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boy raising right hand above head - Photo by Jannik Skorna

Explore the Land of a Thousand Hills: Experience the Beauty of Rwanda

About Rwanda

Rwanda is a country that is full of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From the stunning landscapes of the Virunga Mountains to the vibrant markets of Kigali, there is something for everyone in Rwanda. Visit this small African country to experience its unique blend of wildlife, history, and culture.

This East African nation, known as the land of a thousand hills, boasts stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Rwanda's most famous attraction is its endangered mountain gorillas, which can be seen in Volcanoes National Park. However, there is much more to this country than just gorillas.

Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is a modern and vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to several museums, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a sobering look at the country's tragic past. Visitors can also explore the city's bustling markets, sample local cuisine, and enjoy live music and dance performances.

Outside of the capital, Rwanda's countryside is dotted with picturesque villages, tea plantations, and beautiful lakes. Lake Kivu, located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. Visitors can take boat tours, go swimming, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

For those looking to get off the beaten path, Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a unique and immersive experience. The park is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Visitors can take guided hikes through the forest, go birdwatching, or even take part in a canopy walk high above the forest floor.

Overall, Rwanda is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in wildlife, culture, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, this East African gem is sure to impress. So why not add Rwanda to your travel bucket list and experience the magic for yourself?

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Popular Stays in Rwanda

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Rwanda

A stay at 2000 HOTEL Downtown Kigali places you in the heart of Kigali, a 2-minute drive from Union Trade Center and 5 minutes from Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This 4-star hotel is 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from Kigali Convention Centre and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Club Rafiki. Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A shuttle from the airport to the hotel is complimentary (available 24 hours). Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at Bamboo, a restaurant which specializes in international cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7 AM to 10 AM. Make yourself at home in one of the 105 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Located in the centre of Rwanda's capital city of Kigali, this attractive hotel offers a comfortable stay for business travel or for those who are heading out on a safari. The hotel boasts one of the city's main business hubs in its sizable conference centre, complete with three meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, and a 500-seat auditorium. The conference centre also has its own international press centre and translation and interpretation facilities, making this a premier place to host a business event in Rwanda. The rooms and suites feature a typical pan-African décor and a range of modern amenities, including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. Guests can choose from two sophisticated restaurant serving a rich and varied menu of international themed buffets and local specialties overlooking the hotel's lavish outdoor swimming pool and sundeck or the tropical gardens.
Sitting proudly on the shores of Lake Kivu, this wonderful hotel is surrounded by ample opportunities for adventure and discovery. The hotel is located just 2 km away from the centre of Gisenyi and Kivu Cathedral. Volcanoes National Park is just a 1 hour's driving distance away. This wonderful hotel boasts a private beach, where guests can enjoy intimate relaxation. This magnificent hotel comprises luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, which have been designed with the utmost in comfort and convenience in mind. A state-of-the-art conference centre, a swimming pool and health centre are available for guests relaxation and convenience. This hotel is sure to surpass all expectations.
Welcome to the legacy of hospitality in Rwanda for more than 40 years. Overlooking the hills around Kigali, this posh hotel is a 6-minute walk from Kigali City Tower high-rise and a 9-minute walk from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. Located in the central business district, the hotel allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views over the hills of Kigali while indulging in culinary delights from casual to fine dining, international cuisine to local signature dishes! Guest rooms come with balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screens, as well as safes, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add living rooms. All quarters have garden, hill and/or city views. Room service is provided 24/7. Kids age 5 and under stay free. Breakfast buffet is free. The hotel has 2 chic restaurants with city or garden views. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a refined tapas bar and a garden.
Stylish modern, comfortable and conveniently located in the up and coming suburb of Remera, this charming property is your ultimate choice for your stay in Kigali. The hotel lies just 5 minutes drive away from Kigali International Airport, and about a 15 minutes drive to the city center. Nearby, a host of commercial headquarters, business facilities, restaurants, shops, Kigali's stadium and local attractions are found, adding even further to the convenience of this prime location and stay in Kigali. The travellers can enjoy many other services and facilities designed at making your stay enjoyable.
Warm, modern and distinctly stylish, our 176 rooms and suites at Lemigo Hotel Accra offer 4-star accommodation in Kigali's city centre. Standard, Superior and Executive Rooms come with a choice of city or pool views, while our Executive Apartment and Presidential Suite on the top floor have impressive views over Kigali. Each room has a large bathroom, free high-speed Internet, LCD TV, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, individually controlled air conditioning, work desk and mini-bar. The Executive Rooms and all suites include access to our Executive Lounge, where you benefit from private check-in, all-day dining and a private meeting room.
It is a located in Kiyovu on Rue des Parcs, the most upscale residential area in Kigali, just 10 km from Kigali Internatinal Airport. The establishment is the proud country winner of the 2014 Luxury New Hotel award by World Luxury Hotel Awards. Its a boutique hotel with contemporary design and decor famous for its great restaurant, The Bistro, it's cosmopolitan rooftop bar, Sky Lounge and The Collection Africa Gallery.
The city of Kigali is geographically central in Rwanda, and the Radisson Blu places guests in the heart of the activity. Business guests can easily reach the nearby government buildings, and leisure travelers will find an array of attractions and landmarks to explore. Venture to the open markets to discover the local culture and fine handmade goods, and be sure to explore Parc National des Volcans, a popular gorilla sanctuary that's also home to five extinct volcanoes.

