Author: admin

Enjoy Luxury Tours for less in Rwanda

Talking about luxury, many travellers freak wondering how expensive it could   be but in Rwanda it’s the opposite   with many affordable Luxury tours including culture, wildlife and adventure. Don’t go budget and sleep cheap yet you can afford to sleep comfortable in a great luxury setting during your Rwanda holiday in a perfect location. Wonder no more because every Rwanda city has several affordable luxury hotels with good reputation and ready to serve every guest to the country. Sometimes the luxury price for luxury lodges change depending on the travel season an open chance to grab for all travelers seeking affordable luxury tours. With different tour demands and travel seasons   its possible for travellers to get compromised prices year round at different lodge premises for one night or more. High season travels will make you tighten your pockets unlike the low season despite the demand being moderate throught the country. May be this will change as time goes by but if well planned you can’t miss the shot.

It   seems like winter’s boost Africa travel so much raising the demand of everything in on the travel market   especially during Christmas and New Year unlike other   months like April, May and November. You can truly escape high prices if you visit Rwanda at a right time. Last minute Gorilla permits can also be got even 3 days to the trek a rare case in the months of June –September & December –March. Lodging availability is a common thing to every lodge you check out since most of them rarely get filled up. But never countless on discounts and price reduction during the High season especially when many travellers visit the country at the same time creating price thorn among hotels and flights. However, some Luxury lodges and hotel remain affordable despite the high demand and this will definitely surprise you during your stay in Rwanda.

Palast Rock Hotel :one of Rwanda cleanest sited in a quiet environment and Guests enjoy luxury comfort in fresh surrounding with equal value for money. The available many relaxing facilities, the sauna & steam, Swimming pool, restaurant & bar will not let you think of living unless if your pocket runs out. The room suits and window views are wonderfully made, aerated and calm 24 hours. The kids’ park makes it a perfect place for family and friends while on your tour vacation in Africa. Travelers’ often inexpensive prices directly from the Hotel management and also take advantage of the hotel activities and restaurant which are pretty cheap. The rooms are well equipped in Executive suites, doubles and singles plus standard twins and single all offering lovely views of the Nyamata town. You can also visit the Nyamata Genocide memorial during your stay that is if cultural tourism is your thing. Check out time is always 10.00am so no need to wake up too early.

Luxury hotel Rwanda a Lodge of choice for travellers in a reality full of African comfort and attractive views of hills and Gardens. The wooden furniture and original artworks welcome you to a true African setting modernized with a flat screen TV & DSTV,High speed wireless internet which keeps in touch with all back home etc. The hotel is convenient for guests who make sleep overs in Kigali Rwanda Capital. All travellers are welcome here bit up market or budget travellers since the hotel has something for everyone. The Unique atmosphere gives travellers the real desired experience in Africa leaving them happy and amazed with the true cultural heritage in Africa. Get excellent services without boredom and relax at leisure at the sparkling pool outdoor as you wait for the free continental breakfast whenever you will be. Think of peace in the city surrounded by African culture all over, indeed the Africa themed hotel married with modern amenities should be your lodge in Kigali city.

Famous for gorilla tracking tours, Mountain Gorilla View lodge is another affordable luxury you should think of while booking a Rwanda Gorilla tour to Volcanoes National park. The experience here is magnificent and ultimate since your stay benefits three parties, the mountain Gorillas, the local Community and yourself since the memories last forever. This lodge bring close all Rwanda exciting tour activities the mount hikes, Golden monkey tracking, a visit to Diany fossey, the Twin lakes of Bulera and Rukundo, forest walks unlike others. Besides one can easily connect to lake kivu for beach fun and discoveries. No matter when you visit Rwanda but the most luxury affordable lodge still remains Mountain Gorilla View overlooking the gorgeous bamboo forest of Volcanoes national park. Gorilla trackers fancy the place because of its unique service and locations just close to the Gorilla Park head quarters. Other affordable loges include Flame Tree Village, Hotel Garni du Centre, Lake Kivu Serena hotel etc.

Self Drive in Uganda – Guide for Beginners

Today Uganda self drive tours offer a flexible touring experience that allows you to discover Uganda in its diversity at your own pace. Organised for you, the self drive tour often includes self drive transport, pre-planned accommodation and a self drive itinerary designed around your requirements. Pack your Uganda self drive tour with adventure or simply enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.

If you are a beginner, here is the essential information you need to know when planning a self drive trip in Uganda;

Why take a self-drive in Uganda?

