RWANDA, THE LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS
A Country of Extraordinary Beauty and Profound Encounters
There are places in Africa that capture your heart the moment you arrive. Rwanda is one of them. From the moment your plane descends into Kigali, you will understand why this small country is called the Land of a Thousand Hills. Green slopes roll to every horizon. Terraced farms cling to steep mountainsides. Mist clings to the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains, where the last remaining mountain gorillas make their home. Rwanda is a country of extraordinary beauty, but its true treasure lies in its wildlife. Trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most profound experiences our planet has to offer. Yet Rwanda offers so much more. Golden monkeys leap through bamboo forests. Chimpanzees swing through the canopy of Nyungwe Forest. Lake Kivu’s calm waters invite relaxation. And the capital city of Kigali is a model of cleanliness, safety, and warmth. For travelers seeking intimate wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and a country that has risen from tragedy with grace and determination, Rwanda delivers an unforgettable journey.
Why Rwanda Stands Apart
You may be wondering why you should choose Rwanda over its larger neighbor, Uganda. The answer lies in accessibility and intimacy. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is more expensive, with permits costing $1,500 per person compared to Uganda’s $800. But that higher price comes with advantages. The trekking in Rwanda is generally shorter and less strenuous, with gorilla families living closer to the park boundaries. The lodges near Volcanoes National Park are among the most luxurious in Africa, offering exceptional service and breathtaking views. The roads are excellent, making travel between destinations smooth and efficient. Rwanda is also a smaller country, which means less time driving and more time exploring. For travelers who value convenience, luxury, and exclusivity, Rwanda is the perfect choice. Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda offers a level of cleanliness, organization, and safety that rivals any destination in the world. Kigali is spotless, with strict anti littering laws and a welcoming atmosphere. The country has worked hard to heal from the 1994 genocide, and visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving, educational experience that adds depth to any journey. Rwanda is a country that honors its past while looking firmly toward the future.
Volcanoes National Park
The Realm of the Mountain Gorilla
Volcanoes National Park sits in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, where the Virunga Mountains rise steeply from the surrounding farmland. This is the place that made Rwanda famous. This is where Dian Fossey studied and protected the mountain gorillas for nearly two decades. This is where you will have one of the most profound encounters of your life. The day of your gorilla trek begins early. You gather at the park headquarters, where you are assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences. Some families are easier to reach, with treks lasting just an hour or two. Others require more effort, climbing steep slopes through dense bamboo forests. Either way, the journey is part of the adventure. Local trackers have been monitoring the gorillas since dawn, so your guide knows exactly where to go. When you finally find them, you will have one precious hour. One hour to watch a silverback protect his family. One hour to see mothers nurse their infants. One hour to feel a connection that transcends language and culture. The gorillas are habituated to human presence, but they remain wild. You sit quietly, keeping a respectful distance, as they go about their daily lives. Some travelers cry. Some laugh. Some simply sit in stunned silence. However you react, you will leave changed. Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person and must be booked months in advance.
Golden Monkey Tracking
A Splash of Color in the Bamboo
While the gorillas get all the attention, Rwanda offers another primate encounter that is equally charming. Golden monkeys live in the same bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, their bright orange fur standing out against the green leaves like flames. Tracking golden monkeys is a different experience from gorilla trekking. The trek is generally shorter and less strenuous. And the monkeys themselves are endlessly entertaining. They leap from bamboo stalk to bamboo stalk, chattering and playing as they go. You will watch them groom each other, forage for food, and care for their young. The hour passes quickly, filled with laughter and wonder. Golden monkey tracking is often added to a gorilla trekking itinerary, making for a full day of primate adventure. It is also a more affordable option for travelers who cannot secure gorilla permits or who wish to extend their time in the park. Golden monkey permits cost $100 per person.
Dian Fossey’s Legacy
A Story of Courage and Conservation
No visit to Volcanoes National Park is complete without paying tribute to Dian Fossey. The American primatologist arrived in Rwanda in 1967 and dedicated her life to protecting the mountain gorillas from poachers and habitat loss. Her work brought international attention to the plight of the gorillas, but it also made her enemies. She was murdered in her cabin in 1985, likely by poachers. Her story was immortalized in the book and film “Gorillas in the Mist.” Today, you can hike to the site of her former research camp and her grave. The trek takes two to three hours each way, climbing through beautiful forest with stunning views of the Virunga peaks. Your guide will share stories of Dian’s life and work, painting a picture of a complex, determined woman who loved the gorillas more than anything. The hike is challenging but rewarding, offering both exercise and education. Even if you do not make the trek, a visit to the Dian Fossey exhibit at the park headquarters provides a moving introduction to her legacy.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
A Canopy of Wonder
In southwestern Rwanda, a different kind of adventure awaits. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, a ancient ecosystem that has survived for millions of years. The forest is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is similar to the experience in Kibale, Uganda. You set out early with a guide and trackers, listening for the chimps’ morning calls. When you find them, you will watch them swing through the canopy, hoot and scream, and interact with each other. It is a lively, energetic experience. But Nyungwe offers something that no other forest in East Africa can match. The Canopy Walkway. Suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, this 90 meter long bridge gives you a bird’s eye view of the jungle. You walk among the treetops, looking down at the canopy below. Birds soar past at eye level. Monkeys leap from branch to branch beneath your feet. The views are breathtaking, stretching across the rolling hills of Rwanda. For those who are not afraid of heights, the Canopy Walkway is an absolute must do. Nyungwe also offers excellent hiking trails, bird watching, and waterfall visits. Chimpanzee permits cost $150 per person. The Canopy Walkway costs $60 per person.
