Land of a Thousand Hills
Overview
Known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda is a lush, hilly country with more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas living amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is a peaceful country and one of the cleanest countries in the world. Innovative conservation programmes in Rwanda have been very successful, with wildlife numbers increasing every year.
Location
Situated in the African Great Lakes region, Rwanda is dominated by mountains in the west and savannah to the east, with numerous lakes throughout the country. With four national parks, a thriving capital city, spectacular scenery and diverse wildlife, there is plenty to do and explore in Rwanda.
Languages
Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili are the official languages of Rwanda. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda, with the driest months being June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
Rwanda Highlights
Rwanda is home to more than a third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Situated in northwest Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range. After gorilla trekking, explore Lake Kivu and relax along the shores of the sixth-largest lake in Africa. Alternatively, go on safari in Akagera National Park and spot lion, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, and a wide variety of bird species. Primate tracking is a popular activity in the dense rainforests of Nyungwe National Park.
Our team are always on the lookout for the best experiences Rwanda has to offer, and here are a few of our favourites:
Volcanoes National Park | Akagera National Park | Lake Kivu | Nyungwe National Park | Kigali | Genocide Memorial Sites
Scroll through the image gallery below for additional information.
Image Gallery
Parc National des Volcans is home to over a third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Visiting the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling experience.
Akagera National Park is a conservation success story. Thanks to its rewilding programme, visitors can now experience a ‘Big Five’ safari in Rwanda.
With deep emerald-green waters, Lake Kivu is a peaceful and tranquil place full of birdlife. Relax on the beach or go kayaking, mountain biking or hiking and explore the area.
Nyungwe National Park is often thought of as one of Africa’s oldest forests and is home to many chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.
The charming capital of Kigali is a clean, safe and cosmopolitan city with a growing art scene and a mix of lively restaurants and bars.
The memorial sites of the Rwandan Genocide commemorate those who lost their lives in 1994 and are moving places for contemplation and reflection.