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    Guide to Renting a Car in Kenya

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    Kenya Car Travel

    The process of renting a car in Kenya is sometimes expensive, time-consuming and full of hidden fees and surprising requirements. Shopping for the best price and ensuring you understand the rules and regulations before and after you use the car will help.

    Below is how a client can rent a car in Kenya

    1. Make a Reservation

    Many major rental car agencies gladly accept walk-up customers, but companies sometimes rent out their entire inventory and are left unable to service new customers. To ensure that a vehicle is available to rent, place a reservation for the rental using the company’s website as far ahead of time as possible. As an added bonus, customers with reservations are usually charged a lower rate than walk-up customers.

    Compare prices online

    Compare their rates for their most basic economy-size cars. Find the best deal for your location and the period of time in which you’ll need a rental.

    Before you decide on an agency, look into and/or ask about their additional fees. These fees can change what agency provides the best deal all things considered. Some common fees include:

    • Underage-driver fees: Additional charge for a driver under 25.
    • Airport surcharges: Additional charge for picking up a rental at the airport.
    • Mileage fees: Additional charges for going over a certain miles per day cap.
    • Additional driver fees: Additional charges for having more than one person drive the rental.

    Consider the size you will need. You can rent a car in any size, from compact to SUV.

    Keep in mind that the definitions of terms like “compact” and “luxury-sized” can vary. Most agency websites will include examples of models or how many passengers can fit in each car size.

    Add features that you will need with your rental car. These might include a GPS system or car seats for the kids. These additions can be factored in while you’re going through the online rental process. Different car models will have different options, so keep that in mind as you choose a car size and model.

    1. Present Payment and License to Rental Agency

    Upon arriving at the car rental location, the agent behind the desk will verify the reservation and request two items: a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. The driver’s license is used to validate the renter’s identification, license status, age, and address (in case the car is not returned), and the credit card is generally charged a “hold” in the amount of the rental (rental companies use this hold to ensure they will be paid when the car is returned).

    1. Review the Rental Agreement

    Rental agreements vary from company to company, and should be carefully reviewed before taking the keys to the rental car. Verify how many miles are allowed per day many, but not all, companies offer unlimited mileage allowance and other nuances, such as when the car must be returned, any grace periods, and additional fees that may be incurred.

    1. Review the Damage Insurance

    A part of the contract that requires special attention is the loss and damage insurance. Most companies offer special insurance at the time of rental that pays for repair of any damage, though this coverage often comes at a hefty charge. In many cases, the credit card used to reserve and rent the vehicle offers similar coverages as a free benefit. Before accepting or declining the car rental agency’s insurance, be certain to become familiar with the free benefits offered by the credit card cardholder agreement. You should also check with your own car insurance company, as many policies afford you the same protection on a rental car as you have on your own car.

    1. Accept the Keys

    With the contract signed, the car rental agent will offer keys to the rental car. Many companies simply assign a vehicle at random based on the class of car reserved, though some companies allow their customers to select a car from a designated portion of the lot. Before you drive off the lot, quickly review the car, both inside and out. If the gas tank isn’t full, if you see somebody damage, if something isn’t working properly, be sure to inform the rental agent. Otherwise, you might be held responsible for those problems once you return the car. If everything’s in order, off you go. 

    1. Check the car carefully before you leave the car lot

    You want to make sure any scratches, dents or problems are documented so you are not held liable for these when you return the car. Be thorough here. You want to look for problems both big and small. Make sure the windows work properly. Make sure there’s no loose part, dysfunctional lights, leaks, or anything that could be considered damage. If there is, record and take a picture or video of it.

    1. Check the policy before crossing state or national boundaries.

    Be sure to tell the rental company if you’re crossing a country border in the rental. You’ll need special insurances that can be purchased. Depending on the agency, there may be additional fees for crossing state lines as well.

    1. Returning time

    Fill the car with gas

    Some rental car contracts give you the option of returning the car without a full tank of gas, but you will be charged extra. Try to find a gas station a few miles from the drop off location. But be aware that the gas stations that are closest to the rental location will likely have the highest prices.

    Clean out the inside of the car

    Do not leave any trash behind for the agency to clean out, or you will be charged. Make sure you check both the front and back seats thoroughly and remove all of your possessions before you leave the car. Check under all the seats for any items that might have rolled under there.

    Bring the car back to the rental agency at the agreed upon date and time. Do not be late; some agencies will charge you for another full day if you bring the car back even 30 minutes later than you said you would. Check with the agency beforehand to find out their exact policy on late returns.

    Also be aware that some agencies will even charge a fee for returning the car too early. Once again, it’s best to ask for their policy regarding this sometime before the time comes to return the car.

    Hand over the keys and wait for your receipt. If you want to pay with a different card or with cash, make sure they take the charge off the card you initially used.

    Conclusion

    Renting a car in Kenya for a driver guided safari or self-drive offers the most ideal solution to all visitors’ travel plans. However, the process to secure a rental in Kenya can get a bit complicated especially when it comes to finding the right car hire service provider for a particular car. Contact www.kenyacarrental.com for better car rental services in Kenya.

    AU Agency Tackles Africa’s Need for Increased Intra-Continental Travel

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    On Monday, AviaDev Insight, a podcast covering pressing issues in the African aviation industry, released an episode addressing the need for more intra-African travel and moves that have been made in that direction.

    The episode featured Adefunke Adeyemi, the secretary general of African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and was recorded at Dakar, Senegal—where AFCAC is headquartered.

    Adeyemi, an award-winning aviation professional, spoke on AFCAC’s efforts to promote a liberalised air service market on the continent, as a specialist agency of the African Union (AU).

    AFCAC is the executing agency of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which Adeyemi described as the aviation equivalent of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Just as AfCTA aims to make Africa the largest trading block in the world, SAATM is designed to make Africa one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, if implemented properly.

    AFCAC also aims to” ensure enhanced safety, security, environmental protection for the purpose of sustainable aviation across the continent” through the SAATM initiative.

    AFCAC, as well as AviaDev host John Howell, believe that SAATM could usher in the “golden age of aviation on the African continent”, as new routes are introduced, air fares are organically reduced, and increased economic returns are generated for African member states.

    The agency is collaborating with 5 SAATM ambassadors, industry veterans across AFCAC member states, who are working to:

    • Increase Fifth Freedom penetration across Africa (from the current 15% to 30% by 2025) and “seamlessly move people, goods and services across the continent”.
    • Help cover some areas that AFCAC may not have direct involvement with, specifically in the private sector
    • “Get access at the highest political levels with the right decision makers to unlock SAATM’s implementation”.

    The agency launched the Pilot Implementation Programme (PIP) of SAATM on November 22 last year. They now have 19 states, out of the 54 African states, interested in the SAATM PIP—including 4 states which joined after the launch.

    The journey started 30-something years ago,” Adeyemi said, giving credit to the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988, in which several African states agreed to the principles of air services liberalisation.

    11 years later, the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) was established at the Ivory Coast’s capital city, after which it was named. The YD saw 44 African countries come together to establish a framework for air service market liberalisation.

    “The goal of SAATM, as per the Yamoussoukro Decision framework, is to ensure that multiple cities are connected by one flight. Fifth Freedom is the goal of SAATM and so, it’s not just enough to have direct services between city pairs but it’s all about ensuring that we can have points beyond 2 pairs that really facilitate the deep penetration of fifth freedom routes,” Adeyemi shared.

    She went on to explain how the agency has grouped the 19 member states into clusters of 3 countries within a corridor. The grouping is based on parameters such as shared trading partners, language commonalities, tourism, business, etc.

    For instance, one cluster comprises Kenya and South Africa at either ends of the corridor, with Zambia and/or Namibia in the middle. The clusters can then use the YD compliant air service agreement, which AFCAC shared with them, amongst themselves to negotiate multilateral movement.

    Every week, AFCAC spotlights an African state on their website so as to share its strides in civil aviation with the world, and provide a platform for people to engage.

    Fifth Freedom and Other Commercial Aviation (De)Regulations

    Commercial aviation has 9 Freedoms of the Air which regulate airlines’ operations with respect to foreign countries’ airspaces. These freedoms are granted by the governments after requests from the airlines and subsequent negotiations, except for the First Freedom which is almost universal as it simply allows an airline to fly over a foreign country without landing.

    Fifth Freedom is, in simple terms, the ability to carry out connecting flights. The airline would be permitted to carry passengers and cargo from its home country to a second country and then to another country. This is an extension of the Third and Fourth Freedoms which just allow the carrier to carry passengers and cargo to and from its home country.

    The European Union (EU) has the most encompassing multilateral agreement. It grants up to the Ninth Freedom rights to member countries, thereby allowing carriers unrestricted ability to operate between or within foreign countries without having to revert to their home countries.

    Even in Africa, foreign carriers are servicing connecting routes, through Fifth and Sixth Freedoms, in place of the actual African carriers.

    According to Adeyemi, about 70-80% of African connectivity is provided by non-African carriers.

    Intra-continental connectivity is definitely something African governments and carriers need to capitalise on in the near future.

    There needs to be a shift from just bilateral air service agreements to multilateral agreements and this is what SAATM hopes to directly influence.

    Moreso, point to point routes are developed through Fifth Freedom routes because demand from connecting flights is built and people may eventually desire to just go to the connector.

    According to AviaDev’s Howell, this is how many airlines have been able to build demand for direct flights to certain destinations and make them economically viable.

    Back in 2010, World Bank did a study on how liberalised air transport in Africa would allow for increased air traffic, lower air fares and improved safety in the continent.

    Data then revealed that Africa made up 12% of the world’s population, yet only had a 1% share of the global air service market.

    Even now, though, the market share has only slightly increased. According to a 2022 Aerotime Hub report, Africa makes up more than 16% of the world’s population and just about 2% global air service market share.

    The World Bank study revealed that a major barrier to increased air service was the restrictions placed by governments, in order to help state-owned carriers monopolise the airspace.

    However, on the global aviation stage, it has been proven that deregulation and competition are actually more beneficial both on a macro level (the economy) and on a micro level (consumers).

    Competition forces are able to push flight ticket prices down, and also cause there to be an increase in the quality and safety of services provided. More consumers are lured into purchasing airline services and consequently, the market itself increases.

    Increased travel also pumps demand into the tourism industry which will further boost the economy.

    According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Africa saw about 85 million international tourist arrivals in 2019. Although this number dropped as a result of the pandemic and subsequent recovery, imagine how much more financial gain would be accrued if our local airlines had a bigger share of such a huge market.

    In the longer term, increased travel could usher in new international trade and investment opportunities.

    It was the realisation of such immense benefits that spurred nearly all African governments to adopt the Yamoussoukro Decision in 1999. However, many of these countries have failed to implement the market liberalisation and reap its benefits.

    Despite the clear benefits, there is a need to introduce laws that protect the airlines and consumers in a deregulated market.

    This is why AFCAC has put rules in place for consumer protection, competition and dispute settlement—the latter of which posed AFCAC’s biggest challenges.

    With more government cooperation and brilliant initiatives, Africa could be well on its way bridging the huge gap between the continent and other regions in the aviation sector.

    Where to Go Gorilla Trekking this Year

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    Gorilla Trekking Trip

    Gorilla trekking is one of the most captivating wildlife experiences in the world, offering an up-close encounter with one of our closest relatives. This adventure is primarily available in East Africa, where the dense forests and high altitudes provide a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. In East Africa, gorilla trekking is offered in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Each country provides a unique experience, with varying landscapes, gorilla populations, and trekking conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore gorilla trekking in these three East African countries.

    Uganda

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    The world known Bwindi Impenetrable Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the most famous destination for gorilla trekking in the country. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with an estimated 459 gorillas.

    Trekking Experience

    Trekking in Bwindi is challenging due to its steep terrain and dense vegetation. The experience starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Small groups of trekkers, usually limited to eight people, are then assigned to different gorilla families. The trek can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing and photographing them.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

    Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is another destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The park is smaller than Bwindi but offers a unique experience with its scenic volcanic landscapes.

    Trekking Experience

    Similar to Bwindi, the trekking experience in Mgahinga begins with a briefing at the park headquarters. Treks can be strenuous due to the high altitudes and rugged terrain. However, the reward of encountering a gorilla family in their natural habitat is well worth the effort.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best times to visit Mgahinga are the same as Bwindi, during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

    Rwanda

    Volcanoes National Park

    Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is one of the most renowned gorilla trekking destinations in the world. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which spans three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. The Volcanoes Park Rwanda is home to several habituated gorilla families, making it an excellent choice for gorilla trekking.

    Trekking Experience

    The trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is well-organized, with a maximum of eight trekkers per gorilla family. The trek begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where visitors are assigned to different gorilla groups. The duration of the trek varies, but once the gorillas are found, trekkers spend one magical hour with them.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are more manageable, and the weather is more predictable.

    DR Congo

    Virunga National Park

    Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the DRC, is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse national parks. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a significant population of mountain gorillas. Virunga offers a more adventurous and less crowded gorilla trekking experience compared to Uganda and Rwanda.

    Trekking Experience

    Gorilla trekking in Virunga starts with a briefing at the park headquarters. Trekkers are then divided into small groups and assigned to different gorilla families. The trek can be challenging due to the park’s rugged terrain and dense forest, but the experience of encountering a gorilla family in such a remote and pristine environment is truly unforgettable.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Virunga National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. These periods offer better trekking conditions and a lower risk of heavy rains.

    Kahuzi-Biega National Park

    Kahuzi-Biega National Park, located in the eastern part of the DRC, offers a unique gorilla trekking experience with its population of eastern lowland gorillas. Although not as well-known as mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas are equally fascinating and offer a different perspective on gorilla trekking.

    Trekking Experience

    The trekking experience in Kahuzi-Biega is similar to other parks, with a briefing at the park headquarters followed by a guided trek into the forest. Trekkers spend an hour with the gorillas once they are located. The terrain in Kahuzi-Biega is less rugged than in the Virunga Mountains, making it a slightly easier trek.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the trails are more accessible. 

    Conclusion: Gorilla trekking in East Africa offers a unique and unforgettable experience, providing a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo each offer distinct trekking experiences, with varying landscapes, gorilla populations, and challenges. As one of the most impactful wildlife experiences, gorilla trekking also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, supporting the protection of these endangered animals and their habitats.

    Are There Companies Offering 4×4 Safari Rentals

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    When organizing a safari expedition in East Africa, selecting the appropriate vehicle is crucial for an unforgettable experience. The terrain, wildlife, and roads differ significantly—from arid paths to rugged hills and muddy river crossings. Consequently, numerous travelers opt for Africa car rentals that are engineered to navigate challenging landscapes while ensuring safety, comfort, and independence during their travels. However, do companies exist that specialize exclusively in 4×4 rentals for safaris? The answer is a resounding yes!

    Why Choose a 4×4 Vehicle for Your Safari?

    Safaris frequently lead you away from paved roads into untamed and secluded areas. A standard vehicle may struggle or even become immobilized, whereas a 4×4 vehicle is designed to navigate challenging terrains such as dirt roads, steep inclines, and riverbeds. These vehicles are equipped with powerful engines, elevated ground clearance, and four-wheel drive systems that enable you to explore national parks, game reserves, and hidden treasures without restrictions.

    In addition to their technical advantages, 4×4 safari vehicles provide features such as pop-up roofs for wildlife observation, generous storage space for camping equipment, and occasionally rooftop tents. This transforms your safari into not merely a journey but a comfortable and immersive experience in the great outdoors.

    Top Companies Specializing in 4×4 Safari Rentals

    Self Drive Uganda

    Self Drive Uganda, a prominent company in East Africa, specializes in the rental of 4×4 vehicles that are ideally suited for the diverse safari destinations in Uganda. Whether you are organizing a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or exploring the expansive savanna grasslands of Murchison Falls, Self Drive Uganda provides a broad selection of 4×4 vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruisers, Prado SUVs, and durable pickups.

    They offer fully serviced vehicles equipped with safari accessories such as GPS, recovery kits, camping gear, and spare tires. Additionally, Self Drive Uganda assists travelers with route planning and emergency support, establishing themselves as a reliable choice for self-drive safaris in the area.

    Self Drive East Africa

    Encompassing a broader area that includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, Self Drive East Africa provides an extensive fleet of 4×4 vehicles specifically designed for safari excursions. Their inventory features Toyota Land Cruisers, Hilux pickups, and luxury SUVs, all engineered to navigate the rugged terrains of East Africa.

    Self Drive East Africa takes pride in its customer service, offering round-the-clock assistance and vehicle delivery to airports or lodges. Additionally, they supply rooftop tents and camping kits for those travelers wishing to merge the independence of self-driving with the thrill of camping beneath the stars.

    4×4 Africa

    Focusing on East and Southern Africa, 4×4 Africa is a distinguished rental service that specializes in 4×4 vehicles designed for safari and overland adventures. Their fleet is prepared to navigate the most challenging terrains found in regions such as Tanzania’s Serengeti, Kenya’s Masai Mara, and even the more secluded areas like the Okavango Delta.

    4×4 Africa provides a range of vehicle options, including extended Land Cruisers and double cabin pickups equipped with rooftop tents. Additionally, they offer supplementary items such as fridge/freezers, recovery gear, and GPS navigation systems. Their strong reputation for maintaining high-quality vehicles and delivering exceptional customer service has made them a preferred choice for both independent travelers and professional overlanders.

    Car Rental Tanzania

    Tanzania boasts some of Africa’s most renowned safari locations, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Car Rental Tanzania focuses on 4×4 rentals that are ideal for these legendary parks. Their fleet features robust Toyota Land Cruisers and Hilux pickups, which can effortlessly traverse dirt roads, river crossings, and steep slopes.

    Additionally, Car Rental Tanzania provides customization options, including rooftop tents and camping equipment, perfect for travelers wishing to discover Tanzania at their own pace. Car Rental Tanzania also offers valuable extras like vehicle insurance and border permits, ensuring that tourists enjoy a stress-free safari adventure.

    Car Rental Congo

    For individuals interested in discovering the untamed terrains of Central Africa, Car Rental Congo provides 4×4 vehicles designed for challenging landscapes in locations such as Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Their vehicles are sturdy and prepared to handle the muddy, uneven roads that are typical in the area.

    Car Rental Congo assists travelers by offering GPS devices, spare tires, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance. Their expertise in 4×4 rentals positions them as a dependable ally for anyone wishing to safely explore the distinctive wildlife and scenery of the Congo basin.

    Benefits of Using Specialized 4×4 Rental Companies

    Selecting a company that specializes in 4×4 safari rentals offers numerous benefits. Firstly, their vehicles undergo regular servicing and inspections to ensure they are suitable for safari conditions, thereby minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns in remote areas. Secondly, these companies frequently provide valuable accessories such as camping equipment, roof racks, and navigation tools. Thirdly, they possess in-depth knowledge of safari routes, border crossings, and park regulations, allowing them to offer expert guidance to travelers.

    Additionally, companies such as Self Drive Uganda, Self Drive East Africa, 4×4 Africa, Car Rental Tanzania, and Car Rental Congo provide insurance and emergency assistance, which are crucial for safe travel in isolated regions. Their customer service teams are often available to assist with route planning, vehicle training, and advice on safe driving practices on African roads.

    Conclusion

    Indeed, there are certainly companies that focus on 4×4 rentals specifically for safaris, and these companies play a vital role for those wishing to independently explore East and Central Africa.

    Renting a 4×4 vehicle from reputable companies such as Self Drive Uganda, Self Drive East Africa, 4×4 Africa, Car Rental Tanzania, and Car Rental Congo guarantees that you will have the appropriate vehicle, support, and peace of mind for your journey.

    With the liberty to travel wherever you desire, at your own pace, and the assurance that your vehicle is equipped to navigate the rugged terrain, a self-drive safari with a 4×4 rental transforms into a genuinely personal and memorable experience. Therefore, prepare your luggage, select your ideal 4×4, and get set to discover Africa’s magnificent wilderness in both style and safety.

    Exploring The Best of Rwanda: 5 Popular Things to Do

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    Rwanda Safari

    Rwanda is a compact country, most popularly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. It is a destination with breathtakingly spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultures and traditions.

    The beauty of visiting Rwanda for a holiday is that there is something for everyone to explore and experience. It is a stunning destination with endless adventures and exciting activities for nature enthusiasts to engage in.

    The key areas of focus in Rwanda include the four national parks: Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, known for chimpanzee tracking; Akagera National Park, famous for big five safaris; and Volcanoes National Park, where you can track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

    Other touristic regions/districts in Rwanda include Lake Kivu, Kibuye, and Ruhengeri/Musanze.

    Gorilla Trekking

    Gorilla trekking is by far the number one experience you should expect to enjoy on a Rwanda safari. When it comes to gorilla tours in Rwanda, there is only one place to visit, and that is the Volcanoes National Park. Over 30% of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas call the Volcanoes National Park home. There are 12 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists and every family is visited by a maximum of up to 8 visitors.

    The gorilla families to visit in Rwanda include Titus, Agashya family, Umubano gorilla group, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Amahoro gorilla family, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Hirwa, and Susa B (Karisimbi).

    Embarking on a gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park is an amazing way to explore Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Musanze is the most accessible African safari destination. It is the most popular among the four national parks where mountain gorillas live. The three other parks are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park of Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    It takes tourists just 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali to Northwestern Rwanda to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. When you think of visiting Rwanda for a gorilla tour, the first step is to obtain a gorilla permit through a reliable tour operator. A single gorilla permit for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda costs USD 1500 per person.

    Gorilla safaris and permits should be planned and booked in advance, at least 2-4 months before the actual time of tracking mountain gorillas. Additionally, consider packing the right gear for your gorilla tour, such as a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, long trousers, a camera free of a flashlight, a first aid kit, insect repellents, a rain jacket, a safari hat, snacks, and bottled drinking water.

    Golden Monkey Tracking

    Golden monkey tracking is a memorable primate adventure that offers tourists a lifetime chance to visit the golden monkeys in their natural habitat. The golden monkeys live in the Virunga Region, and a significant number of them have been habituated, which means there is a chance to track them in their natural habitat.

    Treks to see golden monkeys begin at 7:00 am with a briefing and registration, and then at 8:00 am, the park guide leads you through the forest to look for the strikingly spectacular golden monkeys.

    The normal golden monkey trek lasts for 2-4 hours, including one hour of close encounter and photography. Golden monkey trekking permits in Rwanda are available for booking at USD 100 per person, and individuals above 15 years have a chance to participate in this exciting primate adventure.

    Visit Akagera National Park

    If you think Rwanda is only for mountain gorilla trekking, then you have been missing out. Go on a safari in the finest savanna grassland parks in Rwanda, and explore Akagera National Park located in the eastern side of the country, where you will come across all the big five game.

    Akagera is naturally stunning and the only savanna park in Rwanda (the Land of a Thousand Hills), spanning 1122 sq. km. Gazetted in 1934, Akagera is indeed a big game country. The parks hosts special wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, rhinos, antelopes, zebras, Maasai giraffes, hyenas, and 500 bird species, etc.

    The park is mainly composed of savanna grasslands, acacia woodlands and the Kagera River system.

    Besides game drives, tourists visiting Akagera National Park also have the opportunity to engage in a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing on Lake Shakani, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural visits.

    Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

    Extending for over 1000 sq kms, Nyungwe National Park is set on the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda. The park is the largest block of montane forest in East and Central Africa. It is also one of the oldest tropical rain forests in Africa.

    The park is popular for hosting 13 primate species including the chimpanzees, L Hoest’s monkeys, large troops of acrobatic Angola Colobus etc. Chimpanzee tracking is the most popular adventure that attracts most visitors and a chimpanzee permit costs US$150 per person.

    The park is also popular for the canopy walk! The first-ever canopy walk experience to be introduced in East Africa is right in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park (NFNP). This experience commenced in 2010, and visitors are led through a suspended walkway approximately 50m from the ground, guaranteeing an exceptional aerial view of the Nyungwe Forest canopy and primates.

    Hiking Rwanda’s Mountains

    Adventure seekers on safari in Rwanda are never left out. There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Rwanda, including hiking the Virunga Mountains in Northern Rwanda. The Volcanoes National Park boasts of hosting five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. Popular hikes with the park include the Bisoke volcano Hike, Mt. Karisimbi hike, Ngezi Crater Hike etc.

