African Safari Tour Holiday Vacations

Month: July 2018

Things to Do in Madagascar
If you are looking for things to do in Madagascar, then you are in the right place. This is because Madagascar is the fourth largest Island in the world. The island has endemic flora and fauna. You will find untouched tropical beaches here in Madagascar. It is the only place in the world to see the lemurs.

Undiscovered Destination

It is important to note that Madagascar still remains undiscovered. Not many tourist ventures into this unique island. This is because they are almost taken away by the sheer uniqueness of this quirky island.

To help you, we have thus below put some favorite things to do in Madagascar. This is not a complete list of things to do in Madagascar as there is much more.

Top Things to Do in Madagascar

Tracking the Cheeky Lemurs

This makes it to the top of things to do in Madagascar. The best Place to see the lemurs include:
- Andasibe
- Berenty
- Anjajavy
- Isalo
- Ankarafantsika
You will be looking out for the tiny egg-cup sized mouse lemur. Also there is the the morning calls of the teddy bear-esque Indri. Madagascar offers something truly unique for the wildlife lover. If your wish is to see the renowned sifakas or the dancing lemurs then head south. The southern reserve of Berenty is world renowned as well as the Relais and Chateaux private reserve of Anjajavy.

There is however nothing as beautiful as watching the lazy ring-tailed lemurs. You can catch them spread out sunbathing as the early morning sun comes over the horizon. For many lemurs are cuddly. But just in case they are not cuddly enough for you as they are, then look for the best time to see them.

Make sure you visit during the months of October and November. It is baby lemur season, ideal for those on Madagascar photo safari. The best time to visit Madagascar to see lemurs is from June to December

Watching Whales

Another activity making it to the top of things to do in Madagascar. The east coast is the hot spot for some world class sightings. Here humpback whales migrate through this eastern oceanic corridor, even using it for calving.

If you are looking for the best times to see whales then July and September are ideal. You will have the whales populate the area specifically around Ile Sainte Marie.

One of a MUST thing to do during your stay is to spend a morning out with the MEGAPETRA whale research team. Your time will be spent out with the whales and assisting the team to collect useful data. This is for their everyday studies of monitoring the migrating patterns of these marine giants.

You are likely to have best sightings of the whales in Ile Sainte Marie between July to September

The Majestic Baobab Avenue

A visit to the Baobab Avenue must make it to the list of top things to do in Madagascar. Baobabs dot around this tropical island. The hotspot and a superb destination for photographers is the Avenue of Baobabs. Kirindy is the superb location of the Baobab Avenue.

This majestic avenue has huge baobabs on both sides. This makes for giants in the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit the Avenue is at sunrise or sunset. It is then that you will be able to take advantage of this spectacular setting in the best light.

This is just not tourist attraction, but baobabs are sources of medicinal remedies for the locals. They are often useful water resources as rain is trapped in their huge trunks. This form pools for wildlife and even humans to drink from.

The baobabs act as refuge for wildlife with the network of branches. The huge trunk forming the ideal hiding place from predators. The best place to see the baobabs is the Avenue de baobabs in Kirindy.

Sun Bathe on the Pristine White Sandy Beaches.

Madagascar has 5000km of coastline, therefore the sea is never very far, turquoise and idyllic in places. From private islands to luxury retreats, there are many options available to to rest. This is at the end of your Madagascar tour or any other African Safari tour. You can try Anjajavy, a beautiful Relais and Chateaux property located on the west (north-west) coast of Madagascar.

Located in its own private nature reserve, Anjajavy offers authentic luxury on the beach. At the same time you will be able to explore the reserve under your own steam. Don’t taken aback if at afternoon tea you get a troupe of dancing sifakas. This is as they skip across the lodge lawn!

Tsarabanjina Island is a beautiful private island used to be the sister hotel of Anjajavy. It is set off the coast of Nosy Be off the north western coastline of Madagascar. Tsarabanjina can only be accessed by float plane or a rather speedy sea transfer!

Expect cosy beach bungalows, great diving and a sand floored bar. This makes Tsarabanjina a great place to wind down. It is also an ideal spot for a lazy few days at the end of a honeymoon.

