Nyungwe Forest National Park to be a World Heritage site

Nyungwe Forest National Park is to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site, a special status that elevates this crucial forest park to a place of global conservation importance. Nyungwe an ancient forest that has existed since the ice age protects an incredible biodiversity that accumulated over thousands of years past. It is one of the last few forests in Africa of this kind. It is the largest protected mountain rainforest in Africa covering 1000 square kilometers and reaching elevations between 1600 – 2000m.

Nyungwe is popular for primates especially the chimpanzees and monkeys, plus there are many other hard to see mammals and thousands of little-known creatures that dwell under the soil and crawl the surfaces. Till today new plant and animal species continue to be discovered in Nyungwe. Many species discovered in Nyungwe are found to be unique to the place, and others are regional endemics of the Albertine rift eco region in which the mountain forest is located, and this including a whooping 27 Albertine rift endemic birds.

Nyungwe is also a very important water catchment for the region and continent contributing water to two notable rivers, the River Nile (has the farthest known source of the Nile) and Congo River. It also provides 70% of the fresh water in Rwanda.

Why is it important to have Nyungwe National Park on the list of world heritage sites?

Given the alarming rate at which ecosystems are being depleted on the planet earth thereby causing the extinction of species including those yet to be discovered, special places like Nyungwe where biodiversity thrives cannot be taken as any other forest cover but deserves special status that enhances protection and research. The park was nominated by UNESCO for addition to the world heritage list, to which the government of Rwanda agreed and will soon be confirmed and added. The park will attract more funding for conservation as a world heritage site.

Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and contribute to its conservation

Tourism revenue goes a long way in supporting conservation efforts of destinations and supporting the local communities. Nyungwe National Park offers a range of activities for tours that you can include on your trip in Rwanda. The most popular activity is the chimpanzee trekking adventure that gives tourists a chance to see chimps in their habitat. The canopy walk activity is another must do adventure for a thrilling experience of this mountain rainforest. The canopy walkway hangs high up in the forest canopy giving tourists an eye level view of wildlife in the canopy and incredible views of the forest.

For birders planning birding trips to Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a birding heaven, arguably the best destination for Albertine rift endemic birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco that is on top of wish lists of many birders visiting Rwanda. For the nature lovers that want to see plants and wildlife up close, the park has several trails for you to hike and explore this pristine jungle and watch monkeys, birds, trees, orchids, waterfalls, butterflies, etc…

Is Rwanda the cleanest country in Africa?

When you first arrive in Rwanda through Kigali airport, driving from the airport down into Kigali City the first thing to strike you is the impeccable cleanliness and orderliness you are ushered into. I must say no first-time visitor is ever ready for his/her first impression of Rwanda, and Kigali more specifically. Driving the very tidy and clean roads (that are well-lit at night), passing by nicely cut lawns, going through neat streets of modern high-rising buildings.…well you almost feel you are in a first world country.

Visitors are always blown away by what they find in Rwanda especially when they compare with what they have witnessed in other African countries. And the question is always, but how has Rwanda managed to achieve this?

But how has Rwanda managed to be the cleanest country in Africa?

Umuganda – a community consensus turns culture

To get everyone involved in cleaning their communities, the government introduced Umuganda Day which is the day everyone gets out; with rakes, brooms, spades, and hoes, etc… in hand, to clean their neighborhoods. Everyone in the country participates including the president. Umuganda Day is on the last Saturday of the month, starting from morning to midday. So for everyone, before proceeding with their business for the day, have to get involved in the cleaning. This initiative has become a part of Rwanda’s culture and built a sense of responsibility among the local people who want to live in a clean environment.

Focused and accountable leadership

Everything starts with leadership and the biggest crisis in Africa has largely been the leadership crisis! The uncompromisingly focused leadership of Rwanda in President Paul Kagame and his government have set out to change the narrative of Rwanda and Rwandans which is this narrative about African countries being incapable of building modern clean, orderly and safe societies devoid of chaos and dirt which characterize many African cities and countries.

One can say, Rwanda is a utopia in Africa

Strict laws

Rwanda is a country of laws! Everyone follows the law. Laws such as against public nuisance, and littering are strictly upheld by the local people and over time has changed the mindset of the local people who frown upon disorder.

