Most travelers intending to visit Africa ask whether the country is safe for solo travelers.YES, Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills is one of the safety countries in Africa where you can see the beauty of nature in the shortest time possible. There is lots of interesting that Rwanda offers for solo and group travelers. If you are a solo traveler and have been wondering whether Rwanda is safe and fit for you, no worries, African Apes Tours and Travel a ground company that runs gorilla safaris and other Rwanda tours assure that this land locked country is very safe for you. You will surely enjoy and fall in love with it. Recently, Usebounce ranks Rwanda as the 6th out of 10 safest countries for solo travelers to Africa. The other safest countries that were on the list include Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Slovenia,Georgia, Iceland, Croatia and Czechia among others. What makes Rwanda safe for solo travelers?
Peace and security
For over 20 years now, Rwanda has not had any into civil wars and conflicts, which guarantee peace and security in the country. Despite the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the country has gathered its torn pieces to be one of the peaceful countries in Africa and the world in general. Rwandase agreed on a “NEVER AGAIN” under the leadership of HE Paul Kagame. Solo travelers to Rwanda are therefore assured of their safety in Rwanda provided they keep laws and orders in the country. You can move anywhere anytime with no any threats. However, solo travelers are reminded to be careful and avoid traveling alone in late hours
Group gorilla trekking & other adventures
If you are solo and traveling to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, the adventure experience is done in groups. No one single traveler is allowed to trek gorillas alone unless he/she is the only person available that day. Travelers going to see gorillas are out in groups of eight and allocated a gorilla family. This means that you will have other travelers in your group. This gives you company throughout the trek, which make the whole experience more fun and enjoyable. You can choose to interact with other people you are grouped with or choose to keep quite and just enjoy their jazz. Other adventures where you are grouped include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Impenetrable Forest National park, golden monkey trekking and volcano hiking tours.
Ease of access & Getting Around
Rwanda is one of the few countries where you do not have to worry about accessibility. Kigali International airport is located in Kigali capital city. Also, distance from the airport to most tourist destinations such as Volcanoes National park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas is short and untiring. The driving time from Kigali to Volcanoes is roughly 3 hours, which makes connectivity and accessibility very easy. Also, there are several means of transport in Rwanda connecting to different corners of the country. You can move around Rwanda using public or private means at affordable prices. You can try bargaining to avoid being cheated.
Hospitable people
Rwanda is known for having hospitable people! The country majorly comprise of two tribes, which are the Hutu and Ttusi. The wide genuine smiles o these local people make them sociable and friendly to catch-up with. Try to be open to people, associate with locals where possible and you will love it
Pocket friendly and safe lodges/Hotels
For pocket friendly and safe lodging services, Rwanda has got you covered. The country has a variety budget, midrange and luxury lodges, hotels and campsites to offer you excellent food and sleeping services. For solo travelers, you can book a single room in any of the many Rwanda lodges at affordable rates. The categories of the lodge and room type you book depend on your budget and interests. Amazingly, you can meet up and converse with other travelers sleeping at the lodge especially at dinner, which is served at the same time. Also, most lodges/lodge rooms are next to each other. A solo traveler will therefore be near other travelers in the next room not isolated alone.
Top travel experiences in Rwanda
There are key travel experiences you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. These activities and attractions have been reviewed as a must do for anyone visiting Rwanda. These include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Do not miss the memorable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is the most done travel experience, which bring the highest number of travelers to this small country. The country is home to the highest gorilla population Virunga Massif. The park is believed to host over 500 mountain gorillas, which have been habituated for trekking. Rwanda Development Board manages gorilla tourism in Rwanda and each permit costs $1500. Gorilla groups in Rwanda include Susa A, Agashya, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Titus, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda and Bwenge gorilla groups. In 2017, Rwanda doubled its gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500 making it one of the luxury gorilla safari destinations. African Apes Tours & Travel can help you book and reserve a Rwanda gorilla permit.
Chimpanzee trekking
Go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Ape Tours & Travel. Trek to see and spend time with the endangered chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest located in southwestern Rwanda. You can choose to trek in the main Nyungwe forest of in Cyamudongo Forest, which was separated, from the main forest by deforestation.
Game Viewing
Enjoy scenic game viewing experience to see the “Big Five” in Akagera National Park. Guided morning, evening and night game drives help you locate a variety of wild animals, which live in this Savannah park.
Mountain Climbing
If you are an adventure traveler, try volcano climbing in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke are the major hiked volcanoes in this park offering you a lifetime experience. Our 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour offers you chance to stand and stay overnight at the summit of the highest volcano in the Virginia Conservation Area. More so, you can hike Mt Bisoke which can be conquered in one day. Interestingly, the lower slopes of both volcanoes are covered by rain forests, which shelter the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates.
Lake Kivu
Chilling on the shores of Lake Kivu soothes you after a long hike or primate trek. Lake Kivu can therefore be your last destination in Rwanda to refresh and regain energies lost in the tiring adventures. Enjoy a cruise to any of the islands at Lake Kivu is an interesting experience which offer you beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and local communities. Other activities to do at Lake Kivu include sun bathing, Sport fishing, Kayaking, Coffee tours, birding and mountain biking among others.
Conclusively, Rwanda is a safe place for solo travelers! a combination of safety and interesting travel experiences make this Rwanda an exceptional destination to explore. African Apes Tours is your best ground handling company in Rwanda
