Rwanda

Best Of Rwanda Safaris

Despite its painful past, Rwanda has come a long way over the last two decades to become one of the most stable and welcoming countries in eastern Africa. Still very much off the beaten track, it is also a verdant, landlocked country, located between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi. Dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, it features rugged, wild and never less-than stunning scenery. Most of the countryside is dotted with small farms, fertile rolling hills, and remarkably preserved lush rainforest with a jungle climate that lends itself to flourishing wildlife and nature.

The rugged mountains extend from the volcanoes of the northwestern portion of the country, and it is here where you find Volcanos National Park, where many of the world’s mountain gorillas still roam free in the wild. Loved and studied for 20 years by researcher Dian Fossey, these amazing animals are greatly endangered. There are currently seven Gorilla groups that can be tracked in Rwanda: the Susa, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Kwitonda and Group Thirteen. Each vary in number from 9 to 39 individuals and all currently have at least one silverback male. Whilst it is not possible to book a permit for a specific group, your chances of having a shorter walk are higher here than in Uganda.

Nothing is guaranteed though, and you may find yourself tracking a group such as the Susa, first studied by Diane Fossey and often found on the slopes of Mount Visoke, a five-hour hike away. Also found here are the fascinating golden monkeys as well as 25% of Africa’s primate species like the L’Hoest’s monkey, owl-faced monkey, and the black and white colobus. A hike through this park is a definite must for wildlife enthusiasts.

The country’s compact size makes it easy to combine a few days tracking the gorillas, volunteering at an outreach program, with enough time to relax on the shores of Lake Kivu, the world’s 18th deepest lake known for its stunning scenery.

From jungle, to lakeside beaches, to the buzzing capital of Kigali and the beguiling Musanze caves, the country bursts with exciting and vibrant options. Whether waking up to a cup of local Rwandan coffee or coming up-close to a gorilla in the wild, you’ll find Rwanda to be a post-genocide wholly transformed country defined by unity, stability, and hope.