It is good to take a self-drive as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore each and every corner of the country and you can stop at any time you feel like and you can decide on what to see and do at your own pace without any one rushing you.

When to book a car pre-book or book when on arrival?

It is very better to pre-book a car with a self drive car rental agency in Uganda as here you are very free to feel the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices are relatively lower so this will give you an opportunity to avoid walking on streets of a foreign country looking for a car to rent; you may end up choosing a wrong car something that may ruin your safari. You can book in advance our car and then pay on arrival and this applies to many self-drive car rental services in Uganda.

At what age is one allowed to drive in Uganda?

In order to be allowed to drive in Uganda, 18 years is the standard age, no one is allowed to get a driving permit in Uganda when below that age, so we hire our cars for persons above 18 years of age a car of his or her choice either self-drive or with a driver

Can I return the rental vehicle early?

There is no problem in returning a car before your agreed upon date , but no refund of un used rental days, however when you over stays with a car upon agreed upon days you are supposed to pay per extra day.

What kind of fuel will my rental car require?

Most cars come in both petrol and fuel models, so it’s always your choice to choose which kind is suitable for you when booking. Our staff will try their level best to find the fuel type of your choice. All our cars are given out with less fuel and no refund in case you return the car with your fuel; please note that in mind while fueling the car.

Do I require an International Driving Permit?

This is a must not to miss item needed by very many car rental companies in many counties as it act as a proof that you hold a valid driver’slicense in your home country.International driving permit must be carried out with your domestic license. So when hiring a vehicle it’s a must to present your driving permit to any car rental in Uganda

How do I receive confirmation?

Our staff will write to you and also send you a letter confirming your car hire booking

Do I need to take out Travel Insurance?

Yes, this is strongly recommended and your travel agent is the best person to advice on the right policy for your holiday vacation to Uganda.

What To Expect On a Safari To Rwanda

There a plenty of things to see on a Rwandan safari, however these vary from park to park, Rwanda is blessed with three national parks and each park has its own unique attractions and most of them cannot be seen elsewhere. A safari including two or more parks include gorilla and chimpanzee tracking and also wild life will include buffalo, lion, Elephant, Hippo, Bush buck, Water buck, Reed buck, Warthogs, Hyena, among others and these animals species can be spotted in Akagera National park.

Rwanda is known as one of the premium places in the world for chimpanzee and tracking/trekking these cousins who share almost 98% of human DNA can be done in Nyungwe forest national park which is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda over 13 species of primates inhabit the park coupled with chimpanzee the closest relative of man, other primate species include the black and white colobus monkey, golden monkey, red tailed monkey, baboon, civet monkey, owl-faced monkey, more than 300 Colobus monkeys, mona monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys among others, a three day safari can be organized to this park for chimpanzee tracking and other interesting activities you won’t miss at Nyungwe forest include; forest walk, bird watching safaris and community walks to the neighboring communities .

Gorilla tracking safaris are also available in the volcanoes national park; even a one day gorilla safari can be possible. The park is located in the north western part of Rwanda about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. Access to the park can also be available in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla tracking is the most done and interesting activity which you cannot love to miss when on a Rwandan safari. Mountain gorillas are regarded as endangered species as in the world there are only 880 remaining mountain gorillas in the world shared by three countries that’s Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is known as the leading mountain gorilla safari in the world and tracking gorillas begins very early in the morning after reporting at the park headquarters for a short briefing about what you are expected to behave when with gorillas. You are only allowed one hour with these giants while observing their behaviors as well as taking their photos. Any safari to Rwanda without gorilla tracking is regarded as incomplete.

When on a Rwandan safari expect to see various species of birds, Rwanda is privileged with almost one third of Africa’s bird species so expect to see plenty of them, each park house plenty of them, for a birder, Rwanda is the only sought of country to go for birding safaris. A must not miss to see species of birds include Papyrus gonolek, shoebill stock, the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Grauer’s Rush, Neumann’s and Grauer’s Warbles, Masked Mountain Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit the list is endless. For more information on birding and wildlife options, check out our bird life and national parks pages. Or click on our inquiry form fill in your query, our staff is ready to get back to you swiftly.

Don’t forget also the Kigali city tour to see very may interesting things within the city, things to see include the Kigali genocide where over 25000 people were buried under the same graveyard during the 1994 genocide, you will be given a story about when and how this war started from the survivors of this horrific war, visit Rwanda national museum to get more history about Rwanda, visit the cultural sites, here you will be entertained by the local people through their music and dance, visit marketing places and if interested do the shopping from their before your departure. A safari to Rwanda is worth it.

