The Land of a Thousand Hills

When travelers think of Africa’s hidden gems, Rwanda often comes as a beautiful surprise. Known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda is a country of breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and a story of resilience that inspires the world. Whether you’re drawn to the misty mountains, rich culture, or warm hospitality of its people, Rwanda is a destination that captures hearts.

🦍 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The chance to witness gorillas in their natural environment is an experience like no other — many travelers describe it as truly life-changing. Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife adventures, offering visitors the privilege of observing these gentle giants as they go about their daily lives. Guided by expert trackers, small groups hike through bamboo-covered slopes to spend a magical, awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from a gorilla family.

Gorillas are the largest living primates, found throughout the equatorial rainforests of Africa. They are generally divided into two main types: lowland gorillas and the rarer mountain gorillas.

The volcanic Virunga range — stretching across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — is the last stronghold of the endangered mountain gorilla. Trekking in this region is considered safe, well-managed, and relatively accessible, making it a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Today, there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, with about 604 of them living in the Virunga Massif. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts led by governments, local communities, and NGOs, their population is slowly but steadily increasing.

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, twelve gorilla families have been fully habituated for tourism, with a few others reserved for scientific research. Each troop is led by a dominant silverback and made up of females and young gorillas. Although group composition changes over time, most families remain within a familiar territory, under the close watch of dedicated park rangers.

To protect the gorillas and minimize human impact, visits are strictly regulated. Each gorilla group can only be visited once per day, for a maximum of one hour, by a small number of tourists. Rwanda issues just six permits per troop per day — a total of 96 permits daily — ensuring every encounter remains both intimate and respectful.

Because of this limited availability, securing a permit well in advance is highly recommended for anyone dreaming of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

🌊 Lake Kivu – Rwanda’s Hidden Beach Paradise

After adventure, relaxation awaits at Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. With its sparkling waters, sandy shores, and peaceful atmosphere, Lake Kivu offers the perfect escape. Visitors can take boat rides, explore fishing villages, or simply unwind while enjoying the view of rolling hills reflected in the lake’s calm waters.

Kigali – Africa’s Clean and Vibrant Capital

No trip to Rwanda is complete without exploring Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Kigali blends tradition with modernity, offering lively markets, contemporary art galleries, and world-class restaurants. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving and important experience, teaching visitors about Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey of reconciliation and growth.

🌿 Nyungwe Forest National Park – The Canopy of Life

For nature lovers, Nyungwe Forest is a paradise. This ancient rainforest is home to over 300 bird species, 75 mammals, and 13 species of primates, including playful chimpanzees. Walking on the canopy walkway suspended above the trees is a thrilling way to experience the forest from a bird’s-eye view.

🌄 Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five Destination

Rwanda is not just about gorillas. In Akagera National Park, visitors enjoy classic savanna safaris with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, and buffalo. The park has undergone a successful conservation revival, making it one of Africa’s most exciting comeback stories for wildlife tourism.