Rwanda

About Rwanda

Murakaza Neza.

Welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.

Located into heart of Africa, a landlocked country lying south of the Equator in east-central Africa. Known for its breathtaking scenery, The country home to 2 Ethnic group of people the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi factions peaked in 1994. Civil war and genocide at that time left country unstable. After the Genocide, with the help of Great Readers that the country has got, Rwanda has become one of leading travel destinations around East Africa, with its vibrant and thriving biodiversity regions has made it Luxury Travel country bustling, with exemplifies it’s cleanliness. Free plastic, bags are banned and car-less. Fiercely protective over its wilderness and land.

Encountering a mountain gorilla in the Volcanoes National Park, as you come close quietly to see a mother cradling her baby, just few meters away from you in the legendary mist-shrouded by Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness. From the land, to the wildlife, to the people. Everything is seamlessly woven into every level of the ecosystem. And the ripple effects are seen everywhere. Explore the traversed, Rwanda the most thrilling destination promising unique wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, warm, proud people. A land of astonishing beauty, Rwanda has risen phoenix-like from its troubled history. Today the tiny country of nearly 13 million people is Africa’s economic poster child, a model of reconciliation, regeneration and sustainability.  Explore Rwanda’s tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and volcanoes, Rwanda is one of the most ecologically diverse places in Africa. The continent’s Albertine Rift region, which covers much of western Rwanda, is home to about a third of Africa’s birds, 40 percent of its mammals, Rwanda’s economy is growing so first with coffee and tea production among its main exports. Tourism is other source of income in Rwanda with Gorilla trekking being on its iconic attractions in the country. The 1000 hills country is home to an estimated one-third of the worldwide mountain gorilla population that are still living in the wild while these can be found in 3 neighbouring countries, Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo

Culture

Music and dance are a big part of Rwandan culture in cities and rural areas. Rwanda’s most famous dance is made up of three parts: the intore, meaning dance of heroes, performed by men; the umushagiriro, or cow dance, performed by women; and drumming, performed on drums known as ingoma.

Rwanda has long been seen as the premiere destination for gorilla tracking, but today more than ever there are dozens of reasons to extend your stay, starting with the 13 species of primates and East Africa’s only canopy walk, all to be found in the dense rain forests of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Still, it’s hardly a surprise that Rwanda developed its reputation for Gorillas—experts estimate that there are only 780 mountain gorillas still in existence in Rwanda and one third of these majestic creatures can be found in Volcanoes National Park alone. With the recent reintroduction of lions to Akagera National Park in the East, Rwanda has truly come into its own as a full-fledged safari destination, and it’s not even a one day drive between each of these world-class attractions.

Outside of the national parks, visitors can check out (or even participate in) a traditional dance, tour one of Rwanda’s dozens of world-class tea and coffee plantations, and take a dip in Lake Kivu, all in the same day. After all that, soak up the real Rwanda with a hike through lakeside villages on the Congo Nile trail, pull out the binoculars to take a gander at the hundreds of species on Rwanda’s ornithological checklist, or just get out on the water and hook a few fish for your evening brochettes. After all that, save some time for Kigali’s vibrant dining scene, dozens of historic museums, memorials, and churches, and forward-looking population just waiting to welcome you to their home.

Gorilla Tracking
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the Mountain gorillas live.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 100,000 Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment.

Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in Northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.

Primate Tracking
Beyond the gorillas that made Rwanda famous, wildlife junkies will be thrilled to know that they can track three more species of primate on their Rwandan holiday: Chimpanzees, Guereza colobus, and the endangered Golden monkey. Chimpanzee groups live high in the canopy of Nyungwe National Park, and catching your first glimpse of one crashing through the forest after hiking into their territory is nothing short of astonishing. The Guereza colobus live in Nyungwe as well, and these resplendent, long-haired creatures are every wildlife photographer’s dream. Finally, like their neighbors the gorillas, the Golden monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their rich colors, energetic demeanor, and sizable troupes of up to 30 individuals are truly a sight to behold. The gorillas may be what brought you to Rwanda, but it would be an absolute shame to leave without seeing any of the wonderful creatures they share a home with.

Birding
With nearly 700 species in just 10,000 square miles, Rwanda is a birder’s paradise.
When it comes to birding, Rwanda is amongst Africa’s most exciting destinations – within this relatively small and compact country, there over 1450 bird species of which 27 are Albertine Rift endemics.

Highlights include the Red-Faced Barbet, Shoe-bill Stork, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek and the Miombo Wren-Warblers.
Rwanda has seven Important Birding Areas (IBAs) including the three National Parks—Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe. The other IBAs are at: Rugezi Swamp, Akanyaru, Nyabarongo and Cyamudongo.