Where To Hang Out With Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Many travelers still do not know where to find mountain gorillas, and many think that they can go zoos and meet them there which is impossible. This is very wrong gorillas can’t be found in zoos or captivity, they can only be seen in their natural habitats. Don’t stress your head, these giants can only be seen in Rwanda’s gifted national park Volcanoes national park which is located in Ruhengeri Musanze district in the northwestern region of Rwanda near the verge with the Virunga national park in the DRC and Mgahinga gorilla forest national park in Uganda. It’s just about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. The park covers an area of about 160sqkm and it is considered as the oldest national park in Africa being gazetted in 1929. It was established to protect the Mountain gorillas that were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching.

Mountain gorillas made Rwanda very popular as a result of many travelers to this small country that comes for gorilla tracking. gorilla tracking is the most interesting adventurous tourist activity done in Rwanda as it involves moving deep into the forest to meet these giant apes. Volcanoes national park is a home to about 400 individuals out of 900 individuals left in the world and it’s considered as the best gorilla safari destination in world, Rwanda cannot be talked about without mentioning these remaining mountain gorillas, hence they are the most done tourist activity in Rwanda.

In Uganda these giants are hosted in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla forest national park both located in the south western part of Uganda, many gorilla trackers in Uganda prefers to track in Bwindi impenetrable national park than in Mgahiga gorilla forest since gorillas in this area prefer travelling and they tend to migrate to neighboring countries of Rwanda DRC, so before confirming your booking, you should be assured that the group will be available.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, these giants are hosted in Virunga national park. Gorilla tracking experience remains the same in all these areas where these species can be seen. However Rwanda is regarded as the best gorilla safari destination according to testimonies given by those who have got chance of tracking in whole these gorilla tracking destinations.

The Construction Of Uganda- Rwanda Highway To Boost Tourism Industry

The government is trying steadily to construct roads leading to Uganda tourist attraction and those connecting to neighboring countries, as we talk now the main Rwanda- Uganda high way was recently re-opened for transportation and this is highly seen as a good move in promoting tourism and easy admittance to both countries. This road stretches very well from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city to Katuna at the Uganda border about 78kms which links both countries and then liking with the Kisoro-Kabale road.

Katuna is the entry and exit point for export and import from Uganda, Rwanda and the nearby countries like Kenya. Access to these countries have been softened by the construction of this road, and this was due to the efforts of the European Union (EU) who sponsored this project with an aim of endorsing easy transportation of goods from Kenya’s Mombasa port to Rwanda and Uganda with a lot easy, but in other words this will also promote tourism sector as access to these countries will be easy.

All these countries have wonderful tourist attractions Uganda and Rwanda are among the three countries in the world housing the endangered mountain gorillas so tracking in both countries can be possible, you track the very day and then connect trough the main highway with so much ease. Tourist on self-drive road trip are going to easily link to both countries and back without passing through longer routes which can influence on fuel expenditure and time wasting leading to missing of tourist activities, or any other business or missing their departure flights back home hence a very good news for car rental/hire companies in Uganda and Rwanda.

Pope Francis’ Visit to Uganda & Rwanda, a Blessing to East Africa

This November, East Africa (Uganda and Kenya in particular) will be expecting to receive one of the most famous people on the planet -the Pope. Pope Francis became Pope in 2013 succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who resigned. Pope Francis this year (2015) embarked on a tour outside Italy where he first visited the South American states of Ecuador, Paraguay and Bolivia from 6th to 13th July and the United States just in September from 26th to 27th. The good news is that this coming November the Pope is set to visit the African continent for the first time since he became pope in 2013. In Africa, he will visit Kenya from 25th to 27th proceed to Uganda from 27th to 29th November and lastly go to central African republic from 29th to 30th concluding his African journey.

Two East African countries receiving the Pope is a very blessing especially for the tourism industry because it will continue to expose the east African region worldwide making it known to those few who had no idea where it is.

Apart from exposure, a number of foreign catholic visitors from other staunch African countries who eagerly want to see the Pope are expected to go to the two countries (Uganda and Kenya), whichis a very good thing for the tourism industry.

The Pope will be visiting the 3 African countries an honor of the invitation by the heads of state and local church leaders of the 3 countries. The Uganda martyrs Namugongo is one of the major reasons why the pope is visiting Uganda and he is expected to reach at the site.

