Category: Rwanda

Welcome to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda! Make sure to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Eco tourist facilities.

About Rwanda

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a thousand hills”, and with its stunning views and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences for the travellers. The country is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, as incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. Rwanda went through very turbulent history, from being a colony to more recent civil war between opposite tribes. But today, this is the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

About Kigali

Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, situated near the geographic centre of the country. The city has blossomed into the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since becoming capital after the independence in 1962. Today, this is beautiful, modern and fantastically clean city that has a lot to offer – from the relics of the past, to the modern business center. Kigali is the major arrival point for tourists visiting Rwanda’s national parks and tracking mountain gorillas, and has its own sites of interest such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and eco tourist facilities, as well as bars, coffee shops and restaurants.

Interesting Facts about Kigali

History of Kigali

• Kigali City was founded in 1907 by the German resident for the region, Richard Kant. The house in which Kant lived in has been preserved to date as the Kant House Museum of Natural History.
• Kigali is a city famed for being the epicenter of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as has been mentioned, when over 1 million people lost their lives.

The Cleanest City in Africa

• Despite a dark past, did you know that Kigali has been voted the cleanest city in Africa, and the 3rd most friendly destination in world! Now you know!
• Kigali’s progress in these parameters is very remarkable. Apart from banning the use of polythene bags, she has adopted measures to reduce carbon emissions by creating two car free days every month. This also give the city dwellers a chance to exercise.

Culture of Kigali

• Kigali is a city known for a particular culture, where unlike in other regional cities like Nairobi, dwellers participate in Umuganda, a legally enforced cleanup activity of the city, every last Saturday of any given month. Participants are aged between 18 and 65 years, failure to which one is liable for a fine of $5.

Official Language & City Name

• The Official language of Kigali is Kinyarwanda, which is also the official language of Rwanda.
• The city is named after an adjacent Mt. Kigali, meaning wide and broad as the mountain! The name dates back to the 14th Century AD.

Industry & Finance

• Kigali serves as the commercial financial center of Rwanda, with prospected and actual high rises, aspects that are reinventing her cityscape. One landmark building here is the 20-storey Kigali City Tower, which has a car park subsidiary, 10,000m² retail floor space and 7km² office space.
• Major industries in Kigali include service industry, tourism, retail, banking, information and communication technology as well as transportation. Major retail stores in Kigali include the Nakumatt based in Kigali City Tower.

Educational Centers & Tourist Attractions

• Major educational centers in Kigali include Mount Kenya University, a foreign institution based in Thika, Kenya.
• You will have entirely experienced Kigali if you visit the Genocide Memorial Center, the Fruit Market and Hotel Mille Collins, which has been featured in the film, Hotel Rwanda.

While Kigali is a popular destination to visit all year round, June-September is the ideal time to go. Basically, it’s because of a number of factors such as the climate, and cost of travel and accommodation. Furthermore, avoiding peak holiday periods makes June-September, a perfect time.

During the warmer months, temperatures in Kigali can rise to a maximum of 30℃ (85℉). The weather at night in the winter can get down to temperatures as low as 12℃ (54℉).

If you’re a sun-chaser and want to visit Kigali when the days are longest, you should visit in December. To stay dry, avoid travelling to Kigali in October – It’s the wettest month of the year.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Kigali Genocide Memorial – You can’t begin to appreciate everything Rwanda has become until you understand the reasons behind the devastating Rwandan genocide. It was a conflict that killed some 800,000 people, most of whom were members of the Tutsi ethnic minority, in just 100 days. The Kigali Genocide Memorial sheds light on the historical events that led to the genocide and horrifying realities Rwandans faced in 1994.

Inema Arts Center

Inema Arts Center – Founded by two brothers (both self-taught painters) on a mission to “tap the untapped potential of art in Rwanda”. The Inema Arts Center has become the place to see contemporary art in Kigali since its founding in 2012. The building’s exteriors are decked out in colorful murals that make it impossible to miss.

Rwanda Art Museum

Rwanda Art Museum – Institution housed in the former Presidential Palace on the outskirts of Kigali. It’s one of the country’s eight national museums.

