The best places to visit in Rwanda include Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s seven great lakes.
Rwanda is a small, landlocked country squeezed between Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania, yet it offers a wealth of natural beauty and diverse experiences.
Its location on the equator ensures consistent, mild temperatures throughout the year, with no distinct winter or summer. The dry season runs from June to September, while the wet season spans from October to May, with January and February being relatively drier.
Rwanda also makes an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar.
Kigali is the starting point for a Rwanda safari. Recently named the 9th safest country in the world and Africa’s safest by the World Economic Forum, Kigali is the beating heart of Rwanda.
It’s a clean, safe, and modern city. Most tourists come to Rwanda to visit national parks, so they typically have only a few hours to explore Kigali. Surrounded by beautiful hills, Kigali offers plenty of things to do and see. A major attraction is the Genocide Memorial, which honors the victims of the 1994 genocide and provides a meaningful look into the country’s history. Other places to visit include the Inema Arts Centre, Niyo Arts Centre, and Caplaki Craft Village.
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The late Dian Fossey dedicated her life to studying the behavior of endangered mountain gorillas on the lush, bamboo-clad slopes of the stunning Virunga Volcanoes, inspiring the famous film Gorillas in the Mist. Now, you can enjoy one of the planet’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters – gorilla trekking – while directly contributing to the vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting these incredible creatures.
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Nyungwe is a biodiversity hotspot, featuring a dense tropical rainforest that is home to various primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and blue monkeys. The park offers exciting activities such as chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey tracking, canopy walks, bird watching, and fantastic hiking trails. The Canopy Walkway, one of the longest and highest in East Africa, provides stunning panoramic views of the forest below.
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Akagera National Park stands as one of East Africa’s most remarkable conservation triumphs, home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. The park is also a haven for plains game, such as giraffe, zebra, and numerous species of antelope.
Its diverse landscapes range from tranquil lakes and lush swamps to expansive savannahs. Visitors can embark on thrilling game drives to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, while boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer a unique perspective, with the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and an array of vibrant birdlife.
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Lake Kivu, tucked away in the stunning Albertine Rift, enchants visitors with its emerald-green mountains that rise majestically around serene, azure waters. As Africa’s eighth-largest lake, it seamlessly blends tranquility with adventure. You can explore its beauty by kayaking, swimming, or taking a peaceful sunset cruise. Along its shores lies the Congo Nile Trail, a scenic route perfect for hiking or mountain biking, where you can soak in breathtaking views and stop to visit charming local villages along the way.
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