How to plan for a short weekend trip to Rwanda

How to plan for a short weekend trip to Rwanda: Rwanda popularly known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills boasts of a fantastic natural beauty that includes greenish terrains, unique mountain gorillas, and marvelous Rwandese culture. While planning for a weekend trip to Rwanda, what you will get is a perfect break from the noisy pollution and stressed life, and there is much to do and explore according to your choice. In this article, you will learn how to plan your short weekend trip to Rwanda so that you can get the most out of your time in this beautiful nation.

When is the best to arrive in Rwanda?

But when planning your weekend break, in particular, it is advisable to decide on the right time for traveling. Rwanda has a tropical climate mainly speaking, the temperatures are relatively stagnant all year round ranging from 12-27 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Rwanda for a weekend destination is during the dry periods; July-August, December-February. During these periods, there will be low humidity and the conditions which are ideal for gorilla trekking and other mountainous activities will be favorable.

Organization of your Visa and Other Travel Papers

Visitors planning to visit Rwanda must possess a passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry into the country. This may depend on the country of origin one is coming from and for this reason, it may be wise to consult the Rwandan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Another possibility is an online application for a Rwandan visa which is a single visa good for 30 days for $30. Make sure you have all your travel documents such as passports, visas, flight bookings, and hotels in order to avoid complications after arriving at the destination.

This paper will focus on the best Airport of arrival and appropriate means of transport.

Kigali International Airport is the major international airport in Rwanda and it has well-established linkages with other international airports. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, bus, and even a car for rent to reach your hotel or directly to any destination of your choice. Local buses to the city of Kigali are clean, efficient and affordable in case you would like to take a bus to the city. When the distance is rather vast including those when going for gorilla trekking, it is recommended that one hires a car or even books with a transport company with reliable means of transport.

How to Choose the Right Hotel

Generally, Rwanda has numerous kinds of accommodation that fit various needs and feasibility of the clients. In Kigali, some examples of the best hotels for businessmen are the five-star hotels: Hotel des Mille Collines made famous by the movie “Hotel Rwanda”; and the Kigali Serena Hotel which offers business accommodation and a splendid view of the city. If you hop in one of the eco-lodges in and around the Volcanoes National Park, you will find accommodations like Virunga Lodge or Bisate Lodge revealing stunning views of hills and wildlife.

Planning Your Itinerary

Since you will be restricted by time during the weekend break you will need to decide on the things that you would want to do during your break. Here are some suggestions for your itinerary:

1. Explore Kigali City: Go on a guided tour through the historic parts of Rwanda, see the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and enjoy seeing people going about their business. Do not miss the Rwandan foods, especially the beans and potato meals.

2. Gorilla Trekking: A visit to Rwanda would be incomplete without going for the gorilla tracking exercise in the famously known forests. Get a one-day hike in the forest of the Volcanoes National Park and half an hour with these endangered animals. Gorilla trekking permits are big sellers so make sure you book the permits well in advance.

3. Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes: Tackle one of the six volcanic hikes that take place in the Volcanoes National Park. There are many trails that hikers can take within the park but the most famous one is that which leads to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which is 4,507m above sea level. Always ensure that you take precautions to avoid any misfortunes during the hike and it is always advisable to seek the services of an experienced tour guide in that area to recommend for you the best trails to take.

4. Chimpanzee Tracking: Go to Nyungwe Forest National Park and it will interest you to know that it hosts approximately 500 chimpanzees and 13 other kinds of primates. Chimpanzee tracking is likely to take between two and five hours depending on the location of the chimps.

5. Visit Lake Kivu: Spend some leisure moments on Lake Kivu it is Rwanda’s largest lake found on the border with the democratic republic of Congo. Choose a quiet water safari or engage in water activities including boat riding, kayaking or stand-up paddling.

Overall, a weekend trip to Rwanda is something anyone interested in the country, its culture, and its beauty should not easily pass. This is a very beautiful country with lots of natural attractions ranging from wildlife, scenic geographical features, and cultural endowment that will definitely work for any visitor. To make your travel as rewarding as possible you should take into account your dates of travel, documents you might need, transport, accommodation, and activities on your tour. By choosing the right destination and equipment, a shorter weekend trip to Rwanda could become the memory of a lifetime.