Many local Ugandan Christians and Catholic Church leaders will be covered with joy for such an important visit and they have highly anticipated the Pope’s visit to the country. Uganda is among the few countries that have been visited by more than one Pope and the Pope Francis’s visit will be the third, setting a record. The first Pope to visit Uganda was Pope Paul VI who visited the country in 1969. Uganda was the only African country that Pope Paul VI visited in the 15 years he served as Pope.

24 years later, Pope John Paul II also visited Uganda in 1993 where he visited the Namugongo shrines elevating them to a rank of a minor basilica. Pope Francis’s visit in November is going to be the third papal visit to the country after 22 years. The previous Pope’s visits attracted a number of people and this November, many will be expected in Uganda.

The international catholic pilgrims who will come to Uganda ahead of the Popes’ visit if they wish can get a chance to go for Ugandan safaris in Uganda’s major national parks or visit the nearby tourist attractions like lake victoria’s major islands (Ssese islands or Ngamba island for chimpanzee viewing). They can alternatively engage in tourism sports activities like playing golf at the lake Victoria Serena hotel golf course or at golf course hotel in Kampala.

Major tourism stakeholder in Uganda and Kenya are very enthusiastic about the Pope’s visit that is expected to raise and boost religious tourism especially for the Uganda’s Namugongo shrine.

Uganda is the pearl of Africa as sir Winston Churchill described it and it’s not a coincidence that many influential people love visiting this beautiful country. Am very sure that once the Pope steps on the Ugandan soils, he will greatly appreciate the good climate and above all the very hospitable and warm welcoming Ugandans millions of which will assemble on the streets just waiting a wave at him.

Best Parks for Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Uganda is a home to several wild life species distributed in her several National Parks like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale National Park, Kidepo National Park, etc. Due to this, Uganda is one place where one can have a great wildlife safaris and game drives.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: is one of the most frequently visited National Parks in Uganda and offers great wild life expeditions with unique wild animals especially the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector; most lions rarely do this!  It is the largest National Park in Uganda covering the Maramagambo Forest and borders the Kigezi Game Reserve, the Kyambura Game Reserve, and the Kibale National Park in Uganda, and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a home to several fauna; hippopotami at the Kazinga Channel- between Lake Edward and Lake Goerge, elephants, African leopards, Congo lions, and chimpanzees. It is now home to 95 species of mammal and over 500 species of birds. The area around Ishasha in Rukungiri District is famous for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes, a feature unique to the lions in this area. This park is also famous for its volcanic features, including volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes, such as the Katwe craters, from which salt is extracted.

Murchison Falls National Park:

This is found in the northwestern part of Uganda, spreading inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile. Together with the adjacent 748 square kilometres (289 sq mi) Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and the 720 square kilometres (280 sq mi) Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA).

This park has the great Murchison falls forming a permanent rain ball and a permanent mist as the waters of the Nile flows down the cliff and on the hard rocks.

Murchison Falls too offers unique safari encounters with the big five mammals (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos. The park has the rare shoebill stork that can be sighted along the swampy vegetation along the river Nile banks.

Once at Murchison Falls National Park , one can engage in various tourism activities like game drives, birding, boat cruises along the Nile down the waterfalls and many others where you can enjoy clear views of the Nile crocodiles, hippos and many other small aquatic animals.

Tourism Unites Many African Countries

The natural beauty & lovely views has a different meaning for everyone, but that can be understood and enjoyed in only Rwanda & Seychelles. Combining two destinations for a holiday in Africa is a perfect spot for stunning views, Wildlife & beach treats besides the best place for wildlife nature and honeymoon holidays in Africa. The good news is that both Seychelles and Rwanda are set to work together as partners –through a memorandum of understanding for tourism and cultural exchanges.

The Rwanda High commissioner Dr Ben Rugangazi expressed his eagerness to work with Seychelles minister for Tourism and culture to develop new co-operations for tourism hence making it easy for travellers to visit both destinations easily. Tourists to both south Africa and Rwanda will enjoy different tourism activities in at a fare rates, discounts depending on how the co-operation partnerships will state.

At his office at the National cultural center in Victoria, Dr Ben Ruhangazi made a promise to consider the call of the Seychelles tourism minister. He said that Rwanda has watched closely Seychelles’ heightened progress in crystallizing its tourism industry as the pillar of the economy. He said that to develop the country’s natural parks, hot springs, and unique mountain gorillas earmarked as tourism amenities, Rwanda would need to follow the Seychelles expertise to showcase itself as a valuable tourism destination.

