Rwanda

Rwanda is the traditional home of gorilla trekking and where the legendary Dian Fossey gave her life to saving the incredible, critically endangered mountain gorillas that occur high up in the Volcanoes National Park.

Gorillas In Our Midst

Known as the land of 1000 hills this small, central African country is filled with stunning scenery, incredible wilderness areas and wonderful resilient people. There’s much more to Rwanda than gorillas, so combining a trek to visit these magnificent great apes with a selection of other destinations gives you a balanced experience of this beautiful country. From the traditional African wildlife of Akagera National Park to the expanses of Lake Kivu, exploring Rwanda is easy thanks to its manageable size and infrastructure. 

An increasingly popular safari destination, Rwanda’s range of primates is a major drawcard, with gorillas, chimpanzees, the nocturnal potto and bushbabies to be spotted, as well as a host of monkeys including the colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl-faced, Dent’s, blue and vervets, as well as olive baboons. Beyond that, mountain tops, verdant forests, and inky blue lakes.

POPULATION

13,882 million

CAPITAL CITY

Kigali

CURRENCY

Rwandan Franc

LANGUAGE

Kinyarwanda, Swahili, English and French

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

947,303 sq km

BEST TIME TO GO

All year, with June to September being the best time for gorilla trekking. The rainy seasons, from March to May and November, are best for tracking chimpanzees.

Take a look at Rwanda’s primary regions to guide you to which you’d like included on your itinerary. 

At a Glance

Land of a
Thousand Hills

Rwanda’s main attractions include the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas where unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences are offered. Kigali showcases Rwanda’s cultural heritage through at vibrant markets, museums, and art galleries. Lake Kivu offers scenic beauty and water-based activities such as boat rides and kayaking. Rwanda’s commitment to conservation is evident in Akagera National Park, where visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris and witness the remarkable efforts of the country’s conservation programs.

Experience Rwanda

Observing gorillas and primates in their natural setting remains a primary attraction. Rwanda is a dream come true for birders, having one of the highest bird counts on the continent despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa. The prime birdwatching destinations are Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks. Rwanda’s diverse cultures and rich heritage are all part of its offering, with visits to Fair Trade tea and coffee plantations available as well as world-class museums and cultural centres in the capital of Kigali top of the list.

REGIONS OF Rwanda

Gorillas and Beyond,
In Unforgettable Settings

The main points of attraction in Rwanda include the Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, where tourists can embark on gorilla trekking experiences. The serene Lake Kivu offers scenic beauty and water-based activities such as boat rides and kayaking. While Rwanda’s commitment to conservation is evident in Akagera National Park, where visitors enjoy wildlife safaris and witness the remarkable efforts of the country’s conservation programs.

Kigali
Volcanoes National Park
Akagera National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park

Kigali

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a vibrant and forward-thinking metropolis that has risen to become a shining example of progress and resilience. Set among the country’s rolling hills, it offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a destination that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains of northwestern Rwanda, is renowned as a protected sanctuary for the critically endangered mountain gorillas and primates that occur here, and one of the few places where you can come face-to-face with them on a thrilling trek led by experienced guides and trackers in the mist-covered mountains.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is a hidden gem that showcases the country's commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of its natural habitats. On game drives through the park,  spot a variety of iconic African animals, including elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas also roam these plains.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda offers an immersive safari experience in a realm of ancient forests, diverse wildlife, and captivating wildlife. The protected area is renowned for its dense montane rainforest and remarkable biodiversity, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls that is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and forest elephants.

FAQs

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a special and memorable experience for every wildlife enthusiast. Enjoy the incredible sight of Gorillas in the wild amid green hills and soaring mountains. Simply put, every moment spent on Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary experience worth all the money spent on it.

Gorilla trekking will require one to hike through steep, slippery trails, thick vegetation, water bodies, etc., making the overall activity exhausting and challenging. But relevant preparations and proper guidance can make trekking less difficult and more enjoyable.

One can spot Gorillas year-round in Rwanda. But remember that months with rainfall will make hiking trails muddy and slippery. So, the best time to see Gorillas is during the longest dry seasons, from mid-May to mid-October.

The cost of seeing Gorillas in Rwanda varies depending on factors like time and location of the visit, duration of trekking, level of comfort required, mode of transport, etc., to name a few. Please contact us to find a trekking plan for your needs, schedule, and budget.

A safari in Rwanda is an incredible experience, the cost of which depends on factors like time of the trip, duration of your trip, level of comfort required, mode of transport, choice of meals etc., to name a few. Please contact us for a Rwanda safari trip customised to your needs, schedule, and budget.

A safari trip can be covered in as few as 4 to as many as ten days. The duration of the trip can be extended further if needed.

Rwanda is suitable to travel as a single traveller and as part of a family or group. However, like any place on earth, it is important to follow travel safety tips. Guided tours and expert help can make the experience of travelling better.

Questions