Rwanda Christmas safari: What to see and expect

When you plan to have Christmas in Rwanda on a safari it’s the jingle bells moment with nature. Most of the Rwanda safaris are associated with activities in the wilderness with gorilla trekking taking center stage. Volcanoes National Park is the only home for the mountain gorillas in Rwanda with so far 12 gorilla trekking families open to the public.

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A Rwanda cultural experience is a great choice for Christmas especially if you get a chance to attend some local music and dance celebrations. The “Intore” dance which was formerly performed in the royal palace is irresistible with its loud drum orchestra called “lulunga” and a harp like instrument with over 8 strings.

The game safaris in Akagera National Park in Rwanda as a choice for the Christmas holiday are exciting. When taking a boat ride on Lake Ihema, enjoy the wildlife that usually spends time on the lake banks, relax while being refreshed by the cool breeze off the lake and surrounding vegetation. Get in touch for more information.

What To See And Expect During Rwanda Christmas Safari

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking is the key safari activity in Rwanda and indeed choosing it for a Christmas holiday is an unforgettable experience. For one to enjoy the gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, booking a gorilla permit is important as this is a document that gives you access to participating in this activity.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking happens in Volcanoes National Park situated in the Northwestern part of the country. This prehistoric National Park is home to so 12 gorilla trekking families including Hirwa, Susa, Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya to mention but a few.

The nature of the topography of Volcanoes National Park is jagged resulting from serious volcanic actions that affected this are and led to the formation of a number of highlands. Volcanoes National Park is composed of several highlands including five of the six Virunga Volcanoes that is Mountain Sabyinyo, Muhavura, Bisoke, Gahinga and Karisimbi. The gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is quite steep.

After gorilla trekking in Rwanda, tourists are awarded a certificate as souvenir for having accomplished the gorilla safari adventure.

Game Safari In Rwanda

The choice of a game safari for Christmas on Rwanda tour is perfect. Akagera National Park is the only home for game safaris in Rwanda. Even though Akagera National Park is still recovering from depletion when most of its wild animals were poached or driven out by the then prevailing conditions, African Parks in collaboration with Rwanda Development Authority are reclaiming its glory.

During the game drive on the tracks of Akagera National Park, some of the animals you may get a chance to spot include giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions, hyenas, Rhinos and others.

The park is dotted with a number of crater lakes including Lake Ihema where one can comfortably enjoy a boat ride while enjoying the cool breeze and astounding evergreen surroundings. A number of wild animals love taking off time to spend moments by the banks of this lake. The rich birdlife of Akagera National Park cannot be missed.

Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda Safari

Carry good tidings to the Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park during Christmas. Nyungwe National Park is located in Southern western part of Rwanda with its headquarters in Uwinka. At the moment Rwanda has two chimpanzee communities open to the public with one in Nyungwe National Park and another at Cyamudondo.

For chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, every participant must have a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Two chimpanzee trekking sessions are held in Nyungwe National Park that is morning and afternoon.

After briefing tourists follow the different trails constructed in Nyungwe National Park by regular visitors some including Usamo trail, Igishigishigi trail and other. Along the trail in Nyungwe National Park are amazing features including the sparkling Usamo falls. Look out for other Nyungwe forest inhabitants including blue monkeys, Dent Mona monkeys, olive baboon, grey cheeked mangabey and others.

When you find the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, only one hour is allowed with them for conservation reasons but use it to the best of your ability.

Canopy walk on Rwanda safari

Mark your Christmas in Rwanda with an adventure over the Nyungwe forest on a canopy walk. The canopy walk over Nyungwe National Park is on a suspension bridge elevated at about 70 meters high and 160 meters long. Note that the Nyungwe canopy walk is not for the faint hearted but worth every moment.

While up on the ridge, you enjoy the aerial view of Nyungwe forest, different features surrounding the park, picout on the birds that emerge from the forest and much more. it is a moment to mark some special moments of life and an unforgettable Christmas on Rwanda safari.

Cultural experience on Rwanda safari

The Rwandan culture is enticing to know more about its composition because the Rwandese are not shy to show it off to whoever cares to know. The culture of the Rwandese is engulfed in music, dance, crafts, and chants to mention but a few.

The Intore dance is the most outstanding performance and the face of Rwanda entertainment. The Intore dance was mainly performed in the Royal Palace accompanied by an orchestra of drums called lulunga. The different dance moves performed by the dancers keep you yearning for more because every step they take is exciting and may entice you to join the performers.

The cow dung painting called Imigongo with its history is unique to the people of Rwanda and while at Nyakarimbi, you may get the chance to practice the dung painting. Nyakarimbi is the main craft center with options of craft shops in Rwanda with items like ceramic, baskets, mats, and traditional wear to mention but a few. A visit to the Ethnological Museum in Huye gives you insight into the past life of the people of Rwanda with items that were used in running the day-to-day life of the local people. Some of these items are preserved in glass to shield them from getting damaged by regular visitors to the museum.                                         

When is the best time to Book A Christmas Rwanda safari

Choosing a safari to do in the Christmas season in Africa is often characterized by finding more people visiting these destinations. In Rwanda, it is best to book the safari in advance so that all necessary arrangements can be made.

