What Makes Rwanda Worth a Visit?

Africa’s Premier Gateway for Gorilla Trekking

The country’s most thrilling tourist destination – and perhaps the most captivating wildlife experience on the planet – is gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s lush montane rainforests. These intimate moments with the small groups of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas create unforgettable memories for every traveler at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. With only around 900 mountain gorillas remaining on our planet, embarking on a trek into their native forests offers a unique opportunity to encounter these critically endangered creatures, as they cannot thrive in captivity.

Rwanda offers an incredible opportunity for gorilla trekking, with Volcanoes National Park just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Kigali International Airport. If you are heading to Rwanda and time is of the essence, this is the ultimate destination to encounter gorillas in Africa. Arrive in Kigali, enjoy a scenic drive to your lodge, embark on an exhilarating trek the next day, and head to the airport the morning after, allowing you to complete your gorilla trekking adventure in five days or less.

Explore the world of Chimpanzees & Other Primates

While gorilla trekking stands out as a major highlight for tourists in Rwanda, there are numerous other thrilling primate trekking adventures to explore during your visit to this captivating country. Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts an incredible diversity of thirteen primate species, representing around a quarter of all primates found in Africa, including the fascinating chimpanzees and the unique Rwenzori colobus monkeys.

Situated in the southwest corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a vast and pristine tropical rainforest featuring a towering, dense canopy. Covering more than 1,000 square kilometres (385 square miles), Nyungwe Forest is home to the largest expanse of untouched montane forest in East or Central Africa. It boasts around 310 bird species, more than 75 different species of mammals, and countless butterflies and orchids. Nyungwe’s misty hills resonate with the calls of chimpanzees and the melodies of birds, a realm of breathtaking biodiversity and the ultimate tropical rainforest.

Experience the thrill of encountering the Big 5

While it might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a traditional safari, if you are heading to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, adding a safari in Akagera National Park to your itinerary is definitely a worthwhile idea. With its vast savannah plains, shimmering lakes, lush papyrus swamps, undulating hills, and dramatic valleys, Akagera stands out as one of the most picturesque parks in Africa.

Akagera boasts the largest safeguarded wetlands in Central Africa, teeming with around 8,000 animals. In 2015, lions were set free in Akagera National Park, and two years later, Eastern black rhinos joined them. These successful reintroduction programmes transformed Akagera into a renowned Big 5 safari destination, marking a thrilling return after nearly two decades. Today, Akagera thrives under the stewardship of African Parks, a non-governmental conservation organization, which has significantly enhanced the experience in this stunning safari park.

Discover one of Africa’s most pristine and uplifting cities.

Rwanda leads the way in forging a continent free from single-use plastics. A beacon of progress on the continent, the country implemented a national ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags in 2008. Rwanda has embraced a universal service known as Umuganda, a vibrant community clean-up initiative that takes place on the last Saturday morning of each month. During this time, citizens unite to maintain the cleanliness of their streets, nurture gardens, and lend a helping hand to their neighbors.

When exploring Rwanda, you’ll probably want to immerse yourself in its vibrant and impeccably maintained capital, Kigali, for a night or two. It’s a stunning city that unfolds over endless hills, ridges, and valleys, boasting a lively restaurant and nightlife scene. The city centre boasts a variety of shopping malls, showcasing stylish boutiques and charming coffee shops waiting to be explored. If you seek a truly genuine experience during your trip to Rwanda, make your way to one of Kigali’s vibrant and welcoming markets.

If you find yourself in Kigali, be sure to explore the State House Museum and the Natural History Museum; both promise an exciting experience. But perhaps one of the most remarkable landmarks in Rwanda is the deeply moving Kigali Genocide Memorial. This remarkable monument offers a deep understanding of the events leading up to the genocide in the country, providing essential context to its origins, while also celebrating the significant progress Rwanda has made over the years.

Destinations to Explore in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park: The Land of Enigmatic Gorillas

One of the most renowned destinations in Rwanda is the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, the crown jewel of the country’s reserves. Spanning 160 square kilometres (62 square miles), this area is a vibrant rainforest that includes five of the eight majestic volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains range. It’s a captivating setting for transformative gorilla trekking experiences – nothing else in the animal kingdom rivals the thrill of connecting with a family of mountain gorillas in their wild environment.

Led by skilled gorilla trackers amidst the park’s majestic African redwoods, bamboo, intertwining vines, and vibrant lobelias, Volcanoes presents some of the most exhilarating gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. The park served as the foundation for the groundbreaking work of primatologist Dian Fossey – visitors can honor her legacy at Fossey’s grave and partake in engaging gorilla conservation experiences offered by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Volcanoes is a well-protected and monitored reserve brimming with monkeys (including the rare golden monkey) and forest birds. When exploring Rwanda, a portion of your travel expenses contributes to community initiatives surrounding the park, enhancing the beneficial effects of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and making the conservation of these magnificent apes significant to rural communities in a tangible manner.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: A Journey Through Enchantment

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an expansive tropical rainforest that boasts the largest stretch of remaining montane forest in Central or East Africa. It boasts an incredible variety of bird, butterfly, and orchid species, along with roughly a quarter of all Africa’s primates.

The essence of Nyungwe unfolds like a captivating story waiting to be explored. Majestic mahogany and ebony trees rise high, stunning orchids embrace each branch, and vibrant birds and butterflies dance through the air as you stealthily pursue the sounds of primates.

Primate safaris rank high among the must-see attractions in Rwanda, with Nyungwe serving as the perfect spot for these thrilling tracking adventures. With 13 different primate species residing in Nyungwe Forest, the quest to encounter chimpanzees, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, l’Hoest’s monkeys, and the grey-cheeked mangabey stands out as one of the many thrilling experiences in this breathtaking rainforest.

