Experience the best of Rwanda.
To experience the best of Rwanda, combine primate trekking, gorillas and chimpanzees, savanna wildlife viewing in Akagera national park, relaxing by Lake Kivu, and visiting the Kigali genocide memorial to understand the country’s history and culture. Engage with local traditions in cultural villages and consider adventures like canopy walks, volcano hikes, and exploring the Congo Nile Trail. The dry season June to September, is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking. Experience the best of Rwanda.
Must do wildlife and nature experiences
- Gorilla trekking.Visit Volcanoes National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a highlight of Rwanda. Experience the best of Rwanda.
- Chimpanzee and primate tracking. Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and to see other primates like golden monkeys.
- Wildlife safari… head to Akagera National Park for classic savanna wildlife viewing, where you can see the big five, including lions, elephants, and buffalo
- Canopy walk: Experience the lush rainforest from above with a canopy walk in Nyungwe forest.
- Volcano climbing. Hike through dramatic landscapes to summit Rwanda’s dormant volcanoes
- Lake Kivu. Relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, kayaking, swimming, or enjoying views. Experience the best of Rwanda.
Cultural and historical insights
- Kigali genocide memorial. Visit the significant site to learn about the history, honour victims, and gain a powerful educational experience.
- Cultural villages engage the local communities to experience traditional dances et people, and learn about their culture..
- Explore Kigali.. Discover the vibrant capital city with its burgeoning art scene and impressive modern architecture, including the Kigali Convention Centre.
- Adventure and scenic exploration
- Congo Nile trail.Hike, bike, or kayak along this trail that meanders along the shores of Lake Kivu, offering stunning landscapes and coffee plantation views
- Birdwatching in Rwanda is a top birding destination, with over 1000 bird species.
Tips for your trip
Best time to visit
- The dry season from June to September offers excellent weather for outdoor activitiesespecially gorilla trekking, as trails are less muddy.
- Book in advance.. Gorilla trekking permits are high in demand, especially during peak season. Book them well in advance.
- Combine destinations..Combine your Rwanda trip with other safari destinations in East Africa or beach holidays in nearby Zanzibar..
What is the best thing about Rwanda?
The best thing about Rwanda is its combination of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and progressive social policies, making it a leader in sustainable eco–tourism, gender equality, and environmental cleanliness. The country is home to iconic mountain gorillas, boasts world–class coffee, and is recognized for its exceptionally friendly people and well-maintained, safe cities.
- Nature and wildlife
- Mountain gorilla trekking experience, once–in–a–lifetime opportunities to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with Volcanoes National Park
- Diverse biodiversitBeyondnd gorillas, Rwanda offers chances to spot chimpanzeesgolden monkeys, and a vast array of colorful birds and butterflies in its rainforests and national parks.
- Stunning landscapes. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda features majestic volcanoes, lush rainforest, and scenic areas around Lake Kivu.
Social and environmental progress
- Cleanliness. Rwanda is one of Africa’s cleanest countries with strict policies against plastic bags and a strong tradition of monthly community clean–up days (umuganda )
- Gender equality. Rwanda has a high representation of women in power, being the first country to have the highest number of female parliament members globally.
- Social ecotourism. The nation is committed to responsible low-footprint tourism that benefits local communities and protects its environment.
- Cultural and social aspects
- Warm and friendly people. Visitors often highlight the warmth, hospitality, and friendliness of the Rwandan people.e
- Modern resilient city. Cities like the capital, Kig a li, are clean, well-maintained, and showcase the country’s resilient spirit and modern development. World–class coffee and tea..Rwanda produces high–quality coffee and tea that are enjoyed internationally.
What are the big 5 animals in Rwanda?
The big 5 animals to be found in Rwanda are lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. These iconic animals can be seen in their natural habitat within Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, which is the only place in the country to experience a Big Five safari.
Where to find them
- Akagera National Park. It is the primary destination for a Big Five safari in Rwanda.
- Location. It is located in eastern Rwanda. This protected area is home to diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
How to see them
- Game drives. They are popular for spotting lions and leopards
- Boat cruises on Lake Hema can offer views of elephants, buffalo, nd rhinos along the riverbanks and grasslands
- Nocturnal game drives can also provide a chance to see predators like lions and leopards
What is the greatest problem Rwanda is facing today?
Greatest challenges include the severe effects of overpopulation on limited land resources, leading to environmental degradation and land disputes. Other major issues include high unemployment, particularly among youth who struggle to find jobs that match their education. The challenges of being a landlocked country, resulting in high import and export costs; a heavy government role and reliance on the current president, and a transition from an agrarian to a market economy, which requires modernization of the agricultural sector
Challenges
- Overpopulation and land scarcity. As mainland Africa’s most densely populated country, Rwanda faces significant pressure on its limited agricultural land, which contributes to environmental degradation and tensions among its population.
- Unemployment .a larger number of university graduates face high unemployment rates as the education system hasn’t kept pace with job market demands, leading to a lack of opportunities for office jobs.
- Landlocked status. Being a landlocked country significantly increases transportation costs for imports and exports, impacting the cost of goods and the competitiveness of its manufacturing sector..
- Economic transition. In Rwanda is working to transition from a predominantly agrarian economy to a diversified market value economy, but this requires significant shifts in infrastructure, agricultural techniques, and job creation beyond the traditional farming sector..Government reliance is the primary employer and economic driver, creating an overdependence on it and the current leadership.p
- Limited capital. Access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs is challenging, with high interest rates hindering economic growth.
What do I need to know before going to Rwanda?
Before travelling to Rwanda, you must obtain a visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if traveling from an endemic country. Pack reusable bags as plastic bags are banned. Respect local culture by dressing modestly, not taking photos without permission, and speaking cautiously about the past. Be prepared to use the local currency the the Rwanda franc, as credit cards are not widely accepted. Book gorilla treks in advance; spots are limited, and remember that flash photography is prohibited during these tours.