Rwanda offers a wide range of highlights that are worth exploring. ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’ offers opportunities to Wildlife-focused encounters, including the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees as well as the Big 5. The encounters take place in lush rainforests or stretched savanna plains, with breathtaking views over the rolling hills while traversing the country. Adventure takes place on lake Kivu along the Congo-Nile trail and the Virunga Volcanoes. Those seeking to learn about Rwanda’s culture and history have the opportunity to visit museums, explore Kigali city and visit memorial sites.
The below overview provides an insight in Rwanda’s most bespoke regions, as well as unique parks and regions for a more off-beaten track experience. For in-depth information upon each park or region, you can refer to our destination trainings or reach out to one of our travel consultants.
Akagera National Park covers 2500 km² of savannah west of the Kagera River, in the north-east of Rwanda. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while you might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park.
Sprawling over several hills and verdant valleys, the flowering tree-lined streets and boulevards of this modern city are much calmer than those of neighbouring Kampala (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya). There is an excellent selection of cafes and restaurants, many with wonderful views over the broad valleys of the city. A wide range of traditional souvenir shops make good stop in between you sightseeing in the city.
Lake Kivu is part of the Albertine Rift Valley, which stretches from Sudan to Zambia. As a result, there is a high level of volcanic activity in the area, which makes the area around the lake, compared to other lakes in the Rift Valley, a special flora and fauna. More than sixty species of fish are found in Lake Kivu, of which no fewer than sixteen are endemic.
This medium-sized town on the border with D.R. Congo has a special charm which lures a good mix of Rwandans and expats to its surprisingly numerous beaches. The Lake Kivu frontage is lined with landscapes villas, luxurious hotels and private clubs set in plenty of tropical foliage.
The steep surrounding hills fall into deep green waters amid nearby islands making this an extremely picturesque town midway down the coast of Lake Kivu. A few small sandy spots invite you to take a refreshing dip or launch a kayak to explore the indented shoreline. The gruesome chapter of history of this town is explained in the Genocide Memorial Church near the center.
Nyungwe Forest National Park enjoys some of the richest biodiversity in all of Africa. Often compared with Kibale Forest in Uganda, Nyungwe is one of the oldest green expanses in the continent and includes a very wide variety of rare and endangered species including troops of chimpanzees and other primates.
Comprising five volcanoes, the Virungas form the border between Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo and are one of the most beautiful sights in Africa. In addition to the chance to see the mountain gorillas, visitors can also have a chance encounter with a troop of rare golden monkeys on one of many climbs or treks around the Park.
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Bucketlist experiences & activities we love in Rwanda