Things to do in Rwanda

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Rwanda

The one day Rwanda gorilla trek takes you to the Volcanoes National Park a home to the remaining endangered mountain gorillas, which have stayed due to the effort of our Beloved Dian Fossey once the great primatologist, she was brutally murdered in her cabin at a remote camp in Rwanda in December 1985. It has been theorized that her murder was linked to her conservation efforts, probably by a poacher. Early morning breakfast, and meet with our guide at around 4.am and Drive to Musanze and around 7.am you will be at the volcanoes headquarters for briefing about the mountain gorillas and the volcanoes as well. Thereafter enter the forest to track GORILLAS. When you meet with the gorillas you can take photos and/or videos. This will normally take you 1 hours with them until midday, then go for lunch. after having lunch visit gorilla guardian village for culture experience Then drive back to Kigali to your Hotel.
It is an amazing and very adventurous experience, as you will see how the Rwandese live in their villages and homes and see the magnificent view of five beautiful volcanoes. This short walk on foot takes roughly 3 hours and the longer one takes around 5 hours or more depending on guests’ preference or their physical fitness and it ends at the foot of Bisoke volcano and have a lunch there after a short massage by the staff of volcanoes Resto-Bar.
This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 1000 living today. It's been described as the must do activity for 2019 best places to visit and we can say, it really lives to its name. Note: Gorilla permits is not included in this package( you need to buy permits beforehand) just transport
This trip combine bits of Tracking the Volcanoes Nat park and visiting a local communities to learn their culture and also immense yourself and get to experience through songs and dances. Gives a short visit travel a glimpse of Nature and cultural diversity of the Rwanda people and also enjoy time out of the busy city life.
This 3 days Rwanda gorillas and golden monkeys tracking tour offers the mountain gorilla trek as the prime adventure on this 3 day trip to the Volcanoes National Park – home to a third of the 900 mountains gorillas left in the world. Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s part of the Virunga Mountains which is a chain of beautiful volcanoes that cut across the borders with DR Congo and Uganda. The Virunga Mountains are also home to the golden monkeys, an endangered species of monkeys that is only found in the Virungas. They are incredibly beautiful, very active and you shall find tracking a group of about 100 members a worthwhile adventure.
With Rwanda gorilla trekking Experience, our professional guides will take you for a 2 day visit to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. As you travel to the Volcanoes National Park, take an en-route visit to some of the cultural and historical sites like the genocide memorial site, museums, and local market. You will eventually proceed for the gorilla tracking which is the major activity of the Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
With this tour you will learn more about a conservation pioneer Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and conservationist known for undertaking an extensive study of mountain gorilla groups from 1966 until her 1985 murder. Dian Fossey's work to study and protect the lives of the wild gorillas in Rwanda touched the hearts of people around the world. Her focus, courage and passion have inspired many conservationists who have followed since.
Mount Bisoke in an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. It straddles the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the summit is located in Rwanda. Mount Bisoke stands at an elevation of 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) and is known for its steep slopes, rugged terrain, and beautiful Crater Lake. The hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke is a popular activity for visitors to Rwanda, and it typically takes about 6 to 7 hours round trip to complete. The trail to the summit of Mount Bisoke passes through dense rainforest, bamboo forests, and open moorland before reaching the crater rim. From the rim, hikers can take a short detour to reach the shore of the Crater Lake, which is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Mount Bisoke is an important site for conservation efforts in the region, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment.

