HOW TO VISIT RWANDA ON BUDGET
With Rwanda targeting high-end tourists, one may wonder if it is possible to go on budget safari. Famous as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is set in East-Central Africa and it is surrounded by Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Regardless of its small size, Rwanda prides herself as one of the premier safari destinations in Africa and this can be attributed to her continued efforts to boost tourism and wildlife conservation. Rwanda features extensive tropical rain-forests, scenic lakes, magnificent volcanoes, and diverse wildlife species.
Rwanda also ranks among the safest and easiest countries to visit in East Africa. Traveling to Rwanda on budget safari remains something trickier the fact that its recent tourism developed has been geared toward high-end luxury lodges and trekking to view the endangered mountain gorillas costing $1500 for a gorilla permit. Despite this, there are several ways that you can save money and pay a visit to Rwanda on budget.
Accommodation option
While there are many luxury hotels and lodges, on the other hand, there are also several hostels or budget-friendly hotels and lodges. Visitors on Rwanda safari can opt for available hostels, guesthouses or camping. Like other accommodation options, budget lodges or hotels are simple and also clean. You can opt for Discover Rwanda Kigali, Mabamba Guesthouse which you may cost you $10 to $15 per night; guesthouses can range $20 to $100 per night; Airbnb-especially for those of you who plan to visit Lake Kivu, Musanze and they cost about $20 a night; camping which you can do in any one of Rwanda’s national parks-Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park. However, camping experience during the rainy season is a little challenging.
Transport
When planning a Rwanda safari-budget or luxury, how you get to your dream destination does matter a lot. This requires you to understand what means you plan to use to be able to get there and when choosing, make sure you opt what is within your budget. There are many ways to navigate through Rwanda and essentially, for budget travelers, you can opt for motorbikes. Motorbikes are ideal for those of you who wish to explore Kigali city and you can hire one between 300 and 1000 RWF. Taxis are a bit costly and also not easy to find however, you need 2500 to 5000 RWF. Buses are ideal if you plan to get out of Kigali city. Nyabugogo is the main bus station in Kigali and prices range from 2000 to 4000 RWF. If you prefer a comfortable ride then rental cars are the best option and for this case, you do not need to look any further. Simply get in touch with our reservation team and we shall find you exactly your dream rental car to help reach your dream destination. Our rental cars are pocket-friendly and depending on the car type, the rate range from $50.
Saving on foodstuffs
While on budget tours in Rwanda, there is no need to worry about what to eat. Kigali has so much to offer when it comes to international food. However, we advise you not to depend on street food. You can opt for local buffets which can cost you 2000 RWF.
Tips to help you save money in Rwanda on a budget tour
Rwanda is a pocket-friendly safari destination you need to consider to explore and experience. There are many ways that you can save on your trip and some of the essential tips include;
• When choosing a means of transportation while on a budget tour in Rwanda, we advise that you consider local transportation if possible. Alternatively, travel during the wet or rainy season because most accommodation options tend to reduce their rates as a way to attract visitors since this is usually considered a low season. This means that you can spend a night in a classic lodge or hotel at a pocket-friendly rate.
• You can choose to walk-despite the altitude in Rwanda, walking is also possible, safe and a better way to save on your Rwanda trip though you may find it challenging.
• Take alternatives to famous safari activities. Rwanda features a diversity of safari activities for you to take part in. In case your pocket doesn’t meet gorilla budget, you can opt for golden monkey tracking tours, hiking through the scenic Virunga volcanoes-embark on a day hike to Mount Bisoke, biking/cycling in anyone of Rwanda’s many trails, chimpanzee tracking, primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park or Gishwati Mukura National Park; bird watching, game viewing in Akagera National Park to mention but a few.
In summary, a visit to Rwanda is possible even as a budget traveler. With the above tips, we believe that you will have a memorable and well-planned budget trip in Rwanda.
