Curator’s statement
I took this trip with my 77-year-old mother. It was a bucket-list trip for me and she held her own and then some on the hike to see those incredible majestic creatures. While I wanted to stay with them forever, I am grateful for the hour we had with them. I think of them often, and hope that we, as humans, will protect them and their habitat so they can thrive.
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Things to do in Rwanda
The gorilla trekking is the highlight and for good reason. People are divided according to the
physical capabilities of their group. They are then assigned to a guide and a group of porters.
Off you go to find the gorillas. Groups are only allowed one hour with one group of gorillas each
day.
Chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking is also wonderful and can be less physically
demanding than gorilla trekking. That being said, the chimps move through the trees quickly,
so there may be occasion to speed up the pace to keep up with them. It is thrilling to hear them
call to each other as they fly through the jungle.
Simply traveling through the countryside is worth the effort. The tea fields and mountainous
terrain is beautiful.
The Kilgali Genocide Museum is a must, albeit an emotional one. I highly recommend that the
trip start, rather than end, with this outing. It is an important understanding to have as you
travel the country and meet with wonderful people there.
Lake Kivu is a lovely lake directly across from the Congo.
Places to eat & drink in Rwanda
The hospitality of Lake Kivu
This trip is largely rural, making dining experiences outside of your hotel possible, but not convenient or necessary, especially after a day of trekking. Some of the hotels have high-end restaurants and others have more traditional bomas.
The coffee in Rwanda is amazing. Even if you are not typically a coffee-drinker, it is worth a taste. Even the instant coffee is superior.
Need to know
To see the gorillas and chimpanzees, travelers must obtain permits ahead of time. The permits
are not inexpensive, but once you see these creatures, the money spent will not even cross your mind. There are a very limited number of permits, so planning well in advance of the trip is a must.
One can self-drive in Rwanda, but there is also the possibility of hiring a driver who can also
serve as a guide.
Travel Advisor
Amanda Uhrhammer
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rwanda page.