THREE WAYS TO PLAN AND BOOK YOUR SAFARI WITH AFRICANMECCA

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CULTURAL TOURS IN RWANDA

Are You Planning A Culture Safari To Rwanda? Scroll Down For Details..

Rwanda is home to three ethnic groups that, together, exemplify the history, traditions, and hospitality of the country. AfricanMecca Safaris highly recommends setting aside some time during your safari adventure to visit local communities and experience Rwanda’s traditional way of life. The largest group in the country is the Tutsi, followed by the Hutu and Twa.

Expect to hear delightful and engaging folk tales, riddles, and proverbs when you interact with the Tutsi. While among the Hutu, you may witness a unique ceremony that takes place when a new baby is born in a village. The mother and newborn remain in their house alone for seven days. A naming ceremony is held on the last day, during which the village children join the mother and child. The Twa are pygmy people, known for their pottery, semi-nomadic way of life, and hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

AfricanMecca Safaris specializes in culturally sensitive tours of Rwandan villages, developed in collaboration with the community members, which allow guests to observe day-to-day life in a way that does not undermine the authenticity of the experience. The villagers themselves offer input on the traditions and beliefs they wish to share with the world via these tours, as well as on areas of life they prefer to share only amongst themselves.

You will be amazed and touched by the commitment of Rwandans to maintaining their ancestral way of life while living in a modern world. These tours benefit the villages, including Ibyiwacu and Banda, as the activities provide employment—often in lieu of poaching or other desperate ways of earning a living—as well as funding for healthcare, education, and ultimately hope for the future.

Visitors to these villages experience the sense of community that binds the people of Rwanda and ensures the future preservation of traditions, as well as Rwanda’s wildlife and wilderness. Our like-minded guests often describe these tribal interactions as the most life-changing and significant aspect of their safari holidays. You will leave with not only a new knowledge of the people of Rwanda, but also a deep appreciation for their contribution to conservation. By sharing their talents, ideas, and time, they contribute to our understanding of how the needs of humans can be balanced with those of the flora and fauna of Rwanda.

Far away from Rwanda’s bustling urban areas are three villages in bush country that are open to visits—Ibyiwacu Village, Banda Village, and Kitabi Cultural Village. AfricanMecca Safaris can arrange day trips or overnight stays in any one of these villages, or even all three if you desire. If you’re visiting Volcanoes National Park, a day trip to Ibyiwacu Village can easily be added to your vacation itinerary. The Rwandan village is conveniently located just outside the park in Kinigi, and offers you a chance to make new friends.

Your immersion in tribal customs begins immediately upon arrival, with a joyful dance performed to the rhythm of African drums. Other members of the community welcome you with warm smiles and gentle words before guiding you into the village for a tour, which includes a twin of the traditional king’s house. Sit on the throne for a moment and receive the king’s powers from a village elder. Meet a healer who will demonstrate traditional medicine and enlighten you about the grasses, shrubs, and trees that provide the herbal ingredients. Assist villagers with meal preparation and perhaps enjoy a lunch or dinner of traditional dishes.

You may also wish to visit a local school, a banana beer brewery, and the place where Batwa (Twa) pottery is made. If you have time for an extended visit to Ibyiwacu Village, we can arrange a unique trip into the surrounding countryside; you can even stay overnight in the village if arrangements are made in advance.

Your second opportunity to meet local people is at Banda Village, which is located in the heart of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, just 15 kilometers from Uwinka Visitors Centre. You can access the village via a path at the end of the beautiful Canopy Walk. Once again, you are warmly welcomed with song and dance before touring the village.

Traditional basket-weaving, maize-grinding, medicine-making, and a chance to sample the local cuisine are just a few of the ways you can enjoy a personal experience with Rwandan people. Fortuitous timing of your visit may even give you a front-row seat to a traditional wedding ceremony. An overnight stay allows you to watch a fire-making ceremony and special ritual dance.

