How to Plan for a Safari to Kigali: Situated in the great East of Africa, Kigali the capital of Rwanda is a city containing beautiful sceneries, colored with rich culture and enriched with the best exotic wildlife experiences. This means a safari to Kigali is a promise of an adventure of a lifetime, with attractions such as the Volcanoes National Park hosting gorillas, a feature made famous by Dian Fossey’s research station. From visas to the best hotels, options for getting around, and the main places to visit, this article will provide you with all the information you need about planning for a memorable safari to Kigali.
Visas and Entry Requirements
The first contingency in organizing a safari to Kigali is to apply for travel permits. The people on Rwanda’s wish list may opt for an e-visa which is more convenient to obtain. The e-Visa has available options such as 30-day single entry visa or double entry visa depending on the fee charged. An applicant must have a passport which should be valid, a digital photo, and a credit card to pay the fee paid online. When it comes to processing the e-Visa, this usually takes between 3-5 days hence make your application early enough before your travel dates. They are Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania allowing travelers from these selected African countries to visit the country for 90 days without a visa.
Accommodations
As for accommodation, Kigali can offer a good variety of hotels starting from the 5-star level up to guesthouses. Among well-rated hotels, there is a five-star Serena Hotel that provides a breathtaking view of the city and the Heaven Boutique Hotel with an emphasis on the fact that it has a spa and a restaurant on the territory of the hotel. For those on a tighter budget, guesthouses might be the best option as the city boasts many options, including Residence Boutique Hotel and Caminka Hotel.
Transportation
When you get to Kigali, the only airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL) which has the best connection to most African cities and even some in Europe. The airport is well situated in a way that it is even nearly 12 km from the city center. Car hire services and taxis can easily be hired within the city for transport to your hotel or any place within the city.
Discover Kigali and Its Environment
Kigali is an interesting city with much to offer in terms of things to see and do. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre should not be missed as it helps to understand the history of Rwanda and the need for unity. Some other interesting places include Caplaki Cultural Village, which is an area where tourists are privileged to watch the craftsmanship of the locals’ original artwork, and Kigali City Tower which provides a keen view of the city through an eye-catching wonderful terrace.
Volcanoes National Park is so special that any lover of wildlife and adventurous destinations should consider visiting. Other primates found in the park include the endangered mammal, the mountain gorilla, the golden monkey, and the chimpanzee. To observe these animals one must obtain a gorilla tracking permit and it would be wise to arrange the permits sometimes in advance because these, too, are very popular. Other activities include trekking to Dian Fossey Grave, Karisoke Research Centre, and Karisoke Waterfall.
Others include Akagera National Park which contains the big five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and Rhino as well as Nyungwe Forest National Park popular for reaching birdlife and chimpanzee tracking.
Food and Dining
The Rwandan food is comprised of most of the traditional dishes found in the African continent and some of the world’s best-recognized meals. Local cuisine should continue to be enjoyed such as the Kitambata (roasted maize porridge), the Irintusi (cassava and pumpkin leaf stew), and the Isombe (mashed cassava leaves). For more entree, Kigali does have a diverse of restaurants that offer foods of every type such as French, Italian, and even foods from Asia.
Useful Recommendations for Having a Great Time in Kigali
- Contact hotels and lodges, or the Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure a gorilla permit well in advance.
- It is advisable to read up on the culture of practice in the country of visit as a gesture of respect to the people and their country.
- Organize yourself well especially when you hire a professional tour agent guide so that you gain the most out of the experience.
- Spend time leisure in Kigali where you will have an opportunity to visit different sites and taste delicious food.
- The basic things to bring with you include; sunscreen lotions, insect repellents, and comfortable walking shoes.
Conclusion
Expect nothing less than an amazing trip of wildlife throughout culture and scenery vapor on a fun safari to Kigali. Welcome to this ultimate guide that will see you ready to plan the perfect Rwanda tour and have the amazing encounters that you always dreamed of. Well then, let your bags be packed, your camera ready and begin an African adventure of a lifetime.
