Rwanda is a country in Central and East Africa, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world where you can trek mountain gorillas.
The country also has a canopy walkway, which is one of its kind in East and Central Africa. Gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Rwanda, and the country offers high-end gorilla tourism, with permits costing $1,500 per person per trek.
Rwanda also celebrates the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, where newborn baby gorillas are given names.
Rwanda has three national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each of these parks offers unique experiences for travelers, with Volcanoes National Park being the most visited.
This park is also home to five of the eight Virunga Massif volcanoes, making it a great destination for volcanic climbing adventures.
When to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda, like Uganda, has two main dry seasons and two wet seasons. While the country can be visited year-round, some months are better for specific activities, as outlined below:
- Dry Seasons: The two dry seasons in Rwanda are from mid-December to early February and from June to September. During these periods, vegetation is not thick, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also the best time for gorilla trekking, as the trekking trails are in good condition and are not muddy or slippery.
- Wet Seasons: The wet seasons in Rwanda are from mid-February to early June and from mid-September to mid-December. This is the best time for chimpanzee trekking because food is abundant, so chimpanzees do not move to higher elevations in search of food. However, visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking during this time is not recommended because the roads to the park are in poor condition, and the hiking trails become steep, muddy, and slippery.
- Mid-October to November: Mid-October to November is the best time for birding in Rwanda. Birding can also be done in early December and late May. This period is ideal for photography as the vegetation is blossoming and lush green. Although it may rain, the sky usually clears up, and the sun shines brightly again.
Tourist Activities in Rwanda
The most popular tourist activity in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, along with mountain climbing.
Tourists can also explore Nyungwe Forest National Park for its scenic canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking or enjoy game drives at Akagera National Park.
There are also many sites and museums where you can learn about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. You can access Rwanda by flying to Kigali International Airport.
