African Safari Tour Travel Guide

Kigali City Travel Guide

Kigali City
The rapidly growing city of Kigali is the national capital as well as the country’s most important business centre and main port of entry; geographically located at the heart of Rwanda.

Kigali harbors an efficient International Airport and surface well maintained roads connecting to Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.

The city has a range of hotels catering to0 all tests and budgets and a variety of speciality restaurants serving continental cuisine.

Kigali maintains the green face with a satisfyingly organic shape created by the verdant shapes over which it sprawls. The low-rise city centre engulfs a busy market, with several souvenir stalls displaying a wide range of local crafts.

There is a network of leafy avenues that wind out the town centre into the surrounding residential suburbs.

The city is naturally blessed with a moderate high altitude3 climate that belies its tropical location strategically located with a 3hours drive to the main tourist sites, thus the city provides a welcoming and comfortable introductory encounter of the attractions of the magical country.

Rwanda History, Genocide Rwanda, Culture and People

The natives originated from three ethnic groups: the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. It should be noted that the Twa were the first in habitats of Rwanda living in Forests, followed by Hutu’s and finally the Tutsi’s appeared on the scene.
Unfortunately, the Twa are the least of all constituting about only 1% of the total population.

In the traditional setting, Hutu’s carried out cultivation whereas the Tutsi were cattle keepers.
During the 1770’s, the country was under leadership of Tutsi kings referred to as “Mwami” who were believed have divine powers and consolidated themselves in power by forcing local people to pay tribute to Tutsi district Chiefs.

In the early 19th century, the European waves of capitalism swept the counry, under German colonial rule, introducing with them monetary terms as opposed to traditional agriculture.
Until when chance availed itself in World War 1 that the British and Belgian colonial masters wiped Germans out of Rwanda.
This marked the penetration of Catholicism into the interior of the country; dividing the Hutu’s and Tutsi’s on religious as well as political grounds.

Until when the country erupted into the tragic genocide war in 1994; bloodshed, devastation of poverty, human suffering and acute death.

Currently, much of the infrastructure has been rebuilt by its inhabitants; roads, hotels, schools, hospitals, financial institutions, an international airport and accessibility in terms of the political climate, the economy has been recovered.

A notable drastic boom in the performance of the Tourism sector is evident owing to the political climate, hotels, and the abundant natural attractions.

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK/ LE PARC DE NYUNGWE

Nyungwe national park is the largest block of montane forest in East and central Africa, covering a surface area of 1,000 sq kms across the spectacular hills of South east of Rwanda.
The most ornithological site park in the country, is endowed with diversity of flora and fauna; its star attractions include; 13 primate species such as the Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Angola Colobus.

The park has over 300 Bird species of which 8.4% are typical habitats of montane forests on the Albertine Rift, the most abundant of the birds being the Blue Turraco.

Forest fauna species include the Giant Lobelia, 200 tree species, numerous colorful Orchids and several non-flowering plants, shrubs, grasses.

Forest nature walks through nature trails leading you to beautiful water falls, ideal for scenic viewing.

The park offers a Rest house in a natural forest setting and a campsite situated along the main road. It will take two to three days for Birdwatchers and chimp trekkers to explore the natural beauty of the park.

Rwanda Today
Rwanda is a country in an advanced stage of rehabilitation with seemingly a prosperous future. Since 1995, the country has regained formidable political stability and peace encouraging the repatriation of millions of refugees.

The main instigators of the genocide are undergoing trials at the Arusha Tribunal in Tanzania and in the Gacaca courts in Rwanda, while the victims0of wars have been buried in mass graves.

The ruling government belongs to the Rwanda patriotic front (RPF), which has embraced on reconciliation, preaching National identity has opposed ethnic identity in Rwanda. The autocratic political structure that previously opposed and divided the minority on ethnic grounds have been overthrown and replaced by the republican structures.

Like most of the developing African countries, Rwanda is still characterized by poverty. However, economic lateralization and civil stability have paved way for a consistent high annual economic growth rates since 1995.

Today, Rwanda has a lot of businesses that will shape its economic base in the future. With tourism inclusive, which has already led to infrastructure development and increase in forex earning.