Top Activities to Experience

With more than 130 kilometres (80 miles) of hiking trails, Nyungwe Forest National Park invites visitors to delve into its captivating interior and mesmerizing habitats alongside knowledgeable guides. And walking in Nyungwe is truly exhilarating!

While the Igishigishigi Trail may be one of the briefest hikes in the park, it boasts the tallest canopy walk in East Africa: a metal bridge soaring 50 metres (164 feet) above the lush forest! It’s not for the timid, but if you seek to truly grasp the vastness of Nyungwe Forest, it offers one of the most extraordinary experiences during your visit to Rwanda.

Akagera National Park: A Tale of Triumph in Conservation

Akagera National Park spans approximately 1,120 square kilometres (432 square miles) and stands as one of Africa’s oldest national parks, having been established in 1934. The park faced significant challenges in the late 1990s as its ecosystems suffered due to cattle-grazing and poaching, a direct result of the turmoil from Rwanda’s civil war.

Today, Akagera thrives under the stewardship of African Parks, a non-governmental conservation organization that has significantly enhanced the park’s wildlife populations. With the implementation of diverse anti-poaching strategies and the successful reintroduction of lions and rhinos, Akagera National Park is making remarkable strides toward its restoration.

Akagera features a stunning mix of low-lying grasslands and savannah plains, undulating hills and valleys, along with a collection of lakes, marshes, and papyrus swamps that form the largest protected wetlands in central and eastern Africa. This incredibly varied array of environments transforms Akagera into a stunning park.

When you explore Rwanda and embark on a safari in Akagera, you will likely encounter the iconic plains species such as impala, topi, eland, giraffe, waterbuck, sable, roan, and zebra. On game drives, you are likely to encounter hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and elephants, each adding to the thrill of the experience. With the triumphant return of the lion and rhino, Akagera now proudly hosts the Big 5. Leopards are elusive creatures, making them a challenge to find on safari. Their incredible ability to blend into their surroundings and move silently adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the experience.

If you are an enthusiastic birdwatcher, a safari in Akagera will surely captivate you. It’s a haven for birdwatchers with more than 480 species to discover! Raptors and savannah birds abound, alongside a variety of unique species such as the red-faced barbet. On boat cruises in Akagera’s lakes, you can encounter a vibrant array of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, open-billed storks, cormorants, herons, and crowned cranes. And if fortune smiles upon you, you may just catch a sight of the unusual and ancient-looking shoebill, often referred to as the ‘whalehead’.

Kigali: A Vibrant and Inspiring Capital

Kigali serves as the gateway for thrilling gorilla trekking safaris. Upon arriving in Rwanda, your journey typically begins at Kigali International Airport. From there, you might head directly to Volcanoes National Park, located approximately 80 kilometres or 50 miles away, or choose to spend a night in the charming and well-kept city of Kigali. Many travelers use Kigali as a brief pause before and after an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience, but if you find yourself with a few extra days while in Rwanda, it’s a fantastic city to discover. Kigali experiences a quieter flow of visitors, so when you explore the city, you’ll be greeted with warm interactions from the friendly locals and gain a wonderful understanding of Rwanda.

One of the most significant destinations in Rwanda is the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial. Amidst stunning rose gardens and shimmering water fountains, the memorial unfolds the history leading up to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, sheds light on the factors behind this tragic event, and acknowledges the remarkable journey of healing and recovery the nation has experienced since then. Visiting Rwanda for the first time? The memorial is a must-see that will create unforgettable memories.

Other museums in the city that promise excitement are the State House Museum and the Natural History Museum. Kigali is home to an exciting array of modern shopping malls, a lively café and bar scene, bustling and authentic markets, and hotels that meet high international standards.

Top Activities to Experience

Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Explore a treasure trove of curios and souvenirs at the Caplaki handicrafts cooperative.
Visit the Kigali Cultural Village to experience vibrant live music and engaging art workshops.
Experience the rich flavors of fair-trade coffee at the Hingakwa Women’s Coffee Cooperative.
Lake Kivu: Africa’s Sixth Largest Body of Water

The western side of Rwanda is bordered by Lake Kivu, a stunning gem among the expansive freshwater lakes that stretch along Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Regarded as a concealed treasure among Rwanda’s tourist spots, the true delight of the Lake Kivu area lies in traversing its towns – the road gracefully winds and curves as it meanders through the stunning hills and mountains alongside the lake. It’s a wonderful choice if you wish to embrace a leisurely journey between Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks, pausing to relish Lake Kivu’s pristine beaches and inviting, safe swimming waters.

Top Activities to Experience

During your time in Rwanda, be sure to dedicate a few days to Gisenyi, a vibrant town nestled among the hills along the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Once a famous colonial beach resort, Gisenyi’s lakeside is adorned with historic mansions, stylish bars perfect for enjoying sundowner cocktails, and several hotels that meet international standards.

Timing Your Adventure
The Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Embark on an exhilarating journey with Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

The ideal time to explore Rwanda is from June to September, during the country’s dry season. This season offers the perfect weather for exploring the wonders of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, embarking on a safari in Akagera, and enjoying a reduced risk of malaria. Hiking to see mountain gorillas can be done at various times throughout the year, but be prepared for challenges like rainfall and the steep, muddy trails that may await you.

When exploring Rwanda in January and February, the high and medium-altitude regions such as Kigali, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe offer warm days and refreshing coolness in the evenings. Low-lying regions such as Akagera National Park experience the heat of the day and the warmth of the evenings. This is an excellent moment to embark on an Akagera safari and seize the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Rwanda. This is also an exciting time for gorilla trekking, although it can become a bit more humid than the June to September period.