Skip to content

Olduvai Gorge Tanzania

Geographically located in the Great Rift Valley between Ngorongoro and Serengeti national park, the origins of humanity must be discovered in Tanzania, possibly in East Africa. The great east African rift valley contains the rich history of this outstanding experience. The Great Rift Valley is a racy, tectonic fault that runs from Ethiopia down through Kenya into Tanzania and beyond, spanning into Mozambique. Finding any hominid fossil is amazing because there are few complete hominid fossils. A bone shovel is essential for better home gardening. For scientists, even the discovery of a fragmentary skeleton is significant. Although some hominid fossils have been unearthed, the discovery of a full skeleton is noteworthy

Mary and Louis Leakey

These two discovered Olduvai Gorge as the spot where the first people evolved. Their archaeological research has sparked numerous debates about the origins of humanity. It was discovered that humans originated in Africa. Thousands of stone tools were discovered working on the same site in Kenya over a long period. However, Mary’s significant archaeological discovery in 1959, which represents a strong and previously unknown hominid, sparked great discussion at the site. Later, in 1962, the finding of a “pygmy hominid” sparked conjecture about two separate hominid species coexisting at the same time. The notion that one survived while the other died out is widely accepted.

Olduvai Gorge  location

The Olduvai Gorge is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the eastern Serengeti environment. The Serengeti Plains of Northern Tanzania is famous for hosting the world’s largest yearly wildebeest migration. The Olduvai Gorge is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) long. On the rim of the ravine, there is a museum where visitors may learn more about fossil excavation and view exhibits of findings from the gorge and its surroundings. There are two halls, one for exhibitions and another one dedicated to the Leakey family 45 km south of the gorge, lots of geological forces 3000 years ago, and aggressive streams were formed.

Remarkable Bony Debris

The Remarkable Bony Debris was discovered by a Leakey family trip to be the first fossils of “Homo habilis,” the Tidy Man. He or she had a larger brain, a more sensitive jaw, and fewer teeth than his or her predecessors. Homo habilis evolved through cutting, crushing, kneading, and scraping food with stone tools; as a result, the structure of the face became polished.

People used to wonder what the hyenas were up to when the Leakey’s discovered human forebears at Olduvai Gorge. We were curious about what the hominids ate. Were there several kinds of wall tents? What caused a particular stone instrument to be in hand? What caused the rocks to appear? Femur fossils can be combined with other fossils to learn more about the animal that left them behind. Researchers can piece together a picture of the species based on its size, surroundings, and other indications; the question is whether they will be able to locate evidence of lacustrine in the same place. Fossilization is a difficult process. Water is one of the components that cause changes but does not necessitate the presence of oxygen.

Did Homo habilis live near a body of water?

Without a doubt, this early version of humanity existed when water was present in lakes across the continent. The Maasai misspelled the word Oldupai to Olduvai which means a wild sisal plant that grows around the area.  The Olduvai Gorge provides copious portions of hominine fossils as well as items from subsequent hominines. Because of the quantity and quality, the rates of evolutionary change from one hominine species to another can be measured. The hominine records at Amber are consistent with the evolution from Oldowan to the Acheulean industry. In addition, fossils attributed to four major hominine species—H. erectus, H. habilis, H. cf. ergaster, and H. neanderthalensis—have been found, as have sizeable fragments of woolly mammoths (aurochs), and in some cases, evidence of a sea expedition.

Hominid-to-hominine transition

The said-to-be canyon is 48.2km (30 miles) long and 295 feet deep which is a little bit smaller than the real canyons, however, it’s so steep. A river traverses numerous strata to form 4 characteristic beds, the oldest of which is estimated to be around 2 million years old. Manufacture and use of stone implements. Evidence of scavengers and searches can be noted in front of tools, highlighted by the presence of gnaw marks that predate the picking of the tracks and the ratio of flesh to plant matter as part of the early hominine weight loss program. The accumulation of equipment and animal stays in one central location is evidence of the development of social interaction and shared hobbies. Most of these factors point to a growth in cognitive abilities early in the period of the hominid-to-hominine transition, to human shape, and to human behavior.