On the eastern edge of Nyungwe Park is the third village where you can augment your dream cultural safari holiday with African interactions: Kitabi Cultural Village. In addition to the main village, the property includes a model of the king’s palace, a campsite, and a restaurant. Customize your day trip to include things like learning traditional bow-and-target shooting, dance ceremonies, and banana beer production. AfricanMecca Safaris is your expert tour company for all of these distinct experiences. Our top priority is to give you a memorable travel experience with a personal insider’s look into the world of Rwanda’s indigenous cultures.

Select Your Preferred Rwanda Trip Ideas & Experiences

1. Rwanda Safari Trip Ideas

2. Sample Itinerary Trips For Rwanda

3. Gorilla & Primate Safari Prices For Rwanda

WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda is a specialty safari destination coupled with mountains, plains and lakeside viewing fauna. Your hilly adventure is heightened thanks to its gorgeous scenery, flora and pleasant climate.

RWANDA GORILLA TREK SAFARIS
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RWANDA GORILLA TREK SAFARIS

The playful antics and heartwarming social behaviors of mountain gorillas capture people's minds. AfricanMecca is proud to offer an insightful and enchanting trip into Rwanda's primate habitats.

CUSTOM-PRIVATE RWANDA SAFARIS
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CUSTOM-PRIVATE RWANDA SAFARIS

Flexibility is important during your wilderness trip to Rwanda so as to ensure an intimate, personal experience. A tailor-made tour can be arranged for any guest regardless of their preferred safari tier.

HONEYMOON SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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HONEYMOON SAFARIS IN RWANDA

A honeymoon is a special time in the lives of newlyweds. There is no more memorable place to mark new beginnings than the pristine wilderness of Rwanda, with its magnificent and truly unique denizens.

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FAMILY SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda is the perfect active-adventure destination to unleash your child's imagination, especially for 15+ year teens old enough to participate in gorilla-primate treks and other unique wildlife safaris.

LUXURY SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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LUXURY SAFARIS IN RWANDA

We understand your requirements when you talk about fulfilling your dream of the ultimate luxury vacation experience in Rwanda where your every bespoke and plush needs are carefully catered to.

PHOTO SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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PHOTO SAFARIS IN RWANDA

AfricanMecca hand-selects the Rwanda photography instructors we provides to our guests. These can be expert photographers and exclusive encounters, and can be offered as part of a group or privately.

CULTURAL SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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CULTURAL SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda is home to three tribal groups. We highly recommend setting aside some time during your wilderness safari adventure to visit cultural communities and experience Rwanda's traditional way of life.

RWANDA HIKING & TREKKING
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RWANDA HIKING & TREKKING

Rwanda is a hiking and trekking paradise, offering amazing trails for every experience level. AfricanMecca arranges hikes and treks in the top-notch protected areas of Volcanoes and Nyungwe Parks.

BIRDING SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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BIRDING SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda is home to some of the most beautiful avian fauna in the world. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts more than 650 bird species, offering our guests a superb birding safari.

WEDDING SAFARIS IN RWANDA
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WEDDING SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda promises an inimitable escape that few venture to. It appeals to brides and grooms who want the most extraordinary nuptial celebrations with all the romance of an exotic and unique safari setting.

CONTACT AND TALK TO OUR SAFARI EXPERTS TODAY TO KICK-START YOUR TOUR PLANNING PROCESS

Request Rwanda Custom Or Tailor-Made Safari Pricing Based On Your Specific Travel Dates At Your Preferred Safari Tier Camp Or Lodge

CONTACT AN EXPERT ON RWANDA SAFARI PRICES & TOURS
Comprehensive Rwanda Safari & Tour Planning Guide
SAFARI PRICES FOR RWANDA
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SAFARI PRICES FOR RWANDA

Review individual itineraries and prices of our suggested Rwanda safaris with the option of customizing your Africa tour based on your needs and preferences.

