RWANDA

Fondly referred to by locals as the country of a thousand hills, this special little country is emerging as an exciting safari destination with its fair share of luxury accommodation. Its compact nature means all main attractions are within easy travelling distance of each other, and it is possible to pack rainforests, volcanic mountains, lakes, grassland and city life all into one trip.

Around one-third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas are found in Rwanda, and hence it is the premier destination for gorilla tracking. Catching a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat on the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes is regarded as life-changing. And beyond the gorillas, there is a compelling richness in the landscape and the people, as well as opportunity to see many other primates, game and a multitude of bird species.

  • Volcanoes National Park is found in the north-west of the country bordering on the DRC.  It is here that Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying the mountain gorilla. Tracking takes place under permit on the densely forested mountainsides of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is strenuous, but worth the effort to watch families of these rare habituated creatures go about their daily lives.
  • Nyungwe National Park in the south is believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests and is a true rainforest receiving nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s rain. It is home to waterfalls, walking trails, a canopy walk, as well as a vast diversity of other primates and birdlife.
  • Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and offers an idyllic break from the forest greenery with beautiful beaches and inviting warm water for swimming or boating.
  • Akagera National Park is a low-lying park offering big game viewing within savannah grassland dotted with lakes and swamps

Time: GMT + 2hrs

Language: Kinyarwanda, French and English are the official languages but English is widely spoken

Health: It is recommended that anti-malaria pills be taken before departure

Visa: Visa’s are required and can be obtained on arrival or online before departure. Visa requirements change regularly so please consult with your local embassy when planning your trip

When to go: Rwanda’s relatively high altitude provides it with a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate although you can expect a lot of rain in between. Although a year-round destination, the easiest time for seeing the gorillas is the drier months December to February and June to October

CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Volcanoes National Park is found in the north-west of the country bordering on the DRC.  It is here that Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying the mountain gorilla. Tracking takes place under permit on the densely forested mountainsides of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is strenuous, but worth the effort to watch families of these rare habituated creatures go about their daily lives.
  • Nyungwe National Park in the south is believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests and is a true rainforest receiving nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s rain. It is home to waterfalls, walking trails, a canopy walk, as well as a vast diversity of other primates and birdlife.
  • Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and offers an idyllic break from the forest greenery with beautiful beaches and inviting warm water for swimming or boating.
  • Akagera National Park is a low-lying park offering big game viewing within savannah grassland dotted with lakes and swamps
USEFUL INFORMATION

Time: GMT + 2hrs

Language: Kinyarwanda, French and English are the official languages but English is widely spoken

Health: It is recommended that anti-malaria pills be taken before departure

Visa: Visa’s are required and can be obtained on arrival or online before departure. Visa requirements change regularly so please consult with your local embassy when planning your trip

When to go: Rwanda’s relatively high altitude provides it with a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate although you can expect a lot of rain in between. Although a year-round destination, the easiest time for seeing the gorillas is the drier months December to February and June to October

MAP
CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR TRIP