Rwanda is blessed with nature and beautiful landscapes. It is a unique destination. From savannah plains, to the beautiful Lake Kivu and the elevated mountainous rainforests where troops of chimpanzees and rare endangered mountain gorillas have made their home. It is undiscovered Africa at its best. This is one of the few countries where mountain gorillas still can be found in the wild. After a turbulent history that involved a civil war, Rwanda has found itself once again and is ready to be visited and explored. You will be welcomed in Rwanda with a big smile and heartwarming hospitality. And once you leave, the country will have made a lasting impression on you.
Land of a Thousand Hills
Nicknamed the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, Rwanda has many evergreen hills to discover. It is therefore a great destination for people who love nature and mountain hikers. Everywhere you go there are rolling hills, some covered with beautiful tea plantations, tropical rainforests and picturesque little traditional Rwandan villages. The national parks in Rwanda provide you with plenty of adventure in walking and wildlife. The Big Five can also be found here as well as the mountain gorillas and much more.
Rwanda Information
Capital: Kigali
Official Language(s): English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda
Currency: Rwandan franc
Rwanda Highlights
Volcanoes National Park
A trip to Rwanda is worth it just to see the mountain gorillas in the wild. There are only four places where they can be found in Africa. The Parc National des Volcans, or Volcanoes National Park, situated on the border of Uganda and Congo is one these locations. It is named after the six volcanoes that make up part of the Virunga mountains. And on the slopes of the mountains, deep inside dense tropical rainforests you can encounter these majestic animals. Scientists such as Dian Fossey have spent many years studying the behavior and culture of these animals. A trip to this area is challenging but rewarding and a true once in a lifetime experience. You’ll not only see gorillas, but plenty of other wildlife and many interesting plants.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda is one of the last primeval tropical rainforests in Africa. This remote forest is home to gigantic trees, vining plants, endemic birds, primates and much more. Over 100 species of orchids are found here as well. It is one of the largest undiscovered destinations in Africa. It is also possible to track chimpanzees or other primate species together with a local guide. The local trackers keep a close eye on the movements of these animals so that poachers don’t stand a chance. Many of the animals and plants here can only be found in this part of the world, which adds to its uniqueness. There are also many walking routes throughout the park. It is in incredible destination for lovers of flora and fauna.
Kibuye
Kibuye is a nice location on the coastline of Lake Kivu. This authentic and traditional feeling town is visited by few tourists. Yet it has a fantastic location, and is particularly interesting as a stopover on the way between the Nyungwe Forest National Park and the impressive Volcanoes National Park. Kibuye is surrounded by beautiful forest covered hills and there are a few beautiful peninsulas in the lake. Here visitors can experience real rural Rwanda better than anywhere else. You’ll see children playing on the waterfront, local fishermen with their going out on the water in their fishing boats and women who work the plantations. There are many hiking and walking routes with amazing views of the lake and opportunities to do some birdwatching as well. There is also a genocide memorial located here in remembrance of the victims.
Best time to visit Rwanda
High Season: June, July, August, September
Shoulder Season: March, April, May
Low Season: January, February, October, November, December
A visit to this museum is worthwhile to get to know the history and culture of Rwanda better. It would be a great begin of your holiday. In the museum a guide will show you around and inform you on various topics, mainly about the pre-colonial period. You’ll learn about the geological features of the country, its langue, people, culture, crafts and tools, and practices and belief systems. You’ll find a great historical overview here.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali became Rwanda’s capital after gaining independence in 1962. This is a beautiful green city located between a number of hills. It’s an interesting city to stay a night in. You can visit banana plantations and see how stones are baked or how traditional baskets are woven. But if you want to know more about Rwanda’s recent history, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a must. In 1994, after years of tensions between the ethnic Hutu and Tutsi groups, a civil war erupted. This three month genocidal period cost nearly a million people their lives. This memorial site was erected for the victims. It explains how it could have taken place. Before visiting, be prepared that some witness reports, footage and material on display might be shocking. It is a very emotional, but historically important location.
Butare
Butare is the former capital of Rwanda and known as the cultural center of the country. Some of the country’s most important and precious museums are located here, including the National Museum of Rwanda. It was built in the early 90s and there is a lot of information about the cultural history of Rwanda here, which will help you understand the country better. You can also find some beautiful botanical gardens here that are kept up for scientific and educational purposes. Local shops sell traditional crafts and reflect Rwandan culture. Among others you’ll find traditional ceramics, beautiful woven baskets, beads, wood carvings, and figurines here.
Akagera National Park
The Akagera National Park is known for its striking and varied landscapes and nature. It has typical iconic African savannahs, forested hills and swamps and waters rich in bird species. During a safari trip here you can spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, impalas and also the roan antelope. If you are very lucky, you could even see the rare imposing shoebill among the vegetation on the shores of one of the lakes. The variety in nature makes it a special place to spot wildlife. There are lodges in the park to stay at. These are conveniently located and make for a great base to start in the morning for a trip in the park.
Gisenyi
Gisenya is situated on the shore of Lake Kivu in the northwest of Rwanda. It’s located near the border of Congo. This is a beautiful serene place to visit with incredible views of the Virunga Mountains as a backdrop and lots of nature walk and biking opportunities along the shore. There are a number of beaches lined with palm trees here on the lake and the town is known for its water sports as well. This is a comfortable place to rest after an active holiday. Take a day or two to relax.
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