Princesse Bora Lodge is located on Ile Sainte Marie off the east coast of Madagascar. It is an intimate property combining with the forests of Andasibe with the cozy private reserve of Palmarium. Princesse Bora Lodge is also the ideal location for setting out with the Megapetra whale research team. This is for whale watching between the months of July and September. Best beaches in Madagascar include Ile Sainte Marie, Anjajavy, Ifaty and Nosy Be.

Explore the Various Geographical Features

Madagascar boasts of varying landscape, vegetation and climatic conditions. The capital Antananarivo is on a slightly chillier high plateau. If you head to the south Madagascar offers desert environment.

There are the rainforests of the east and dramatic rock formations of Isalo. Don’t forget the tsingy, spiky limestone rock formations of the north. Then there is the baobab lined avenues of the west. Madagascar surprises you at every turn, making for a truly unique holiday of a lifetime.

Other Things to Do in Madagascar

Walk the Hills of Antananarivo

Your journey on this walk begins in Antananarivo or Tana as the locals call it. The city was built over a set of rolling hills. You will find stunning combination of Malagasy and French colonial architecture. Church steeples peek out through the tangle of timber and concrete.

Climb the hills up towards the Queen’s Palace. Here you will enjoy the stunning views of the city unfolding around you. Wander down side streets and dirt trails through little neighborhoods. This allows you to see how locals live in the city.

Take in the View at Ambohimanga

This is just15-mile drive from Antananarivo. It is the old royal fort of Ambohimanga. Home to the king of the Merina people before French colonization. The hillside site is a great example of traditional culture.

For a few dollars you can hire a local guide for a formal tour and history of the property. Follow a nearby trail and you’ll enjoy sweeping view across the central plains and rice paddies.

Canoeing the Manambolo River

This for me is a must thing to do in Madagascar. Paddle a Dugout Canoe from Bekopaka. The town of Bekopaka is best known for the Grand and Petite Tsingy. However you can enjoy a dugout canoe trip down the nearby Manambolo River. This offers spectacular views of limestone cliff walls and ancient tombs. The Sakalava ethnic group are the original inhabitants of the region. They buried their dead in piled stone caves along the cliff walls. It is possible to stop along the river and explore some of the caves along the way.

Scale the Tsingy Landscape

The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the finest examples of karstic landscapes in the world. You will experience razor sharp limestone rocks. These are carved out by erosion give the landscape the look of a stone forest.

You’ll need to hire a local guide to explore both the petite and grand tsingy formations. Leave before sunrise to arrive early. It helps you avoid the crushing heat that bounces off the rocks during mid-day. Test your fear of heights and walk across the wire bridge spanning a deep chasm drop.

conclusion

Whatever it is that may motivate you to go to Madagascar, there are lots of things attractions. We have just but mentioned a few a muts things to do in Madagascar. Let us help you discover the undiscovered in Mada. That is why ASTHO Vacations exists.
July 27, 2018
How Safe is Rwanda

Africa has quite some beautiful destinations to go to. The ultimate choice often depends on what you want to do. Rwanda is definitely one such destination you would not want to miss. It is beautiful, cool, hilly but above all it is home to the mountain gorillas. But, are you planning an African safari to Rwanda? If so, the next question that will come is how safe is Rwanda?

Africa is famous for the political instability and civil wars. Rwanda has also been through this. I know you have watched Hotel Rwanda so you know. That is but that is in the past. ASTHO Vacations answer to the question how safe is Rwanda? That is a wholehearted “Yes!”

Political Instability and Civil War

Most of us know that Rwanda has gone through political instability and a civil war. As a result, this has resulted into permanent scars within and without Rwanda. You will find evidence of the same in several memorial museums within Rwanda. It is important not to allow, the thoughts to deter you from going to Rwanda! Rwanda has rebuilt into a vibrant and progressive space. There is an emphasis on community growth and preserving its natural resources.

How Safe is Rwanda? The History of Genocide

It is now more than 20 years since 1994’s Rwandan genocide. It is a sad reminder of how human beings can lose their minds. It is a tragedy that all humanity would want to forget but it happened. It is sad though that this nightmare still affects the population to date. Especially for those who experienced violence and loss first hand.

