Rwanda
What does Rwanda have to offer?
Where Africa's Gorillas Roam Free
The country of a Thousand Hills, home to the rare mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes national park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest, wildlife in Akagera National Park, and favourable year-round weather. Rwanda should be a country not to miss out while traveling to Africa on Safari.
Rainforests cover the western heights and beautifully cultivated fields lie in the valleys below. From the center of the country the land slopes away to the savannahs and marshes of the east. The legendary Virunga Mountains in the northeast are home to volcanoes, misted cloud forest and half the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. To the west is one of the world’s deepest lakes, Lake Kivu, with a depth of 475 meters (1558ft.)
Rwanda came to the spotlight after the 1994 genocide that led to the death of over ~800 000 people, however the post-genocide era has ushered in the new government, that has since improved the country’s infrastructure as well as tourism industry, making her one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Africa. Today, its cities have a vibrant and charming small-town feel about them, luxury lodges are becoming prevalent in the mountainous national parks and the safari scene is still delightfully unknown.
One of Rwanda's unique tourism highlights are the once in-a-life-time gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda's untouched national parks. Our team at Africa Travel Destinations can make your gorilla trekking dreams come true and create unforgettable memories!
What should I pack?
In winter between June and August, clothes suitable for spring and autumn are recommended, i.e. light daytime garments and a sweater or jacket for the evening. Sensible hiking shoes and a sun hat are essentials.
For the rest of the year, spring and autumn clothes as above may be worn, again with a sweater or jacket for the evenings and the obligatory hiking shoes and sun hat, but also sweatshirts and a raincoat for the evenings at altitudes above 1,500 metres (5,000 ft.). For the Virunga Mountains, warm clothes, sweaters, down jacket, hat and gloves will be necessary.
When is the best time to travel ?
The best months to visit are June and July as they are the driest. For Gorilla Trekking we recommend planning a trip between June to August and mid-December to mid-March offer the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk. The climate is perfect for a trip to the national parks to track gorillas and chimpanzees.
September is a good month to go hiking and witness the Kwitalzina ceremony when the baby gorillas are named. April and May can be rainy, but fewer travelers make it easier to obtain a gorilla permit.
For chimpanzee trekking, mid-February to early June, and mid-September to mid-December are the be at times to see the chimps in Nyungwe, when they are easier to locate. Since food is harder to find in the dry season, the chimp families often range far into the forest interior.