Rwanda

May 8

BUCKET LIST DESTINATION - MOST MAGICAL EXPERIENCE. Located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda’s mountainous ecosystem is surrounded by evergreen and bamboo forest.

The gorilla family we visited lived on Mount Karisimbi inside Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorilla and rare golden monkey. You can also see the gorillas in Uganda, but we chose Rwanda for proximity, infrastructure, and safety.

If pairing with another country for game drives, most areas are only accessible by prop planes. Because of the ~35 lb weight restrictions, packing for this trip is crucial. A few of my friends went on the gorilla trek shortly after and really appreciated my packing list ahead of time. You need to prepare for various weather conditions and challenging terrain with weather proof gear and comfortable hiking boots. Plus, you want to look stylish doing it! Find packing list below -

Accommodations

The Bishop’s House - perfect for large groups, located in the northern province of Rwanda in a town called Musanze, gateway to the Volcanoes National Park

Singita Kwitonda Lodge - sits on the edge of Volcanoes National Park

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest - front row seat to the mountain gorilla sanctuary

Laundry service available** critical in order to pack light

Vaccinations

Diphtheria

Hepatitis A and B

Malaria

Typhoid

Check the CDC website prior to travel for any changes.

Gorilla trekking

5am to 3pm - we did one trek, recommended 1-2

Permits required - set up in advance

Porters/Rangers/Trackers - helped us immensely on the trek, we are a fit group and definitely needed assistance navigating the jungle, they are also great medics should you cross a thorny plant

MUSEUMS

Rwandan Genocide Museum

MUST. The hardest museum I have ever walked through. It is unbelievable to see how the people of Rwanda love each other after the horrific events that went on between the Tutsis and the Hutus. A real life glance at forgiveness.

Rwanda pairs well with Kenya or Tanzania for game drives.

Trekking Packing List

Soft, compressible luggage Sun hat Insect repellent Sun screen Backpack Shoe gaiters
Hiking boots with good traction
Old tennis shoes - forest is wet and muddy
Windbreaker
Khakis, greens, browns - earth tones to blend in
Handkerchief for mud
Light, breathable dri-FIT gear
Long sleeve shirt and long pants - thorny plants
Rain jacket
Thick socks