Trek through misty forests to encounter golden monkeys and silverback gorillas in the wild
Situated in central Africa, Rwanda is a country of astounding natural beauty. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, its majestic mountain ranges are blanketed in lush tropical rainforests. The rolling scenery is accentuated with vast glimmering lakes and striking dormant volcanoes, most famously the Virunga volcanoes, where the world's last remaining mountain gorillas can be found, hidden deep in the bamboo forests. Renowned for its unparalleled concentration of incredible nature and wildlife, Rwanda has three protected national parks, Akagera Parc, National des Volcans, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here you can trek through rainforests to find native golden monkeys, a growing population of chimpanzees, and rare troops of mountain gorillas and silverbacks. Then, descend from the mountains to discover Lake Kivu, the second biggest freshwater lake in the world and one of the African Great Lakes. Boasting some of the best inland beaches in Africa, Lake Kivu offers swimming, kayaking and even scuba diving below the mystical depths. You can stay overnight on the eastern shore and take a day trip to Napoleon Island, home to thousands of bats. Explore Kigali, Rwanda's picturesque capital city. Surrounded by rolling hills and lined with leafy boulevards, Kigali is one of Africa's safest and cleanest cities. A name synonymous with a horrific past, Rwanda has made leaps and bounds towards a dynamic future. Today the country is an upcoming leader in environmental conservation and responsible tourism. A trip to Rwanda offers the chance to contribute to conservation and a prosperous future, while experiencing the breathtaking privilege of meeting the remaining precious mountain gorillas in their unspoiled homes. Due to its central location, Rwanda combines beautifully with its east African neighbours. Extend your adventure to Tanzania and Kenya to the see the Great Migration, or round out your luxury trip with a relaxing visit to the sunny shores of Zanzibar. Due to its central location, Rwanda combines beautifully with its east African neighbours. Extend your trip to Tanzania and Kenya to the see the Great Migration, or round out your luxury holiday with a relaxing visit to the sunny shores of Zanzibar.
Featured Rwanda Trips
All our brilliant itineraries can be tailor-made to perfectly suit you, Rwanda may be small, but it has some of the most luxurious trips to offer. If you’re thinking of just doing a short stay to trek with the mountain gorillas consider combining this with the remote beach location of Mafia Island for some proper down time.
Rwanda has certainly positioned itself to work well in the luxury market with some stunning accommodations available. To get a real feel for everything the country has to offer consider doing the whole country and hit the highlights seeing chimps, gorillas, golden monkeys and if there’s time a new safari destination! If you’re looking for a quick dip in a combine all of East Africa’s bucket list items think about heading across to the Masai Mara or Serengeti for your lifetime safari (perhaps catch the migration!) before finishing of at the coast.
There’s an itinerary to suit everyone, whether you want to get active hiking the volcanoes or canoeing on the lakes. Or indulge in luxury with sweeping views across Rwanda’s scenes.
When to go to Rwanda
Being so close to the equator, Rwanda has two distinct dry seasons and two rainy seasons. Plan your trip to avoid the rain by visiting between June and September or December and February. Travelling and trekking are far easier in the dry seasons, and there are fewer mosquitoes. The wet seasons run from March to May and October to November, causing rainforest paths to become very muddy and slippery. However, it is easier to spot chimpanzees and golden monkeys during the wet season, so if you want the best chance for seeing these primates, consider visiting in early June or late November when the rains are easing.
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Rebecca Blakey
Family Travel Specialist
Enquire OnlineWhere to stay in Rwanda
Immerse yourself in Rwanda's staggering natural beauty by staying in luxury accommodations surrounded by scenic landscapes. Our fantastic lodge relationships mean you get preferential treatment as a Wayfairer client & access to our excellent rates.
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