The main core of the memorandum of Understanding Draft on the Rwanda side   is to showcase Rwanda and diversities so that Seychelles and Rwanda can benefit from each other which could only happen by working together. “I believe that as Africans we should rally together and showcase to the world the diversity that exists in Africa. There’s a lot that we can do together. How we can move forward is something that we alone can decide, but this avenue of Africa–Africa cooperation remains the way forward,” said Minister St.Ange. Its a great thing to unite and work hand in hand like Rwanda and Seychelles. However Rwanda is a friendly country to all countries all over the world the reason as to why it receives many tourist guests from all the corners of the world. Tourists don’t only tour Rwanda but also visit other countries with unique attractions and wildlife like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Amazing Safari Encounters in East Africa

East Africa has four major countries that offer unique exclusive wild safaris experiences to the tourists. They mainly include Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Most of the wildlife safaris in these countries are experienced though game drives, nature walks, tracking, hiking, boat trips, hot air balloons and many other ways. Trust me going for a wildlife safari in any of the countries above is very rewarding and offers unique tourist experiences. Below are the major turning point encounters one can have on a wild life safari in east Africa.

Maasai Mara Wildlife Safaris – Kenya

Maasai Mara game reserve is located in the southern part of Kenya and is blessed to have one of the occurrences of the seven wonders of the wild- the wildebeest migration. The wildebeest migration involves millions of wildebeest (zebras, buffaloes, elands and Thompson gazelles) that move from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania across the Mara River searching for fresh pasture and water drinking areas. Many of these can be clearly viewed by tourists on game drives or in hot air balloon safaris in the park.

The game reserve also has other unique wild animals that include the big cats – lions and leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, big land mammals like elephants, rhinos, a number of bird species as well as the deadly crocodiles in the Mara river. Such wild life species make Maasai Mara a unique tourism destination.

Gorilla Tours in Uganda & Rwanda

Mountain gorilla encounters in Uganda and Rwanda are among the wonders of the wild and most times these encounters leave many tourists touched, surprised, excited and wanting to visit the two countries for more mountain gorilla experiences. There are only 900 mountain gorillas remaining on the planet. These great apes are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest in southwestern Uganda and the Virunga volcanoes area comprising 8 volcanic mountains distributed over Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, gorilla tours can be well experienced in volcanoes national park, which has 10 habituated mountain gorilla families, and in Uganda, in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with 13 habituated gorilla families as well as Mgahinga Gorilla Park with 1 gorilla family. In both the two countries, only 8 tourists are allowed to view one gorilla family, which they spend with an hour observing and taking photographs.

Mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are sold at $750 and can be bought from the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali or through a local tour operator.

Gorilla permits for Uganda can be bought at $600 from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or from a trusted tour operator especially those under the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).

Mountain Kilimanjaro Tours – Tanzania

Situated in northern Tanzania near the border with Kenya, mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent at an elevation of 19,341 meters above sea level. It’s located within Kilimanjaro national park that has a number of wildlife attractions that a tourist can engage in. the first and most attractive attraction is the mountain that attracts a number of hikers from across the globe.

It’s a snow-capped mountain and its temperature freeze up to zero degrees at night. Hiking this spectacular mountain requires preparation involving getting the right hiking gear and first studying and getting more information about it.

There are well-developed trails that lead tourist hikers uphill and at least 6,000 tourists of the 15,000 who attempt to hike the mountain reach the top. Reaching the top of Africa’s highest peak is desired by many and can be a living travel experience to tell.

Kidepo Valley Expeditions – Uganda

Kidepo valley national park is located in northeastern Uganda in Kaabong district. This part of the country has semi arid climatic conditions and has typical African semi desert vegetation that makes the tourists feel the real Africa in Africa.

Kidepo is a home to various wildlife species that can be best viewed in the Narus valley that has an oases favoring the growth of fresh pastures. Because of this many animals in the keep around the valley enjoying the grass as the predators – especially the lions wait to hunt. The wildlife species that can be viewed here include zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, oribis, leopards, reedbucks and a number of birds. Tourists on game drives can best view all these.

East Africa is among the most desired destination by many foreign tourists and indeed wildlife safaris in the area are very exclusive enabling tourists encounter some of the wildest places on the planet with remarkable and unforgettable experiences.