Rwanda Holidays

Standing beside wild mountain gorillas after trekking through the lush vegetation of Volcanoes National Park is the first activity on any itinerary. Combining this one-of-a-kind adventure with time in the cultural and artistic hub of lively Kigali is the most popular thing to do on a visit to Rwanda, but there is far more on offer for those who stay longer. Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to the only canopy walk in East Africa. 

Search for the Big Five on a guided or self-drive safari in Akagera National Park, where crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and zebras are abundant. Spot blue monkeys, golden monkeys, eastern chimpanzees, and over 250 bird species among the Gishwati-Mukura trees. Discover the King's Palace Museum and its resident sacred cows in the south. See huge events at Amahoro Stadium. Or simply relax and enjoy the beaches, waterfronts, and resorts of Lake Kivu.

Rwanda’s most famous attraction is, without doubt, the opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trek through Volcanoes National Park on an intimate tour to meet one of only a handful of gorilla families habituated to humans over the last four decades. Immerse yourself in a magical landscape of bamboo forests, swampland, and wild meadows as an expert guides you to these incredible creatures. Conservation is key, so numbers are strictly limited and permits must be obtained, but our Travel Specialists can help you with that. Discover how these strict policies have helped more than double the park’s gorilla population since 1981. Combine your full-day trek with a visit to the Karisoke Research Centre and the Gorilla Guardians Village.

Rwanda’s vibrant capital is far more than just an arrival point for the country’s famous national parks. Markets, museums, a thriving art scene, and a majestic mountain make Kigali an enchanting destination in itself. Find crafts, clothes, and unique souvenirs from all across Africa in the bustling complex of Kimironko Market. Learn basket-weaving or traditional cooking at the Nyamirambo Women's Center, a project fighting gender inequality by empowering local women to build their own businesses.

Explore the diverse art of Rwanda and Africa at the Inema Arts Center, Rwanda Art Museum, and the Niyo Arts Gallery. Explore the darkest moments in Rwandan history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a tribute to the 800,000 people who lost their lives in 100 terrible days in 1994. For unforgettable views across the city, climb the looming slopes of Mount Kigali, passing coffee plantations, hillside villages, and eucalyptus forests as you go.

The best time to travel to Rwanda depends on the activities you plan to enjoy. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, and safaris in Akagera are available all year but the easiest terrain and best viewing are found in the dryer periods of June to September and December to February. 

January to February and June to August offer hot days reaching up to 26°C and dry conditions which are perfect for spending time in the resorts around Lake Kivu. May is a fantastic month for birders and breeding season for many of the region’s colourful species while September offers the chance to attend Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony and celebrations. The city of Kigali has indoor and outdoor attractions which can be enjoyed all year round.