Rwanda Holidays

Interesting things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda holiday packages 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 must be arranged well in advance.

The gorillas are a magnificent sight and one that is truly unforgettable. In the park, visitors can also admire the dramatic chain of seven volcanoes forming the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aside from the gorillas, travellers can track Golden Monkeys, visit the Diana Fossey Museum or wander trails with breathtaking views within Parc National des Volcans.

Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzees and thirteen 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 suspended 50 m above this one-of-a-kind forest, or follow one of the many hiking trails found here.

Lake Kivu

When on a Rwanda holiday, you can unwind on the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu – one of Africa’s largest lakes. 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, one of the sources of the Nile. It includes a chain of lakes that together form one of Central Africa’s largest wetlands and some of East Africa’s most scenic savannah. View an enormous range of wildlife here, including the Big Five, on guided game drives or 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 at Africa Travel we have rounded up a selection of top accommodation choices.

Bisate Lodge sits within the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone – bisate means “pieces” in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by erosion. The area enjoys dramatic views of the volcano peaks Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno rising through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six sumptuous en-suite rooms combine comfort, warmth and environmental design reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy reach of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.

Nearby lies Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, just minutes from the gates of the Parc National, offering exceptional comfort and panoramic views of the Virunga volcano chain stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Accommodation is in stone-built cottages and suites, each with shaded veranda, indoor fireplace and spacious living areas.

Another favourite for gorilla tracking is Virunga Lodge, a stunning eco-luxury retreat perched on a hillside overlooking Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera and the Virunga volcanoes. Remote and magnificent, it provides one of the most authentic bases in Africa for trekking the Mountain Gorilla. Each stone cottage features a large patio with views over sunken gardens. The area also offers nature hikes around the lakes and visits to nearby villages; Dian Fossey’s grave and the Karisoke research centre are close by.

Every visitor to Rwanda will likely spend time in Kigali. The recommended choice here is the Kigali Serena Hotel, offering five-star elegance in the capital’s ambassadorial and commercial heart. With a range of luxury rooms and suites, it is ideal for beginning or ending a journey through this magical country of lakes, volcanoes and gorillas. Guests can relax on the wide sundeck by the pool, at the Maisha Health Club, or stroll along Kigali’s attractive boulevards.

For those seeking relaxation by the water, the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers a rare beach-style retreat in a landlocked country. White sand lines the shores of Lake Kivu, Africa’s sixth-largest lake, creating the perfect setting to unwind. Set within landscaped tropical gardens, the hotel features 72 rooms and suites, a swimming pool, tennis courts, panoramic restaurant and the Maisha Health Centre for spa and beauty treatments.

In Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp continues Wilderness Safaris’ tradition of combining premier safari experiences with conservation. This intimate camp of six tented rooms overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga, home to one of Africa’s largest hippo and crocodile populations. Within Akagera’s transformed ecosystem, lions and black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, ensuring superb wildlife encounters on day and night drives, guided walks, boating or fishing excursions.

Finally, the One & Only Nyungwe House sits on a tea plantation bordering the Nyungwe closed-canopy rainforest, home to thirteen species of primate including chimpanzees. Built to blend into the landscape, its rooms and suites offer every modern comfort – from air conditioning and Wi-Fi to private decks – with a variety of guided activities in and around the forest available to guests.

Whichever regions you choose to include in your itinerary, a holiday to Rwanda offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey combining nature, adventure and exceptional hospitality.

For more information or to arrange holiday packages to Rwanda, contact Africa Travel on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk.