Rwanda

About Rwanda

Just a few degrees south of the equator, Rwanda is a jewel of a land, from the deep emerald of its forests to the brilliant sapphire of its lakes.

This captivating country is known as the land of a thousand hills; wherever you look you will find mountains and volcanoes towering above you, and it is also the place where Dian Fossey fought off poachers and politicians to save the deeply endangered African Mountain Gorilla. 

A holiday to Rwanda promises to leave you absolutely spellbound; when you pay a visit to this glorious country you can see the peaceful shores of the glittering Lake Kivu, the awe-inspiring Nyungwe National Park and traverse rope bridges in the treetops.

Interesting things to do in Rwanda

Many visitors come to Parc National des Volcans for gorilla trekking adventures but because the number of permits to view these gentle giants is strictly limited, these need to be arranged well in advance. 

The gorillas are a magnificent sight and one which is certainly unforgettable. In the park, you can also admire the dramatic chain of seven volcanoes which provide a border with both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aside from the gorillas, you can track Golden Monkeys, visit the Diana Fossey Museum or ramble down trails with breathtaking views, while in the Parc National Des Volcans.

Chimpanzee and 13 different species of primates can be tracked in the spectacular Nyungwe National Park, which is also home to over 285 bird species. Enjoy the canopy walk which is suspended 50m over this one-of-a-kind forest, or explore one of the hundreds of hiking trails found here.

When on holiday in Rwanda, you can kick back on the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu - one of the largest lakes in Africa. Go kayaking on the lake, mountain biking or hiking on one of the six off-the-beaten-path stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail.

Akagera National Park is home to the Akagera River, recorded to be one of the sources of the Nile River. It includes a range of lakes, all of which combine to form one of the largest wetlands in Central Africa, as well as some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa. 

View the enormous range of wildlife here, including the “Big Five”, and more on guided game drives, as well as adventurous walks and boating trips. This national park also boasts almost 500 species of birds, including the spectacular shoebill.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

When To Go

• Dry Season – June to September (short dry season December to February)
• Green Season – March to May (short green season October to November)

In The Know

• Capital – Kigali
• Currency – Rwandan Franc
• Point of Entry – Kigali
• Airlines – Kenya Airways via Nairobi
• Flying Time – 80 minutes from Nairobi
• Time Zone – GMT +2
• Visa on arrival
• Medical Requirements – Malaria prophylaxis & Yellow Fever vaccination recommended

Insider Tips

• Take a memory stick when tracking the gorillas - you will take hundreds of photos
• Rwanda is perfect for those short of time; gorilla viewing can be completed within 24 hours of entering the country
• Don’t be afraid to take an evening stroll in Kigali; it is one of Africa’s safest cities
• Be prepared to walk to find the gorillas – it can take up-to seven hours to locate them
• However, in the green season the bamboo goes much lower down so you won't have to trek as far to catch a glimpse of them.
• Do consider nearby Lake Kivu for an easy, post-gorilla beach break