AFRICA TRIP IDEAS FOR RWANDA
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AFRICA TRIP IDEAS FOR RWANDA

Review experiences available in Rwanda from gorilla treks, photo wildlife safari, hiking, family to honeymoon romantic vacation, beach lakes, cultural & birding tours.

PARKS & RESERVES IN RWANDA
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PARKS & RESERVES IN RWANDA

Review information on wildlife safari parks, reserves and lakes in Rwanda i.e. Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura and Lake Kivu

ACCOMMODATIONS IN RWANDA
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ACCOMMODATIONS IN RWANDA

Review information on safari lodges and camps, city hotels, lakeside resorts in Rwanda's pristine wilderness, cities, lake beach shores and idyllic forests.

BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA
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BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA

Review details on the best time to go to Rwanda to visit its various wildlife outback, forests, beachside lakes, cities and towns, mountains and other wildernesses.

RWANDA PRIMATE & GORILLA TREK
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Review the opportunity to see the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys of Volcanoes Park and other primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys of Nyungwe.

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RWANDA COUNTRY PROFILE

Review country information and travel tips on Rwanda i.e. geography, culture, history, climate, tipping guide, what to pack and wear, entry requirements and more.

CITY DAY TOURS FOR RWANDA
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Review city tour suggestions on full or half day options in Kigali. Experiences can be customized around your vacation travels in Rwanda parks and reserves.

AFRICAN SAFARI PRICES
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AFRICAN SAFARI PRICES

Check out safari prices and itineraries for parks and reserves in other African countries e.g. Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia etc. Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe are available on request.

AFRICANMECCA REVIEWS

What are our Customers saying about us? READ MORE REVIEWSfive star africanmecca safaris reviews

  • I just returned from a month in Africa, specifically Rwanda & Kenya. I am left breathless with my experience. AfricanMecca Safaris coordinated the entire trip for me and left no detail, nothing for me to do.
    Carol Bobb - Pennsylvania, United States
  • Rwanda was amazing. The accommodations, food, and guides AfricanMecca arranged were great. Raza also helped us through the complicated process of getting permits for gorilla trekking. AfricanMecca is a fantastic company to work with.
    Stephanie Weir - United States
  • Jambo Altaf and Raza! We are back on earth now after our fabulous honeymoon. This is to say THANK YOU so much for organising a week in Kenya that we will never forget.....!
    Dr Krina Zondervan, Oxford University - United Kingdom
  • Jambo Raza!!! The safari trip was spectacular! Everything went off without a hitch. We loved the Masai Mara. The migration was awesome. You listened to what I wanted and delivered it perfectly.
    Judi & Chaim Platt - Toronto, Canada
  • I cannot say enough about the quality of AfricanMecca. Their teams in Kenya and Tanzania were top notch. Raza, again thanks to you and your entire organization! We will be repeat customers.
    Dan Kobick - Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers - New York, United States
  • AfricanMecca Safaris offers incredibly knowledgeable and skilled services! Our travel arrangements for 2 months of volunteering with TEACH Rwanda in country were made quickly and economically. Honored to work with Raza!
    Janet Brown - TEACH Rwanda Founder - United States
  • This is to let you know my guests, The Bryant's, had a wonderful time on the trip Samburu, Masai Mara/Kenya, Chobe/Botswana & Victoria Falls/Zambia. Everything was perfect! Thank you..
    Christine Milan - MT Carmel Travel - Connecticut, United States

EAST AFRICA SAFARI BOOKING & TOUR HOLIDAY IDEA RWANDA

When visiting Rwanda, we recommend combining your Kigali visit with a gorilla safari in Volcanoes Park, Nyungwe and Akagera. You may optionally extend out to other wilderness areas of Gishwati-Mukura ending with a beach vacation at Lake Kivu or even extending out to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar or Lamu, or even Mombasa.

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO BOOK AN AFRICAN SAFARI TO RWANDA?

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