Challenging past a motivational factor

Rwanda’s unpleasant past has been an extra motivation for the people of Rwanda to change the image of a country that two decades could be compared to hell, as the population turn on each other during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Rwandan people have had to sacrifice to build a country that gives them dignity and commands respect from outsiders. When you visit Rwanda, the image of the Rwandan you had will change forever!

Tour Kigali City and know the story of Rwanda

Are you visiting Rwanda for the ultimate gorilla trekking in the virunga mountains and chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe forest or even planning a wildlife viewing safari tour to Akagera National Park, take a day to explore Kigali City and learn about the story of Rwanda and her journey to where it currently is

New omicron covid guidelines for traveling to Rwanda, NO hotel quarantine for tourists

Just when life seemed to be getting back to near normal in Rwanda and the world, Omicron has come along. Travelling to Rwanda was becoming easier with a number of restrictions being lifted, such as the mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival (for vaccinated travelers) which every traveler dreaded! But the emergency of the Omicron variant has washed away these gains.

The government has been left with no choice but to reinstate some of the strict guidelines to try and slow down the Omicron variant which is said to be 10 times more effective at spreading than the dreaded Delta variant.

Mandatory 3 days hotel quarantine on arrival in Rwanda, but NOT FOR TOURISTS

The most significant guideline for travelers flying into Rwanda is that travelers will be required to quarantine in designated hotels for 3 days to monitor them for Omicron. This will be at the traveler’s cost. There is a list of approved hotels of different budgets for travelers to choose from. The hotels prices were subsidized by the government and are therefore relatively affordable across the different categories.

When a traveler tests negative at the end of the 3 days he or she would be released. Otherwise, she or he will be taken to a medical facility where she or will be treated, at own cost, till she or he turns negative.

Tourists visiting the national parks will NOT hotel quarantine for 3 days

Tourists who are visiting the four national parks of Rwanda, namely Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati – Mukura National Park, and Akagera National Park are exempted from the mandatory 3 day hotel quarantine. However, the tourists shall be required to take a PCR test on day 3 and 7 of their stay in Rwanda, and in addition do daily rapid tests throughout their trip in Rwanda. Costs of all the above tests fall on the tourist.

This implies, for instance, if you planned to fly into Rwanda for the popular 2 day gorilla trekking trip to the Volcanoes National Park your plans are not hindered at all by the new guidelines. If, however you will be coming for a longer birding safari in Rwanda then take not of the required tests along the trip.

Other guidelines to note for travelers

All travelers visiting Rwanda are required to have a negative PCR test results of a test taken 72 hours to the time of arrival in Rwanda.

All travelers will undergo a PCR test on arrival. Samples will be taken at the airport before the traveler is taken for the 3 day hotel quarantine.

All travelers departing Rwanda must take a PCR test 72 hours before the time of their flight and will present the negative result at departure.

Tourism destinations remain open

All tourism destinations remain open for tours, so you can still continue to plan for your tours in Rwanda which include among others: gorilla trekking in the volcanoes, chimpanzee tracking the Nyungwe forest, Big five safari trips to Akagera National Park or even hiking the Mt. Bisoke volcano in the Virungas for hiking enthusiasts!

However note there are particular Standard Operating Procedures for visiting each of these tourism destinations.

Rhinos in Rwanda, 30 more introduced in Akagera National Park

Rwanda has received 30 more Rhinos that will roam in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s big game country. The 30 rhinos that are of the White Rhino species are an addition to the small population of Black Rhinos that were the first reintroduction of Rhinos in Rwanda’s wilderness in 2017 after many years of absence. This Black Rhino population has been thriving in the vast and diverse Akagera wilderness that will now host the White Rhinos too, being one of the places lucky to host both species of the Rhinos.

The 30 White Rhinos were got from South Africa’s &Beyond Phinda Game Reserve. Special credit goes to the Howard G. Buffet Foundation for providing the funding. The translocation of 30 rhinos has been hailed as a historic feat because it is the largest single Rhino translocation ever undertaken.

Photo by: Gael Vande Weghe

With this increase in the rhino population, and other members of the famous big five (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant) increasing and thriving in the park, Akagera National Park is on the road to making Rwanda a destination of choice for a lifetime big game safari, a country most famous for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience!

It will now be easier to see rhinos on safari trip to Akagera National Park because White Rhinos which are grazers (feed downward on grasses) occupy grassy open areas in contrast to Black Rhinos which are browsers (feed upward on leaves of shrubs & trees) and occupy thickets where they are harder to see.