Kimironko Market

Kimironko Market – Kigali’s largest and busiest market, makes for an incredible afternoon of sightseeing. Hundreds of vendors have set up shops in the massive warehouse complex. They’re hustling everything from the bed sheets and carved masks to a cornucopia of produce sourced from all over East Africa.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Nyamirambo Women’s Center – The women-founded organization was launched in late 2007 in an effort to address gender inequality and empower women. In addition to offering free education and vocational training, it employs women at fair wages to fill its intimate boutique with ethically-made goods. Tourists can pick up beautifully printed tote bags, hand-woven baskets in every shape and size, patterned place mats, crocheted rugs, beaded jewelry, and local-inspired fashions.

Amahoro Stadium

Amahoro Stadium – Amahoro Stadium is the best place to see sports and entertainment in Rwanda

Question Coffee Café

Question Coffee Café – Coffee is a critical part of the Rwandan economy, bringing tens of millions of dollars into the country each year. But despite growing some of the finest beans in the world, Rwanda doesn’t have much of a local coffee culture

Hotel des Mille Collines

Hotel des Mille Collines – this property sheltered hundreds of people during the Rwandan genocide.

Kigali Memorial

Kigali Memorial – a quiet, sacred space where 10 Belgian soldiers became some of the earliest victims of the Rwandan genocide

How to Get to Kigali

By Plane

Kigali International Airport is a small and organized airport, and it is rare to encounter any problems. Plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda for environmental reasons, so you should bring only reusable bags into the country.

Flag carrier RwandAir has by far the largest selections of flights to KGL including one from O R Tambo Airport, but other airlines also offer flights from their respective hubs, including KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Qatar Airlines from Doha Hamad International Airport, and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul IST. Kigali International Airport (Q1322696) on Wikidata Kigali International Airport on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2017 | edit)

If you fly from Kigali airport, you may need a Yellow Fever Certificate at your destination (e.g. South Africa) – Airport officials will ask for this. Also be careful of waiting in the cafe for your flight – some flights (e.g. Kenya Airways to Nairobi) are often overbooked and you won’t hear any announcement when they decide to start boarding early, and you could miss your flight.

Alternative: Entebbe, Uganda

Some international fliers find it much cheaper to fly into Entebbe in Uganda and then take the bus to Kigali. Depending an how long they stop you at the border, the bus trip takes about 9 hours. Try to get a seat on a Jaguar bus.

By bus

Buses arrive and depart to many parts of Rwanda regularly.

There are a couple of daily buses that run directly between Kigali and Kampala in Uganda with some services continuing to Nairobi. The buses are sometimes cramped and uncomfortable, but are the cheapest choice.

Kigali has a pleasant, tropical highland climate with temperatures that vary depending on altitude, but vary little from month to month in the same location. There are two wet seasons and two dry seasons; a long and a short one. The wettest time of year is between March and May, while the driest months are July to September. There is also rain between October and November. Temperatures rarely go above 86°F (30°C) during the day or drop below 59°F (15°C).

If you liked Kigali City, you might also like Nairobi City.

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Welcome to Volcanoese National Park, situated in the far northwest of Rwanda. It is a home to the endangered mountain gorilla.

About Rwanda

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a thousand hills”, and with its stunning views and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences for the travellers. The country is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, as incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. Rwanda went through very turbulent history, from being a colony to more recent civil war between opposite tribes. But today, this is the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

About Volcanoese National Park

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, which is a home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems. This variety of habitats makes it a sanctuary for many other wildlife species as well, including two habituated golden monkey troops. While in pursuit for gorillas you might also spot the park’s elusive forest elephants, buffalos, bush pigs, forest hogs, and black-fronted duikers.

• Volcanoes National Park is the oldest national park in Africa
• Volcanoes is the only park where you can find mountain gorillas in Rwanda
• Volcanoes national park is home to five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo)
• is the smallest park in Rwanda with just 160km2
• The book “Gorillas in The Mist” by Dain Fossey was written based on gorillas in this park.
• The Park has been Closed on more than two occasions in the last 25 years due to several security issues.

The best season to visit Volcanoes Park is during the dry months of June through September where the maximum temperatures hover between 25C and 27C (77F to 81F) degrees during the day and fall to between 13.5C and 15C (56F to 59F) at night. In fact, your tour consultant at AfricanMecca Safaris is likely to recommend that you pack some warm clothing, since the weather in the mountains can be quite cool in the evenings and early mornings. The second, shorter dry season runs from the middle of December through to the middle of February.

