Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda is a beautiful country known for its mountainous terrain, rolling hills, lush rainforests and friendly people. Since the devastating genocide of 1994, the country has made incredible progress in rebuilding and developing.
Today, Rwanda is a stable and rapidly developing nation, with a strong focus on sustainable development, wildlife conservation and tourism. The critically endangered mountain gorilla and other primate species are now protected and slowly growing in numbers. Permits to see these animals are strictly regulated.
KIGALI: Explore the vibrant markets, craft centres and genocide museum
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK : World famous for gorilla trekking. Educational hike to Dian Fossey’s grave
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK: Extraordinary conservation success story for people and wildlife
LAKE KIVU: Perfect for a unique beach holiday
NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK: Pristine forest home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and beautiful orchids.
Rwanda is a lush and verdant mountainous wonderland, and its capital, Kigali, is vibrant, safe and spotlessly clean — and incredibly welcoming of tourists. If you do need to spend a night here, we’ll make sure you get a chance to explore the city, its markets, art centres and history.
From Kigali, an 80km drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest delivers you right on the doorstep of the forests that are home to mountain gorillas. Crouched in the forest quietly watching a family of these primates foraging, grooming and playing is a life-changing experience.
It’s not only gorillas you will be tracking but also the endangered golden monkey, as well as a myriad of bird species. The sheer beauty of these forests, with views across thickly wooded hills and valleys, will stay in your memory forever.
A visit to the gorillas isn’t complete without mention of renowned primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey. An educational walk to her grave will give you a unique insight into the 20 years she spent here, as well as the current challenges facing gorilla conservation.
Heading south takes you to the shores of the sublime Lake Kivu, an idyllic location for a beach holiday. With calm waters ringed by sandy beaches, it provides fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect place to unwind.
Continue south to the magical (and often overlooked) Nyungwe Forest National Park, this pristine tract of montane forest will make tree lovers rejoice. Not to be outshone, the forest is also home to more than 100 types of orchids and 250 species of birds. To top this off, you’ll also find colonies of chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
From here, head to the eastern border with Tanzania, to Akagera National Park, which is an incredible conservation success story. The park was all but obliterated by poaching and illegal cattle grazing as a result of the genocide and civil war in the 1990s. In 2010, the Rwandan government entered into a joint management agreement with the non-profit organisation, African Parks, to restore and manage the park. As a result of these efforts, wildlife populations have rebounded and the park is now home to a number of species. The savannah and wetland biomes offer a unique safari experience for those keen to be part of a conservation success story in Africa.
A range of accommodation of varying standards provide many options. Kigali has a number of hotels, and the National Parks areas all have a wide selection of accommodation, from simple chalets to luxurious lodges. Most of the lodges are right on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, ensuring incredible forest views and direct access to gorilla trekking.
June to September, along with December, are the prime travel months for visiting Rwanda. These months guarantee dry conditions for trekking as there is minimal rainfall. Additionally, this period aligns with the opportunity to witness the migration in Kenya and Tanzania. January through March is also a favorable time to travel, considered as the regular season. On the other hand, April, May, October, and November fall under the green season, which offers reduced rates and fewer tourists. However, it's important to note that these months receive higher rainfall, resulting in muddy trekking conditions
June-Sep | Dec
Jan-March
April | May | Oct | Nov
The capital city, Kigali, is a regional hub connecting to flights from other parts of Africa. From here, it is only a few hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park, which makes it the most accessible gorilla experience in Africa.
Rwanda is a compact country, with most destinations within four hours’ drive of the capital. The beauty of travelling by vehicle is that you get to experience the magnificent countryside of rolling hills and plains, extinct volcanoes, craggy mountain ranges and lush rainforests.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, but we recommend carrying US dollars in small denominations for tipping and buying curios. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and lodges.
Passports must have a minimum validity of six months. Visas can be purchased on arrival by most nationalities. Please check with us.
Please note that Rwanda is a malaria-prone region. It is advisable to consult your doctor for guidance on necessary precautions.
Additionally, if you are traveling from specific destinations, a yellow fever certificate may be required.
While Covid-19 travel restrictions have been lifted and there are currently no mandatory protocols such as PCR tests or vaccination certificates for entry, it is recommended to stay updated on any changes before your trip.
For comprehensive health guidelines, and further information, we recommend consulting the Travelhealthpro website.
Kigali
GMT +2
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