Rwanda

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  • Volcanoes Silverback
    Volcanoes Silverback
  • Nyungwe Sunbird
    Nyungwe Sunbird
  • Akagera Elephants
    Akagera Elephants
  • Akagera Hippo
    Akagera Hippo
  • Akagera Antelope
    Akagera Antelope
  • Kwita Izina Gorilla
    Kwita Izina Gorilla
  • Akagera Zebra
    Akagera Zebra
  • Akagera Giraffe
    Akagera Giraffe
  • Rwanda Chimpanzee
    Rwanda Chimpanzee
  • Akagera Tree Lion
    Akagera Tree Lion

Overview

A landlocked East African country, Rwanda boasts smouldering volcanoes, lush green mountains, ancient rainforests and an abundance of wildlife, as well as rich and diverse vegetation. One of only three countries in the world to have the rare mountain gorilla, it is one of only two countries in which they can be viewed safely (the other is it's northerly neighbour Uganda). Despite its turbulent history in recent years, Rwanda has seen a recent economic and environmental resurgence. With a host of national parks to choose from, as well as many interesting historical sites and museums where visitors can learn more about its devastating yet fascinating history, Rwanda is now a vibrant tourist destination.

Akagera National Park is named after the Akagera river which flows along its eastern boundary. Historical events have taken their toll on this park, causing devastating harm to the environment, however, in recent years Akagera has been uplifted and is today once again seen as one of the most scenic savanna reserves in Africa. Akagera is also the largest protected wetland in Africa, containing lakes lined with forests, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and sprawling highlands. Here visitors can expect incredible bird watching and free roaming zebra, as well as sightings of leopard, hyena, jackal and lion.

Volcanoes National Park lies along the Virunga Mountain range, which is made up of eight ancient volcanoes shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most famous park in Rwanda, Volcanoes Park lies just two hours out of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, making it a central and easily accessible destination. Gorilla tracking safaris are by far the most popular activity in this area, but also highly recommended is an exciting hike to view the Musanze caves, a visit to the famous Dian Fossey tomb, or a safari to see the golden monkeys. For the brave and adventurous, climbing one of the volcanoes is seen as one of the most exhilarating and unique experiences of any African safari trip.

Located in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a richly biodiverse mountain rainforest area. This beautiful park is believed to be one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, apparently remaining green even through the Ice Age. The park is home to the chimpanzee, as well as 12 other species of primates. Nyungwe National Park also contains over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species. Here, visitors may enjoy scenic hiking or biking safaris, canopy walks, chimpanzee tracking and relaxing by a tranquil waterfall, to name just a few interesting activities.

 

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Quick Facts - Rwanda

Travel Seasons

  • Mar-May - The long rainy season with pretty heavy and constant rain through this season - as such not the best time to visit.
  • Jun-Sep - This is by far the best time to visit as its the long dry season. It will be hot and humid although there can be cloud cover to help lower the temparature. There may be short spells of warm rain.
  • Oct-Nov - The short rainy season.
  • Dec-Feb - The short dry season and another good time to visit.


General Information 

  • Capital city - Kigali 
  • Currency - Rwandan franc
  • Language - English, French, Swahili
  • Size - 26,338 km²
  • Population - 11.4 million

 
Health & Safety

  • Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:

  • The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Rwanda: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
  • Malaria is present in Rwanda - get medical advice on which prophylaxis to take.
  • The Zika Virus is present and precautions must be taken, find out more about the risks here >> 
  • The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak.
  • It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.


Tourist Information 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fantastic national parks
  • Gorilla tracking - one of only two countries where it's possible
  • First class accommodation and lodges
  • Remarkable wildlife and birdlife 

Cons

  • Hot and humid conditions
  • Gorilla permits are expensive

Travel Info

Arriving in Rwanda

  • There are international flights from Europe, Doha and India arriving into Kigali International Airport
  • There are daily regional connections to coutries like Uganda, South Africa and Kenya


Getting Around

  • It is more than likely that all land transport arrangements will be taken care of by your travel partner
  • The big hotels will also arrange transport from the airport 


Visas

  • Most nationalities travelling to Rwanda as tourists will require a visa - check before you travel
  • Visas can be obtained on arrival, are valid for 30 days and will cost betwen US$30 - US$50 depending on your nationailty
  • If you are also travelling to Uganda and Kenya you can obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa, which is multiple entry, valid for 90 day and costs US$100

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