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Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo. There are some excellent places to stay on the Lakeside such as Kibuye and -especially-Gisenyi.The water is safe to swim (but just ask locally to be completely sure), there are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning.***see "accommodation tips" for some good places to stay***
When visiting the gorillas, I was advised to take high speed film (1,600 asa) as the light in the jungle, even when sunny outside, is poor due to the shade of the jungle canopy. However, I also took some 200 asa and this turned out to be the best option as the family that we came across, just happened to be sunbathing in a clearing, and the light was perfect. In the photo opposite, I was lucky to have the camera ready as this little baby was kept out of sight by his/her mother and this sighting was the only glimpse we had.
The tours are run very conscienciously and the welfare of the gorillas is paramount. For the independent travellers who, like myself, try to avoid tours, this is not an option here. On our way to see the gorillas we stopped to pick up a couple of passengers, Rwandan soldiers, who accompanied us for the tour. They were under orders to shoot anyone found in the jungle without a guide, and then ask the questions! Anyone in the vacinity of the gorillas without official authorisation is considered a poacher.
From the tourist office in Kigali, it is possible to organise a guided trip to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours or more, depending on how long it takes to find the gorillas. My group found them in just 45 mins from leaving the truck. The rangers know approximately where they are, but as they move about and can move deeper into the jungle, it can take a couple of hours tracking them through the bamboo jungle. Once you come across them , the guide will give you an hour only and then it's time to return to the truck. This limits the human contact as the guides do not want the gorillas to become too used to humans due to helping them maintain their natural state.
There is so few memoriable tourist activities in this country that I will list most of them here. Number 1 would have to be the gorillas. They are absolutely amazing (although at US$250 very hefty). It really is an experience of a lifetime to come within a metre of one of these magnificant beasts. Number 2 would be Lake Kivu, it is probably one of the safest lakes in africa to swim in due to the complete? lack of nasties in the water and it is beautiful.
Go to the Lakes - Kivu and Muhazi. There is accommodation at both of these. I would recommend going to Gisenyi for Lake Kivu and to Seeds of Peace near Gahini for Lake Muhazi (take your tent for this one).They are beautiful, and the Lake is safe and clean and great for swimming in, walking along, bird watching and eating freshly caught fish.
There are two aspects to Rwanda that I recommend with great seriousness. I recommend these: (1) learn about the genocide of 1994; and (2) go and see Gorillas in their natural habitat. If you do these two things, you will have gained invaluable knowledge from your visit to Rwanda.
best national park of rwanda - very helpful parkrangerhelp to find you all animals in park - mainly, giraff, zera, antilops, baboons, buffaloes,hippoes and crocodiles
give you a fair honest overview of this tragic genocide that should never happen again
The most incredible thing I've done travelling... amazing... and expensive.See them where they are in bigger numbers with fewer tourists.
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LAICO Umubano Hotel Kigali
3 Reviews and 14 Opinions I've stayed at the Umabano over a period of several months so feel well qualified to comment on it....
Reviews and photos of Rwanda attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Rwanda sightseeing.
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Q: Hi I'm unsure f this is the right forum..but I iwsh to see the silverbacks in rwanda or uganda next march.. Which is a better...
A: Hi kikili, Rwanda is the better place to see gorillas, but no matter which country you go, there is no such thing as a budget option when it comes to seeing the...
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