Family Safaris in Rwanda

Family Safaris in Rwanda: Rwanda has greatly earned its name ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and it is home to cosmopolitan and all the diverse features that define the best destination for a family safari. Traversing tropical rainforests, Rwanda’s offering of tourism in the form of safaris is ideal for families that want an adventure and learning that entrenches them in responsible tourism. Below are details of what you are bound to encounter when planning to have family safaris in Rwanda.

1. Options for Selecting the Right National Parks

Indeed, Rwanda has one of the most exceptional places to go for a family safari holiday with a number of national parks. The two prime scenic parks for a family safari include; Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park is a superb park situated in the east of Rwanda comprised of plains, swamps, and a piece of montane reef. It is the only park in Rwanda where families can go for a traditional style of hunting or rather a photographic style of hunting the big five which includes the lion, the elephant, the buffalo, the leopard, and the rhino. It is also a home to giraffes, zebras, hippos, and different species of antelope hence making it among the best places to have wildlife sights. Approximately 85% of the park’s roads are tarmac and the place is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and numerous guide pathways making it safe for children.

Volcanoes National Park: Located in the northwestern part; the park is famously known for hosting the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. However, trekking is more suitable for older children and teenagers since the activity involves physical exercise and there is an age limit when it comes to children, they have to be at least 15 years of age With this, there are other activities that you can indulge in while in the park; these are Golden Monkeys tracking, Nature walks and Cultural encounters with the local people.

2. Family Safari Activities

Rwanda provides many activities that many families of different ages can engage in during the safari hence making it one of the best.

Game Drives in Akagera: Akagera National Park is very friendly for families and a wonderful way of exploring it is through game drives. Escorted by experienced rangers and trackers, morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives are possible in this area where visitors can observe a number of animals and birds whereby the vehicle used is a 4×4. Most of the lodges provide a family-owned car that allows a flexible game drive timetable and extra time on a scene that may be interesting to the children.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema: In the Akagera region, there is some sightseeing by boat on Lake Ihema where by families can take a boat ride while viewing polygamous animals like hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of classes of birds. Boat safaris may be even more interesting to young kids because they get a different view of wildlife and they get a chance to learn about the water-based ecosystem.

Golden Monkey Tracking: Offers families an interesting and informative experience in Volcanoes National Park, tracking of golden monkeys is one of the kinds of activity. While doing the golden monkey tracking, one is not up for a challenging climb as when they go to see the gorillas so children above 12 are allowed. The physical activity of going around the forest and watching these jovial apes up close is exciting for children and enlightening for the young and the grown-ups.

Cultural Experiences: Rwanda offers a richness of culture & historical backgrounds that may be of great interest to families who love to interact with locals. What is more, excursions to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near the park with Volcanoes National Park offer an engaging opportunity for children to discover Rwanda.

and the basics of the culture, dance, and music this incredible country has to offer, as well as exploring arts and crafts. This can be an entertaining and hugely informative way of learning something more about the heritage of this country.

3. Accommodation Options for Families

Main Rwanda’s options for family accommodation start in mid-range luxury lodges and go to budget guesthouses. Some of these hotels are very endowment to receive families with young children with services and facilities that are more suited to children.

Lodges in Akagera National Park: This park has a number of accommodations for families which include Akagera Game Lodge and Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Some of these lodges have family rooms, they provide special children’s meals sometimes they even offer baby sitting services so that parents can also be at ease while children are amused.

Lodges in Volcanoes National Park: At Volcanoes National Park there are good options of places to stay with families such as the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Most of the lodges have large family rooms or inter-connecting rooms as well as menu-specific kid’s activities such as nature walks within the compound.

4. Looking Forward To Your Safari as a Family

The following is a guide to useful tips that a family should put into consideration when organizing a Rwanda family safari.

Health and Safety: Among other precautions, one should consult the physician to know whether he/she needs to take any vaccines/medications for the trip such as those for malaria. With a few precautions, Rwanda is relatively safe for visitors at all times, more so if you are traveling with children. Make sure that your travel insurance provides for a medical emergency.

Packing Essentials: When going on a safari, packing can be a very difficult task, they are even more so when traveling with children. It is advisable to pack proper and comfortable fitting clothes for the period of the tour, and proper walking shoes. Do not leave behind things such as sun protection, insect repellent, hats and caps, and personal water bottles. The use of binoculars, a camera, and a field guide can also be used to improve the children’s in-depth experience within the safari in terms of identifying and learning different animals and birds.

Age-Appropriate Activities: While planning any activities it is important that you take into account of the age of the children and their interests. What may be suitable for children of a certain age may not be relevant for the next age group, for example, while elder children and teenagers are physically capable of hiking and gorilla trekking, the young children will prefer the less rigorous game drives and cultural encounters. Some of the activities conducted in most national parks are often restricted to people of a given age thus, it is always advisable to find out on the age limits beforehand.

5. Educational Opportunities

Family Safaris in Rwanda are therefore not only a fun affair for the kids but also very educational. The children can learn about wildlife conservation, ecosystems as well as the value of protecting habitats. Most of them are very knowledgeable and may give detailed information on the plants the animals, and other aspects of Rwanda. It is a great way to learn and it can build a passion for the outdoors and for nature conservation among children.

6. Creating Unforgettable Memories

Finally, family safaris in Rwanda are about making memories. When families are watching the visuals of the elephants moving across the plains of savannah, or the sounds and movements of the rainforest, or listening to the guide as he tells them stories around the fire, these give families a special chance to bond.

Conclusion

Considering Rwanda’s scenery, abundance of Wildlife, and friendly people, it is thus one of the best destinations for a family safari. There are different activities that can be done in the park for people of all ages and these include; Game drives, boat safaris, cultural experiences, and primate tracking among others, a family can have a thrilling and safe time. If you decide to make Rwanda your next family destination, your kids will get to learn the miracles of nature and you will be able to make some truly invaluable memories.