Rwanda’s remarkable recovery from its troubled past is as impressive as its physical beauty. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ will greet you with undulating green-hills of coffee and tea plantations, while the smiles are infinite from the friendly Rwandans. The high-altitude forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains are mystical and home to the highly-endangered Mountain Gorilla. To the west of the country sits Lake Kivu, where you can revel in the peace and beauty of the country. In addition, safaris and opportunities to view wildlife are rampant, crafting a unique East African experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, located near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, is a community-based tourism project that provides income-generating opportunities for rural people who have historically lived on bush meat and poaching.

A visit to the village offers the rare chance to meet local people in their own environment and see how they live in an authentic environment.

Enjoy traditional dance performances and Gorilla songs, watch how local food is being prepared, meet the local healer, visit the king’s palace, and listen to captivating stories of the past.

With less than 800 mountain gorillas left in the world, approximately 300 live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A guide will take you up close to view these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This awe-inspiring wildlife experience is the top attraction of those who visit Rwanda.

Each trek starts at 7:00 am with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park offices in Kinigi. It is essential to be there on time, to book the permit in advance, and to have a suitable vehicle to conquer the rough park roads – all of which your tour operator will organize for you. Following the briefing, you then depart for your trek by 8:00 am.

Your trek takes you through the rich and diverse montane ecosystems, which embraces evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Once you've located the mountain gorillas, you'll have one hour to observe them as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young.

For a very special thrill, one of the big silverbacks may get up and beat their chest to demonstrate their strength, which will surely make your heart beat faster. But don't worry – despite their size and appearance, the mountain gorillas are remarkably peaceful.

Rwanda’s remarkable recovery from its troubled past is as impressive as its physical beauty. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ will greet you with undulating green-hills of coffee and tea plantations, while the smiles are infinite from the friendly Rwandans. The high-altitude forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains are mystical and home to the highly-endangered Mountain Gorilla. To the west of the country sits Lake Kivu, where you can revel in the peace and beauty of the country. In addition, safaris and opportunities to view wildlife are rampant, crafting a unique East African experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Rwanda is a pleasant relief compared to other African countries with average temperatures between 16-22 degrees Celsius year-round. The elevation of the country accounts for the milder temperatures. The two rainy seasons take place between February to April and November to January. The heavier rains and cooler temperatures hang in the northwest of the country while the warmer/drier conditions are found in the interior highlands.

The north of Rwanda is where the volcanic ranges and dense tropical forests congregate. The country has 23 lakes and rivers throughout the country, with some forming the source of the River Nile. The elevation drops in the east, as you near the Akagera River Valley, creating more swamp-like conditions, while the interior highlands are comprised of rolling hills and valleys.

Rwanda’s remarkable recovery from its troubled past is as impressive as its physical beauty. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ will greet you with undulating green-hills of coffee and tea plantations, while the smiles are infinite from the friendly Rwandans. The high-altitude forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains are mystical and home to the highly-endangered Mountain Gorilla. To the west of the country sits Lake Kivu, where you can revel in the peace and beauty of the country. In addition, safaris and opportunities to view wildlife are rampant, crafting a unique East African experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

While there are numerous opportunities to view wildlife in Rwanda, it’s also well-known for it’s cultural activities. A number of fascinating museums are strewn throughout the country, including the famed Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. In addition there are opportunities to visit markets, coffee and tea plantations, cultural centers and even dance amongst the traditional ‘Intore’ dancers.

Rwanda’s remarkable recovery from its troubled past is as impressive as its physical beauty. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ will greet you with undulating green-hills of coffee and tea plantations, while the smiles are infinite from the friendly Rwandans. The high-altitude forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains are mystical and home to the highly-endangered Mountain Gorilla. To the west of the country sits Lake Kivu, where you can revel in the peace and beauty of the country. In addition, safaris and opportunities to view wildlife are rampant, crafting a unique East African experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Rwanda is home to three national parks, which are characteristically unique from each other. Volcanoes National Park is home to the Virunga mountain range where the endangered mountain gorillas live. To the southeast, the misty rainforest mountains of  Nyungwe Forest National Park have ample opportunities to view wildlife, take hikes and walk above the trees on the canopy walk. Finally,  Akagera National Park shares it’s borders with Tanzania and this is where you’ll find safari country as well as a chance to see elephants, giraffes, lions and many more.