Discover Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda emerald hills roll toward volcanoes cloaked in mist. It’s a place of extraordinary renewal—renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, pristine forests, serene lakes, and one of Africa’s cleanest, safest capital cities: Kigali. The country blends conservation leadership with warm hospitality and powerful cultural remembrance.

Why Visit Rwanda?

Gorilla Trekking: Volcanoes National Park offers rare, tightly regulated encounters with mountain gorillas—an unforgettable conservation success story.
Pristine Forests: Nyungwe National Park protects ancient montane rainforest, with chimp trekking and an iconic canopy walkway.
Savannah Comeback: Akagera National Park’s lakes and grasslands host Big Five wildlife after remarkable restoration.
Culture & Reflection: Kigali’s Genocide Memorial, contemporary art spaces, coffee tours, and vibrant culinary scene.
Lakes & Volcanoes: Lake Kivu’s peaceful shores and the volcanic silhouettes of the Virunga range.

Top Activities to Enjoy

Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking: Guided hikes in Volcanoes NP; limited permits ensure low-impact encounters.
Chimp Trekking & Canopy Walk: Nyungwe’s trails, birding, and suspended canopy bridge over the treetops.
Akagera Safaris: Boat safaris on Lake Ihema, sunrise game drives, and scenic savannah vistas.
Kigali Culture: Memorials, museums, craft cooperatives, coffee roasteries, and design-forward dining.
Lake Kivu: Kayaking, boat trips between lakeside towns (Gisenyi/Rubavu, Kibuye/Karongi), relaxing beaches.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Seasons (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb): Best for trekking and wildlife viewing; trails are less muddy and visibility is higher.
Rainy Seasons (Mar–May, Oct–Nov): Lush and quiet; some trails can be slippery—great for photographers seeking atmosphere.

Wildlife & Nature

Great Apes: Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys (Volcanoes), chimpanzees and colobus (Nyungwe).
Big Five in Akagera: Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, plus giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocs, and abundant birdlife.
Birding Paradise: Over 700 species, from turacos to sunbirds.

How to Get There

By Air: Kigali International Airport (KGL) connects regionally and beyond; Kigali is the usual starting point for all circuits.
By Road: Well-maintained roads link parks; guided transfers or self-drive are common.

Where to Stay

Luxury: Gorilla lodges near Volcanoes NP, chic design hotels in Kigali, forest lodges in Nyungwe.
Mid-Range: Comfortable lodges around Musanze (Volcanoes), boutique stays on Lake Kivu, city guesthouses.
Budget: Community-run guesthouses, basic hostels, and campsites in select areas.

Tips for Visiting

• Permits: Gorilla/chimp permits are limited—book well in advance.

• Fitness & Gear: Trekking involves steep, muddy slopes; bring waterproof layers, gaiters, gloves, and sturdy boots.

• Cultural Respect: Rwanda is clean and orderly; follow local rules (e.g., no single-use plastic bags).

• Connectivity: Excellent roads and reliable mobile/data coverage.

• Responsible Travel: Choose lodges and operators that invest in communities and conservation.

Rwanda is intimate in scale yet immense in impact—wild, reflective, and profoundly moving.