RWANDA- Land of a Thousand Hills

In spite of its small geographical size, hardly measuring more than 26,000 square km, Rwanda appears to have been created to be an example of a fascinating and fantastic tourist destination country.

It’s rich and diverse wildlife, the contrasting and topography and climatic zones, its towering volcanic mountain chain in the north (reaching 4507 meters above sea level) and its rivers and lakes, especially Lake Kivu all provide beautiful variety of thrilling tourist attractions.

The Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda also known as the land of “Gorillas in the Mist” has its star tourist attraction in the Mountain Gorillas. The giant but gentle primates were the subject of the late Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to their protection and conservation. Her detailed work is best seen in the international acclaimed film “Gorillas in the Mist”, which was shot in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park

This is a vast true mountain rain forest, covering over 970 square km with altitude ranging from 1600 meters to 2950 meters. Though less known than other national parks in Rwanda, Nyungwe is ,remarkable as it is magnificent, on account of its rich biodiversity. It has over 75 mammal species with 13 primate species including chimpanzees, 270 bird species and over 200 tree species.

Apart from the chimpanzees trekking trails that are extremely popular, the variety of other primates, bird species and a myriad of tropical and montane trees and vegetation, make Nyungwe a haven for tourists, botanists, zoologists and bird watchers (ornithologists).

The overall advantage of the park is that it is easily accessible, and less expensive to visit. The pure fresh air in the park is both refreshing and invigorating.

In our opinion, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one place not to be missed by any visitors to Rwanda.

Akagera National Park

Situated in the eastern region of Rwanda, the Akagera National Park is the country’s finest habitat for classic savannah wildlife. Studded with numerous lakes, swamps, and the Akagera River, which forms the eastern border with Tanzania. The park is truly a rich sanctuary of nature’s biodiversity.

It is home of the savannah animals (elephants, buffaloes, giraffe, antelopes, zebras, hippos) and for unexplained reasons the crocodile population is unbelievably big.

The Tourist Adventure and Tourist menu in Rwanda

For the wildlife and nature enthusiasts, Akagera National Park should be the third most necessary item on the Rwanda tasty tourist menu.

“If you visit Akagera, you won’t regret it.” (Rwanda, The Bradt Travel Guide).

The question as to which item to be taken first as an appetizer, or the last as desert in terms of seeing the country’s attractions, depends on the individual taste, available time and budgetary considerations.

National Museum and Nyanza Ancient Royal Palace.

If you are heading south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, it will be worthwhile to spend some time visiting Nyanza ancient royal palace and the National Museum in Butare.

The former, was until 1961, the seat of Rwanda’s Mwami (king) and center of the country’s power and authority. It is now the home of the National Ballet (part of the famous Intore dancers), which has won many music and dance International awards.

Further south, the Butare National Museum is a fine and artistically designed building that houses the historical past and present day events of Rwanda.

Lake Kivu Water Sports

After the exciting but perhaps also tiring mountain gorilla trekking safari, chimpanzee trekking and extensive game driving in Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu provides the ideal place for rest and recuperation. For sunbathing, swimming and water sports, the Rwanda Riviera town of Gisenyi is the place to be.

If you prefer complete seclusion for mental and physical relaxation, we recommend the Kibuye Guest House, in the south of Lake Kivu. If you love speed boats, canoe sailing, or just mountain walks and picnics, Kibuye will provide these facilities to your satisfaction.

Special Interest Tours

Kiboko Tours & Travel organizes special interest tours and safaris to cater for specified special needs and interest.

These may range from “social contact” tours, whereby visitors stay with Rwanda’s families and participate in their social and economic activities.

One-Day All-Inclusive Tours:

1. One day package tour of Akagera National Park. Cold buffet picnic lunch.
2. One day gorilla tracking safari in the Volcanoes National Park. Buffet lunch at Kinigi Guest House.
3. One day historical tour of ancient royal palace at Nyanza, and National Museum in Butare town, with lunch at Hotel Ibis.
4. One day excursion tour of Kibuye, with motorboat rides on Lake Kivu. Lunch at Kibuye Guest House.

Two-Days/One Night Package Tours:

1. Gorilla tracking safari in Volcanoes National Park combined with a tour of lakes Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight and meals, at Kinigi Guest House.
2. Gorilla tracking safari combined with a visit to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre. Overnight and meals, at Kinigi Guest House.
3. Excursion tour of Kibuye, with motorboat rides on Lake Kivu. Overnight and meals, at Kibuye Guest House.
4. Gorilla tracking safari, combined with a tour of Gisenyi and Goma (in DR-Congo). Overnight at Palm Beach Hotel, Gisenyi.

Three-Days/Two Night Package Tours:

1. Historical tour of Butare National Museum, and primates tracking foot safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Overnight at ORTPN Guest House in Nyungwe Forest.
2. Excursion tour of Kibuye, with motorboat rides on Lake Kivu. Visit Gisenyi/Goma (in DR-Congo), and gorilla tracking safari. Overnight at Kibuye Guest House and Kinigi Guest House.
3. Classic game drive safari in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla tracking safari, and a visit to Gisenyi/Goma towns. Overnight in Kigali city and Kinigi Guest House.

Discover Rwanda Grand Tours:

The Rwanda Grand Tours cover all the National Parks, Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre, Lake Kivu discovery trips from Cyangugu to Gisenyi, via Kibuye, and the panoramic circuit route of lakes Burera and Ruhondo.

These tours may take 5 to 8 days depending on what the clients wish to see and experience, while in Rwanda.

Tailor-Made Package Tours:

Kiboko Tours & Travel specialises in the "Discover Rwanda" tours, East African fabulous safaris (Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania), as well as beach holidays in Mombasa and Zanzibar.

This represents a wide range of possible tours and safaris that satisfy diverse needs and tastes of different clients.

Other Services : Travel / Tourist Shop :

Kiboko Tours & Travel is in the process of establishing a travel / tourist shop where various items, equipment, and souvenirs may be purchased. These range from Rwanda souvenirs to tourist / travel wear and equipment.

All the souvenirs and equipment will be available and on sale at Kiboko Tours & Travel offices, in Kigali city center, a few meters from BANCOR Bank, on Avenue de la Paix.

For more information on our Discover Rwanda package tours please e-mail us at kiboko@rwanda1.com.