Rwanda Travel Forum

I was wondering what people's opinions on travel to Rwanda without the plan of doing any gorilla trekking. It isn't that I don't want to see the gorillas it is just that it is a bit expensive right now. I still would like to see part of the rainforest and i'll already be in East Africa so it isn't like i'm specifically going to Rwanda.

Is access to Volcanos National Park pretty easy? Will there be opportunities to get to see the spectacular scenery in Rwanda without paying for a trek or tour?

Thank you

Hi Tafurojo,

I am strongly recomending gorilla trekking experiance. It was one of the best things I have experinaced on my 5.5 years long trip around the world. The acces to the VNP is quite easy, yes. But missing gorillas would be the greatest mistake you can possibly make in Runada.

Safe trails!

Benka
www.BenkaPulko.com

Well, how much would it cost for a 3-4 day gorilla trek in Volcanoes Park? I know it is about $375 for permits needed well in advance plus $75 for park entrance fee. But how much for the actual trekking?

hahaha exactly the same thing I am contemplating!!! I think it really depends on your interests....Honestly I love seeing animals, and seeing some of the rarest in the world!!! WOW! But for 375 bucks????? Yeah I think I have already decided not to go. My friends went 3 weeks ago. They weren't big Mammal fans, but said it was an amazing sight. But basically 2 hours of viewing for 375 bucks? One of them said if he would have known the exact experience he would get, he wouldnt have paid the 480 bucks it cost him for the weekend...If your travelling on a budget like me, you can do so much more in Rwanda for this amount. Example----trek one amazing rain forest in Africa (Nyungwe National Park) see multiple species of birds, some of the most amazing sights in the world (the day I went I even saw Lake Kivu and the VOlcanos up north), one of the biggest colobus monkey troops left in the world, Mountain monkeys and much more (all this cost me under 60 $ US although I didn't pay for accomodation). This park also offers Chimp trekking (best during rainy season) for a fraction of the price you will pay to see the gorilla's. There is much to see in Rwanda.
It all depends on your perspective. Mine may disagree with a lot of people here as many people to Rwanda solely for the Gorilla's.
Cheers,
Marc

I didn't do any gorilla trekking when I was there and I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in doing so. It of course depends on each person's interest. I wouldn't do it even if it costed $10.

Is it a moral issue with disturbing nature or do you just really dislike gorillas?

Hi

I would like to go and visit Rwanda as well in about two months. Like you I'm not particularly interested in gorilla's trekking.
I read you visited many places I would like to do so. Did you go with a guide? An agency? Do you have any contact to send me?

Thanks in advance

Rwanda has much more to offer then just the gorillas. Of course, if you have the money, you should do so, because it is a lifetime experience!
But if you decide not to do it, then I have some tips:
Visit Lake Kivu, travel along its coastline, you will enjoy this beautiful sceneries during the whole trip!
Visit Nyungwe Forest, just walk through this supurb rainforest entering via the tea plantages. See the chimps and the Colobus Monkeys
Just travel through the country and see the thousands of different landscapes.
Visit some genocide memmorials even when they are not the nicest attractions of Rwanda, but its the most important part of their history.
Try to see the intore dansers at the museum, visit the royal palace and enjoy nightlife in Kigali.
Visit a match of the football team, the markets, the lakes near the Gorillas, walk the vulcanos and enjoy this beautiful and clean country in the buhoro, buhoro (slowly) way.
Do not forget to bring your camera, otherwise you will regret it.
There are some websites about Nyungwe, Akagera, etc. with many pictures. They are not directly related to travel agencies, but they give you a nice view of the country.