Rwanda Tourism Board is committed to encourage and attract more Singaporean tourists to Rwanda. Of recent, a team of Rwanda travel operators traveled for a three days international Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Singapore to disclose more of what Rwanda offers. Among the travel companies that attended the exhibition include Thousand hills Africa, Radisson Blu Kigali and Akagera Aviation, Africa journeys and Uber Luxe Safaris which are all part of Rwanda delegation. Rwanda showcased various tourism products including endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park, culture, birds, flora (Orchids), Chimpanzees and other 13 primates in Nyungwe Forest National park. Altogether, over 300 attended the show, which was an opportunity for meeting and interactions. The Asia Pacific has currently become an important source of Rwanda visitors with an average rise of tourist numbers by 18% in the last four years. Guillaume, the high commissioner of Rwanda to Singapore, confirmed the steady increase of visitors from Asian Pacific to Rwanda.
Top tourist activities/attractions in Rwanda
Despite her small size, Rwanda has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions and activities. The country is endowed with natural beauties, wildlife, birds, ranging from rolling hills, valleys, lakes, green vegetation, rivers and mountains which all offer travelers with remarkable travel experiences. Among the top things to do and see in Rwanda include:
Mountain gorillas
Sheltered in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National park, mountain gorillas are a must visit on your Rwanda safari. With only 1004 mountain gorillas surviving in the whole world, the endangered species are worth visiting, Rwanda is one of the three destinations which shelter these endangered species besides Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is home to 10 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Since May 2017, Rwanda upgraded to a luxury gorilla tour destination following a double increase of gorilla permits from $750 to $1500 paid by all travelers regardless of one’s nationality.
Golden Monkeys
Do not miss an encounter with the lively playful golden monkeys in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park. The other population of golden monkeys lives in Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park. Interestingly, golden monkey trekking costs $100 per permit, which is affordable compared to gorilla permits.
Chimpanzees
Visit and trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park southwest of Rwanda. The land of a thousand hills is home to the highest number of chimpanzees in East Africa. Rwanda chimpanzees are habituated in two areas, which are in Nyungwe main forest and Cyamudongo forest. Like golden monkeys, trekking chimpanzees is much cheaper compared to gorillas hence a must do.
Big five game
Rwanda is now home to “big five” game (Lions, Rhinos, Leopards, Buffalos, and Elephants) in Akagera national park. Go game driving on the plain savannas of Akagera, enjoy an up-close encounter with the wild game and have fun. You will see numerous other animals like giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, kobs, eland and many more. Game viewing is best done in the morning and evening hours to catch up with animals grazing, browsing and hunting before retiring for day and night rests.
Virunga volcanoes
Enjoy a hike to the peak of Mount Karisimbi whose summit offers you a great view of the entire Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. A 2 days Mt karisimbi is a perfect package for you to explore this volcano and wildlife especially mountain gorillas which live on the slopes of the mountain. Other volcanoes include Mt Bisoke and also a hike to Dian Fossey graveyard.
In general, Rwanda’s idea to attract more Singaporean travelers is a great deal. The country offers it all to meet and exceed every traveler’s expectations. Book a Rwanda safari, trek gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and enjoy hiking Virunga volcanoes with Gorilla Trek Africa.