For gorilla trekking, chimpanzee or golden monkey trekking, it is best to reserve the permit at least one month to a year upfront especially if you wish to do either of these activities in Christmas season. The majority of the Christmas season permits sell out even before the year gets into its first half.

Other than the gorilla permits, the accommodations in and around the gorilla and chimpanzee safari destinations in Rwanda often run out of availability in the Christmas season which is part of the peak tourism season in the country. Even in Kigali city where a variety of accommodation options are often found may run out of space

It is often possible to find availability of Rwanda gorilla or chimpanzee permits or accommodation for Christmas season at the last minute. Contact us to help you book your permits in advance.

How Much Is the Cost Of Rwanda Safaris During The Christmas Season

The cost of the Rwanda safaris during the Christmas season may be higher than normal because of the high competition for them in the festive season. If your choice is gorilla or chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda during Christmas, the cost of the permits must be considered. At the moment, the cost of the Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents and other Africans and $200 for East Africans.

Other costs of logistics that support safaris in Rwanda must be considered including accommodation, and transport to mention a few.

Consider the cost of additional Rwanda safari activities including game safaris in Akagera National Park, birding in Rwanda, boat rides, Rwandese cultural experiences to mention but a few.

Is Rwanda A safe Destination To Visit During Christmas Season

Rwanda is safe to visit for a safari because all its nature based destinations are under the management of the professional and well trained ranger guides from Rwanda Development Board. The ranger guides often carry out routine patrols to check on the safety of the inhabitants of these destinations and the environment surrounding them.

On ground are safari guidelines expected to be followed by tourists on Rwanda safari and everyone is expected to abide by them. For primate safaris in Rwanda, every tourist is expected to attend a briefing without fail and it is from here that more details about these activities are communicated. When with gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys while on Rwanda safari, tourists are expected to abide by the rules of these activities because even though they are habituated, they still bear their natural characteristics.

The safety of personal property during Rwanda safari is a personal initiative so keep out of sight the valuables you are afraid of losing.

Why Choose Rwanda Safari In Christmas Season.

Rwanda has destinations that are often not crowded by visitors yet impactful if you wish to make memories for the Christmas season. For those wishing to have no crowds while on Christmas holiday in Africa, a Rwanda safari may provide that ideal choice.

For a more unique African safari experience, Rwanda has those tour activities that are not often offered in other destinations some include gorilla trekking in Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking, unique cultural experience to mention but a few.

Rwanda has an environment with a closer resemblance to the Alps of Switzerland and this is one reason why it is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. The environment of Rwanda is conditioned by the several mountains that make up its topography. For those interested in taking photos or filming from the natural setting, Rwanda may avail that suitable setting.

Since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has enjoyed genuine peace and it is so comfortable for those who wish to enjoy a great time around its environs and make everlasting memories away from the usual holiday destinations. Even during the Rwanda holidays in the wilderness like a gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, be sure to return in one piece.

How To Behave on Rwanda Christmas Safari

Rwanda safari activities are mainly in the wildlife parks which includes trekking so some of the guidelines are.

• In case you are going on a primate safari in Rwanda that is gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking volunteer to stay behind in case you have a communicable infection like flu, cough, COVID-19 as these primates are susceptible to human infections which may lead to there massive death.
• When you find the chimpanzees , mountain gorillas or golden monkeys, stay in a tight group and do not surround them. They feel ambushed when you surround them.
• Keep a distance of 8 meters when you locate mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys to prevent chances of passing an infection to them
• Never use flash photography when you locate mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys as this scares them.
• Do not sneeze, or cough while with the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys to protect them from spreading infectious germs.
• Burry all fecal materials at least 30 centimeters under and cover well beyond recognition. This is to prevent chances of exhuming them.
• Littering the forest with garbage or indecomposable matter alters the nature of the forest where these primates thrive.
• Don’t spit on vegetation as this is food for the primates and you get to contaminate it when you spot on it.
• Provoking the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys is forbidden as this may cause them to charge. Do not ever mimic these primates because you do not know what you are communicating.
• Keep voices low during the search for these primates as they are afraid of strange noise in their surroundings. Avoid sudden movement during the moment you are with these primates to avoid chances of looking suspicious before them.
• In case you have to eat or smoke do it 200 meters away from the mountain gorilla or chimpanzees or golden monkeys just not to attract them to pick it from you. They are wild animals that must not depend on human food.
• Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys to allow them to go about there day today life. Human presence disrupts the life of these primates.

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