Not everyone has time for a long safari adventure and Rwanda Day Trips from Kigali serve as the best alternatives. Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in East Africa but diverse with several day trips you can opt for. The country has a fast-growing economy and is the cleanest and most organized East African Tour destination.
Rwanda has a well-developed transportation system giving access to the most remote Rwanda Tour destinations. Such support facilities make Rwanda day trips manageable and convenient for those with limited time. Despite the country’s small size, you can go on a standard Rwanda safari tour lasting up to 2 weeks.
Below are however the best Rwanda day trips and adventurous journeys of Discovery from Kigali.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Day Tour
Rwanda is one of the three countries in East and Central Africa with the endangered mountain gorillas. These live in the Virunga Volcanoes near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are three mountain gorilla national parks in the Virunga mountains but Volcanoes National Park Rwanda stands out.
Volcanoes National Park is just a 3-hour drive from Kigali and can be accessed on Rwanda day trips to the mountain gorillas. This adventure starts with an early morning pick up at 4:30 am from Kigali. An early pick-up is to ensure you are at the park headquarters early for a briefing ahead of the gorilla trek.
The Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure then starts after the briefing lasting up to 4 hours. You are however only allowed in the presence of the gorillas for strictly 1 hour. It is the hike that takes 1 to 2 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas. After the remarkable encounter with the rare primates, you are driven back to Kigali and any other destination of your choice.
While on a brief visit in Rwanda just ensure a day trip to the gorillas as it is the most rewarding primate trekking experience. There is an option of flying to Musanze airstrip in just 45 minutes and from here start your day gorilla tour adventure.
Akagera National Park Day Trips
Akagera National Park is another incredible destination suitable for Rwanda day trips from Kigali. The park is located in the eastern part and is Rwanda’s only savanna wildlife destination. Akagera is just a 3-hour drive from Kigali and can easily be accessed in a day.
The park is home to the big five mammals, major savanna safari animals, and Rwanda’s second most important bird area. Notable animal species you can easily spot on a game drive in Akagera include elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
Akagera National Park is a network of lakes but Lake Ihema is the most prominent of all. You can have a boat cruise along Lake Ihema featuring hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds among others. All these Rwanda safari tour excursions are doable on a day trip even when you use road Transportation to the park. Flying to the Akagera is also great as you add more time to explore the savannas. Rwanda tour adventures to Akagera are rewarding anf highly recommmended.
Nyandungu Eco Park adventures
Nyandungu eco-park is strategically located within Kigali and it is the most accessible Rwanda Day Trips destination. The eco-park was just restored and is a perfect example of Rwanda’s conservation success.
The eco-park brings a wildlife experience to the city center and is a perfect Rwanda city getaway. Nyandungu is a birders’ paradise with over 200 bird species. These include several wetland bird species like the Grey Crowned cranes, kingfishers, Egrets, and herons among others.
Nyandungu can be accessed any time of the day but also has a vibrant night adventure. Its nocturnal wildlife is still under discovery but you can spot a night jar on a lucky day. The park has other small animal species including jackals and can be spotted on a stroll. Nyandungu can best be explored on foot or cycling enabling you to get close to nature.
Rwanda day trips and Discovery Journeys to Nyandungu are the best of all the Rwanda day excursions. The eco-park has a restaurant onsite where you can have a lunch break and later continue with your tour excursions.
Kigali City Tours
Kigali is Rwanda’s main and capital city. It has a vibrant life, organized streets, a rich history that can be best explored on Kigali City day trips.
Day trips within Kigali often feature the local markets where you can actively engage with the Rwandan people. Rwanda is an agricultural country and if on a short stay in Kigali, you can easily buy organic foodstuff from the market. All that starts with a Rwanda day trip to the market that is easily accessed on foot or motor cycle. Rwandan people are hospitable and can guide you when necessary.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is another featured city destination. The memorial is among the many across the country preserved to commemorate the lives lost during the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis. Rwanda has over the years gone through a reconciliation process that has seen the citizens uniting and working together for the best of their country. The Kigali Genocide Memorial was recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and highly recommended on a Kigali city tour.
You can also check out the local markets to get yourself the finest African handmade crafts. Kigali city has several restaurants that prepare both local and international cuisines where you can easily grab a bite.
Lake Kivu Excursions
Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest water body. The lake lies along Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stretches from the Northwest to the southwestern Rwanda providing multiple adventures for Rwanda day trips.
Gisenyi, in the northwestern part of the most easily accessed Lake Kivu tour destination from Kigali. It is just a 3.5-hour drive from Kigali that introduces you to the world of adventures along the lake.
The Gisenyi area of Lake Kivu has beaches where you can take a stroll and sunbathe. While there, you can also engage in Watersport activities including kayaking, a boat cruise, and an experience with the singing fishermen. The area also has tea plantations you can check out to get a chance to taste Rwanda’s locally made tea.
All these Rwanda day trips from Kigali are price-friendly and can be done by all tourist categories. This can be private or in a group of friends and family. You can also check out other Discovery Journeys day trips including those to Kenya Marine tour destinations.
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