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Rwanda’s capital city Kigali is the country’s entry and exit point for travellers on a gorilla trek. Set at the heart of the country, it is a relatively easy destination to reach – you can travel to Kigali from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe and Dar esSalaam– and since the Volcanoes National Park is only 100 kilometres(60 miles) from the city, many visitors transfer straight to the park after their arrival and go gorilla trekking the following day.
Some gorilla trekking itineraries do need an overnight stay in Kigali however and although the attractions in Kigali are modest, if first impressions generally count then they certainly do here. It is almost without question the cleanest city in Africa; plastic bags are banned and citizens take part in monthly clean-ups. Home to a warm and sunny climate with an average of ten days of rain a month, Kigali is also one of the safest and friendliest cities on the continent (one of its greatest attractions!) and it is well worth a stroll around the city centre or to a local market if you have time.
The city lies on a series of low hills and has been the capital since independence from Belgium in 1962 though it was founded in 1907 when the country was under German colonial rule. A city with little over a million in habitants, Kigali offers accommodation in the form of modern hotels – usually part of an up-market international chain. Standards and service are as you’d expect from these establishments; they are well equipped with gyms and saunas plus Wi-Fi and a choice of restaurants. Kigali’s hotels lie within easy reach of the international airport but also the vibrant city centre with its shopping and commercial area set around Kigali’s most famous accommodation, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Some of our itineraries have time to include a city tour and the attractions in Kigali before you transfer to your gorilla trek. The tragedy reflected by the Genocide Memorial is balanced by visits to colourful markets and the Muslim Quarter; you can also walk with local guides around multi-cultural Nyamirambo, the heart of the city and sample eclectic urban culture before heading to the rainforests and the gorillas.
From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!
We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!
Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver. We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!
Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!
Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.
Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.
Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!
Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.
Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.
Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.
