The Best Place for Shoebills and the Big Five in Rwanda – Akagera National Park
While Rwanda is globally famous for its mountain gorillas, Akagera National Park offers a different yet equally captivating wildlife experience. Located in the east of the country, Akagera is the only savannah park in Rwanda, home to lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—the Big Five—as well as rare birds like the iconic shoebill stork. With its mosaic of lakes, swamps, woodlands, and grasslands, Akagera is a premier destination for birders and safari enthusiasts. A Conservation Comeback Story In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Akagera faced severe poaching and environmental degradation. However,...
How Porters Have Impacted Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Behind every unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda are the hardworking porters—locals who carry tourists’ bags, assist with trekking, and provide invaluable support on the journey. Often overlooked, porters play a crucial role in the success of Rwanda’s eco-tourism industry. This blog explores how porters have become community advocates, conservation allies, and essential contributors to Rwanda’s tourism success. Who Are the Porters? Porters are typically residents of the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park. Many are young men and women who once faced unemployment or, in some cases, were involved in poaching. Today,...
How Women in Rwanda Have Been Empowered Through Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda has emerged not only as a world-class tourism experience but also as a transformative economic engine that empowers local communities, especially women. In a country renowned for its conservation efforts and post-genocide recovery, women have risen to become central figures in the eco-tourism sector. Their roles have evolved from being passive community members to proactive leaders, entrepreneurs, and conservation champions. This blog delves into the profound impact that gorilla trekking has had on Rwandan women, highlighting stories of resilience, opportunity, and empowerment. Gorilla Tourism: A Catalyst for...
Why East Africa Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
East Africa is a region of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, East Africa offers an unforgettable travel experience. In this blog, we highlight the top reasons to visit East Africa and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list! 1. Incredible Safari Adventures East Africa is world-famous for its unparalleled safari experiences. The region is home to some of the most iconic national parks and...
LGBTQ+ Travel to Rwanda: A Comprehensive Guide
At OffTrek Safaris, we occasionally receive inquiries from travelers asking, “What’s the situation like in Rwanda for LGBT travelers?” To help answer this, we’ve compiled this guide based on our experience hosting diverse visitors, including LGBT travelers, since 2014. LGBTQ+ Travel in Rwanda: A Safe and Welcoming Destination? Rwanda has proven to be a generally safe and welcoming destination for all travelers, regardless of their sexual orientation. In our experience, LGBT visitors rarely encounter issues related to their identity, as personal matters, including sexual orientation, are typically considered private. Rwandans are known for their...
Things to do in Kigali
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a vibrant and dynamic destination with a mix of historical significance, cultural experiences, and modern attractions. Here are some top things to do in Kigali: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Description: A must-visit for anyone in Kigali, the Kigali Genocide Memorial is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It provides powerful and moving exhibits about the events of the genocide and the aftermath, along with personal stories, photos, and historical context. Highlights: Permanent exhibits, mass graves,...
Rwanda Tourist Visa Information
Rwanda offers a visa for tourists visiting the country, and the visa process is relatively straightforward. Below is key information about obtaining a tourist visa for Rwanda: Types of Visas for Tourists: Single-entry Tourist Visa: This is the most common tourist visa for individuals visiting Rwanda for leisure purposes. Valid for a stay of up to 30 days. Can be extended once for an additional 30 days, subject to approval. East African Tourist Visa: This visa allows travel to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya under a single visa. Valid for 90 days...
The Best Tour Safari Spots in Rwanda
Rwanda has established itself as a top safari destination thanks to its biodiversity, commitment to conservation, and thriving national parks. While it may be one of Africa's smaller nations, Rwanda harbours an impressive variety of ecosystems, from rainforests and montanes to sprawling savannahs and freshwater lakes. Rwanda’s geography is central to its appeal to safari-goers. Bridged between Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda lies at the convergence of ecosystems, creating a hotspot where African savannah species and tropical rainforest species meet. In addition to its famous mountain...
A Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking Groups in Uganda
Uganda is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, primarily in two protected areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These forests offer visitors a rare opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat, an experience that combines adventure, conservation, and awe.The appeal of gorilla trekking lies in encountering the majestic apes up close and understanding their complex social structures, behaviours, and environment. Unlike zoo experiences or safari sightings from afar, gorilla trekking allows for a close, intimate experience, often within just...
A Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking Groups in Uganda
Uganda is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, primarily in two protected areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These forests offer visitors a rare opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat, an experience that combines adventure, conservation, and awe.The appeal of gorilla trekking lies in encountering the majestic apes up close and understanding their complex social structures, behaviours, and environment. Unlike zoo experiences or safari sightings from afar, gorilla trekking allows for a close, intimate experience, often within just...