One early morning in April of 1994 the plane carrying 2 presidents was shot down. This was not only a signal but the beginning of a killing spree never seen before. Within one month, over 500,000 people most from the Tutsis and moderate Hutus were dead. Rwanda was heading to the dogs and people turned into animals. Most streets had litters of human corpse with the stench of rotting flesh. The question how safe is Rwanda then could not come up. Everything was in the media both electronic and print. Even the UN was not safe in Rwanda as they had their bases attacked.

Ethnic Profiling

As in most African countries, the reason had been power struggle. From the beginning and at colonization, the Belgium had divided the country by race. They could measure the nose to decide who gets a job and who does not. At the point of departure, Belgium left Rwanda a more divided country.

The Hutus got to government and the hatred continued. This boiled and overflowed in 1994 and hell broke loose. How safe was Rwanda? It was not safe to go. In 2004 we had the film Hotel Rwanda.This brought the world’s attention back to the Rwandan Civil War and Genocide.

The Healing: Beginning of Safety in Rwanda

When the madness stopped, the damage had already done. It was now time to rebuild the country. Thanks to the new regime that made 180 degrees turn around to bring safety to Rwanda.

Hotel Rwanda serves as a reminder for this part of history. The current state of Rwanda is a much more peaceful place. The Rwandan people have worked overboard to recover from the violence. You will find the evidence of the past in memorial spots across the country. One of those places is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center within the city. ASTHO Vacations has a tour to the genocide museum in Kigali to learn this. This provides travelers with both the dark and light times of the country’s history.

How Safe is Kigali Rwanda?

Kigali is Rwanda’s capital. This is one of Africa’s safest and most modern cities. So, if you are asking how safe is Rwanda, Kigali is the start point.

Kigali has experienced dramatic economic growth in the last few years. There are world class restaurants and impressive hotels. You will also find a vibrant arts and culture community. This has turned the capital into a model city for the rest of Africa.

Kigali is uplifting its population is through building strong communities. It is also helping people overcome poverty. This is among the measures that is helping bring safety to Rwanda.

How safe is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking?

Rwanda’s biggest tourist attraction is Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This park is of three national parks where the endangered mountain gorillas inhabit. Volcanoes National Park has a high concentration of these primates.

Violence and guerrilla activity is known to exist in the Congo’s Virunga National park. This neighbours the Volcanoes National Park but is in D. R. Congo. In the contrary, Volcanoes is considered to be especially safe. as a result, there are many people going for Rwanda gorilla trekking each year.

Mountain gorilla treks are regulated. There are trained guides and trackers lead travellers through the park. The government strive to keep this area safe to promote eco-tourism. It is also for the safety of the gorillas, and the conservation of their habitat. You do not have to fear as you are safe to trek gorillas in Rwanda.

How Safe is Rwanda for Americans?

Rwanda is one of the safest and most secure countries in Africa. This is for visitors to Rwanda. It is also true if you follow certain Safety and Security guidelines and tips. Kigali is one of the safest capitals in Africa. There are over 99% of visitors come and leave Rwanda without an incident.

The government is aware that it is its sacred duty to ensure the safety of visitors to Rwanda and its own citizens. The presence of police is evident everywhere. you will find th traffic police to tourism police. All there to make sure that Tourists and Visitors are safe in Rwanda.

So, how safe is Rwanda for Americans and anyone else? Rwanda is safe for visitors and tourists including Americans.

In Conclusion

Just like any other travel, it is important to use common sense about safety wherever you go. Tourists need to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and valuables at all times. It can be difficult to know what hotels, restaurants, or tour guides to trust. This is true if you have no knowledge of the local language or customs.

Allowing ASTHO Vacations takes the stress out of planning your safari to Rwanda. We are local and we would be the right people to ask how safe is Rwanda?

July 24, 2018
Why You Should Visit Rwanda

Rwanda, the Republic lies in the Great Lake region of East Africa. The country borders mountains to the west and savanna to the east. Rwanda enjoys lush greenery and fascinating wildlife. This are not the only reason why you should visit Rwanda, there are more. This article helps you understand why you should visit Rwanda.

Rwanda’s History

Rwanda, just like any other country has a past. The historical heritage, climate, landscape and people make the country. Rwanda’s colonization story goes back to the Germans in 1884. This was before the Belgian regime during the First World War.

Things moved from bad to terrible for the locals during the Rwandan genocide. This was in 1994 and is well documented in the movie, Hotel Rwanda. They have now recovered to a large extent and most part of Rwanda is safe for travel.

