Begin your Rwandan adventure in Kigali, a bustling city where you can explore the vibrant arts scene and thriving nightlife. Delve into Rwanda’s history at the Genocide Memorial, and admire modern architecture around the city.

Volcanoes National Park is one the best places to visit in Rwanda, just a short drive from Kigali. Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas, hike through dramatic landscapes and see golden monkeys, beautiful birds, and butterflies. In Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s most preserved rainforest awaits. Home to over 1,000 wildlife species, including playful chimpanzees, Nyungwe offers lush greenery, misty mornings, and captivating birdwatching. A safari on the savannahs of Akagera National Park in the east teems with life: spot lion, giraffe, and buffalo against a backdrop of lakes and papyrus swamps. A conservation success story, it’s a must-see. End your adventures on the shores of Lake Kivu. Kayak, swim and soak in the views. Rwanda is easily combined with other celebrated safari destinations from Kenya and Tanzania to the white-sandy beaches of a Zanzibar holiday. 

Rwanda’s location on the equator brings stable temperatures throughout the year, with no distinct winter or summer. The dry period is from June to September, and the wet season is from October to May, with January and February relatively drier. 

1. Kigali – Rwanda’s Modern and Safe Heartbeat 

Kigali has triumphed over its tumultuous past and is now a clean and safe haven. It has become known as one of Africa’s friendliest cities and is the start of a Rwanda safari. From vibrant shopping malls in the city centre to lively markets, Kigali offers many activities to keep you engaged for days. 

Highlights:  

• Stop at the Kigali Cultural Village for live music and art workshops. 
• Sample the most extraordinary Fair-Trade coffee in the world at Hingakawa Women’s Coffee Cooperative. 
• Time your stay with the Kigali Film Festival, Hobe Rwanda Festival or the Kigali Fashion Show. 
• Pay your respects at the thought-provoking Genocide Memorial Centre. 

2. Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Treks Amongst Fiery Peaks 

The late Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of the endangered mountain gorillas on the bamboo-covered slopes of the majestic Virunga Mountains, leading to the making of Gorillas in the Mist. Experience one of Earth’s most memorable wildlife encounters, and actively participate in the enormous efforts to save this remarkable species.  

Highlights:  

• Take a 2-hour behind-the-scenes campus tour with a gorilla researcher. 
• Immerse yourself in a half-day activity at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. 
• Join a private, 2-hour masterclass in gorilla conservation. 
• Experience gorilla trekking with a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researcher, best enjoyed from June to September during the dry season.

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3. Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzee, Primates and Butterfly Paradise 

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe offers an all-embracing adventure. Home to abundant birds, rare butterflies and beautiful orchids, its famous residents include chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the black and white colobus. With superb hiking trails, the forest canopy walk is an excellent way of spotting blue monkeys living on the treetops.  

Highlights:  

• Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests on the continent, steeped in natural wonders. 
• The forests are a biodiverse extravaganza that teem with life, hosting an array of flora and fauna.  
• Nyungwe is a primate paradise that includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the striking black and white colobus.  
• An exciting canopy walking adventure offers an exhilarating experience on elevated pathways; keep your eyes peeled for blue monkeys frolicking among the treetops. 

4. Akagera National Park – Big 5 Territory Beckons 

Akagera National Park embraces an appealing mix of wetlands, dry savannahs, and rolling wooded grasslands. You can spot elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, giraffe, leopard, lion, and many antelope species. Akagera is a relatively small park, about three hours from Kigali. In addition to guided Big 5 game drives, private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night game drives are offered. 

Highlights:  

• Big 5 safaris in open vehicles are best experienced during the dry season, which runs from June to September and January to February. 
• Easy access from Kigali. 
• In addition to the safaris, you can savour relaxing private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night safaris. 
• Akagera is the largest protected wetlands area in Central Africa. 

5. Lake Kivu – A Tranquil Gem and Restorative Waterside Haven 

Lake Kivu, nestled in the heart of the Albertine Rift, will captivate you with its emerald-green majestic mountains encircling calm azure waters. As Africa’s eighth-largest lake, it offers tranquillity and adventure. The lake’s allure can be enjoyed through kayaking, swimming, and sunset cruises. Chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, scenic hikes, and canopy walks add variety. 

Highlights:  

• Delight in chimpanzee treks and forest canopy walks. 
• The unparalleled scenery offers rewarding and adventurous hiking trails. 
• Splash into the lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming and sunset cruises. 
• A lake adventure is perfect for rejuvenating energy levels before a long flight home. 

Rwanda, the “land of a thousand hills,” beckons with its warm and friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and remarkable wildlife. For an unforgettable Rwanda safari, contact Asilia.

Our safari specialists will curate your dream adventures, seamlessly combining Rwanda with celebrated destinations like Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and the idyllic Zanzibar beaches.