A  big destination in a small package

Making a great impression and winning hearts is something that Rwanda does rather well. This petite East African country, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a lush, vibrant paradise that's undergone an impressive transformation in the last 30 years. It's a dazzling mix of natural beauty, modern charm, and rich cultural heritage. 

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for your next adventure, Rwanda has something special for you. Its capital, Kigali, is a real stunner. Imagine a clean, green city that's safe and buzzing with energy. The skyline boasts modern buildings, and the streets are so spotless you could almost eat your lunch off them.

On the nature front, Rwanda is a veritable haven with volcanoes, rainforests, and sparkling lakes. The crown jewel? Majestic mountain gorillas. Trekking through Volcanoes National Park to see these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable experience.

Of course, Rwanda isn't just about the views. The resilience and spirit of its people, who've rebuilt the nation with grace and determination following the 1994 genocide, is truly inspiring. The country stands as a testament to what unity and perseverance can achieve.

If you're into culture, Rwanda won't disappoint. The local music scene blends traditional rhythms with contemporary beats that'll have you dancing in no time. And the food? Delicious. Think mouth-watering brochettes, fresh fish, and the best bananas you'll ever taste.

So pack your bags and get ready to be wowed. Rwanda is rolling out the green carpet just for you!

RWANDA IN A NUTSHELL

The where...

Here are some of the must-visit places we recommend including on a Rwanda safari that can easily be combined with one another as well as a range of other complementary destinations...

Volcanoes National Park

A haven for trekkers seeking a rare encounter with critically endangered mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is regarded as Rwanda's "crown jewel" in terms of its national parks and offers an intimate and unforgettable wildlife experience. Gorilla trekking also directly contributes to the conservation of these incredible great apes. But there's more to Volcanoes National Park than gorillas. You can hike the dramatic slopes of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in Rwanda, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Explore the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund headquarters and learn about her remarkable conservation efforts. Go birding in the lowlands and primate watching, looking out for the endangered golden monkey.

Musts: Gorilla trekking, mountain biking, hiking, birding, guided tours to local villages, coffee tasting

Akagera National Park

A poster child for what can be achieved in terms of restoring wilderness areas, Akagera National Park represents the resilience of Rwanda and its determination to succeed in a vast, resurgent ecosystem. Once heavily impacted by conflict, the park has undergone a remarkable comeback with sprawling savannas and shimmering lakes teeming with life from lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino to huge herds of plains game. Add in more than 500 bird species and the chance to cruise the waters of Lake Ihema, spotting hippo and crocodiles as you go, and you have one of the best-kept secrets in sub-Saharan Africa!

Musts: Cruising Lake Ihema, walking safaris, game drives, birding along the shores of the lake, wildlife photography, boat-based safaris

Lake Kivu

The Rwandan Riviera beckons! Lake Kivu offers a captivating blend of relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty with sparkling waters framed by majestic mountains and rolling hills – this is a veritable picture-perfect African paradise. Kayak across the tranquil waters, soaking up the breathtaking scenery as you go. Or cycle along its banks, stopping en route for a picnic. The hiking and trekking opportunities here are endless and lakeside towns like Gisenyi offer the chance to relax in charming cafés and restaurants and indulge in some retail therapy. 

Musts: Kayaking on the lake, cycling tours, community visits, shopping, eating out, hiking and trekking

Kigali

A city with a huge heart, Kigali is Rwanda's vibrant capital and offers a surprising mix of modern energy, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. Kigali takes pride in its spotless streets and green spaces and celebrates its country's achievement of emerging from the tragedy of the 1994 genocide into one of Africa's most stable and successful countries.  The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a poignant tribute to the victims of the darkest period in Rwanda's history and embodies its people's commitment to reconciliation, allowing visitors to learn more about its hopeful future. Changing pace and for those yearning for a tasteof local culture, the Caplaki Craft Village offers stalls overflowing with local Rwandan handcrafts, from intricate wood carvings to colourful woven baskets. The city centre is also full of cafés, restaurants and shops and is one of the safest cities on the continent.

Musts: Hike to the top of Mount Kigali for panoramic views,  enjoy a meal at the Hotel Mille Collines, famously featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda, visit the Kigali Genocide Museum, trawl the bustling markets for local arts and crafts

The when...

So what's it like in Rwanda? Do I need to pack my cozzie? When's best for gorilla trekking? All valid questions which we're about to answer in our overview of Rwanda's seasons...