WELCOME TO
Rwanda
LAND OF THRILLS
The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most compact and efficient safari destinations. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” the country’s landscape is defined by rolling green highlands, volcanic mountains and protected rainforest.
Rwanda is internationally recognised for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It also offers classic savannah wildlife in Akagera National Park and primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
For travellers seeking a refined, well-managed and logistically smooth safari experience with strong conservation credentials, Rwanda stands apart.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Why visit Rwanda
Rwanda delivers focused, high-quality wildlife encounters within a small geographic footprint. Transfers between parks are manageable, and infrastructure is modern and well organised.
Rwanda key facts
Rwanda is located in Central-East Africa and bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country is landlocked and predominantly high altitude, contributing to its temperate climate despite its equatorial location.
POPULATION SIZE
13 million
CURRENCY
Rwandan franc (RWF)
GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE
26,338 km²
LANGUAGE
Kinyarwanda, English & French
Volcanic mountains
The Virunga volcanic range dominates the north-west, forming the setting for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Savannah plains
Akagera National Park protects open plains, woodland and lake systems along Rwanda’s eastern border.
Montane rainforest
Nyungwe Forest National Park preserves one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, supporting rich biodiversity and primate populations.
Leopard
Mainly found in Akagera National Park. Roughly 15-20 are estimated to live in this region.
Golden monkey
Golden monkeys are an endangered species. Endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
Mountain gorilla
Volcanoes National Park protects a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s trekking model is tightly regulated and well managed.
Lion
Reintroduced to Akagera National Park, lions have established breeding prides and are now regularly sighted during game drives.
Rwanda weather
Dry season June to September & December to February These months provide more stable trekking conditions, particularly in Volcanoes National Park.
Rainy season March to May & October to November Rainfall increases, especially in forested areas. Trails become more demanding but landscapes are lush.
Rwanda’s altitude moderates temperatures year-round.
DRY SEASON
June to Sep & Dec to Feb
RAINY SEASON
March to May, Oct & Nov
Best time to go
Rwanda’s safari destinations
Rwanda’s safari offering is concentrated within three primary national parks, allowing travellers to combine primate trekking, classic game viewing and rainforest exploration within a short timeframe.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park lies in the Virunga Mountains along Rwanda’s border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park protects habituated gorilla families accessible through regulated permits.
Treks begin early with ranger briefings before small groups enter the forest. Trekking duration varies depending on gorilla movement and terrain. Once located, visitors spend one regulated hour observing the family.
The park’s proximity to Kigali, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive, makes Rwanda one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations.
Savannah & Big Five – Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park spans savannah plains, rolling hills and lake systems along Rwanda’s eastern border. Following extensive conservation work and species reintroductions, the park now supports the Big Five.
Game drives reveal lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and antelope species. Boat excursions on Lake Ihema provide sightings of hippo and crocodile.
Akagera offers a contrasting savannah experience within Rwanda’s otherwise highland landscape.
Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk – Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. The park is home to chimpanzees and multiple monkey species, including large troops of colobus monkeys.
Chimpanzee trekking takes place in small guided groups. In addition to primate tracking, Nyungwe features a suspended canopy walkway offering elevated views across the forest.
Nyungwe appeals to travellers seeking biodiversity and forest immersion beyond gorilla trekking.
Rwanda Journeys
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What animals can I see in Rwanda?
Rwanda is best known for its mountain gorillas, one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth. In Volcanoes National Park, you can trek through bamboo forest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. Nyungwe Forest National Park offers chimpanzee trekking and sightings of colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and other forest primates.
For classic savannah wildlife, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s Big Five destination. Here you can see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino, alongside giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile. Birdlife is exceptional across the country, with more than 700 recorded species.
Where is Rwanda located?
Rwanda is located in East Africa, bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. It sits within the Albertine Rift and is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its rolling green landscape.
How many national parks are there in Rwanda?
Rwanda has four national parks:
• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Each park protects a distinct ecosystem, from high-altitude rainforest to open savannah and wetlands. Though compact in size, Rwanda’s protected areas are carefully managed and deliver focused, high-quality wildlife experiences.
What can I do in Rwanda besides going on safari?
Rwanda offers much more than wildlife viewing. Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive cities, with excellent restaurants, art galleries and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides important historical context.
You can relax along the shores of Lake Kivu, explore coffee plantations, hike in the hills around Musanze, or visit local communities for cultural experiences. Rwanda is also an excellent destination for scenic photography and hiking.
What should I wear on a Rwanda safari?
Rwanda’s climate is generally mild due to its altitude. Mornings can be cool, especially in the mountains. For gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots and a light rain jacket. Forest trails can be muddy and steep.
For game drives in Akagera, neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, olive or beige works best. Avoid bright colours and white.
Where do I fly into Rwanda for a safari?
Most international travellers arrive at Kigali International Airport in Kigali. Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2.5 hours by road from Kigali. Akagera National Park is about 2.5 to 3 hours, while Nyungwe Forest National Park takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by road.
What is Rwanda’s national animal?
The mountain gorilla is Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife species and its strongest conservation symbol. While not officially designated as the national animal, it represents the country’s conservation success and global identity.
VISAS
Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Yes, most travellers require a visa to enter Rwanda. The process is straightforward. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, while others can apply in advance through Rwanda’s online e-visa system.
Rwanda is also part of the East Africa Tourist Visa programme, which allows travel between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya on a single visa if you enter through one of those countries first. Visa regulations can change, so always confirm current requirements with your nearest Rwandan embassy or official government website before travelling.
VACCINATIONS
What vaccines do I need to visit Rwanda?
Always consult your doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Rwanda. Commonly recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria and polio.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country where yellow fever is present. If you are travelling directly from Europe or North America, it is generally not required, but regulations can change so confirm before departure.
Is Rwanda malaria free?
No. Malaria is present in Rwanda, particularly in lower altitude areas. The risk is lower in high-altitude regions such as Volcanoes National Park, but prevention is still advised.
Speak to your healthcare provider about appropriate anti-malarial medication before travel. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in the evenings and follow lodge guidance regarding mosquito precautions.
What is the COVID protocol for travelling to Rwanda?
Rwanda has lifted most COVID-related entry requirements. However, international travel rules can change at short notice.
Check official government sources or consult your travel specialist shortly before departure to confirm the latest regulations.
Do I need to show proof of COVID vaccination when arriving in Rwanda?
Currently, proof of COVID vaccination is not required for entry into Rwanda. Always verify requirements before departure, as policies may be updated.
TIPPING POLICY IN EAST AFRICA
- Tipping practices in East Africa can vary depending on the country and the specific service you receive and how appreciate.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10-15% of the total bill is customary.
- For hotel staff, such as porters or room service, a tip of around $1-2 per service is typical.
- For safari guides and drivers, tipping is recommended for good services. The amount varies depending on the length of the safari and level of satisfaction, but a guideline is around $10-20 per person per day.
- It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and tipping practices can vary. It’s always a good idea to consider the level of service you received and your own satisfaction when deciding whether and how much to tip. Additionally, some upscale establishments may have different expectations for tipping.
- It’s recommended to carry small bills in the local currency to facilitate tipping, as it may not always be easy to obtain change for larger bills in upcountry restaurants and lodges.
LET’S PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
We tailor each journey around seasonality, comfort and wildlife priorities.