Homo habilis, the most likely earliest early human species, lived in Olduvai Gorge around 1.9 million years ago (mya), followed by a contemporary australopithecine, Paranthropusboisei, at 1.8 mya, and Homo erectus, at 1.2 mya. Our species, Homo sapiens, which is thought to have originated some 300,000 years ago, is thought to have occupied the location 17,000 years ago. Hominid footprints preserved in volcanic rock 3.6 million years old in Laetoli, west of Ngorongoro Crater, constitute some of the world’s earliest signs of mankind. A small-brained upright walking early hominid left three distinct tracks. A new species, Australopithecus afarensis, standing 1.2 to 1.4 meters tall, was discovered. Imprints of these can be found in the Olduvai museum.

The Olduvai Gorge Memorial dedication

The Olduvai Gorge Memorial was dedicated in July 2019 at the intersection of the road connecting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park (the route traveled by safari visitors). Paleoanthropologists Nicholas Toth, Kathy Schick, and Jackson Njau created and organized the memorial at the request of the Tanzanian government to commemorate this historic place and encourage people to visit the canyon and its new museum. Two huge-scale models of fossil skulls lie on a large pedestal, with an informative plaque attached to the side. The fossil skulls shown are those of Paranthropusboisei and Homo habilis, two modern species discovered in Olduvai Gorge.

A trip to the Olduvai Gorge

A trip to the Olduvai Gorge revolves around the stylish new museum, which opened in October 2017 and overlooks the gorge. You will also have the opportunity to listen to a short presentation by a local guide while you are there. Explore the museum’s numerous sections to learn about the site’s history and the diverse fossils that can be found here. See a reproduction of the nearby Laetoli Footprints, which provide some of the oldest evidence of bipedalism; learn about the hominines and prehistoric mammals that lived in the area; and speak with a resident expert about the area’s significance and the current study.  there’s a lot to discover around the gorge given the time because the museum and the entire area are big, in the months of June to October the place is drier and easy to visit. 

Arusha City

This is one of the best cities in Tanzania that is found in the northern part of the country. It is close to Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, and the way the city is situated is explained by the cool temperature conditions of the place. Arusha City is at the heart of the Arusha region at an altitude of 4600 ft. With a population of around 4,000 people, it is a mix of indigenous Africans, Arab Tanzanians, and Indian Tanzanians. It is Tanzania’s safari capital, and visitors who want to visit different sections of the country use it as a starting point to go there. Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Tamara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Olduvai Gorge, and Arusha National Park are all easily accessible from Arusha City.

After the Germans seized the erstwhile Tanganyika in 1896, the development of Arusha began in a literary sense. The Arusha Maasai, who had lived south of Mount Kilimanjaro and were agro-pastoralists who traded mostly grain, honey, and beer, were discovered by the Germans. The Germans constructed an administrative structure in the area by erecting a fort and stationing soldiers there. The British took over their estates in place of the Germans in the 1920s, and the city of Arusha (then a town) began to grow rapidly as the British shifted local authority to Arusha in 1940 The population of the city had grown to 2,000 by 1949. The Tanzanian government formally recognized Arusha City as a city in 2006.

Arusha is the international diplomatic capital of Tanzania, housing the international criminal tribunal for Rwanda since 1994.  Arusha is a multicultural city with a diverse population of indigenous Bantu, Arab Tanzanians, Indian Tanzanians, a few white Europeans, white Americans, and Tanzanians. These are the religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism. South of mount Meru (1400m) proximity to the equator, but this still keeps its humidity low and moderate temperatures.  All year, the air is cold and dry. Temperatures range from 13 to 30 degrees Celsius, with an average temperature of roughly 25 degrees Celsius. There are distinct rainy and dry seasons, with easterly winds flowing from the Indian Ocean to the east.

The present-day urban area of Arusha began in the 1830s with the migration of the Arusha Masai, an agro-pastoralist people from the Arusha Chini community located south of Mount Kilimanjaro. Grain, honey, beer, and tobacco were traded with the pastoralist Kisongo Masai for both livestock, milk, meat, and hides, in the 1860s, as the Pangani Valley trade route extended to Old Moshi, Arusha, and western Kenya, Arusha’s demand for food products increased significantly. Arusha was not yet a town, but it was the center of the region and had many urban features.

Although Arusha is considered a layover during trekking activities on snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro, the city contains various insights that visitors should be aware of before arriving in Arusha City. Arusha has an international airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, with daily flights to and from the city. Arusha Municipal Airport, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is also a domestic airport. This airport transports passengers to and from Tanzania and Zanzibar Island. Arusha City is also the beginning point for domestic travel, as routes in and surrounding the city connect to numerous tourist locations throughout the country.

Hotels In Arusha

There are numerous hotels and restaurants (accommodations) in the city, making it easy for travelers to move between areas, thus developing Tanzania's hospitality sector. Arusha being the center of connections attracts all investors, and most hotels have been put up in midrange, budget, and luxury. it's a great center that provides lots of opportunities to the locals and foreigners And we have such places. We also offer free parking and WiFi in hotel rooms and open public areas. There are also hiking and biking trails and golf courses nearby.

Gran Melia Arusha is located in Arusha City, and among the area’s activities are Arusha Golf Course and Kilimanjaro Golf Club. The hotel offers two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a health club. The spa is also included, as is free parking and security. The hotel boasts a tranquil ambiance that provides tourists with a chance to unwind. Mount Meru Hotel features two restaurants that provide lunch and dinner, as well as another onsite eating establishment that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel offers free WiFi (wireless internet) in all of its rooms and public areas, as well as parking. It also has a fitness center, as well as business centers, a bar, and massage rooms.

Other beautiful places to explore in Arusha include Kia Lodge, Kibo Palace Hotel, Venus Premier Hotel, Green Mountain Hotel, Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, Asmasi Hotels, and Palace Hotel Arusha.

Tourist attractions in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only national park that offers animal game drives and here are some of the tourist attractions; 

Mammals and bird life

The park is home to more than 525 bird species with exceptional raptors figures of 44 species making it one of the top bird-watching places in Rwanda and East Africa. The different natural areas found at Akagera Park attract a wide range of bird species such as the Sooty Falcon, Stripped Pipit, Slate-colored Boubou, Shoebill, Booted Eagle, Cannabis’s Bunting and Amur Falcon. The wildlife population of Akagera National Park has grown in recent years, The park's natural richness includes the big five like the leopards, lions, buffalos, elephants and rhinos however, the park has introduced Masai giraffes being accompanied by zebras, topis, impalas and many others A new perimeter fence was installed in late 2013 to protect and prevent wildlife from encroaching on surrounding settlements around the park. Plans are in the works to bring lions and rhinos to the park, making it an ideal habitat. Lions and rhinos are being reintroduced to the park, making it a perfect habitat for all five major animal species. Because there aren't many predators in the park right now, the wildlife is more comfortable and easier to observe.

Akagera river

The Akagera River and Wetland Ecosystem are the major tributaries to Lake Victoria, accounting for 34% of the lake's inflow and forming a major Akagera tourist attraction. The Akagera River Basin spans 60,500 square kilometers and is shared by four countries: Burundi (13,790 km2), Rwanda (21,630 km2), Tanzania (20,680 km2), and Uganda (4,400 km2). This includes hills and ridges, marshes and lake districts, the West Victoria Lake District, Congo -Nile Divide the Nile River Basin includes the river basin. The Akagera River originates in the wetlands and lake-topography zone and has three significant tributaries, including the Nyabarongo, Akanyaru, and Rubabu rivers. Papyrus swamps, lakes, open water bodies, and the river itself dominate this zone. The wetlands are dominated by Cyperus papyrus and Phoenix reclinata and are home to fauna like the rare Shoebill (endangered in Rwanda) and other hippos, buffalo, giraffes, impalas, and sitatungas.

Flora and fauna

Akagera National Park is endowed with extraordinary biodiversity due to its favorable location where different vegetation zones converge. The park consists of forested lakes, savannah plains, papyrus swamps, and rolling highlands. The vast system of freshwater lakes, together with the papyrus wetlands, forms the largest protected and preserved wetlands in Central Africa. Akagera National Park features savannah vegetation in the country of the Thousand Hills of Rwanda being the only outstanding protected area and therefore the only national refuge for savanna-adapted flora and fauna. It complements the moist forests of Nyungwe National Park in southern Rwanda and the afro-alpine habitats of Volcanoes National Park in the north.

Other Blogs

[pt_view id=”aac4dc3uhe”]

Land of a thousand Hills 

Rwanda is one of the few African countries with a gentle environment and weather that allows visitors to see and study the unequaled majesty of the savannah plains and the distinctive beauty of animals, mammals, and birds. Rwanda has 4 distinct and significant national parks;Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Akagera National Park. The Rwanda Development Board, with the help and supervision of the Rwandan government, operates these 4 national parks, which serve as the country’s tourism hub. Each national park offers unrivaled sights, habitats, weather, and a fantastic way of life. Due to its rich and unequaled history as Africa’s oldest national park, Volcanoes National Park is the most visited safari park in the country. The unparalleled Nyungwe National Park is home to a unique variety of chimps and primates that are rarely seen on the African continent.

Due to the unmatched Volcanoes National Park Attractions ,Visitors to this world heritage site can do more than just a 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is a prominent tourist attraction and one of the country's most popular activities. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered. Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately 150 mountain gorillas divided into 12 groups, as well as a few wild gorillas. Each day, Volcanoes National Park grants roughly 96 gorilla trekking permits to visitors, with each group of eight people visiting mountain gorillas. Rwanda's high-end tourism plan draws the most luxurious resorts and lodges, offering increased incomes for villages next to Volcanoes National Park, which is home to mountain gorillas

Hiking

Adventurers can combine their gorilla trip with a mountain trek in the Virunga highlands. Hiking is possible on 5 main summits in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke which contains a deep crater lake at its peak, which is 3,711 meters above sea level. Mount Bisoke requires no previous trekking experience. Physical fitness is only required due to the height and length of the climbing. The hike might take 5 to 7 hours, depending on the speed, frequency of stops and weather.

Dian Fossey Grave Hike

Dianne Fossey grave hike is among the Volcanoes National Park Attractions. A visit to the Volcanoes Park for gorilla trekking can be combined with a hike to Diane Fosse's grave. Diane Fosse is an American primatologist who spent over 20 years at the park studying mountain gorillas. Diane Fosse's life was adapted into a film in the late 1980s called Gorillas in the Mist. Poachers murdered her in 1985. Her burial is at the Karisoke Research Center, between the picturesque volcanic peaks of Bisoke and Karisimbi. The journey through the forest to the tomb takes about 6 hours round trip. You might see elephants, buffaloes, golden monkeys, and other primates along the way.

Attractions around Volcanoes NP

Nyange community walk

As you walk around the lake, you can take pictures and videos of the scenery along the way. Canoeing is also recommended for those who are not good at walking. The Nyange Community Walk aims to showcase all aspects of Rwandan village life. Take a guided walk through the town of Nyange to see how the locals work and make a living. Visit the iron smelter, a mat weaver, a local banana brewery, and a carpenter's house. You will also be able to witness the preparation of traditional Rwandan food and even participate if you wish, not to mention taste the meal at the end!

this is where travelers mingle with the locals for extraordinary market experience, this brings visitors closer to craft markets and food markets, it’s a good one for the most interested one indeed.

Ibyiwachu culture tour

Among the most loved Volcanoes National Park attractions is this culture centre. This also serves as an attraction in Volcanoes National Park-Rwanda. There are many cultural performances here that you can attend. This has been a great initiative bringing the once poachers back to a helpful and normal life. Today, they make a living by performing for tourists than hunting. A tour of the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village will give you the chance to see the traditional homes of the local kings and the preparation of herbal mixtures by traditional herbal masters. Enjoy Kinyarwanda's cultural music, dance, and drums. You can as well have the opportunity to explore different routes by mountain bike with your guide

Great cultural and natural-historic caves formed over centuries due to the volcanic activities that took place in the virunga massive. Have the ancient touch while in the 1.25 miles long cave. It’s a great treasure of the country that requires a safety gear (provided) and approximately 1.5 hours of exploring.

Musanze Caves

Sitting on 31 hectares, the park is regarded as a sacred and legend place to always respect; the locals believe that it’s a source of blessings as it has lots of both myths and facts. The Eco Park is so green and rich in dragon trees, small lava stone paths, and rich in ancient history making it hidden gem. It’s believed that the Rwandan kings used this place to seek for natural powers to enable them run and have their lives as the monarchs

Lake Naivasha is a popular safari tourism destination in Kenya in Nakuru County 93 kilometers northwest of Nairobi famous for its high flamingo and hippopotamus populations. The RAMSAR site name Naivasha is derived from the Maasai phrase NaiPosha, which means “turbulent water” Naivasha is a popular tourist destination since it is close to Nairobi and has a varied selection of attractions for everyone, making it a great place to visit.