Lake Kivu
Rwanda’s Serene Shoreline
After days of trekking and hiking, you deserve a place to rest. Lake Kivu is that place. Stretching along Rwanda’s western border, this stunning lake is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Its waters are clean, safe for swimming, and free of the bilharzia and crocodiles that plague other lakes. The shoreline is dotted with charming towns: Gisenyi in the north, Kibuye in the center, and Cyangugu in the south. Each offers its own character and attractions. In Gisenyi, you can relax on sandy beaches, swim in the calm waters, or take a boat trip to nearby islands. In Kibuye, you can hike the surrounding hills, visit the genocide memorial, or simply sit on the terrace of your lodge and watch the sun set behind the mountains. Lake Kivu is also the perfect place to process your gorilla trekking experience. You can journal, share photos, and simply breathe. The lake’s beauty is understated but profound. It is the ideal end to any Rwanda safari. Best visited year round, though the dry seasons offer the clearest views.
Kigali
Africa’s Most Welcoming Capital
Kigali is not like other African capitals. It is clean, organized, and remarkably safe. Littering is illegal. Plastic bags are banned. Streets are swept daily. And the people are genuinely warm and welcoming. You will feel comfortable walking the streets, dining at restaurants, and exploring the city on your own. But Kigali is not just a transit hub. It is a destination in its own right. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a must visit for any traveler. The memorial tells the story of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, when an estimated 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. The exhibits are moving, educational, and ultimately hopeful, focusing on reconciliation and the country’s remarkable recovery. More than 250,000 genocide victims are buried at the memorial. It is a sobering but essential experience. Beyond the memorial, Kigali offers excellent dining, from traditional Rwandan dishes to international cuisine. The city has a thriving arts scene, with galleries and craft markets selling handmade textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The Kimironko Market is a feast for the senses, with fresh produce, spices, and fabrics. And the city’s hills offer stunning views, especially at sunset. Kigali is a city that deserves your time and attention. The Genocide Memorial is free but donations are encouraged. Allow at least two to three hours for your visit.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s Savannah Revival
Most travelers come to Rwanda for the gorillas. But those who venture east are rewarded with a different kind of safari experience. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park, a landscape of rolling hills, open plains, and papyrus swamps. The park has undergone a remarkable revival in recent years. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after a 20 year absence. Rhinos followed in 2017. Today, Akagera is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Game drives here are classic African safaris. You will search for elephants drinking at the lake, lions lounging in the grass, and giraffes browsing on acacia trees. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer close encounters with hippos and crocodiles, along with some of the best bird watching in the country. Akagera is not as wildlife dense as Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, but it offers a different kind of magic: the thrill of exploring a park that is still rebuilding, still growing, and still full of potential. For travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking with a classic savannah safari, Akagera is the perfect addition. Best visited during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.
The People of Rwanda
Resilience, Warmth, and Hope
Rwanda’s landscapes are stunning. Its wildlife is extraordinary. But what travelers remember most is the spirit of the Rwandan people. This is a country that has endured unimaginable tragedy and emerged with grace, determination, and hope. The genocide of 1994 left deep scars, but Rwanda has chosen reconciliation over revenge, unity over division, and progress over despair. You will see this spirit everywhere. In the warm smiles of the people you meet. In the clean streets of Kigali. In the community projects that bring people together. Visiting Rwanda is not just a safari. It is a lesson in resilience. It is a reminder of the best of humanity. Take time to connect with the people you meet. Share a meal. Listen to their stories. You will leave with more than photographs. You will leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to heal.
Practical Information for Your Rwanda Safari
Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and most organized destinations. The roads are excellent, the airports are efficient, and the tourism infrastructure is world class. English and French are widely spoken, and Kinyarwanda is the local language. The currency is the Rwandan Franc, though US dollars are accepted for gorilla permits and many lodges. Visa requirements vary by nationality, but most visitors can obtain a visa online or upon arrival. Rwanda is also a yellow fever zone, so you will need to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. Malaria is present, so bring appropriate prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent. The best time to visit depends on your priorities. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the easiest trekking and best wildlife viewing. The green seasons bring lower prices, fewer crowds, and stunning green landscapes. No matter when you visit, Rwanda will capture your heart.
Why Book Your Rwanda Safari With Africa Exotic Safaris
We are a locally owned company with deep roots in East Africa, including Rwanda. We know these forests, these roads, and these people. We have personal relationships with the best guides, the most comfortable lodges, and the most reliable drivers. We secure gorilla permits on your behalf, handling all the paperwork and advance planning. We design itineraries that balance adventure with rest, wildlife with culture, and activity with relaxation. And we are available 24/7 while you travel, because we know that peace of mind is the foundation of a great safari. When you book with us, you are not just a customer. You are a guest. You are a partner in conservation. And you are family.
Ready to Discover the Land of a Thousand Hills?
Your Rwandan Adventure Awaits
You have read about misty volcanoes and playful golden monkeys. You have imagined yourself face to face with a mountain gorilla. You have dreamed of walking among the treetops in Nyungwe Forest. Now it is time to turn those dreams into reality. Rwanda is waiting for you. Its hills are calling. Its people are ready to welcome you home.
Let us send you on the adventure of a lifetime.
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