Rwanda is bordered by Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, making it seem remote. Yet, you can fly directly into Rwanda from almost anywhere. The national carrier, RwandAir, connects the country to most major African cities, making travel straightforward and convenient.
Rwanda is home to an incredible Mountain Gorilla population in Volcanoes National Park, in the far northwest. The park forms part of a cross-border wildlife corridor with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the DRC’s Virunga National Park. Access is carefully controlled, with 10 gorilla groups available for trekking and 80 permits issued per day—an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Volcanoes National Park contains five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, the highest at 14,787 ft (4,507 m). Snow caps its summit during the dry season (June–August). Karisimbi is inactive and climbable over a two-day trek—strenuous but rewarding.
In eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park hosts the Big Five—lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard. Poaching in the 1990s decimated wildlife, but conservation efforts have brought species back. Lions and black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, making Akagera a prime safari destination.
Nyungwe Forest National Park, in southwestern Rwanda near the Burundi border, is a pristine rainforest with chimpanzees and over 300 bird species. It’s remote and largely undeveloped, offering raw, immersive nature experiences for adventurous travelers.
Rwanda endured the 1994 genocide, a tragic period when up to a million Tutsis were killed. Today, Rwanda has rebuilt remarkably. Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre honors the victims, but the country has also emerged stronger: life expectancy has risen from 47 to 60 years, and Rwanda is politically and economically stable.
Rwanda is considered one of the safer countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Standard precautions-like drinking safe water and securing personal belongings-are advised, but overall crime levels are low, and most areas are safe for tourists.
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, sprawls across hillsides and is home to over a million people. Its districts, Kacyiru and Kiyovu, offer lively restaurants and cafés, while the Serena Hotel provides luxury accommodation and a serene courtyard pool. It’s ideal for a day or two of urban exploration.
Rwanda may be landlocked, but Lake Kivu offers a stunning water escape. The lake stretches 56 miles long by 31 miles wide and forms part of the border with the DRC. Resort towns like Gisenyi (Rubavu) provide lakeside relaxation, sunsets, and a scenic stop between Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
Rwanda’s small size makes it easy to combine gorilla trekking, safari, and cultural experiences in a single trip. From the snow-capped volcanoes to lush rainforests, pristine lakes, and savannahs, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of ecosystems within a few hours’ drive.