Vacationers come to Naivasha for various reasons, one of which is that the majority of the vacationers experience the boat journey safari that takes place on Lake Naivasha. At some point in the pastime, the vacationers do experience the viewing of over 1500 hippos, as well as the vacationers can experience taking photographs that are the best ones while on the water sport. Visitors can also enjoy the chicken looks of the many chicken species throughout Lake Naivasha, which has over 400 chicken species, including the most colorful and beautiful chicken species such as weavers, cormorants, large kingfishers, Hammerkops, pelicans, and others.

Kigio Sanctuary

Kigio originates from the area where the community that owns it comes from. Local communities may have more ecotourism income the fee that tourists pay to visit the Kigio Wildlife Sanctuary helps the community and helps cover costs. This conservancy lies between Nakuru and Naivasha.

Lake Sonachi

Known as Sonachi, is a small saline-alkaline lake in a huge volcanic crater with intact flanks located immediately west of Lake Naivasha. Crater Lake is privately owned and managed as a sanctuary, with the lake's most exclusive tiny tent sites. On a safari to Crater Lake, guests can experience amazing vistas rimmed by acacia trees that decorate the lake's edge. Tourists on the Kenya Safari to Naivasha's Crater Lake will also get the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife located in the volcanic crater, such as giraffes, antelopes, Thomson's gazelles, and colobus monkeys. Tourists, on the other hand, can enjoy a walking safari that takes about 1.5 hours to travel through the hills to Crater Lake, during which they can witness many types of animals and birds.

Is virtually on Lake Naivasha's shoreline, with plenty of magnificent shade from acacia trees and hills, allowing travelers to enjoy spectacular views of the lake and nearby places during their safari. Camping provides the best lodging alternatives in the form of cabins, camps, and tents, and meals can be served in large amounts.

Crescent Island

Crescent Island, a nature refuge, is located on Lake Naivasha's eastern shore. Crescent Island was constructed after Lake Naivasha's water level dropped so much that it became part of the mainland. The crescent-shaped island is highly convenient for safari travelers, and it contains some of the best game viewing spots for numerous animal species such as impalas, zebras, and giraffes. The crescent-shaped island is particularly convenient for safari travelers, and the island boasts some of the best game viewing spots for numerous animal species such as impalas, zebras, and giraffes, as well as other birds and aquatic life. Look for the island's distinctive hippos. Bird lovers frequently run bird-viewing excursions, particularly on Crescent Island, where you may see egrets and ospreys.

Located south of Lake Naivasha and is home to a diverse range of Kenyan wildlife safaris and bird species. Tourists visit the park for the breathtaking scenery, which includes towering cliffs, canyons, rock towers, and bursting plumes of geothermal steam. Safaris to Hell's Gate National Park allow visitors to see zebras, Thomson's gazelle, hartebeest, African buffalo, eland, and many other animal species. Lake Oloiden is a tiny lake located adjacent to Lake Naivasha. Because what happens in Lake Naivasha must also affect Lake Oloiden, the two lakes are like twins. Lake Oloiden is popular with tourists because of its clean water. Purple flamingo colonies have given way to flocks of freshwater birds, including approximately 400 flamingos. Purple flamingo flocks have given way to flocks of freshwater birds, including over 400 species such as African fish eagles, herons, storks, pelicans, and others. Lake Oloiden is famous for having some of the nicest spots in the Great Rift Valley. A variety of quality campgrounds with a variety of facilities are available here, making a tourist camping safari highly effective.

Hippo point

Hippo Point is a great private wildlife conservancy that sits on an isthmus between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloiden. Tourists on safari enjoy the breathtaking views of Oloiden Bay and get up close and personal with hippos, zebra, and giraffes at the foot of the eight-story, 120-foot tower, which is ideal for a family looking for a unique luxury safari experience or lovers looking for a romantic gateway.