Rwanda’s Economy

The economy depends on subsistence agriculture and tourism. Rwanda has a climate that looks like that of Germany rather than other African countries. Its capital and largest city, Kigali, is at the heart of the country.

You will not be the first person to think that Africa is not safe to travel. It is yet, wrong to assume it as Rwanda is a case in point. Rwanda is more than safe to travel to. The people here are friendly and eager to help. Still not convinced? Here are the top reasons why you should visit Rwanda.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rwanda

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

On of the most visited destination in Rwanda is the Volcanoes National Park. The park is one of mountain gorillas last standing strongholds. Volcanoes National Park is in the North East of Rwanda. The park draws its name from the five volcanoes nestled within. The volcanoes are covered in bamboo moors and rain forests.

The best and major reason you should visit Rwanda is trekking mountain gorillas. It is an activity not worthy of missing and one that must be in your bucket list.

Volcanoes National park has a diversified ecosystem. The park boasts meadows, marshes, lakes, swamps, grassland, rain forests, and lower montane forests. This park is also rich in fauna. You will find Golden Monkeys, Buffalo, Spotted Hyenas, Bushbuck among others roaming here.

2. Capital City, Kigali

This is the largest city in Rwanda, Kigali is also the capital. the city is on a hilly location with an average elevation of 1,600m above sea level. Its highest point, Mount Kigali, stands at 1,850m tall.

Kigali enjoys a cool subtropical climate with temperatures. This range between 15⁰C and 27⁰C (59F to 81F). The came into existence in 1907 under German colonial rule. It was only designated the capital following Rwanda’s independence in 1962.

Kigali was also the centre stage of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. It has gone through more than two decades after the civil war. It has become known for its peacefulness and the laid-back attitude of the locals. With its clean streets and its paved roads, it brings to mind a typical European town.

3. The Virunga Mountains

This is a chain of volcanic mountains. The Virunga Mountains are on the northern border of Rwanda. Covered with lush lower montane forests, they’re home of mountain gorillas. The mountain range includes eight volcanoes, most of which are dormant or extinct. With a range of scenic trek routes, it’s also one of the world’s greatest trekking hotspots. Mount Visoke is one of the most breath-taking sights. It has a splendid crater lake at 3,711m above sea level.

4. Rwanda’ Colonial Capital Huye or Butare

This was once the capital of colonial Rwanda. Butare lies in its southern region. it has colonial architecture, churches, clean streets, museums, bistros, cafes and terraced restaurants. Butare is a lively city that stands out in the lush Rwandan scenery. The town is now called Huye, but the locals still prefer to call it by its name for the olden days, Butare. Some of its major attractions include the Ethnographic Museum and Ginkoro Genocidal Museum. Huye Market and the National University of Rwanda is also worth a visit.

5. Rwanda Water Bodies

Rwanda enjoys a location in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It is thus a natural paradise endowed with pristine lakes and charming lake beaches. The country border with Congo is sprinkled with lakes. Five of these lakes are volcanic and one is the largest freshwater lake in the country. The latter, Lake Kivu has terraced hills. It is lined with some of Africa’s most beautiful resort towns.

To the north is the Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. these are two lesser known areas that are also stunning. At the borders are mountains that make a fantastic hangout for those who enjoy trekking. You can also enjoy hand gliding, water skiing and various other thrilling sports activities. The surrounding forests are also perfect for Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.

6. Dark History – Dark Tour

This is perhaps not the first attractions that come to mind for those visiting Rwanda. The Genocide Memorials are, nonetheless quite popular with tourists. The country has made great strides since the genocide of 1994.

Genocide Museums

It’s important that visitors know about the horrific incident that took place in Rwanda. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a museum developed to preserve the memory of this moment. The museum is in Gisozi and is the memorial centre. It rests on the burial site of more than a quarter of the estimated 1 million genocide victims. It lies surrounded by gardens and it showcases a wall bearing the names of the victims.

Towards the south of Kigali, there is the regions known as Nyamata and Ntrama. Here are several churches which the sites of the horrendous massacres were. These was of countless people seeking refuge here. A school in the area was also the site of a ruthless massacre. It houses a museum containing the preserved bodies of the victims. You will also get a detailed history of the outbreak of the genocide.

