Discover Rwanda – The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a captivating East African destination celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, welcoming communities, rich culture, and extraordinary wildlife. It is one of Africa's countries that is entirely landlocked. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Covering approximately 26,338 square kilometres (10,169 square miles), Rwanda offers an impressive variety of experiences. Located within the Great Lakes region of Africa, the country is home to an exceptional diversity of ecosystems and wildlife.
A visit to Kigali provides an introduction to Rwanda's modern character while also offering an opportunity to learn about its history and remarkable journey of recovery and development.
One of the city's most important attractions is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant place of remembrance and education that provides visitors with insight into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as Rwanda's ongoing journey toward reconciliation and peace.
Beyond its historical significance, Kigali is known for its clean streets and welcoming atmosphere.
Located in northwestern Rwanda within the spectacular Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park is one of the country's most celebrated wildlife destinations. The park is best known for its endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys.
Covering approximately 160 square kilometres, Volcanoes National Park forms part of the wider Virunga conservation landscape and shares borders with Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The park offers an unforgettable opportunity to trek through misty montane forests in search of mountain gorillas, while visitors can also encounter golden monkeys and enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic peaks. Approximately a two-hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda's most accessible major wildlife destinations.
In southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park presents a completely different side of the country. This ancient tropical montane rainforest is one of Africa's remarkable forest ecosystems and is renowned for its chimpanzees, diverse primate species, and rich birdlife.
Covering approximately 1,019 square kilometers, Nyungwe lies close to Lake Kivu and Rwanda's borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The forest offers a variety of memorable experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, guided forest walks, birdwatching, and the exhilarating canopy walkway, which provides spectacular views from high above the forest floor.
Located roughly 225 kilometres from Kigali, the journey by road generally takes around five to six hours, making Nyungwe an ideal destination for travelers seeking immersive rainforest experiences.
In eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania, lies Akagera National Park, a spectacular destination offering a classic African safari experience. Covering approximately 1,122 square kilometres, Akagera is characterized by open plains, lakes, wetlands, and woodland habitats. The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including Africa's renowned Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
Visitors can enjoy exciting game drives and boat excursions, with opportunities to encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species in their natural surroundings. Located approximately two hours by road from Kigali, Akagera provides an accessible and unforgettable introduction to Rwanda's savannah landscapes.