Planning a Rwanda safari but wondering how you can visit Rwanda on a budget? Have you of recent been scared by the luxury standard of Rwanda tours? No worries, budget Rwanda safaris are absolutely possible if you plan it well. Whereas Rwanda is widely known as a luxury travel destination, the land of a thousand hills can still be visited and explored on budget. Despite the high costs of Rwanda safaris related to expensive Rwanda gorilla permits at $1500, budget Rwanda safaris are also available. There are lots of things to see and do in Rwanda on a budget but rewarding you with a lifetime experience. The rich history, beautiful sceneries, endangered wild animals, birds, hospitable people, safety and cleanness of Rwanda have made this country a premier travel destination in Africa. It’s undeniable that Rwanda receives the highest number of travelers on African safaris for gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking, chimps’ tours, cultural tours, and mountaineering experiences compared to the neighboring countries. Gorilla Trek Africa, your ultimate travel agent in Rwanda brings you a guide on how to visit Rwanda on a budget:
Stay in budget hotels/lodges in Rwanda
If you want to stay in Rwanda on budget, opt for budget lodges or hotels located in all corners of the country. A handful of hostels, Camps, guesthouses, homestays, and air bins have been put up in Kigali and the whole of Rwanda to serve budget travelers with pocket-friendly food and sleeping services. Among the budget accommodation facilities in Rwanda include Ruhondo beach resort, Inzu Lodge, Mijo Hostel, Red Rocks Rwanda, Macheo Eco Lodge, Serenity Park and Ishema Kigali home among others. Despite the budget category of these lodges/hotels, travelers are served with excellent food and sleeping services. Gorilla Trek Africa helps you book and reserve a budget accommodation in Rwanda hence easing your budget Rwanda safari.
Use budget transport means
Ensure you use budget transport means when traveling within and around Rwanda to meet your budget. Motorbikes, Taxis, Buses and car rentals will save you huge sums of money on transport. For those in a hurry, motorbikes are the fastest and affordable means of transport in Rwanda costing roughly RWF 500 to 1000 depending on the destination you are visiting. If you are going to a specific destination, let’s say Volcanoes National park, rent a car to pick and drop you off in Kigali Capital. Buses are the cheapest public means of transport within and around Rwanda. Go to any bus station, bargain the prices and travel with over 40 local Rwandese going to different destinations. If you are not sure about the place you are going to, inform the bus driver/conductor and he will drop you at the exact point.
Eat-in local restaurants
If you want to save money on food while in Rwanda, make sure you eat in local restaurants. Avoid going to America and other international restaurants, which charge highly for their foods. Instead, look for a local restaurant which serves local food and trust me, you will be less money for quality foods. A plate of local foods (rice, beans, Ugali, meat, potatoes, and maize) costs roughly RWF 5000, which is fairly cheap and affordable even for a budget traveler. Also, go for local beers to avoid spending highly on wines and cocktails.
Trek golden monkeys
Despite gorilla trekking, which is undeniably expensive, golden monkey trekking comes at a very low cost for a lifetime experience. A permit to trek golden monkeys costs $100, which is far cheap compared to $1500 for Rwanda gorilla permits. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is one of the two destinations to trek golden monkeys besides Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
Visit Akagera National Park
Enjoy the big five game in Akagera National park on a budget. Travelers to Akagera Park ate only required to pay park entrance fees which is surely affordable. Game drives through the plains of Akagera offer you close views of animals including elephants, lions, giraffe, Topis, Impalas, waterbucks, Warthogs, Rhinos, buffalos, hippos, and elands at a close range. Game viewing is best done in the morning and evening hours to catch up with wit animals feeding before retiring to rest.
Trek chimps and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Still in Rwanda, visit t trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National park at $100. Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest is done either in the main forest or Cyamudongo forest but all experiences are memorable. Also, be part of the enjoyable canopy walk, which offers you aerial views of Nyungwe Forest, Virunga volcanoes and neighboring local communities.
Other budget travel activities in Rwanda include Hiking to the Dian Fossey grave yard hike, visiting twin lakes, Hiking Mt Bisoke, visiting genocide memorial centers and cultural tours among others.
In general, budget Rwanda safaris are possible yet memorable. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa, book your budget Rwanda safari and enjoy a visit to this beautiful city at budget rates.
