Sustainable safaris in Rwanda have tremendously risen, making it among some of the most sustainable tourist destinations in Africa and beyond. This is evidenced by the fact that this small and land-locked country dubbed the “land of a thousand hills” won the bid to host the 2023 World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) Global Summit whereby it will showcase the power of sustainable tourism in promoting biodiversity as well as creating thriving local communities.
A lady guide showing the need for sustainable tourism and safaris in Rwanda. Photo credit: Singita, Rwanda
Rwanda’s tourist destinations provide the rare opportunity of enjoying unforgettable dining experiences and discovering the wilderness and jungles together with exceptional wildlife species. This makes visitors not just enjoy the places they visit but also add value while exploring them. Getting off the plane on arrival at Kigali International Airport gives a unique breath of fresh air and the mind-blowing surprises continue all the way through your trip through the land of a thousand hills.
Whether you take part in gorilla treks, spend overnights in the luxurious eco-friendly safari lodges, or experience the local traditions and cultures of the people, there are endless opportunities for enjoying safaris in Rwanda. The following are the ways to enjoy a sustainable safari in Rwanda.
Staying at the eco-friendly safari lodges while in Rwanda
Rwanda preaches sustainable tourism and means it, and this isn’t surprising as Bisate Lodge was ranked the most luxurious eco-Lodge on the African continent for 2022 by Travel + Leisure (a renowned New York City-based Magazine). Choose to stay at/within Lodges whose focus is to protect the ancient and stunning landscapes, backed by strong conservation values. Some of these Lodges are Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Karenge Bush Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, One & Only Nyungwe House, Virunga Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Magashi Camp, and many others.
Tracking the mountain gorillas, as one of the sustainable safaris in Rwanda
The crown jewel of Rwanda’s sustainable safaris is undeniably the opportunity to track and meet face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Simply walking through the jungle is a rare chance but setting your eyes on them and spending one hour observing and taking photos is simply breathtaking.
There is nothing more rewarding than learning about their extraordinary behavior, and how they are closely related to humans. Volcanoes National Park, in the northern province of Rwanda, is home to 12 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by a maximum of 8 visitors per group. 20% of the revenue from gorilla trekking in Rwanda goes into community development, while another percentage goes into gorilla conservation (employing gorilla doctors, Park Rangers, Tourism Police, and others).
Undertaking Cultural and community tours while in Rwanda
Rwanda isn’t just home to mountain gorillas as many travelers know it for but is rather a country rich in culture and history. By undertaking cultural or community tours, visitors are offered the opportunity to delve deeper into the traditional ways of life, foods, and cultures and also be mind-blown by the exceptional art and crafts.
Have you ever imagined something bizarre as cow dung being used for creating extraordinary paintings? This is possible in Rwanda as you see different paintings out of cow dung (known as Imigongo Art) at the Nyakarimbi Village close to Akagera National Park. You can also experience the ways of the Rwandans by visiting the Azizi Life Village in Muhanga (the Southern province) and the Gorilla Guardian’s Village near Volcanoes National Park.
Savor local cuisines, part of sustainable safaris in Rwanda
Get the chance to savor local cuisines, prepared from locally-grown produce by visiting any of the renowned eateries in Kigali where you will fall in love with the country’s organic food. These fresh and organic foods are a testimony to the country’s incredibly rich landscapes, clean air, fertile soils, and clean water supply. Meza Malonga, situated in Avenue Kigali KG8 18 is one of the few places where visitors are treated to an Afro-fusion cuisine experience while in Kigali. Enjoy a 10-course Menu of different seasonal dishes prepared from local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
Therefore, if you ever desire to experience sustainable tourism in Africa, Rwanda is the perfect place to be as you will get the chance to savor local cuisines prepared from fresh and organic