Rwanda

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Rwanda: Pays des Mille Collines (The Land of a Thousand Hills)

Rwanda’s popular tagline captures the essence of the nation perfectly: a lush, hilly land that is home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, thriving along the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park.

Conservation is a key focus for the Rwanda Development Board. Mountain gorilla populations are growing, with an average of 18 births annually, thanks to successful anti-poaching efforts. Reintroducing various species to national parks has also restored Rwanda as a “Big 5” safari destination.

Rwanda leads globally with the highest percentage of women in parliament and is one of the cleanest countries. Plastic bags were banned in 2008, and on Umuganda Day, held the fourth Saturday each month, communities unite to clean and beautify their surroundings.

When to Visit

Best time to go to Rwanda

A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30 degrees Celsius by day or below 15 degrees Celsius at night, throughout the year. The exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains, throughout the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant. Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1,000 mm of precipitation annually, with the driest months being July to September and the wettest February to May.

Rwanda's Top Attractions

Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda's capital, is Africa's cleanest and safest city. Every 4th Saturday, the country participates in Umuganda Day to clean their communities, evident in Kigali. The city features new restaurants, hotels, and excellent roads with strict traffic law adherence. The Rwanda Genocide Museum serves as a memorial to the lives lost in 1994, with Rwandans united in their vow of 'never again'.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, in northeastern Rwanda along the Tanzania border, spans 1,122 square kilometers. Named after the Akagera River, which feeds several lakes including Lake Ihema, the park offers a diverse landscape supporting abundant wildlife. In 2015, seven lions were reintroduced from South Africa, and their population has since more than doubled. The park also reintroduced leopards, hyenas, jackals, and 20 Eastern black rhinos. With over 500 bird species, Akagera complements visits to Volcanoes National Park and its famous Mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park

Parc National de Volcans, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to over a third of the world's mountain gorillas. This park includes the Virunga Mountains, which feature 8 ancient volcanoes and extend into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali on well-maintained roads, the park offers more than just gorilla sightings. Visitors can explore Dian Fossey's grave and the Gorilla Fund, see golden monkeys, and visit Musanze Caves and Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.

Nyungwe National Park

This 1,000 sq. km national park is one of Africa's oldest forests, home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy over 300 species, including 16 unique to the forest. The park offers hiking trails and a canopy walkway 60 meters (197 feet) above the ground, part of the Igishigishigi trail.

Lake Kivu

Rubavu, located along Lake Kivu's shores in Rwanda, offers safe swimming with no hippos or crocodiles and clean, clear water. Kayaking along the lake reveals unique fishing boats, interesting villages, and amazing bird life amidst peace and tranquillity. It's only an hour from Volcanoes National Park and 15 minutes from major coffee producing areas.

Exciting new holidays coming in 2025 ... watch this space!