    Other areas to tour in Rwanda include Lake Burera and Ruhondo, Lake Kivu, Kibuye, Musanze caves, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and others.

    In summary, Rwanda is compact in size but features plenty of unique experiences, activities, and attractions that make it a premier destination. Visit Rwanda not only for mountain gorilla encounters but also for other wildlife safaris, hiking adventures, cultural tours, city tours, and so much more.

    Tips for Freelancing While you Travel

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    Travel writing is an effective method to supplement your travel budget and monetize your experiences. There is a huge demand for travel blogs with a broad audience searching for the ideal destinations to satisfy their wanderlust.

    Given the blend of sites and experiences on the one hand and the demanding task of writing on the other, striking a work-travel balance may prove a daunting task. As such, you may be limited in your travel lifestyle or forced to compromise the quality of your content.

    Taking either of these approaches results in low traffic, which limits your income. This article covers the tips for travel writing to help you maximize your revenue and draw more significant traffic.

    For better results, rank my service connects you to experts who help develop quality content and immerse your readers into your experiences.

    1. Delegate your writing to an expert

    Writing is a challenging task that requires you to check on many elements to produce a captivating paper. Unlike other forms of content, travel content calls for extensive interaction with sites and people’s culture to build a genuine article.

    Unfortunately, time is a limiting factor when you are leading a travel lifestyle. For this, you may either opt to update content less frequently over your free time or delegate your writing to an expert.

    By having an inconsistent schedule, you risk losing followers, thus limiting the growth of your blog. It is advisable to connect with the best assignment writing services and maintain a consistent flow of attention-grabbing content.

    By doing this, you have more time to immerse yourself into various cultures and establish dominance in your niche. Where possible, snap pictures of multiple sites and share them with your writer, thus instilling authenticity in your writers.

    2. Prioritize your work

    When traveling, there is a limited amount of free time to commit to your work. However, making the most available time can help you maintain timely delivery of content and grow your reader base.

    For this, identify your most productive times and schedule these sessions for writing. Ideally, you should kickstart your day by writing a portion of your work and tackle the rest within the day.

    Additionally, use time tracking apps to ensure that you meet the threshold allocated to writing, thus helping yourself to adapt to the routine.

    3. Set boundaries

    Travelling offers more distractions compared to working from a set destination. Often, you may have to compromise your schedule to pursue new experiences or even treat yourself to the culture and thrill of various destinations.

    To overcome this, you need to master self-discipline, thus committing to your schedule. Similarly, you need to know your extremes, therefore, handling the amounts of work you are comfortable with.

    Doing this helps you avoid mental exhaustion and create captivating content for your audience.

    4. Guest posting

    While there is a huge demand for travel blogs, there is high competition from authority sites in various niches. To overcome the competition, you should increase your backlinks from authority pages and reach more platforms.

    Guest posting is a great way to gain backlinks and connect with experts in various niches. When starting, cold pitch your ideas to bloggers and quality content with backlinks to your page. However, ensure that they offer do-follow links as they are the only ones that can impact your rank with web crawlers.

    Conversely, provide for guest posting on topics related to your audience. This helps you hook your readers with diverse content and sustain a regular flow of content as you tour various destinations.

    5. Base your travel schedule on your reader’s interests

    Since many readers rely on travel blogs to vet their ideal destinations, you must visit areas that capture the interests and curiosities of your readers. Also, you should surpass the existing content by highlighting the necessary information for your readers to vet the appeal of various locations.

    For this, read journals and do interviews to plan the issues you should investigate on various destinations. This sets you apart from the less authentic sites whose content seems unauthentic and merely praises the destinations.

    After preparing your questions, venture to your destination and interact with the locals to find the answers to your questions. Afterward, share the dialogue on your content to assure readers of the authenticity of your experience.

    Besides arresting your reader’s attention, this approach helps you identify the hidden destinations and culinary delights that may appeal to your audience, thus giving them better recommendations.

    Final verdict

    Writing is a great way to supplement your travel budget. However, freelancing and traveling present a tough choice on the items on which to commit your effort. The tips in this article will help you sustain a constant flow of content and establish substantial traffic.

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