Safety of the rhinos in Akagera National Park

One can argue that Akagera National Park is one of the safest national parks for Rhinos in Africa. The park is fenced and patrolled on the daily basis. Tracking technology has been established in the park to monitor the movement of certain animals in the park. Akagera National Park thus provides a perfect sanctuary for rhinos that are facing immense threats from poaching for the Rhino horn.

Our 3 day Akagera tour offers more safari time in the park and an improved chance to see both the White and Black rhinos in Akagera National Park.

Should you start your Uganda tour in Entebbe or Kampala? Entebbe versus Kampala

Travelers visiting Uganda for a safari tour will spend at least a day in either Kampala or Entebbe before setting out to explore Uganda. This is to allow them unwind and relax off the jet lag and may be have a short experience to orient one into the life of Uganda. Many travelers ask which of the two towns would be the ideal arrival destination for a stay upon arrival as they prepare to set off either to Bwindi National Park for the gorilla trekking experience, and/or the many beautiful destinations.

Below I shall discuss what makes each destination a nice place to start from your Uganda adventure so that you can have an idea which of the two would offer the best reception for you in Uganda.

Entebbe

Near the airport

Entebbe is home to the Entebbe International Airport and is therefore your arrival destination in Uganda. Are you arriving late in the night want the nearest place to the airport, definitely you will overnight in Entebbe. There are hotels within a minute’s drive from the airport. On the other hand, you may arrive early in Uganda but do not wish to drive a long distance, so staying in Entebbe being the preferred option.

Unwind on Lake Victoria

Entebbe is situated on a peninsula along Lake Victoria, Africa’s freshest largest lake. The lake shore offers the ideal place to relax off the jet lag. There are plenty of water hotels and resorts along Lake Victoria with nice sandy beaches. In fact many travelers prefer Entebbe over Kampala to enjoy the peace and tranquility on Lake Victoria.

Small population and no hustle

If want to stay away from chaos and congestion, Entebbe is quiet town with a small population. However, the weekends are different as many revelers from Kampala and beyond flock the beaches and resorts in Entebbe, visit Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Botanical Gardens, the Airport.

Plenty of things to do and see, especially for nature lovers

Entebbe has a number of lovely places you can visit to occupy you if you some free time on arrival. Many of the places are easy to access from most hotels in Entebbe with no hustle at all. Some of the top places to see include Lake Victoria and beaches, Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (the Uganda Zoo), and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria which is on Lake Victoria but best accessible from the Entebbe on a 45 minutes speed boat

Safer

Due to the small population and better organization, Entebbe is relatively safer from petty crimes compared to the bustling Kampala City

Express way to bypass Kampala traffic

Many travelers preferred to stay in Entebbe to easy their travels to the different parts of Uganda. This is because if one stayed in Entebbe one still had to go through Kampala on the way to the popular parks hence increasing travel time. However with the new Entebbe Express way one bypasses the chaos in Kampala whether going south to Bwindi National Park home of the gorillas, or northward to Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s biggest park and prime destination for safari, or east to the Sipi Falls.

In fact, staying in Entebbe considerably reduces your travel time as you forego the heavy traffic jam if you stayed in Kampala.

Kampala

Vibrant with lots of people

Kampala being the capital of Uganda is where all Ugandans come to hustle and try to make it in life. It is economic hub of the country and lots millions of people flock the city every day. It is a city full of life and if you want to experience the vibe of an African city then Kampala will give you it you to the fullest on your arrival.

The best night life East Africa

Kampala is famous for its very vibrant nightlife, that is believed to be the best in the East African region. It is a city that never sleeps. There are many night clubs and bars, and lots of fun activities through out the night. If this is the kind of reception you want to experience then continue to Kampala upon arriving in Uganda.

Many historical, religious & cultural land marks

Kampala is important to the formation of Uganda as a country and has many important historical, religious and cultural landmarks. If you are the person interested in icons then Kampala is your place to spend a day on your arrival.

Great city tour

Kampala is much bigger than Entebbe and offers so much you can do and many things to do. A walk in the vibrant city will take you into the economic lives of people, visit some important landmarks, taste a number of local cuisines. If you are looking forward to having a enjoying an African city tour, Kampala will give you a typical experience.

Wide selection of hotels /places to stay

Kampala has plenty of hotel options in the different parts of the city that will cater for all traveler budgets and preferences.