Banda Island

Banda Island is a tranquil retreat in Lake Victoria, near the Ssese Islands archipelago. Known for its serene environment and natural beauty, Banda Island offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and unique wildlife experiences.

Why Visit Banda Island?

Banda Island provides a serene environment with lush vegetation and scenic lake views. It is an ideal destination for visitors seeking a peaceful escape from city life and a chance to immerse themselves in nature. The island’s natural beauty and quiet ambiance make it a perfect spot for relaxation and nature enthusiasts.

Safari Activities on the Island.

Boat Tours and Scenic Views

Boat tours around Banda Island offer breathtaking views of Lake Victoria and the surrounding landscapes. These tours allow visitors to explore the island’s shoreline and enjoy picturesque scenery.

Boat tours typically cost between $30 and $50 per person. They provide a relaxing way to appreciate the island’s beauty and offer opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the tranquil waters of the lake.

Relaxation and Beach Activities

Banda Island features scenic beaches where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy the lake’s clear waters. The island’s beaches are ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely strolls along the shore.

Beach access is usually free, though some lodges on the island may offer private beach areas with additional amenities. The tranquil beaches offer a perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding in nature.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hiking and nature walk on Banda Island allow visitors to explore the island’s lush vegetation and natural landscapes. Guided walks offer insights into the island’s flora and fauna.

Band Island views

Boat tours typically cost between $30 and $50 per person. They provide a relaxing way to appreciate the island’s beauty and offer opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the tranquil waters of the lake.

Safari activities in Volcanoes National Park

Though gorilla trekking is the main activity in volcanoes national park, there are other activities which one can participate in while on a safari to Rwanda. Among these activities include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and mountain hiking, touring the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and also visiting the grave of Dian Fossey.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Among the four national parks where mountain gorillas are sighted, volcanoes national park is one of them. The park has 10 habituated Rwanda gorilla groups that are open for tourism purposes like tracking by the guidance of experienced rangers. For one to take part in this activity, he or she must own a gorilla permit which is a cost of $1500. These permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through the services of the tour operators.

After gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking experience is the second activity that attracts a thousand of tourists to Rwanda. Golden monkey tracking involves moving through the forests and spot the endangered monkeys feed, and swing on the bamboo trees and it requires a tracking permit which costs $100.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey is one of the great primatologists since she fought poaching of animals and especially mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park. This primatologist is also credited for bringing up new ideas on how to make the mountain gorillas comfortable in the presence of humans. Currently, a number of tourists visit the grave of this primatologist.

Volcanoes national park is named after the four major volcanoes that are found in the area. Among these include Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m) Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,634m). Hiking to the top of these volcanoes is one of the most interesting experiences during a Rwanda safari. The hiking involves moving through the thick forests and thus requiring both mental and physical preparation so as to finish the journey and also reach the top of the summit.

Hiking

Visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera

Relax from the tiresome activities of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking by taking part in the boat cruise experience on the deep waters of the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. During the boat cruise, sight beautiful features like birds, hill landscapes and waterfalls.

Where to stay?

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

When to go?

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

How to access Volcanoes National park?

Volcanoes national park is easily accessed from Kigali and takes only two hour drive from Kigali to Musanze district in the Northern region of Rwanda. One can decide to use public means of transport from Kigali to Musanze and then use a private car to the headquarters of the park.

Also, one can hire services from the tour operator who will pick him or her up from the airport to the park headquarters in Kinigi.