Many active holidaymakers who want to visit Volcanoes National Park to experience gorilla primate trekking in Rwanda pick the drier months, since trails are less muddy and there is less likelihood of getting drenched by an impromptu shower. However, those looking for the best chance of seeing specific mountain gorilla families of the Virungas might want to plan your primate trip in one of the wet seasons. During the rains, the climate at the higher elevations is cooler and the gorillas prefer to remain on the lower slopes; here, it is easier to track and spot them.

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey tracking
• The Volcano hike
• Exploring the Musanze Caves
• Experience Rwanda’s culture at Iby’Iwacu Village/ Gorilla Guardians Village

Most visitors arrive in Rwanda via Kigali International Airport (KGL), which is about 10km/6mi from the capital, Kigali.

There are no scheduled domestic flights to Volcanoes National Park. Most people opt for a tour around the country with a 4×4 and driver-guide.

Volcanoes NP is located in the north of the country 130km/81mi from Kigali, 70km/43mi from Gisenyi and 12km/7mi from Musanze.

All participants in any activity at the park must report to the park headquarters in Kinigi by 7am. Therefore, it is recommended to stay close to the park, or in nearby Musanze.

Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes NP receives a steady stream of rain and mist. Combined with the high altitude, this means that the climate is wet and cold. Temperatures don’t change much throughout the year. Temperatures are around 16°C/61°F during the day. At night, it cools off to about 6°C/43°F. The park’s wide range of altitudes also means a range of climatic conditions. The temperature drops by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m climbed (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft).

Dry season–June to August

It rains a lot throughout the year, but there is a short, drier season from June to August. We recommend that you pack warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes for hiking.

June & July – Although it can rain at any time, these are the driest months of the year. With drier trails on offer, it’s an excellent time for hiking. Daytime temperatures average 16°C/61°F, while the mercury hovers around 6°C/43°F at night.

August – Time to pull out your rain jacket. The rains pick up noticeably in August. However, temperatures stay the same.

Wet season–September to May

Rain, rain, rain…there’s plenty of it around at this time of the year. Don’t forget to pack waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes for hiking and warm clothing for the cold, damp conditions.

September – If the rains don’t arrive in August, they will definitely come in September. Temperatures are around 16°C/61°F during the day, depending on altitude. Nights are cold with an average of 6°C/43°F.

October & November – It rains a lot, with October a peak month for rainfall. Temperatures remain the same.

December, January & February – It rains a bit less than in October and November, but the rain can come at any time. Wet-weather gear is still a must.

March & April – These are the wettest months and it can rain for days. Hiking can be difficult as the trails get very slippery. Temperatures don’t really change.

May – Sometime in May, the rain diminishes and there are more sunny days. Daytime temperatures are a bit lower.

If you liked Volcanoese National Park, you might also like Amboseli National Park.

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Welcome to Akagera National Park, the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted animals and plants in Rwanda.

About Rwanda

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a thousand hills”, and with its stunning views and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences for the travellers. The country is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, as incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. Rwanda went through very turbulent history, from being a colony to more recent civil war between opposite tribes. But today, this is the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

About Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland in central Africa, and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted animals and plants in Rwanda. Despite being a relatively small, it is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including a number of rare species such as the shoebill and sitatunga. Akagera is the only national park in Rwanda that contains all Big Five species – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo! Akagera is also birding paradise, with highlights such as storks, eagles, herons, egrets, and the majestic crowned crane among its 480 or so species!

Interesting Facts About Akagera National Park

The Largest Rwanda National Park

• Akagera National Park was first established in 1939 by the Belgian colonial government, solely to protect and conserve the various wildlife species in Akagera National Park
• The park got its name from the famous Akagera River, which flows through the park up until in Uganda where it continues its journey. Akagera National Park has over 10 lakes in its enclosure say Lake Ihema, which feed the various wildlife species in the park.
• Akagera is the largest Rwanda national park, with a total area of 1122 square kilometres.

Birding

• The Park is home to over 482 bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda and the entire East African region.

Wild Dogs – The Park of Lycanos

• Formerly, the park was once known for hosting the largest number of wild dogs in the region, that it was even known as the Park of Lycanos. Many of the wild dogs however perished when they were hit by an epidemic, with last large numbers having been spotted in 1984.

Short dry season (December – February)

There may be some rain during this period, but it is fairly intermittent and usually does not last long. And therefore the months of February is predicted to be so dry

Long wet season (March-May)

This season is characterized by regular rainfall and abundant green grass. And this gives travelers an opportunity for clear photography of lush green vegetation.

