Also known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda is a landlocked country of lovely and various landscapes. Rwanda’s landscapes in this ever green country are truly incredible. When you visit Rwanda you will realize that the physical beauty of the country is unique on the African continent.
Rwanda is becoming one of the top destinations to visit in Africa. The country is one of the only three countries where mountain gorillas live! This has made Rwanda, a favorite destination for travelers looking for mountain gorilla tours in Africa! Given the improved accessibility to this land locked country, Rwanda has become an ultimate add on to tourists taking safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana and Uganda.
Rwanda is situated at the heart of Africa the bridge between the eco-system of the Cong basin and the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa and thus shares the natural riches of both worlds resulting in a country of exquisite beauty and unsurpassed biodiversity.
Among its many and enduring attractions are the primates,including the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and more. One of the most awesome wildlife highlight on a safari to Rwanda is the interaction with the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
We invite you to meet these gentle giants, our ancestors sharing some 97% of our DNA, in their natural habitat, the verdant jungle and misty mountains of Rwanda. With several specialist tour operators offering eco-friendly gorilla trekking safaris, led by professional guides and with no detail overlooked, you can enjoy the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Things to See
Rwanda, the land of one thousand hills and hundreds attractions is an extraordinary place where serene scenery and placid people greet you at every juncture. The Virunga volcanic mountains have high altitude forests, world-famous mountain gorillas, and Lake Kivu offers beautiful beaches, jutting peninsulas and an archipelago of islands.
National Parks in Rwanda
Rwanda today has three main conservation areas: the Volcanoes Park, Akagera Park and Nyungwe forest. Each of these protects a very different ecosystem and combination of large mammals.
Volcanoes National Park
This 160km² national park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, range of six extinct and three active volcanoes which straddles the borders with Uganda and the DRC.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe is a true rain forest, typically receiving in excess of 2, 000 mm of precipitation annuary. It is also one of the oldest forests in Africa, which is one of the reason it boasts such a high level of diversity. Scientific opinion is that Nyungwe. Read More
Akagera National Park
Named after the river which runs along its eastern boundary, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s answer to the famous Savanna reserves of Kenya, Tanzania and the like. In contrast to the rest of the country, the area is relatively warm. Read More
Top Things to Do
There are lots of things to do while on safari in Rwanda. Discover in Rwanda and What to Do in Rwanda, Africa?
Gorilla Tracking
Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virungas is a peerless wildlife experience, and one of Africa’s indisputable travel highlights. It is difficult to describe the simple exhilaration. From Rwanda you can also easily enjoy gorilla treks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More »
Itinerary Planning
Gather information and get your gorilla-viewing permits from the ORTPN. It is sensible not to rush off to the gorillas immediately; take a few days to get the feel of the country and to acclimatize.
Entry and travel requirements
Visitors traveling to Rwanda typically need a visa, which can often be obtained online or on arrival, depending on nationality. Rwanda also participates in the East African Tourist Visa program, which allows travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda using a single visa.
Most international travelers arrive at Kigali International Airport, located near the capital, Kigali.
Travelers are encouraged to check health requirements before visiting. Yellow fever vaccination is usually required if arriving from countries where the disease is present.
Travel Insurance
Before you travel, make sure that you have adequate medical insurance – choose a policy with comprehensive cover for hospitalization as well as for repatriation in an emergency. Nowadays the range of cover available is very wide- choose whatever suits your method of travel. Be aware (if you plan to use motorbike taxis in Rwanda) that not all policies cover you for this form of transport. Remember to take all the details with you, particularly your policy number and the telephone number that you have to contact in the event of a claim.
Transportation in Rwanda
Getting around Rwanda is relatively easy because the country has well-maintained roads and short travel distances between major destinations.
Travelers can use private safari vehicles, car rentals, taxis, or public buses. For wildlife safaris and trekking trips, many visitors choose guided tours arranged by local tour operators, which include transportation, accommodation, and park permits.
Culture and Local Experiences
Rwandan culture is deeply rooted in tradition, community, and storytelling. Visitors can experience local traditions through cultural villages, traditional dance performances, and craft markets.
Community tourism activities allow travelers to interact with local people, learn about traditional farming methods, participate in cooking experiences, and explore rural lifestyles.
These cultural encounters help visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s heritage and the resilience of its people.
Responsible Travel in Rwanda
Rwanda is globally recognized for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife guidelines, especially during gorilla trekking, where strict rules help protect the endangered animals.
The country is also famous for its environmental policies, including a nationwide ban on plastic bags and monthly community cleaning activities known as Umuganda.
By traveling responsibly, visitors contribute to conservation efforts and support local communities.