Rwanda has an instant association with its amazing mountain gorillas and dramatic mountain views. Its rich biodiversity in the Volcanoes National Park and the Nyungwe Forest, along with its charming people make Rwanda a place that visitors will long to return to. Explore tea plantations, unwind by the shore of Lake Kivu, or continue your safari in Akagera National Park.

The name Rwanda evokes images of amazing mountain gorillas in the mist, eating nettles on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Rwanda’s captivating natural features continue to draw visitors in, from Lake Kivu and Rwanda’s majestic volcanoes, to the acres of lush vegetation, verdant tea plantations and dense rainforest. Rwanda is home to hundreds of species of trees, plants and birds, in which its varied wildlife and biodiversity can be seen across the stunning national parks.

A great place for nature loving travellers, Rwanda has three main conservation areas. The Volcanoes National Park is in the north-west of the country and is home to the impressive mountain gorilla. Time spent here tracking the gorillas on foot is for many travellers a lifetime dream come true. To the south you find the Nyungwe Forest, whose dense forest canopy is home to large chimpanzee and colobus monkey populations. In the east, Akagera National Park is home to a unique swamp ecosystem that is one of the largest protected wetland areas in eastern Africa.

Rwanda is known for its complex and tragic history, yet the Land of a Thousand Hills, with its stunning natural surroundings and impeccable wildlife mean that visitors have now returned to this beautiful country, allowing the capital Kigali and the shores of Lake Kivu to rebuild and redevelop. The people are charming and welcoming, keen to show off their tiny gem of a country to visitors.

RWANDA TOURIST CIRCUITS

  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Kigali and Central Rwanda
  • Akagera National Park
  • Rubavu/Lake Kivu
  • Nyungwe National Park
  • Congo Nile Trail

Virungas and Northern Rwanda

The Virunga Mountain range spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Parc National des Volcans, known more commonly as the Volcanoes National Park, is located in north-western Rwanda and is best known for its beautiful volcanoes and resident mountain gorilla population.

Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925, and its mountain gorillas were first made famous through the research work of Diane Fossey who spent two decades researching the magnificent primates. The Volcanoes National Park is lucky to have more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas, and is probably the best place in Africa to see them. There are currently seven habituated families of gorillas in the park, visitors are able to spend time with one of these families, ranging from seven to thirty-five individuals.

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Kigali and Central Rwanda

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, located in the heart of the country. It is one of Africa’s most attractive capital cities, spanning over the hillsides and valleys and surrounded by lush green countryside.

The centre of Kigali, which is bustling and colourful, is impressively clean, efficient and safe. Peaceful, tree-lined streets stretch outwards and generally downwards from the city’s heart, while the government and administrative districts are located on a neighbouring hill in an area known as Kacyiru. The city has a good number of restaurants, bustling markets, and well-presented museums to explore during your stay.

The capital, along with the rest of the country, has put a lot of time and effort into rebuilding itself after the horrors of the genocide in 1994. On the last Saturday of the month there is a “clean up day” where all residents spend the day tidying, cleaning, painting and working on community projects, which has resulted in a real sense of community spirit, and one of the cleanest African cities we’ve seen. This is just one example of the city’s vibrance and the Rwandan’s determination to transform their future into a hopeful one.

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Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Although founded in 1934, much of the park was re-allocated as farms and in 1997 the park was reduced in size from more than 2,500 sq km (nearly 10% of the surface area of Rwanda) to its current extent of 1,122 sq km. Since 2010, a joint venture with African Parks has seen Akagera return to its former glories.

It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

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Rubavu/Lake Kivu

If you’re surprised that Rwanda has a beach – you’re not alone. Rubavu (also known as Gisenyi) is a waterfront town located on the shores of Lake Kivu, one Africa’s great bodies of water. At only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Rubavu is a great way to unwind after trekking adventures.

Rubavu marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail, which extends 227 km to Rusizi, and has plenty of biking and hiking trails to fulfill those who crave the some more adventure. Rubavu is also known for its agro tourism experiences, with many tea and coffee plantations nearby.

Nyungwe National Park

Located in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity.

Covering over 1000 square kilomtres, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

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Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail is a trail along Lake Kivu that extends from Rubavu, continues through Rutsiro via the Karongi, Nyamasheke districts and ends at Rusizi District.

227 km (141 miles) of beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and clear water. The entire trek can be completed in a 10- day hike. However, the trip can be done in sections if travelers do not have the time to complete the entire trail. Trails give stunning views of the Lake Kivu coastline and offer adventurous travelers an exciting way to discover Rwanda. Biking the Congo Nile Trail can be completed in 5 days, with rich views and immersive cultural experiences along the way. This trail appeals to adventure travelers and is a great way to experience Rwanda. The trail can also be split up if visitors do not have the time to commit to the 5 day journey. However, it is an experience worth selling to those who crave an off the beaten path adventure