About Rwanda, Geography and Economy

Geography
Rwanda lies astride the East African plateau, with the divede3 between the water systems of the Nile and Zaire rivers flowing in a North West direction through the western region of the country. The land drops sharply to Lake Kivu in the mighty African rift valley: to the west of the divide. The land falls gradually across the central plateau, to the east. The whole country covers 26,338sqkm, much of which is mountainous with Kigali as its capital city.

The country is land locked: bordering by Zaire to its west and Northwest, Tanzania in the east, Uganda in the north and Burundi in the south. Much of the country is higher than 47,000ft, whereas most of it is 3,000ft above sea level.

The Kagera River which forms much of Rwanda’s Eastern border flows into lake Victoria, Lake Kivu, 4,700ft above sea level and Lake Tanganyika. Northwest on the boarder with Zaire are the great volcanic Virunga mountains and mountain Karisimbi, the highest peak 14,870ft is snowcapped.

Economy
Rwanda is primarily a subsistence agriculture economy, nonetheless produces for export some of the finest coffee in the world. The country also industries including sugar, fishing and cut flowers for export.

About Rwanda, its economy and Geography.

Birding Safari Rwanda, Butterflies and Orchids

BIRDS, BUTTER FLIES AND ORCHIDS
A guided nature walk Albertine Rift and its dense forests will place into the most beautiful ecotourism destination in Africa, exposing you to more than 100 butterflies, over 670 bird species and about 125 varieties of wild orchids.

Nyungwe forest National park, one of the industrialized natural forest reserves remaining in Africa, is a habitat to 300 species of birds, 27 of which are regional endemics. There are difficulties in penetrating as most of the areas is unexplored. This is hindered by steep hills and deep valleys.

An excellent tarmac road passes in between the forest winding into the mountain slopes. A long this road, you will see the Rwenzori hill babbler, masked mountain apalis, Francolin, gracier’s rush, Rwenzori turacos, sim birds, African weaver birds, Yellow eyed black flycatcher.

There are more forest tracks for birding around the guesthouse at Gisakura and the campsite at Uwinka. Here, the bird species include the collatred apalis, Red-throated alethe and the long tailed cuckoo.

Nocturnal birds include the Congo-bay owl. There is also a possibility of viewing 13 primates like the Chimpanzee.

Volcans Safari, Mountains Virunga, Parc National Des Volcans
Mountains Virunga
Parc national des Volcans
Within the immediacy of Virunga Mountains, is parc des volcans situated in the extreme Northwest of Rwanda, a habitat to the star attractions of the country, the Mountain Gorillas. The

Park has a wide range of ecosystem ranging from open grassland, bamboo forest, swamp to Heath. You will appreciate the beauty of the green flora in the park. Songs of colorful birds and sounds of golden monkeys can be heard during an adventurous thrilling trek through cascading trails of the virungas. The panoramic view of the mountains is catching, beautiful to the eyes and mind.

During a guided nature walk, you will see herds of Buffaloes and elephants hunting for the day’s food. At the base of the Virungas stands a market town of Ruhenyeri and beyond the town is a natural bridge at Musanze. Evidence of volcanicity can still be seen by mere looking at the ragged terrain of the country side creating a attractive scenery.

Ruhengeri contains several small hotels and guest houses offering good quality facilities and services at pocket friendly rates. Various lakes also live peacefully in its historical town including Rhondo, Karago and Burera lakes.

Akagera Safari, Akagera National Park Tours

The park bordering with Tanzania is a large expanse of swamps and lakes following the meandering course of the Akagera River; the dominant; is Acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland.

Akagera is the home of wetland birds like the endangered Shoe bill stork, fish eagles attracted to the area by the clear waters of the lakes.

The park is rich in game attractions exposing you to, herds of Buffaloes and African giant Elephants quenching their thirst at Akagera Lake, Antelopes, Leopards, bushbucks, chest-nut coated impala.
You eye should not miss the world’s largest Antelope, the Oribi and Tsessebe as well as the Cape Eland.
Camping at the park site offers the best wilderness experience you have ever witnessed; spiced up with water throbs, sweet bird sounds and roaring game species all in their spectacular natural setting symbolic of nature’s richness.

RWANDA HOTELS, LODGES AND GUEST HOUSES
hotels, accommodation, where to stay, guesthouses, inns, vacation homes, holiday resorts
KIGALI Hotels
AGASARO MOTEL
Tel: 250 583 293
Email:agasaromotel@yahoo.fr

ALMA HOTEL
Tel: +250 5673510

ALMA MATER LODGE
Tel: + 250 08300621

ALPHA PALACE HOTEL
Tel: +250 582 981, +250 08300602,
Email: alpha1@rwanda1.com

AUBERGE LA CARVENE,
Boulevard de la Nyabogogo,
Tel: +250 574 549.