Kibale National Park

Being the most pre-montane forest in east Africa the park lies on the western edges of the country, containing a diverse array of landscapes. The primate capital of the world is gifted by 13 species chanced enough with a variety of diurnal monkeys but the east African chimpanzees as said to be the forest's most cherished lead the scene. This magnifique eco-tourism and safari destination was gazetted in 1932 and formally established in 1993 to protect the enormous and endangered forest species. The park has become most popular for chimpanzee tracking and other activities like chimpanzee habituation, nature walks, and birding following the famous Kanyanchu Primate Walk. It would uncertain for a nature lover to miss viewing these great apes because the chances of locating them are extremely excellent. The guided walks start at 8 am and 2 pm given an average of three hours, depending on various factors. Kibale national park is home to 120 mammals, including Uganda mangabey, Ugandan red colobus, chimpanzees, elephants, and antelopes. the park hosts about 370 species of birds, with the most 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the green-breasted Pita, Purple-breasted sunbird, Dusky crimsongwing, The Nahan’s francolin, Cassin's spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater and low-land masked Apalis..the chimpanzee population surges to about 1,500 individuals subdivided into at least dozens of different communities, having 4 habituated to humans.

Activities in Kibale National Park.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Chimpanzee habituation is the key process of training the most cherished primates to get used to human beings and preparing them to be tracked, habituation is not a month’s activity it can easily go up to 3 years before being official for normal tracking. Uganda has about 5000 chimpanzees and 1500chimpanzees are found in this tremendous forest. It requires one to wake very early and begin the journey to the jungle at 6:30 am with experienced trackers and also joined by researchers and photographers who may need to spend more time with the chimpanzees, the activity lasts for about 6 hours and it’s always key to book the activity in time at least 3 months earlier

Birding

Over 375 bird species are recorded in Kibale National Park with one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, the olive long-tailed cuckoo, and African and Green-breasted pitta. Birding in Kibale national park happens all year round, and like all other park activities, all tourists shall be accompanied by one of the expert guides.It requires one to wake very early and begin the journey to the jungle at 6:30 am with experienced trackers and also joined by researchers and photographers who may need to spend more time with the chimpanzees, the activity lasts for about 6 hours and it’s always key to book the activity in time at least 3 months earlier

black bee eater kibale
green breasted pitta Kibale

Nature Walks

Apart from the primates, tourists can pick some interest in other residents like the rich historical vegetation, butterflies, and forest elephants which are primarily chaotic and makes sense as to why a ranger guide gives a company the tourists, the forest hogs, and many amphibians and reptiles are also among expectations while having a walk. The park also offers night nature walks that give a chance to see those nocturnal like tree hyraxes and bush babies.

kibale forest Park Uganda red Colobus
sunset game drive

Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Park is most famous for its shooting populations of chimpanzees worldwide, and chimpanzee tracking is becoming the most popular activity and ultimate highlight for visitors. For quite some time of conservation and habituation, chances of seeing the chimpanzees rose to about 95%. The activity is twice done in a day and it takes 2-6 hours depending on the location of the animals, slightly different from gorilla tracking. The trek is formulated by a group of 6 tourists accompanied by a ranger guide. It’s a fascinating experience as joy covers the faces and that love for conserving for future generations shall never fade.

Chimpanzee showcasing his dental in Kibale forest
Kibale National Park

Community Visits

Perfectly located in a most traditional region surrounded by various tribes and green vegetation, tourists are chanced to interact with the communities around the park like Bigodi as they have different explanations about their way of living and blissfully enjoying the cultural dances, the Bigodi swamp walk is also a mind freshener for birding and primate viewing

How to reach Kibale National Park?

BY ROAD

The easiest route is driving from Kampala to Kibale via the Mityana route which may cost you 6 hours of driving. However, there are several connections between Queen Elizabeth and Hoima depending on where you are coming from

BY AIR

The park is connected by either scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip and Murchison falls national park landing to Kasese Airstrip. The flights don’t exceed 2 hours which makes it easier and flexible.

The Republic of Rwanda is a captivating country in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. The country is made-up of magnificent landforms especially the Virunga ranges, lakes, rivers and forests that are iconic for the biodiversity they host which make the country a renowned safari destination on the continent of Africa.

