Rwanda

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Rwanda is famous for its gorilla trekking opportunities in the Virunga Mountains. This is where Dian Fossey researched and habituated mountain gorillas in the 1960s. Although gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the country has a lot more to offer. In fact, if gorilla trekking is beyond your budget, Rwanda is still worth visiting as an up-and-coming destination offering primate walks, volcano hikes and bird-watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, plus boat trips on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and a classic safari in search of the Big Five in low-key Akagera National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the perfect choice for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. It’s challenging, thrilling and emotional, all in one package. This small but scenic country, referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, has a lot more to offer though. Thirteen other primates, including chimpanzees, inhabit the lush rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, while the Big Five traipse around the savannah plains of Akagera National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head out on foot, bicycle or boat to explore the beautiful Lake Kivu region, or even conquer one of the Virunga volcano peaks.

Looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But there is plenty more on offer in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the place to be for gorilla trekking. Chimpanzees and 12 other primates can be found in Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five. For some relaxation, why not stay a few days on the shore of scenic Lake Kivu.

Rwanda Wildlife

Located in the Albertine Rift, known as a biodiversity hot spot, Rwanda has an amazing variety of animals. Aside from gorillas and chimps you can see many other primates, such as Ruwenzori colobus and golden monkeys. Boat trips are great for seeing hippos and crocodiles, and Akagera’s savannah plains teem with wildlife, including giraffe, buffalo, zebra and defassa waterbuck. Lions are never far away either.