7. Climate

The climate conditions in Rwanda is unlike other African countries. Despite its proximity to the equator, the weather is pleasant throughout the year. This is as a result of its altitude. The temperatures are at an average of 22 degrees celcius with 2 rainy seasons. Rwanda is an all year-round destination that should not miss in your bucket list. Then why should you visit Rwanda, but who would not want to go to a place with great weather?

8. Connectivity

Rwanda has a role call of neighbors. This includes some of Africa’s best-loved safari destination Tanzania, to the east. There are also the trio of countries which perhaps fit the description “off the beaten track”. they include Burundi to the south, Uganda to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Rwanda could be regarded as one of the more unreachable areas of a continent that is not known for ease of travel. But, the fourth smallest country on the African mainland, has direct flights to the UK. The will soon be connecting direct to the United States of America. RwandAir connects London Gatwick to the national capital Kigali. This is a nine-hour air bridge that operates three times a week.

9. Safety

One major reason why you should visit Rwanda is because it is safe, period. Travellers in sub-Saharan Africa should always take the standard precautions. This is true when it comes to matters like drinking water. Your personal security and other such fragments of common sense are also here. Rwanda is a country you can explore with reasonable confidence. So, how safe is travel to Rwanda? It is safe.

10. Big Five are Here Too

Rwanda is rarely considered a classic safari destination. For those seeking things that roar and growl in the night you can go to Akagera National Park. This is home to the Big Five that includes lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard.

The park spreads out on the east flank of the country. It is shaped by the border with Tanzania and the River Kagera. It is a verdant enclave of savannah and wetland. The park suffered during Rwanda’s turbulent Nineties. this is when poaching and subsistence hunting robbed it of most of its inhabitants.

Akagera has regathered itself since 2009. It got under the wing of rescue and rehabilitation group African Parks. 7 South African lions were introduced in 2015. Also, 20 black rhinos came in as recently. These are still faltering baby steps, but Akagera is walking a road to recovery.

So Why Should You Travel to Rwanda?

Still looking for more reasons why you should travel to Rwanda? I thought I have just exhausted the list.

There are more inspirational stories from Rwanda. You just need to look around and you will find them. Waste no time, just let us know if you got any doubt. We are sure of not only giving you reasons why you should travel to Rwanda. We will also give you great holiday and safari packages to Rwanda.

July 24, 2018
Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda is also known as the ‘Land of a thousand hills’. This small country is in East Africa around the Great Lakes Region. It is one great destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. If you are planning a safari to Rwanda, you may also not want to miss chimp tracking. One of the major question is when is the best time to visit Rwanda.

The best time to visit Rwanda is throughout the year. This is because Rwanda is a destination for all seasons. But, drier seasons of the year is best for spotting the mountain gorilla. The rainy seasons run from March to May and June to September are the optimum times for tracking chimpanzees. There is no major variation in temperatures throughout the seasons. This is because of Rwanda’ location. The country is just south of the Equator.

Best Time to Visit Kigali Rwanda

One will want to know the best time to visit Kigali if planning your vacation in Rwanda. Kigali is the capital city and is in the heart of Rwanda. This city enjoys a temperate climate with a good amount of rainfall. This is because of Kigali’s high elevation. It is important to note that temperatures may vary slightly from one season to another.

Temperatures in Kigali, Rwanda

The temperatures in Kigali range from daytime highs between 25C and 27C (77F to 81F), and evening lows of 14C to 16C (57F to 61F). April through June are the coolest months, while visitors who opt to travel between June, July, August and September are likely to experience warmer, drier weather in Kigali thus the best time to visit the city.

Like the rest of the cities in East Africa, Kigali also has two wet seasons: the long rains and short rains. The long rains extend from March through May, with some showers possible even in January and February. The months of October to November experience the short rains, with December generally having a bit of rain as well.

It does not rain continuously throughout the day during the wet seasons, and there are times in Kigali when the sun is out. The hilly areas of Kigali and the countryside have a cooler climate with slight variations compared to the flatter lower altitude regions. It’s important to keep in mind that the global climate has been affected by global warming, and Africa has been experiencing uneven weather patterns as a result. Accordingly, Rwanda has had its fair share of unexpected weather changes.