Long dry season (June – September)

This is the sunniest period of the year in Rwanda when the park can become dry and dusty. This sunny moments of the year are perfect for animal viewing as well as scenic views

Short wet season (October – November)

The first rains clear haze and the park returns to its lush green state. Birding is particularly good at this time of year, for many migratory birds pass through Akagera during October and November.

Game drives

Game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon and at night in the hills, plains and lakes. Akagera is one of the few places where night game drives can be arranged. Night game drives are done using spotlights and an open-roof vehicle to allow visitors spot nocturnal animals like genet, mongoose, bushbabies, owls, nightjar, leopards and hyenas.

Boat Trips

Lake Ihema is famous for boat trips, you might encounter crocodiles, hippos and elephants drinking along the shores. The Lakes and nearby swamps are breeding grounds for several bird species like African darter, African jacana, blue-headed coucal, cormorant, fish eagles, kingfishers, marsh flycatcher and the open-bill stork.

Bird watching

Bird watching in Akagera provides opportunities to spot over 450 species. There are few forest birds and Albertine Rift species like in Nyungwe Forest but visitors should still come out satisfied with the collection of Savannah and woodland species found in the park. Some of the species include the arnot chat, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola. The great Shoebill stock can be spotted in the park though their numbers are small.

Sport Fishing

The Park is unarguably the best best place to go for sport fishing in Rwanda. The shores of Lake Shakani are great for fishing species like the Tilapia and catfish. While fishing, you will get to see many birds and animals drinking by the shores. Fishing tournaments are arranged frequently and winners are rewarded with a chance to prepare and eat their catch.

Nature walks

Nature walks in the park can be arranged with the help of a park guide. A walk through selected sections of the park gives you opportunities to appreciate the great biodiversity in the park. The nature walks involves following established park trails that lead to forests, lakes and swamps.

Walking by the Park Fence

You can join one of the fence attendants and park guides for a walk along the security fence. The security fence has helped eliminate poaching and other conflicts with humans living near the park.

Cultural Visits

During these cultural visits, you can learn how the locals take care of their long-horned cows, make beer, prepare food and celebrate important seasons of the year.

• The drive distance from Kigali to Akagera National Park is 135km about 2 ½ hour’s drive.
• The drive from Rwamagana / Kibungo – the main town in the East of Rwanda to Akagera National Park is 1 hour drive.
• The park can be accessed through the two gates in the southern and northern side respectively.
• The 4X4 Vehicle is recommended for the drive to Akagera National Park especially in the dry season.

Weather & Climate of Akagera National Park

The weather in Akagera National Park can change at any time of the year, but visitors will experience warmer temperatures during the long dry season. In the same way, visitors will also experience cooler weather in the park during the rainy seasons. Temperatures in Akagera national park range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Dry and Wet Seasons

Visitors should also note that Akagera experiences two dry and wet seasons. The park experiences extreme sunny weather during the long dry seasons which are between June to September. The national park can be dry and dusty during this time of the year, as it marks the warmest time of the year. This time is very suitable for visitors taking a game drive in Akagera national park since it is easy for visitors to spot a variety of wildlife animals in the park. Also, remember to carry with you enough mineral water to keep hydrated during this time of the year and throughout your game drives.

December to February

The months of December- February are the short dry seasons in the national park. However, visitors may experience a bit of rainfall during this period, so make sure you carry a light raincoat just for emergency purposes.

March to May

The months between March to May mark the long rainy season in Akagera National Park. The park receives a lot of rainfall during this time period and usually the roads in the park are muddy. Visitors travelling to the national park during this time of the year should hire 4×4 wheel drive vehicles to ease your movement in the park. In addition to this, visitors should also pack a lot of warm clothes as nights in the park tend to get extremely cold during this rainy season.

October to November

The months from October till November characterize the short wet season in the national park. During this period, visitors travelling to Akagera national park can take part in bird watching activities in the park. Visitors can get an opportunity to view migratory birds pass through the park during this time of the year.

June to September

The best time for visitors to visit Akagera National Park is during the dry season, which is between June to September. The national park is home to over 8,000 large wildlife animals such as; elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, black rhinos, lions, leopards, and zebras to mention but a few. Akagera national park is also home to over 500 species of birds such as; the crowned cranes, egrets, marabou stock and the rare Shoebill stock. Bird lovers in Akagera national park can sight most bird species in the park’s forests, lake areas and papyrus swamps.

If you liked Akagera National Park, you might also like Volcanoese National Park.

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