Rwanda To Host Formula 1
On 13th December 2024, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda made a bid to host the Formula 1 race in Rwanda. He did a big bidding to host the formula 1. This has put all sports lovers on tenterhooks and everyone can’t wait to witness the high-speed cars traversing the rolling hills of Rwanda. Kagame in his words said, “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring a big ground race to Africa of the Formula 1 grandprix”. This statement was made during the opening address of the governing FIA general assembly.
If the race is agreed upon, there will be new tracks for Formula One that will be near the newly constructed airport that is Bugesera Airport about 40 kilometers away from Kigali. These tracks of Formula 1 are designed by an Australian designer who is a former racer, Alexander Wurz. In Africa, the last Formula 1 race was first held in South Africa Kyalami north of Johannesburg in 1993.
Rwanda is one of the African countries developing at a rapid pace. It has one of the cleanest cities in the world and is considered the safest country for travelers to visit for safaris.
Safari activities in Rwanda that might catch your attention while on your Formula 1 Tour
While in Rwanda for Formula 1, there are activities that you can engage in during their visits to Rwanda and some of these include;
Gorilla Trekking
This primate activity is done in northwestern Rwanda in the Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is considered to be the oldest in Africa. Gorilla trekking is done on foot. Trekkers move in search of the mountain gorillas in the forested areas of the park. It is one of the popular activities done in Rwanda and tourists have been loving it passionately. This could be your next adventure while you visit Rwanda for a Formula 1 tour yet to be hosted. In this park, there are about 12 habituated gorilla families that tourists can interact with during safaris.
To see these gorillas, you must have acquired a gorilla trekking permit. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents 500 USD for foreign residents and African residents and 200 USD for East African residents. You can book a gorilla trekking permit in time to ensure availability.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is yet another primate activity that you can do on a Formula 1 tour in Rwanda. It is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park. In this park, there are about three chimpanzee groups available for tourism. Nyungwe Forest National Park has 24 chimpanzee trekking permits every day. It is always advisable that you book your chimp permit ahead of time to avoid disappointments in the final minute. In this park, the cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit is 150 USD for foreign nonresidents, 75 USD for foreign residents and East African residents, and 25 USD for East African residents. Please note that the above prices do not include park entrance fees.
Game viewing in Akagera National Park
Wildlife safari game drives in Rwanda are done in the Akagera National Park near the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. It is the only savannah park in Rwanda where you can encounter the big five and multiple savannah species. Some of the common species spotted in Akagera National Park include; lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and many others. Game drives are done in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof to provide scenic views.
Boat Cruise
The boat cruise is done on several water bodies of the country including Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu. In this activity, travelers engage using motorized boats that cruise around the lake to see wildlife like hippos, elephants, bird species, and many others.
Kigali City Tour
You don’t necessarily have to go off the beaten path on your Formula 1 tour in Rwanda. You can engage in a Kigali city tour and learn about the history of this iconic city. During the tour, you will visit museums, historical sites, and sports arenas. At the genocide museums, you get a chance to learn about the history of Rwanda, stemming from the ruins of the 1994 genocide.
