One of Africa’s hidden gems

Rwanda is situated in the East Central part of Africa and is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its picturesque landscape of rolling hills and valleys! Boasting some of the worlds most interesting and iconic cultural and wildlife experiences Africa has to offer. Anything from world class birdwatching, big game safari’s, nature walks and of course trekking for the infamous Chimpanzee and or Mountain Gorilla. It also offers the opportunity to experience the incredibly rich cultural history of Rwanda.

Despite Rwanda being one of Africa’s smallest countries it still boasts four National Parks. These being Akagera, Nyungwe, Mukura and Volcanoes National Park. Each National Park offering something unique and very different.

Akagera

The largest of all the Rwandan National Parks defined by its savannah type landscape and located on the North Eastern edge of the country sharing a border with Tanzania. The park is well known for its game viewing, including the big 5, with the opportunity of seeing the elusive Black Rhino. It’s also home to 100’s of bird species including the rare Shoebill Stork.

Nyungwe

One of Africa’s oldest forests and was declared a national park in 2005. It was believed to even stay green during the Ice Age. It is well known for it being the home to 13 primate species including the chimpanzee and over 300 bird species including 16 endemic species to the area. Chimpanzee trekking is an absolute must and a bucket list experience in this area.

Mukura A newly created national park as of 2016. Mukura – Gishwati National park is known for a wide range of Fauna and Flora, mammal species and primate species including chimpanzees.

Volcanoes National Park Well known for being the home of the endangered Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkey. The National Park includes five 5 of the 8 volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountain Range. The volcanoes are Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, with Karisimbi being the highest volcano among the others with a peak of 4507 m above sea level. It too offers 178 recorded bird species with an estimated 13 endemic species. Trekking for the Mountain Gorilla has to be one of the most iconic and sort after activities in Africa and Rwanda. This area boasts over 23 Mountain Gorilla families which are accessible to visitors that wish to trek during their visit making it one of the most sort after destinations. The Volcanoes National Park also offers an array of activities such as hiking to the resting place of Diane Fossey, hikes to the top of a volcano to explore the crater lakes, trekking for Golden Monkeys and not to mention the various museums that are accessible in the area too. For those that wish to go Gorilla trekking here’s an outline of what one can expect and how to best prepare. To be well prepared will make for a far better experience.

Depending on which lodge or hotel you’re staying in will depend what time the excitement of your day begins. Generally speaking you’ll have a 5:30am wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for the National Park headquarters. Eating well before your trek is very important as you don’t know the duration or distance you’ll be trekking and you will need to feel well nourished. On arrival at the headquarters you will be able to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Rwandan Tea or Coffee as well as access the toilet facilities. Once you’re settled in you’ll be introduced to your lead or head guide for the day. It’s at this time that the excitement and anticipation becomes reality as you’ll get to talk about which Gorilla family you’ll be visiting and learn all about their social and family dynamics. This briefing is very informative and allows you to better understand the gorillas you’ll be seeing as well as what to expect on the trek. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the gorillas and or the trek itself.

There is often a lot nerves about what to expect so this is a good time to chat through it all and turn those nerves into excitement. From the headquarters you’ll drive in the same vehicle from the lodge or hotel to the most accessible point of the National Park to locate your allocated gorilla family. Once you’ve been dropped off you will meet the porters who are there to assist with your every need. They are absolutely incredible and assist with your every need. Now the fun really begins as you navigate you’re way through the local farms and communities to access the National Parks boundary wall. You’ll get to see the local farmers in action looking after their various crops and livestock while learning all about the area too. Once you’ve made your way to the boundary wall you will continue your trek into the forrest. It’s at this time that you’ll know the length and or difficulty of your trek. This shouldn’t worry you as you are able to do it and the porters and guides will motivate you throughout your trek and work as a team. When getting close to or reaching the gorilla family you’ll leave your back packs, food and water with your porters. This is so you don’t have anything unnecessary with you which may inhibit your ability to move around. You’ll then make your way to the gorillas and begin your one hour interaction with them. It’s now time to enjoy every minute and make ever lasting memories with these incredible animals. After your time with these amazing creatures you’ll meet up once again with your porters to enjoy a well deserved meal and hydrate before heading back down the volcano to your pick up point. The stories and reality of what you just experienced will now become life long memories that you’ll never forget.

The do’s and don’ts while trekkingThis is all very straight forward and simple. Don’t overthink it or worry about it as it’s as simple as keeping your voices down and respecting the space of the Gorillas. The guides are very helpful and insightful with what to do and will assist in giving you the best experience possible.

What to pack while visiting:

• Adequate hiking boots and or shoes. Depending on where you’re staying they may offer suitable hiking boots for your personal use.
• Long sleeved hiking shirts as well as pants. It may sound obvious but it’s very important to have long sleeves and long pants as depending on where you end up trekking you may encounter countless stinging nettles and or thorny shrubs along the way.
• A waterproof jacket as the weather can change at any time. It also acts as an additional protective layer while trekking through thick bush. Once again some lodges or hotels offer these in house but it’s best to check before traveling.
• Most lodges and or hotels offer protective gators to cover the lower part of your legs but we highly recommend you check first. These are crucial in the comfort of your trek and protection of any thorns.
• Gloves to protect your hand from walking through thick bush that may cause scratches and or irritation.
• Back pack to carry your essential items. These too are normally provided by the lodge or hotel.
• A peak or hat for sun protection.
• A camera or phone with a camera to capture this life changing experience

I encourage everyone to visit Rwanda and enjoy the endless opportunities and life changing experiences.