What to Do in Kigali Rwanda

The capital city of Kigali is a lively hub that serves as an excellent starting point for excursions in Rwanda. If you are here for corporate purposes, meetings, or on holiday, you will find that urban activities are not hampered in any way by the weather. While the dry season might attract more pleasure-seeking visitors, businesspersons are likely to spend time here all year round.

Best Time to Go to Rwanda by Activity

A Rwanda safari tour is a pleasurable experience if you choose the right months of travel in Rwanda. Even so, it’s helpful to plan your African trip to Rwanda by taking into account the specific activities you intend to undertake. Gorilla trekking excursions to the Volcanoes National Park are best undertaken between June and September. This is because it is the long dry season in Rwanda.

You may also consider visiting in the short dry season. This is from mid-December to mid-February. While some rain is to be expected during this time, Rwanda gorilla trekking through the forests is easier. You will also have fewer mosquitos and other insects to deal with.

Other than the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has a variety of other parks and reserves dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. The best times to visit them are, again, during the dry seasons. However, the landscape takes on a gorgeous lushness in the wet season that is simply stunning to view and experience.

Best Time of Year to Visit Rwanda by Month

Rwanda is one of the lushest and most spectacular countries on earth. However, this small East African country can be pretty tricky when it comes to weather. Rainy season and dry season often intermingle. Therefore, the best strategy is to generally be prepared for all kinds of weather. Read on to hear all about what Rwanda has to offer in the different months and find out the best time to time to visit Rwanda, ‘the land of a thousand hills’.gn up

January

January is one of the best month to go to Rwanda on safari. It is important to note that January 1 and 2 are public holidays in Rwanda. As a result, the main cities of the country are generally pretty quiet. January is part of Rwanda’s short dry season. It is an extension of December, January, and February dry season. This makes January an excellent time for a safari tour in Rwanda. You can also try out kayaking on Lake Kivu, biking the Congo Nile Trail, and hiking. Any of the adventures in Volcanoes National Park are all great activities this time of year. The average temperature during the month is 69°F (21°C)

February

The whole of Rwanda gather together to celebrate National Heroes Day on February 1. Most stores will be closed, and a lot of tourism operations will cease as well. National Heroes Day celebrates and remembers the lives of the victims of the Rwandan genocide. Also, the Rwandese celebrate those that fought against the genocidal mandate in 1994. The weather during this month is fairly moderate, although layers are recommended especially for tourists venturing into the North and Northwest of the country. This is a great time to visit Rwanda’s national parks and Lake Kivu. The temperatures will be 69°F (21°C)

March

This is the beginning of Rwanda’s longest rainy season. It lasts from March to May generally and starts to get pretty heavy around mid-March. Plenty of rain gear is recommended, as well as general layers to take on and off throughout the day. The rains towards the end of the month can last for several hours. However, rainfall at the beginning can occur, while daily, for just a short amount of time. Plenty of possible activities would include safari to Akagera National Park and city tours around Kigali. However, make sure to have a little flexibility when it comes to possible rain delays. The Mashariki African Film Festival also often occurs at the end of March. This festival showcases some of the continent’s most impressive cinematography. Temperatures are fairly stable at 69°F (21°C) with 13 days of rain.

April

This is one of Rwanda’s rainiest and most harrowing months. The country commemorates the Genocide Against the Tutsi in 1994 on April 7. The entire country shuts down that day, and often a few days after or before April 7. Businesses are closed, stores are shut down, and few restaurants (other than those inside hotels) stay open. Although stores and businesses reopen after a week, loud parties and music are often discouraged for several weeks. By the end of the month, however, the country is up and running again. Due to the heavy rains, tourism at the end of the month can often be low cost, making the end of April a great time to save some money. You also expect fewer crowds and check out the country’s impressive national parks and attractions. You will have up to 17 days of rain with temperatures at 68°F (20°C)

May

The first of this month is Labor Day, a holiday officially celebrated in Rwanda with the closure of many businesses and stores. The long rains continue throughout the month of May in Rwanda. Hiking can sometimes be difficult due to the soft ground after the many weeks of heavy rainfall. However, alternative activities around the country like visiting Lake Kivu and the scenic twin lakes outside of Musanze. You may also enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park. You should prepare for some serious rain though, and pack accordingly. You will be looking at 14 days of rainfall and temperatures at 68°F (20°C)

June

This marks the end of rainy season. June is the beginning of one of the best months to travel to Rwanda. The very best of rainy season and dry season intermingles during this month. You will experience light showers infrequently and the country still looks incredibly green and lush from all the rainfall in March, April, and May. For avid hikers, the ground finally hardens up enough to make trekking through Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest a little bit easier and encourages the endangered mountain gorillas in the park to come out of hiding. To celebrate the beginning of summer and dry season, bars, restaurants, and events frequently occur all over Kigali. Temperatures are still at 68°F (20°C) with about 3 days of rainfall.