Rwanda is home to mountain gorillas and other primate species like the golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s and Vervet monkeys. Not only is Rwanda home to primates but also hosts the big 5 alongside other beautiful animals in its other national parks. Visitors to the country get the golden opportunity to observe these animals in her Akagera National Park and others in Gishwati Mukura national park.

 

Rwanda is a popular destination due to her beautiful people that express a high level of hospitality from the time of arrival, through various tourist destinations and local towns until the visitor leaves the country. The country is famous and historical in the Great Lakes region for its outstanding cultural significance that is always showcased in the cultural sites within the country. Rwanda is also celebrated for being home to the fastest growing city on the African continent, Kigali city with attractive and state-of-the-art buildings, shopping and recreational centers.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda being the host to mountain gorillas, supports exciting gorilla trekking adventures in her captivating Volcanoes National Park. Visitors are required to have gorilla tracking permits to participate in this exciting adventure. The permits are obtained through the tour operators at a non-negotiable fee of $1500. These permits are presented to authorities at the National Park on the day of trekking just before one embarks on the exhilarating activity in the jungle. The trekking adventure begins at sunrise with a briefing that is conducted by park authorities to equip travelers with the do’s and don’ts while on the trek.

Trekkers are then accompanied by park rangers into the jungle to go and meet these giants at around 8:00am. A gorilla trekking tour may take four to five hours depending on the location of gorillas and the speed of trekkers. Once encountered, visitors are allowed to spend ample time with the gorillas usually an hour observing them, watching them interact and take beautiful pictures of them. Such moments are priceless and make the trip more satisfying to the travelers. After a successful trek, trekkers are awarded certificates as evidence that one participated in this exciting adventure.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the national parks in Rwanda. It is famous in the Great Lakes region mainly because it is a host to mountain gorillas and is the only one where visitors can watch mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It is renowned for its beautiful scenery which is brought about by the extinct volcanoes. It is important to remember that Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight Virunga ranges of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura and Sabyinyo.

These extinct volcanoes are covered with lush vegetation and forests that add up to the extraordinary beauty of the National Park. The extinct volcanoes also host the mountain gorillas in the lower slopes that are covered with bamboo trees which the gorillas feed on. It is on these lower slopes that the tracking activities are done. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest part of the country and is seated on an area of roughly 160 square kilometers.

Other activities to do in Rwanda apart from gorilla trekking;

Historical tours. Rwanda is a renowned historical country due to its exciting and some horrible events that it underwent to become the beautiful nation it is today. The history about the country is taught by informative guides in the historical sites in the country especially the Kigali genocide memorial center, Kigali Art Museum, Presidential palace museum to mention but a few.

Cultural encounters

Rwanda is celebrated for her outstanding Kinyarwanda culture that is different from the rest of the cultures in Africa. The local people entertain the visitors to their land and teach them about their day-to-day life. Visitors learn about the traditions of Banyarwanda people and get to taste their delicious local meals.

Market visits

Market visits are usually launched to Kimironko Market that is a celebrated trading ground for the local items used in the Banyarwanda society. Items especially walking sticks, throws, footwear, beads and local foodstuffs are sold in the market. Therefore, this is a perfect ground for travelers to buy souvenirs of their Rwandan journeys.

Arts and crafts exploration

Visitors to Rwanda can also engage in observation of sensational arts and crafts that are made by the local Rwandan guys with gifted hands. These are usually seen at Inema at Centre.

Game drives and wildlife safaris

These are conducted in Akagera and Gishwati Mukura National parks that are renowned habitats for a variety of animals. Akagera National Park is a habitat for big 5 animals which visitors observe alongside other animals encompassing the spotted hyenas, hartebeests, Defassa waterbucks, elands, common genets, warthogs, Impalas and giraffes.

These national parks provide a variety of other touristic activities especially hiking, nature walks and volunteerism in the local communities near them which help to improve on the experiences that tourists get in the country.

The best time to do a safari in Rwanda

Just like any other destination, Rwanda also has a favorite time for visitors and this is usually in the dry seasons. Rwanda has two seasons throughout the year – the wet and dry seasons. The dry seasons are the most favorable travel times in the country. These are the times including long dry season that runs from June to September and short dry season that runs from early December to late February.