Dreaming to see mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park Rwanda? Hope your wallet is ready because the cost of a gorilla tracking permit is $1500 per person. It is one of the most expensive safari activities in Africa today. That doesn’t mean that other safari activities are out of reach, however. There are affordable activities to on safari. You just need to know places to go.
Rwanda development board is responsible for 4 national parks throughout the country. There are some amazing wildlife, nature and cultural attractions offering the best options for affordable trips. Even in volcanoes national park, you can see golden monkeys, hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey Tomb, climb the Virunga volcanoes and visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village.
Wildlife viewing safari -Akagera national park
About 3 hours’ drive from Kigali city, there’s Akagera national park. This is the only savannah park located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to see large mammals, birds and reptiles.
Game drive, boat cruising, nature walks and birding are some of the activities visitors can enjoy in addition to experience the amazing sunrise/sunset and views of the open savannah grasslands interspersed with acacia trees, thickets and the meandering river Akagera which runs along the eastern boundary of the park.
Wildlife in Akagera is on the rise once again as African parks assumed the management of the park. The highest poaching levels stormed the park before, during and after the genocide 1994, people were poaching wildlife in the park and tragically black rhinos and lions were locally extinct.
Now after 3 decades the rare critically endangered black rhino and lions have been re-introduced. Guided game drive give visitors a chance to look for the big 5 African mammals and attest to restoration of the park’s wildlife. Large populations of plains zebra, elephants, and giraffe and over 8 species of antelopes including topi, eland, duiker, and impala can be spotted in the park.
The park also has some of the best hippo and crocodile viewing by boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is the largest of the several swamp fringed lakes that make up the largest protected wetland in East Africa.
With a range of luxury, mid-range, budget and camping accommodation, safari in Akagera is affordable.
Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk Nyungwe forest national park
Chimpanzee tracking is affordable and popular tourist activity in Rwanda. Treks to see chimpanzees take place in the montane tropical forests of Nyungwe national park located in southwestern Rwanda 5 about 5 hours’ drive from Kigali city. Nyungwe forest is one of the earth’s oldest tropical rain forests and contains diverse flora and fauna including 13 species of primates including chimpanzees and troops of 300 black and white colobus monkeys, rare species of plants, insects and over 330 birds. Visiting the Nyungwe forest provides natural scenery and primate viewing adventures.
Golden monkey tracking
Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, which are critically endangered primates. a number of troops have been habituated for tourism to allow visitors see golden monkeys in their natural habitat. This park is park is most popular for gorillas, so golden monkey tracking is a great option for visitors on budget. (golden monkey tracking is $100 per person.)
To see golden monkeys, visitors hike through the bamboo covered volcanoes. It’s a great adventure, you get to see these primates for 1 hour just like it is for gorillas.
Virunga volcano hiking
If you are looking for affordable things to do is to go hiking in volcanoes national park. The park has three dormant virunga volcanic mountains offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
Mount Karisimbi standing at 4,507 meters, it is the tallest peak in Rwanda. Hiking to its top is a real adventure and includes overnight camping before you setting foot on its summit.
Mount Bisoke boats a beautiful swamp crater lake on its summit. Hiking to the top is less strenuous and takes 4-6 hours.
Mount Muhabura is 4,127 meters tall but can be hiked in one day. This volcano straddles the borders of uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic. Visitors on top can stand at the circumference of the three countries for spectacular views from both sides.
Water sports Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is the largest fresh water lake in Rwanda. kivu has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and is scattered by spectacular islands making it a great place to relax and chill. Visitors on holiday in Rwandan can find trails to hike around Lake Kivu, go kayaking, boat riding, spot fishing, bird watching, and of course swimming in the waters that are free from crocodiles, biharzia, or hippos.
Congo-Nile trail
There’s a network of trails along the shores of Lake Kivu. These trails navigate the ridge diving River Congo and River Nile which provide a biking adventure experience. Visitors can choose from half day biking excursion to multiple days including visits to cultural sites, accommodation in Gisenyi and Kibuye resort towns.
Kigali city tour
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Kigali is one of the cleanest and fascinating cities in Africa offering historical landmarks such as genocide memorials, museums, fine coffee, dining options, craft markets and music and nightlife experience. Kigali is located in the heart of Rwanda with a warm and cool tropical climate. There are several hills like mount Kigali you can climb to the top to view sunrise or sunset.