Rwanda
Land of a thousand hills
Summary
It’s been a long road for Rwanda but travellers who venture into this tiny, landlocked nation will discover an incredible story of progress, harmony and growth. Most travel to Rwanda to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Dian Fossey and track rare mountain gorillas, though for those who stay a little longer, you’ll be rewarded with a warm and genuine people who are proud to have reclaimed their home.
Rwanda has become a beacon of hope, moving towards political stability, racial harmony, economic growth and environmental conservation. It is the people of Rwanda who have worked to heal their nation and they are justifiably proud of their achievements. With green mountainous landscapes, volcanic national parks, friendly locals with a moving history, Rwanda is a place to enrich your mind and your soul.
Highlights
- Support one of the world’s great conservation success stories by trekking with mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.
- Trek through the ancient tropical rainforest of Nyungwe National Park in search of chimps, one of the few places in the world where visitors can get close to them.
- A walk around the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a sobering reminder of the difficult past Rwandans have endured.
- Paddle around Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, hidden away in the centre of the country.
- Two decades of progress have made Rwanda a safe, stable and prosperous country with low levels of crime.
$USD 1,300-3,200 Per person, per day
General inclusions: safari camps, ground transfers, guided excursions, meals, park fees. Seasonality affects the price of accommodation and travelling in low season may reduce the price. Single supplements may also apply.
It was their individuality combined with the shyness of their behavior that remained the most captivating impression of this first encounter with the greatest of the great apes.
Dian Fossey
When to travel
Rwanda is fairly wet in general, but pack the right gear and it’s no impediment to your adventure. Track gorillas in the dry seasons from mid-December to early February and from June to September for easier climbing up muddy jungle paths. If it’s their cousins the chimpanzees you’re in search of, you’ll need to travel in the wet seasons February to June or September to December, which bring an abundance of food for these curious chimps. Discover the best time to travel to Rwanda. The monthly average temperatures and rainfall below are for Rwanda’s capital city Kigali. Please note, the geographic terrain varies across the country and therefore so does the weather. Talk to us to find out the best time to visit specific locations within Rwanda.
- 30°c
- 25°c
- 20°c
- 15°c
- 10°c
- 5°c
- 0°c
- 185 mm
- 148 mm
- 111 mm
- 74 mm
- 37 mm
- 0 mm
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sept
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking
FAQ
2. How long should I spend in Rwanda?
When travelling in Rwanda allow 5-7 days for gorilla trekking and for those more adventurous travellers, add a further 5 days and head to Nyungwe Forest National Park for the chance to hike through the equatorial rainforest to find Chimpanzees. Many visitors to Rwanda also add a safari experience for the great migration in Tanzania and Kenya to complete their wildlife adventure.
3. Will Rwanda suit my travel style?
Rwanda is best for active travellers who are into the outdoors and wildlife. You will need to be in relatively good shape to go gorilla trekking as the treks can be challenging at times and last up to 7 hours depending on your luck. Children need to be over 15 years old to participate on gorillla treks.
4. What attractions and experiences can I find in Rwanda?
Virunga Mountains, Lake Kivu, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyungwe National Park, Nyungwe Forest, gorilla trekking, a deep history.
5. What is the overall vibe of Rwanda?
Two decades of progress have made Rwanda a safe, stable and prosperous country with low levels of crime. Expect warm and genuine people that are proud to have reclaimed their country after a challenging road in history that is now harmonious, progressive and moving forward.
6. What essential information should I know before travelling to Rwanda?
Currency: Rwandan franc.
Visa: Australian citizens require an entry visa for Rwanda. You can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the port of entry upon payment of the visa fee of US$30. Also available is the East Africa tourist visa for US$100, valid for 90 days, which will give you entry to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Language: English is an official language in Rwanda and you will find it widely spoken along with French and Kinyarwanda.
Health: Anti-malarial’s are required as well as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. We recommend visiting your travel doctor for the latest information on travel vaccinations.
Capital: Kigali.
Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime?
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