July

The dry season continues and there is a lot of reason to celebrate. July 1 and July 4 are national holidays that celebrate Independence Day and Liberation Day respectively. Massive parties, concerts including the annual Kigali Up music festival happen in July. Many people including locals and tourists alike travel around the country to take advantage of the days off. It is also peak season for tourism in Rwanda and prices are a little higher than normal. Reservations in most restaurants and hotels need to be made in advance. This is also when it gets hot and it can be really hot. Bring layers for some cool evenings, and some light clothing for those sweltering summer days. Make sure to check off those activities that require dry weather. This includes traversing the Congo Nile Trail and doing a bit of hiking in Nyungwe National Park are all great options for July. You are looking at a day of rainfall with average temperatures at 68°F (20°C)

August

This is another dry month at the peak of high season. Laze away those summer days on the shores of Lake Kivu and the twin lakes, beating the heat with some cool dips into the calm water. Though sometimes overcast, the hot temperatures and dry climate make this month a really easy one to travel around Rwanda. Buses leave on time, raincoats are rarely needed, and animals in Akagera National Park gather around the remaining water sources, making August an excellent time to try your hand at lion and rhino spotting. The annual Umuganura festival, Rwanda’s harvest festival, also takes place in late August. You will be looking at 4 days of rainfall in August with the temperatures going up to 71°F (22°C)

September

September is a great month for a safari in Rwanda. This is especially true for those that want some good weather at slightly better deals in Rwanda. The beginning of the month is generally quite dry, though rainy season begins again the last few days of September. This is an excellent time of year for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching in Nyungwe National Park, and general safari tour to Akagera National Park.

Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s baby gorilla naming ceremony, occurs in early September. This means the whole country will be flooded with adorable photographs of baby gorillas and high-profile celebrities eager to support Rwanda’s animal conservation work. Tourists are able to attend the ceremony, though tickets and accommodation arrangements ought to be made far in advance. There are about 9 days of rain and the temperatures are at 70°F (21°C)

October

The months of October and November make up the short rainy season in Rwanda. It can get pretty cool during the month of October at night, so rain gear, hats, and some light jackets are definitely advisable. The Rwanda Film Festival also occurs towards the end of October in Kigali, and the public film viewings showcase Rwanda’s bourgeoning creative sector and talents. Take advantage of the lower prices this month for accommodation, traveling around the country as well as getting to know the vibrant city of Kigali. Rainfall average 14 days with temperatures at 70°F (21°C)

November

Another rainy month, November is still a great one in Rwanda for Rwanda safari. You need to check out Rwanda’s impressive museums. They include the Ethnographic Museum, the Genocide Memorial, and the King’s Palace Museum. You can also get some outdoor activities in towards the end of the month. Layers here are key, however, some days can be sweltering hot and sunny, whereas others are quite wet and cold. It is low season in November however, before the busy tourist rush of December, makes exploring the country all the cheaper, easier, and calmer. Rains can be up to 15 days with average temperatures at 69°F (21°C)

December

December is a really fun time to be in Rwanda. Businesses around the country celebrate the Christmas and New Years vacation with a lot of raucous parties and events, and the weather is perfect for pretty much every activity the country has to offer. Make sure to book activities and accommodation in advance, as tourists around the world use their vacation time to visit Rwanda as well. Rwanda Gorilla trekking, lake visits, forest hikes in Nyungwe National Park, coffee plantation tours, and safari drives are all excellent activities for December. The weather is also not so hote as we are looking at 12 days of rainfall and temperatures at 69°F (21°C)

Now that you have the information about the best time to travel to Rwanda, why not take time to look at what to do and book your African safari to Rwanda appropriately.

July 20, 2018

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