Rwanda

Interesting things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda holiday packages will almost invariably focus on the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Many visitors come to Parc National des Volcans for gorilla trekking adventures but because the number of permits to view these gentle giants is strictly limited, these need to be arranged well in advance.

The gorillas are a magnificent sight and one which is certainly unforgettable. In the park, you can also admire the dramatic chain of seven volcanoes which provide a border with both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aside from the gorillas, you can track Golden Monkeys, visit the Diana Fossey Museum or ramble down trails with breathtaking views, while in the Parc National Des Volcans.

Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee and 13 different species of primates can be tracked in the spectacular Nyungwe National Park, which is also home to over 285 bird species. Enjoy the canopy walk which is suspended 50m over this one-of-a-kind forest, or explore one of the hundreds of hiking trails found here.

Lake Kivu

When on a Rwanda holiday, you can kick back on the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu - one of the largest lakes in Africa. Go kayaking on the lake, mountain biking or hiking on one of the six off-the-beaten-path stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is home to the Akagera River, recorded to be one of the sources of the Nile River. It includes a range of lakes, all of which combine to form one of the largest wetlands in Central Africa, as well as some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa. View the enormous range of wildlife here, including the “Big Five”, and more on guided game drives, as well as adventurous walks and boating trips. This national park also boasts almost 500 species of birds, including the spectacular shoebill.

The best places to stay in Rwanda

Where you stay on your Rwanda holiday is crucial, and so at Africa Travel we have rounded up a selection of our top accommodation picks.

Top of any list must be Bisate Lodge, which is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone – the word bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six sumptuous en-suite rooms maximise comfort, warmth and views while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.

Sitting nearby is the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, which also lies just minutes from the gates of the Parc National, from where the treks begin. It provides great creature comforts as well as some of the most spectacular views in central Africa – the Virunga chain of volcanoes which stretch across central Africa through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Accommodation is in stone-built cottages and suites, each with their own shaded veranda and indoor fireplace, as well as spacious sitting, sleeping and bathing areas.

Our third pick for the gorillas just has to be Virunga Lodge, a stunning eco-luxury lodge which sits on a hillside overlooking the Ruhondo and Bulera Lakes as well as the Virunga volcanoes. Remote and magnificent, the location is one of the most authentic in Africa and ideal for trekking the great Mountain Gorilla. Accommodation is in eight spacious stone cottages, each with a large patio which overlooks the lodge’s sunken gardens. As well as tracking gorillas the area is ideal for nature hikes around the lakes or visits to the local villages. Dian Fossey’s grave and Karisoke research centre are also nearby.

Every visitor to Rwanda will inevitably spend time in Kigali and our recommendation there is the Kigali Serena Hotel. Five-star elegance is offered at this international hotel which located in the heart of the capital’s ambassadorial and commercial area. With a choice of luxury rooms and suites it is the ideal place to begin or finish a visit to this magical country of lakes, volcanoes and the glorious Mountain Gorilla. Guests can relax on the wide sundeck adjacent to the pool, at the Maisha Health Club, or take a stroll along one of Kigali’s wide and attractive boulevards.

A beach hotel in the heart of a landlocked country? Then it just has to be the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. White sand edges the shores of Lake Kivu, Africa’s sixth largest lake, making it an ideal playground for those wishing to relax and recharge their batteries. Set in extensive and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens the hotel sports 72 rooms and suites, a swimming pool, tennis courts, panoramic restaurant and the Maisha Health Centre, which offers a comprehensive menu of beauty and body treatments.

Based in Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is the latest opening from Wilderness Safaris, continuing their record of excelling at delivering the very best safari experiences alongside carefully considered conservation work. The intimate Magashi consists of six tented rooms, all tastefully decorated and boasting impressive panoramic views of the beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga, home to one of Africa's largest population of hippos and crocodiles. Magashi is at the heart of the transformed Akagera National Park, where a healthy population of lion and black rhino were recently reintroduced, making the area a fantastic destination for wildlife sightings. Guests can spend their time here on day and night game drives, safari walks, boating on the lake or even trying their hand at fishing.

Last up is the One&Only Nyungwe House. Located on a tea plantation, this exquisite private game lodge is built on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest – which is home to thirteen species of primate, including chimpanzees. Constructed so as not to intrude on the landscape the property’s rooms and suites offer every comfort the traveller might need from air conditioning and flat screen TVs, to private decks and WiFi access, while a host of activities in and around the rain forest are on offer.

Whichever areas you wish to visit, for a once in a lifetime experience, book your Rwanda holiday today to indulge in a combined trip of nature and adventure. Contact Africa Travel for your dream holiday to Rwanda and let our experts help create your perfect trip.