The healing sounds of Rwanda
Rwanda
Local Temperature
-°C | -°F
Local Time
An African vacation is incomplete without Rwanda, also known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’. If you wish to experience first-class friendliness and hospitality, spectacular sceneries, unique wildlife species, seclusion during a trip, and extraordinary cultural experiences, then visit Rwanda.
Quick Facts About Rwanda
Map of Rwanda
Capital City
Kigali
Best Time
Dec – Feb & Jun – Sept
National Parks & Game Reserves
3 NP & 1 Game reserve
Time Difference
GMT +2
Currency
Rwanda Franc
Population
13.28 million (est. 2021)
National Parks in Rwanda
Rwanda’s tourism is mainly centered on its three national parks. These are Volcanoes National Park, which is known for gorilla trekking and a home to five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for trekking chimpanzee and many other primate species while Akagera National Park popular for big five safaris.
More About Rwanda
An African vacation is incomplete without Rwanda, also known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’. If you wish to experience first-class friendliness and hospitality, spectacular sceneries, unique wildlife species, seclusion during a trip and extraordinary cultural experiences, then visit Rwanda.
Rwanda has had a fair share of pain and uncertainties resulting from the 1994 Genocide that lasted about 100 days and also saw over 2 million lives being lost. Even 27 years down the road, the memories are still fresh in the hearts of victims. So, during your visit, you will appreciate and commiserate with them.
Lakeside unwinding, gorilla treks, cultural tours, classic game drives, birding tours, guided nature walks and volcano climbing are some of the reasons why you should visit Rwanda during your holiday in Africa.
The captivating mountain gorilla treks of Rwanda are conducted within Volcanoes National Park, on the north-western side of the country. These creatures have captured the hearts of many individuals including the late Dian Fossey who saved, sacrificed, and dedicated the youthful years of her life to conserving, studying, and generally protecting them. Therefore during your Rwanda safari, make sure to trek them, visit Dian’s final resting place, and also make a stop at the Dian Fossey Foundation founded to keep her legacy.
Rwanda also offers world-class volcano climbing opportunities, conducted for Mount Karisimbi (the highest of the eight Virunga Mountains) lasting two days to complete, Mount Bisoke that can be completed in 6-7 hours, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. To visitors who prefer guided treks, try out the 13 hiking trails in verdant Nyungwe Forest National park in the south-west of Rwanda.
Other primate treks like chimpanzee treks, golden monkey tracking and Angolan colobus monkey treks are also conducted in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest alone shelters about 13 primate species which you can discover during these unforgettable primate treks.
Visitors who wish to experience modernity throughout their Rwanda trip can consider touring the City of Kigali. These tours involve birding tours, and shopping for art and craft at Inema Art Center, Niyo Art Gallery or Ivuka Arts Center. Don’t miss the feel of going back in time with tours of the Natural History Museum (Kandt House), and checking out real hustle and bustle at Kimironko market.
Cultural tours shouldn’t miss out on the Rwanda safaris where you will visit Gorilla Guardian Village, Kagan Village, Humure Refugee Village, Ubumwe Community visit, and Nyange Communality among others.
Wildlife tours within Akagera National Park make it possible to come close to the big five games (lions, Rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards), Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, Topis, Kobs, Burchell’s zebras, Hippos, Crocodiles and many others.
Rwanda safaris are not just about wildlife, jungles, and wilderness but also related, getaways that are incredibly offered at Lake Kivu with watersports, beachfront relaxation, fishing, and nature walks conducted.
When you talk birding in Rwanda, expect visits to Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks alongside Lake Kivu, Kigali City, and the numerous tranquil wetlands across the country.