AUBERGE LA REGENCE,
Tel: +250 86819

BEAUSEJOUR,
Tel: +250 582 601.
Email: beausejourhotel@yahoo.com

BELLE VIE RESTAURANT $ LODGEMENT
Tel
Fax
Web

CASTEL HOTEL
Avenue de la justice,
Tel: +250 576 377/ 578491,
Fax: +250 587 456.
Email: hotelcastel2002@yahoo.fr.

CENTRE PASTORAL DE SAINT PAUL,
Tel: +250 571 384

CENTRE D’ACCUEIL ISANO,
Tel: +250 574 230
Email: epr@rwanda1.com

CENTRE D’ACCUEIL SAINT FRANCIS D’ASISSE.
TEL: +250 08475572
Email: srphylomugenga@yahoo.fr
Web site:

CHEZ ROSE
Tel: +250 08505545/ 08471692

CITY VALLEY,
Tel: +250 515 741

DEREVA HOTEL
Tel: +250 567 224

EPISCOPAL GUEST HOUSE
Tel: +250 572 319

ERP KIYOVU,
Tel: +250 578 915

GUEST HOUSE ITUZE,
Tel: +250 84289

HOTEL BAOBA
Tel: +250 575633/ 516616,
Email: sibomana@hotmail.com

HOTEL BAOBAB
Tel: +250 75633/ 73281/ 71408,
Email: baobabhot@rwanda1.com.

HOTEL CHEZ LANDO
Tel: +250 82050/ 84328/ 84380.
Email: hotelchezlando.com
HOTEL CLEDO
Tel: +250 530855

HOTEL CONCORDE,
TEL: +250 562720

HOTEL DES CHUTES
Tel: +250 537405

HOTEL DES DIPLOMATES,
Tel: +250 575111/2

HOTEL DES MILLES COLLINES
Te: +250 76530/ 76541.
Email: millecolline@millecollines.com,

HOTEL DU LAC
Tel: +250 537172

HOTEL FLOWER
Tel: +250 576 730

HOTEL GLORIA
Tel: +250 571 957

HOTEL GORILLAS
“Paradise designed for your enjoyment”
B.P.1782, Rue des parcs, Kiyovu,
Kigali-Rwanda.
Tel: +250 501 717/8
Fax: +250 501 716
Mob: +250 0848 7777
Email:gorillashotel@rwanda1.com
gorillas@hotmail.com

HOTEL IBIS
Tel:+250 530 335

HOTEL IKAZE
Tel: +250 573 655

HOTEL ISIMBI
Tel:+250 7257878/ 72581/ 75109
Email: isimbi@hotmail.com

HOTEL KIYOVU
Tel: +250 578 869.

HOTEL NOVOTEL UMUBANO
Accor Hotels
Kigali,
Tel:+250 585 816/582 176
Fax: +250 582 957
Email:umubano1@rwanda1.com
Website: www.novotel.com

INTERCONTINENTAL
“We know what it takes”
Kigali
Boulevard de la Revolution
B.P.7469
Tel: +250 597 100,
Fax: +250 597 101
Email:reservations@ickigali.co.rw

HOTEL LA PETIT COLLINE,
Tel: +250 537 826

HOTEL MUHABURA
Tel: +250 546 296

HOTEL NINZI HILL
Tel: +250 87712/ 87713/ 87716
Email:ninzi@rwanda1.com

NINZI HILL HOTEL
Tel: +250 587711/ 2/ 3 /4
Email: ninzi@rwanda1.com, ninzihill@yahoo.fr
HOTEL OKAPI
Tel: +250 87712/ 87713/ 87716,
Email:ninzi@rwanda1.com
HOTEL VILLAGE URUMULI BYUMBA
Tel: +250 564 323/2

KIGALI HOTEL
Tel: +250 75643/ 74542

LE GARNI DE CENTRE
Tel:
Avenue de la public
Tel: +250 572654/571274
Email:garni@rwanda1.com