Congo Nile Trail
Get lost along the lake in Rwanda’s wildest corner.
The Congo Nile Trail is a trail along Lake Kivu that extends from Rubavu, continues through Rutsiro via the Karongi, Nyamasheke districts and ends at Rusizi District.
227 km (141 miles) of beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and clear water. The entire trek can be completed in a 10- day hike. However, the trip can be done in sections if travelers do not have the time to complete the entire trail. Trails give stunning views of the Lake Kivu coastline and offer adventurous travelers an exciting way to discover Rwanda.

Culture experience
Centuries of music, dance, history and hospitality are waiting for you in Rwanda.
While it might have been the gorillas that entice you to Rwanda, it’s the people of Rwanda who will keep you coming back. Ancient traditions of honor and hospitality run strong here, and anybody who takes the time to discover Rwandan culture for themselves will find a proud and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions. Music and dance play an indispensable role in everyday life here, and performances range from dashing demonstrations of bravery and prowess to humorous songs, light-hearted dances, and rural artistry with roots in traditional agriculture. Traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary lulunga—a harp-like instrument with eight strings—while more celebratory dances are backed by a drum orchestra, which typically comprises of seven to nine members who collectively produce a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms. Below we list different cultural experiences that you can easily incorporate into your trip to Rwanda.
Game Safaris
Experience a classic African Safari in beautiful Akagera National Park. With Lake Ihema in the background and cooler temperatures, this is a safari experience unlike any of Rwanda’s neighbors.
Akagera is located approximately 110 km from Kigali. The majority of the way is paved, and the last 28 km are on a dirt road, therefore it is recommended to have a 4×4. For self-drive safaris, there is no need to book. Cars are available for hire, there is one 7-seater game viewing vehicle which can be hired out for either a half or full day, all which includes the vehicle, driver and guide.

Places to visit

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this …
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking safaris and has the highest number and diversity of primates in East Africa. There are 13 species of primates including chimpanzees living within its 795km2 land cover with the most beautiful and most diversified tracts of tropical forest in …
MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park at just 33.7km2. The Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. It is a preferred primate destination worth adding onto your Uganda safari. It was gazetted in 1991 and has the land area coverage of 33.7sq.km, lying not far from Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National …
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park and the closest to both Kampala and Entebbe. If you're planning for wildlife safaris in Uganda, birding safaris, or want to enjoy game viewing, Lake Mburo should be on your itinerary. This park is a top destination for many Uganda safari tour operators, especially for guests …
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Also known as the Kabalega National Park, the Murchison Falls National Park is popularly known for having the world’s most powerful waterfall that emits large volumes of water about 300 cubic meters per second or 11,000 ft³/s at a very powerful pressure that cause the surrounding to tremble. The park was first gazetted in 1927 …
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular national park. With its diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forest, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideal habitat for a safari in Uganda. The park is home to classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 …
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
The Semuliki Valley is one of Uganda’s unspoiled areas. It is set at the base of the Albertine Rift west of Fort Portal. This is one of the most spectacular areas though it is less visited. The area is hemmed by the Lake Albert to the north and by the Semliki River along the DR …
MT. RWENZORI NATIONAL PARK
Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies a few kilometers north of the equator rising over 4000m above the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley. It lies along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and borders the DRC's Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park trailhead at Nyakalengija can be accessed …
MT. ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Elgon National Park lies 235km east of Kampala. A tarmac road runs through Jinja town to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa on the mountain’s northwestern flank. Murram roads lead off the Mbale-Kapchorwa road to reach the various trail heads. Mt. Elgon is a massive solitary volcanic …
GISHWATI-MUKURA NATIONAL PARK
Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Africa. On 1st of December 2020, Gishwati-Mukura National Park officially opened its doors to the public. Gishwati Mukura is now a National Park which means that parts of the vast montane forest that once stretched across much of central Africa now has permanent …
NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Tucked away in the lush, mountainous southwest of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a mystical haven of biodiversity and raw natural beauty. As one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of a pristine ecosystem, brimming with rare wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and immersive adventure experiences. Nyungwe is not just …
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.” Lying in the far northwest of Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, a paradise inhabiting the steep …
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Originally a lush forest reserve, Akagera was designated a national park in 1934 by the Belgian colonial government to protect its remarkable wildlife. Once spanning 2,500 square kilometers, the park was teeming with animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, leopards, hippos, antelopes, and Lycanos (wild dogs)—so many wild dogs, in fact, that Akagera earned the …
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Nestled in the wild frontier of northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated yet one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in the country. Though remote, it’s considered one of the best virgin wilderness areas in Africa, home to some extinct species of wildlife that are rarely found elsewhere in Uganda. Kidepo …