We’re in the gist of the heat, and the overall pressure is to make the most out of these sunnier days. This is generally when most people ask you about your vacation plans. And for many reasons, including work demands or a tight budget, the answer might be “nope.” But you can still find ways to enjoy the summer even if you can’t get away, whether it’s getting more ice cream into your life, bringing flowers from your backyard to work, or taking a nightly firefly walk.
We at SENS are ‘outside’ this season, and since we keep you in our hearts, we’ve rounded up budget-friendly, tested, and approved mind-blowing experiences you can indulge in to savor this summer.
Hiking And Riding with Tourism Lovers 250
For as low as 10,000 Rwf, valid for two months, enjoy Four professionally guided hikes in the scenic lush hills of Kigali. Every weekend, Tourism Lovers 250, a community of over one thousand local and international tourists, crafts a loop across Kigali and sometimes in the outskirts, taking trekking enthusiasts on memorable adventures around the land of a thousand hills.
With their moderate or challenging trails, you will relish Rwanda’s beauty and meet people from different walks of life – connect and network. Remember, the amount of connections you have equates to your net worth. Absorb Rwanda’s culture, all while you sweat off those extra calories to your perfect summer body.
For the parents, we mean those who enjoy family time on the weekends, albeit would love to explore the heart of Africa, worry not. TL 250 offers private hikes any day, any time. Not to mention group hikes of 5 at a fee of 50,000 Rwf. enough for you and the entire family to bond and spend time together away from the confines of your home.
If Hiking is not your cup of tea, but jogging is, how about you take time off and utilize the free-of-charge 2.4-kilometer access verdant running track located in Nyarutarama? Perched in an upscale Kigali suburb, the facility is adjacent to the Kigali Golf Course, in which you can additionally savor teeing some balls in the ace at the golf course.
Moreover, the vicinity is home to a ‘lover’s lake’ and a handful of Kigali’s top-notch restaurants, cafes, hotels, and supermarkets, not forgetting the newest shopping mall in town -Simba Center, just meters away.
Want to do exercise without doing exercise? Guy Muofo, the founder of TL 250, is a cycling die-hard who never skips a week without riding his two wheels. The good news is he does so in the company of other cyclists at a fee of 50$ – if you come with your bicycle, then 75$ for both wheels and guide charges.
Feeling a need to keep your blood pressure in check, your mood high, and your muscles strong? Consider contacting TL 250.
Outdoors Fun at Fazenda Sengha
Any adrenaline Junkies in the house? I bet Yes. Well, then you will love Fazenda Sengha for some thrilling outdoor games like Zip-lining, Quad biking, archery, and horseback riding.
The spacious locale is a perfect destination for family getaways, birthdays, picnics, and boys’/girls’ day outs, all served with a variety of delicacies, a serene breeze, and Rwanda’s finest views atop Mount Kigali.
Mamba Hangouts
Kigali’s population is sprouting around the clock, and so are the fun-filled cut-price hangouts. For instance, at Mamba Club in Kimihurura, one can slump and catch up with peers around the pool table, at table tennis, over a bowling game, or on the volleyball court. The spot is strongly recommended by tourism lovers for after-work chills.
Car-free zone madness
Brought to the limelight during the aftermath of COVID-19, the car-free zones of Biryogo-Nyamirambo and Gisementi-Remera are still darling for many-undeniably hangouts of all seasons. This summer, you and yours are welcome to quench your thirst with refreshing drinks while treating your taste buds to mouthwatering delicacies from a list full of restaurants within the area.
Get-Aways to the Waters
Additionally, you can beat the season’s heat by cooling off in the freshwater bodies in Muhazi, Bugesera, or Lake Kivu. Indulging in water activities is not only a fantastic way to regulate body temperatures but simultaneously improves mental health.
According to research, aggressive behaviors in the form of mood swings, temperaments, and overall outlook tend to rise during the dry spell.
With a minimum of 50,000 Rwf, Guy Muofo breaks down a one-day solo trip to Gisenyi for those who wish to embark on personal growth experiences away from the customary.
“Nyabugogo is a pool of public transport buses to Gisenyi. All one needs to do is book their trip as early as 6:00 am, and by 10:00 am the same day, they will be guests in Rubavu district-Gisenyi, where they can luxuriate in Lake Kivu’s resort area and sandy beaches, in addition to plunging in its tranquility,” he said.
Adding that transport to and from is roughly 10k, a boat ride 5k, and the remaining bucks can be used for freshly fried fish or chicken, accompanied by Rwandan’s favorite meal-potato fries and local beers or soft drinks, before hitting the road at 5:00 pm to Kigali.
On the other hand, those with a bank – roll can book a private tour with TL 250, says Muofo. This includes transport to and from, guiding charges, hotel fees/tents in case of a camping trip, and meals, among other amenities, to places like the volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest Park, or the splendid Akagera National Park to watch the big five.
Sip and Paint
Away from tours and travels, aesthetes can visit Rwanda’s array of art centers. According to Muofo, art galleries like Azizi Life Studio hosts sip and paint sessions befitting neophiles and artists alike.
Overall, Rwanda’s summer season beams with soft light, perfect for stunning photographs for those into capturing nature’s beauty. Make it a point to wear fitting clothing-lightweight breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, hydrate, and use sunscreen for a significant difference in how you feel during the summer.
Furthermore, summer hats and sunglasses should come in handy.