MOTEL IKAZE
Tel: +250 73655

MOTEL LA VEDETTE
Tel: +250 73575

ONE HILL
Tel: +250 08520150/ 08761450
Email:onehillmotel@yahoo.fr

PRESBYTERIAN GUEST HOUSE
Tel: +250 578 915
Fax: +250 578 919

SCHOOL OF FINANCE
TEL: +250 574 302/ 512 521

VOLCANO HOTEL
Tel: +250 72452

BUTARE

HOTEL FAUCON
Tel: +250 32061/ 32061

HOTEL IBIS
Tel: +250 30335/ 32160/ 30335
Email: campionbis@hotmail.com

GUEST HOUSE CENTRE DIACONAL
Tel: +250 30165/

HOTEL CREDO
Email:credohotel@yahoo.fr

HOTEL INEZA
Tel: +250 32060

HOTEL RAYON D’OR,
Tel: +250 30647

MOTEL GRATIA
Tel: +250 30278

MOTEL URUGWIRO
Tel: +250 30454

MOTEL AU COIN MAGNIFIQUE
Tel: +250 32095

MOTEL AUX BEAUX ARTS,
Tel: +250 30584

PROCURE D’ACCUEIL
Tel: +250 30993

RESTAURANT BAR IGISAZA
Tel: +250 32082

GISENYI

AUBERGE DE GISENYI,
Tel: +250 085 13474

HOTEL GISENYI,
P.O.BOX 252,Lake Kivu
Tel: +250 40381
Fax: +250 40129

HOTEL IZUBA
Tel:+250 61319/ 083 227772

HOTEL PALM BEACH
Tel: +250 083 23111

KIVU SUN HOTEL
Gisenyi,
Tel: +250 541 111
Fax: +250 541 102
Email:reservations@kivusun.co.rw

LA BEL VERDRE
Tel:+250 540349

REGINA HOTEL
Tel: +250 540492/ 08502226

UBUMWE HOTEL
Tel: +250 540530/085022777

CHANGUGU

AUBERGE LA SAVEUR
B.P 350, Cyangugu

BAR RUBAVU,
BP 131, Cyangugu

CENTRE DE PASTORAL
Tel: +250 61404/ 61404

HOTEL DS CHUTES
Tel: +250 537405/ 77688

HOTEL DU LAC KIVU
Tel: +250 537405/ 77688

HOME SAINT FRANCOIS
BP 97 Cyangugu

PEACE GUEST HOUSE
BP 52 Cyangugu

KIBUYE

CENTRE BETHANE
TEL: +250 68235

GUEST HOUSE KIBUYE
Tel: +250 68554/ 68555
Email:guesthouse@rwanda1.com

RUHENGERI

CENTRE D’ACCUEIL DIOCESAIN
Tel:+250 46606

GORILLA’S NEST HOTEL
Tel:+250 546954/ 546955
Emil:gorillanest@yahoo.fr.

HOME D’ACCUEIL MODERNE
Tel: +250 46525

HOTEL MUHABURA
Tel: +250 71511

HOTEL URUMULI
Tel: +250 46702

VIRUNGA LODGE, VOLCANOES
Tel: +250 502452/ 085 36908
Email:salesrw@volcanoessafaris.com

VILLAGE TOURISTIQUE DE KINIGI
Tel: +250 86394/ 085 33606/ 083 01260.

KIBUNGO
CENTRE ST JOSEPH
Tel: +250 66303

DEREVA HOTEL
Tel: +250 567 224

UMUTARA
1st OCTOBER MOTEL
Kagitumba

AKAGERA GAME LODGE
Tel: +250 08306956/7/8/9, +250 567805/ 567806/ 567808

BLUE SKY MOTEL
Tel: +250 77735

TRIANGLE MOTEL
Nyagatare.

GUEST HOUSE MATIMBA
Kagitumba

RESTAURANT RELAXE
Commune Murambi
Tel: +250 67370

GIKONGORO
AUBERGE CENTRE SAINT ANDRE
Tel:+250 62028/62475

Tel:+250 34390
BAR RESTAURANT HIBISCUS

BAR CARREFOUR
Gitamara

GUEST HOUSE UMUCO PLAZA
Tel: +250 77338

MOTEL DE GIRARAMA
Tel: +250 62183

RESTAURANT BAR TRANQUILLITE
Tel: +250 62696

RESTAURANT BAR BRAVO
Tel: +250 62702

Africa Safaris