What to do after gorilla tracking in Rwanda.
Over the years, gorilla tracking has become one of the most sought-after activities
and a memorable experience for several travelers from different parts of the world.
It should be noted that Rwanda is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with 12 habituated gorilla families that reside in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park lies in the northwestern part of the country and is part of the Virunga ranges enclosing five of the eight Virunga volcanoes.
The gorilla tracking experience rewards you with an opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in the wild, observing their features, daily behavior, taking photos and videos as well as getting relevant information about gorillas from knowledgeable game guides.
When the travelers are done with gorilla trekking, they might have more time, thus, to urge to explore and participate in different activities, and this write-up will help outline several activities one carries out.
Experience Rwanda’s beautiful culture
Rwanda’s culture is evidenced through various activities. While in in the Volcanoes National Park, you can visit the gorilla guardians’ village, formerly known as Ib’yiwachu Cultural Center to experience Rwandan history, tradition, and culture through music, dance, art , craft, and customs.
You can go ahead to visit local markets like Kimironko, Nyabugogo vegetables market, Kigali city market, Ziniya market mong others. Enjoy delicious Rwandan dishes such as Isombe (cassava leaves), Brochettes (grilled meat), and other food prepared in different eateries.
Volcano hiking
Dedicated hikers consider hiking one of the hiked volcanoes in the park. These volcanoes include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura. Hikes on the volcanoes provide stunning views of lush vegetation, wildlife, crater lakes, other volcanoes in Congo, and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges in Uganda. Hiking is so adventurous and rewarding.
More hiking in volcanoes can be done when you visit the Dian Fossey gravesite. Dian Fossey was a great primatologist who worked tirelessly towards the protection and conservation of mountain gorillas.
Relax with a boat trip on the twin lakes.
After the strenuous gorilla trekking or volcano hiking, a leisurely cruise on the twin lakes is worth. The lakes have calm and cool waters for relaxation and leisure. They offer a perfect opportunity for bird watching, photography, and clear views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Guided nature walks in Buhanga Eco Park
This small a majestic forest is where you will experience nature, culture, and heritage in its fullest. Buhanga forest was used as the coronation site of the Rwandan Kings. It is because of its cultural attachment that it is still conserved till today. Buhanga Eco Park is a conducive place for birding safaris.
Explore Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a pristine water body on the western part of Rwanda shared with the DR Congo. The lake has beautiful beaches and adventurous islands that can be visited after the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The lake offers recreational activities like sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sport fishing, and windsurfing. From volcanoes, you will only drive for two and a half hours to Lake Kivu. While at the lake, you can visit the main towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Changugu as you get to interact with the peaceful natives.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial sites
From the gorilla safari, you can drive to Kigali for a city tour in which you will visit several interesting places, including the Kigali genocide Memorial site in Gisozi. This place was built to commemorate the lives of the innocent people who lost their lives in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. At this place, everyone is called upon to embrace peace and reconciliation. This genocide memorial site is considered the largest, but since the genocide error spread throughout the country, there are other memorial sites in Rwanda, including Camp Kigali Belgian Monument, Nyamata memorial, Ntarama memorial, Nyanza genocide memorial, and Murambi genocide memorial site, among others. You can visit the reconciliation village outside Kigali to meet the perpetrators and survivors living in harmony now and concentrating on developmental projects.
Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park.
After the gorilla trek, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park to meet another group of endangered primates, chimpanzees. This legendary rainforest is perfect for nature lovers to enjoy sights of the 13 primate species and other wildlife creatures. in the same park, engage in the canopy walk experience that gets you to explore the park above the ground in a unique perspective.
Visit Akagera National Park.
In the eastern part of Rwanda lies Rwanda’s only savanna park. Akagera National Park offers game drives where you should expect to see the big 5 and other animals like giraffes, zebras, bushbucks, and antelopes. While in this park, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema for more wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species.
Tea and coffee plantation tours
Are you interested in taking something fresh? Rwanda is one of the best tea and coffee producing countries. Visit any coffee plantation, especially around Lake Kivu or a tea plantation while in Nyungwe, take part of the harvesting, processing, and finish with tasting a cup of tea or coffee.
From your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you can tailor your itinerary to Uganda and visit some of the tourism destinations in the southwestern region, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda, as a famous tourist destination, can be visited all year round. When it comes to Volcanoes National Park, the time you visit depends on your budget and preference, but the most convenient time is during the drier months of December to February and June to early September. The park is always clear, the trekking trails are less muddy, and the vegetation cover is less grown. This time also provides you with an opportunity to quickly connect to other tourism destinations after gorilla tracking.
However , travelers with low budget plans can travel in the wet months of March to May and October to November, because accommodation costs are a bit low at times one can get a discounted gorilla permit.
How much is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek for foreign non–residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East Africans and Rwandan citizens. This gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park when you meet them.