Why People Love Rwanda

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Rwanda

4
43m_t_m
1
Feb 2024
Asked to pay on payment link through Whatsapp and cancel on tripadvisor. Should be avoided if you want tripadvisors payment protection.
N
NoosaKings
5
Jan 2024
During the 2 years of COVID, the gorillas apparently missed the "visitors" so much they wandered down into the local villages looking for them. We felt privileged to visit these primates in their home jungle. Our guide, porters and gunman were exceptional. Our gorilla family was quite a mobile on...
I
itjl24
5
Jun 2024
Hi Just returned from the 1 day gorillas trek at Volcanoes. I'm in pain because of terrain and my poor fitness..but Wow. It's was one of the most exhilarating experience of my life. The guides and entire packages was excellent Special thank you to my driver/friend Kevin...you were simply the b...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda

What are some popular tourist attractions in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a lot to offer for tourists, including gorilla trekking, hiking through the Virunga Mountains, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and going on a safari in Akagera National Park. There are also cultural attractions such as the National Museum of Rwanda and the Inema Arts Center.

What are some outdoor activities that can be done in Rwanda?

Rwanda is known for its incredible natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some popular options include gorilla trekking, hiking, bird watching, and going on a safari. Rwanda is also home to several beautiful lakes, which offer great opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

What is the best time of year to visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from mid-May to mid-September. This is the best time for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities, as the weather is dry and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book accommodations and activities well in advance.

What are some luxury accommodations in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a number of high-end hotels and lodges that offer luxury accommodations for travelers. Some popular options include the Bisate Lodge, the One&Only Gorilla's Nest, and the Singita Kwitonda Lodge. These properties offer world-class amenities and services, as well as stunning views of Rwanda's natural beauty.

What is the food like in Rwanda?

Rwandan cuisine is known for its hearty stews, grilled meat, and plantains. Some popular dishes include isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach), matoke (steamed plantains), and brochettes (grilled meat skewers). Vegetarians and vegans may have a harder time finding options, but many restaurants offer vegetable stews and salads.

What are some budget accommodations in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a range of budget-friendly accommodations for travelers who are looking to save money. Some popular options include the Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel in Kigali, the Kinigi Guesthouse near Volcanoes National Park, and the Akagera Game Lodge. These properties offer basic amenities at affordable prices.

What is the currency in Rwanda?

The currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Some hotels and restaurants may accept US dollars or euros, but it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but may not be as common in more rural areas.

What is the weather like in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a tropical highland climate, with temperatures that are generally mild year-round. The dry season runs from mid-May to mid-September, and is the best time to visit for outdoor activities. The wet season runs from mid-September to mid-December, and from March to May. During this time, rainfall can be heavy and frequent.

What is the best way to get around Rwanda?

The best way to get around Rwanda is by car or bus. There are several car rental companies in Kigali, and taxis are also available. Buses are a popular and affordable option for longer journeys, and there are several bus companies that operate throughout the country. Motorcycle taxis, known as motos, are also a common mode of transportation in urban areas.

Is it safe to travel to Rwanda?

Rwanda is generally a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and a stable government. However, travelers should exercise caution in crowded areas, such as markets and bus stations, and should avoid walking alone at night. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of malaria and take appropriate precautions.