Volcanoes National Park Photo: Wilderness Bisate Lodge
Forest villas on the slope of an extinct volcano, with a reforestation project around them.
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rwanda
Rwanda is small, green and very well organised, and it has become one of the world’s leading gorilla destinations. In Volcanoes National Park you trek through bamboo and forest to spend a single hour with a habituated family. It stays with most people for life.
Beyond the volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest has chimpanzees and a canopy walkway, Akagera has the Big Five in savannah and wetlands, and Lake Kivu is a gentle place to rest.
Kigali is clean and easy to explore, and the Genocide Memorial is a moving introduction to the country’s recent history.
where to go
Home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
A clean, safe capital with a growing restaurant and art scene.
Ancient rainforest with chimpanzees, monkeys and a canopy walkway.
Savannah, lakes and wetlands, with lion, rhino and elephant.
Quiet beaches, boat trips and coffee farms on the shore.
when to go
Gorilla trekking runs all year, but the dry months make the hiking easier.
June to September
Drier trails and clear views. The most popular time, so permits and lodges go early.
December to February
Another good window for trekking, with green landscapes.
March to May, and October to November
Muddier trails but fewer people, and the forest is lush. Some lodges offer lower rates.
where to stay
Volcanoes National Park Photo: Wilderness Forest villas on the slope of an extinct volcano, with a reforestation project around them.
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Volcanoes National Park Photo: Singita Eight suites with fireplaces and views of the volcanoes.
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Volcanoes National Park Photo: One&Only Treehouse-style rooms in a eucalyptus forest close to the park.
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Akagera Photo: Wilderness 
Photo: One&Only Looking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Rwanda, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
A trek into the forest to spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family.
Playful and fast, a lovely contrast to the gorillas.
A longer hike to the site of the Karisoke research centre.
Early starts to track chimps, then the canopy walkway.
Hippos and birdlife on Lake Ihema, with a chance of rhino on land.
The Genocide Memorial, markets and contemporary art.
Reasonable fitness helps. Treks can take from one to several hours at altitude, on steep and muddy slopes. Porters are available and we’ll advise you.
Permits are limited each day and we arrange them for you. We recommend booking well ahead, especially from June to September.
Yes, you need to be 15 or over to trek to the gorillas.
There is a malaria risk in some areas. Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic well ahead of your trip, and check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest advice.
Yes. It pairs well with Kenya or Tanzania, or with Akagera for a safari within Rwanda.
pair it with
The Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. Small, exclusive camps and some of the best guiding in Africa.
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The Maasai Mara, Laikipia's private conservancies and the Indian Ocean coast. Classic safari country.
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Lake Malawi's clear water and islands, easily paired with a safari in neighbouring Zambia.
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Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll secure permits and plan your time in Rwanda.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
