time zone as the rest of Southern Africa, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – (GMT) + 2 hours, in the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT) Can I use my credit cards in Zimbabwe? Yes, but only really in the main cities or tourist areas like Victoria Falls with Visa and Mastercard the most widely accepted. To buy curios or paying for camp extras like National Parks Fees it is better to have actual cash. What power sockets are used in Zimbabwe? In the cities and safari camps Zimbabwe uses 220V power points in the camps mostly using Type G plugs. If you have an item that runs on 110V, please bring a converter. It is also advisable to bring additional universal travel adaptors and extra batteries.
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VisasDo I need a visa to travel to Zimbabwe? Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry or apply for an e-visa before arrival. However, some nationalities may have to apply in advance through an embassy.Please check with your Travel Designer to find out if you require a visa to enter Zimbabwe.
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MedicalWhat Vaccinations do I need for travelling to Zimbabwe? At this time there are no vaccination requirements for tourists visiting Zimbabwe – However if you are travelling to Zimbabwe from areas infected with yellow fever, you must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. We will advise the latest regulations before travelling. If you are unsure about what is best for you, please consult your medical practitioner for professional advice on what other vaccinations may be suitable for you. Medical Evacuations? Air medical evacuations are available in Zimbabwe, but it is important that you have medical insurance with this type of remote evacuation cover and declare the details to your travel designer prior to travel. Do I need to take malaria medication when visiting Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe is in a malarial zone so please consult with your medical practitioner a few weeks before your departure on what the best prophylactic for you would be. Some courses of medication may need to be started in advance of your visit to Zimbabwe.
Discover Rwanda on safari
We specialise in custom designing your adventure from start to finish. However, sometimes you could use a little inspiration.
Rwanda - Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
A short stay in Rwanda that can be added to many safari itineraries so you can experience the magic of trekking for and sitting with a family of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. You will also get a tour of Kigali included in the safari.
3
nights
2
camps
Gorillas, volcanoes & savannah
A safari to explore the varied landscapes and experiences of Rwanda. From the high mountains of Volcanoes National Park which is the last remaining refuge for the Mountain Gorillas, and then the beautiful savannah's of Akagera National Park with all your classic big mammals of Africa.
6
nights
3
camps
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