Welcome to Rwanda
Rwanda is, quite simply, the best place in Africa to engage in what is arguably the world’s single most thrilling wildlife encounter: tracking mountain gorillas through the steep bamboo- and forest-swathed slopes of the Virunga Mountains. No two encounters are ever the same, but whether it’s a 200kg silverback chilling out on the forest trail, a curious mother staring questioningly into your eyes, or a youngster clumsily attempting to climb a liana, coming face to face with these most gentle of giants is invariably an awesome experience.
Mountain gorillas are the raison d’être for most tourist visits to Rwanda. But this small central African country has far more to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Scenically, there is the mountain-ringed inland sea that is Lake Kivu, the perfect volcanic cones of the Virungas rising to 4,000-plus metres above it, and the endless succession of steep cultivated mountains that have led to it being dubbed ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and ‘The Switzerland of Africa’.
Shoebill | Credit: New Statesman
As for wildlife, the variety is startling. The Virunga Mountains are also home to the delightful golden monkey, while Nyungwe National Park - protecting an astonishing 1,000km2 of near-pristine montane rainforest - supports a full 13 primate species, ranging from a habituated community of chimpanzees to the lovely L’Hoest’s and Rwenzori colobus monkeys. Rwanda’s national checklist of 700-plus bird species, in an area smaller than that of its former coloniser Belgium, includes the 27 super-localised Albertine Rift Endemics protected in Nyungwe, along with such iconic species as shoebill, Ross’s turaco, great blue turaco and papyrus gonolek. And when it comes to more conventional safaris, the Big Five are all now protected - and quite easily seen - in the hilly savannah of what must surely be Africa’s most rapidly resurgent protected area: Akagera National Park.
Rwanda is the tea capital of Africa
Culturally and politically, the resurgence of Akagera might be seen as emblematic of Rwanda’s recovery from the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of one-eighth of its population, and forced almost twice as many to flee into refugee camps in neighbouring countries. Few could travel through Rwanda today and not be cognisant of these terrible events, or the many genocide that pay tribute to the massacred. But you will also be be struck by the energetic programme of reconstruction that has led to Rwanda reinventing itself as one of Africa’s most economically buoyant, ecologically enlightened and politically progressive countries. It is heartening experience.
Why Would People Keep Coming Back to Rwanda?
Rwanda is a small country, it lacks for a bona fide beach destination, and its rather limited circuit of major attractions can easily be explored fully over the course of a standard-length holiday. In other words, it doesn’t attract a great deal of repeat visitors, the main exception (apart from business travellers, or those with family connections) being primate junkies who return to see the gorillas again, and possible again.
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These recommended tours for Rwanda can be tailor-made to match your budget.
13 Day Tour
The Complete East Africa Experience
Kenya Masai Mara Tanzania Serengeti National Park Rwanda
per person per tour16 Day Tour
Best of Africa Safari
South Africa Botswana Rwanda Tanzania Kenya
per person per tour11 Day Tour
Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration Combined
Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Tanzania Serengeti National Park Kenya
per person per tourExperience our Tailor-made Tours in Rwanda
When is the best time to travel to Rwanda?
Rwanda in January
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. January falls into the so-called short dry season and most parts of the country receives a medium precipitation (around 50-100mm). January is a good month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National…
Rwanda in January
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
January falls into the so-called short dry season and most parts of the country receives a medium precipitation (around 50-100mm).
January is a good month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to dry out underfoot as the short rains subside, and the odds of being drenched by a shower are relatively low.
Because it falls into the short dry season, January is a good time to visit Akagera National Park.
For birdwatchers, resident species are boosted by a large number of Palaearctic migrants between November and April.
Rwanda in February
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. February falls towards the so-called short dry season and most parts of the country receives a medium to high precipitation (around 80-100mm). February is one of the best months for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes…
Rwanda in February
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
February falls towards the so-called short dry season and most parts of the country receives a medium to high precipitation (around 80-100mm).
February is one of the best months for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to be dry underfoot and the odds of being drenched by a shower are relatively low.
For birdwatchers, resident species are boosted by a large number of Palaearctic migrants between November and April.
Rwanda in March
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. March marks the start of the main rainy season and most parts of the country receive rainfall in excess of 100mm precipitation. March is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be wet underfoot and there are…
Rwanda in March
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
March marks the start of the main rainy season and most parts of the country receive rainfall in excess of 100mm precipitation.
March is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be wet underfoot and there are frequent showers. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in March and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
For birdwatchers, March and April are probably the best months to visit Rwanda, partly because resident birds are boosted by a large number of Palaearctic migrants, but also because it is the main breeding season, and several species are at their most colourful and conspicuous.
Rwanda in April
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. April is the middle of the main rainy season and the wettest month in many parts of the country. Monthly rainfall is around 150-200mm. April is possibly the worst month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be very wet…
Rwanda in April
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
April is the middle of the main rainy season and the wettest month in many parts of the country. Monthly rainfall is around 150-200mm.
April is possibly the worst month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be very wet underfoot and there are showers most days. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in April and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
For birdwatchers, March and April are probably the best months to visit Rwanda, partly because resident birds are boosted by a large number of passage migrants, but also because it is the main breeding season, and several species are at their most colourful and conspicuous.
Rwanda in May
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. May falls within the main rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is in excess of 150-200mm. May ranks among the worst month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be very wet underfoot and there are…
Rwanda in May
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
May falls within the main rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is in excess of 150-200mm.
May ranks among the worst month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be very wet underfoot and there are showers most days. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in April and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
For birdwatchers whose main interest is non-migrant species, May is a good month to visit Rwanda, because it falls into the main breeding season, and several species are at their most colourful and conspicuous.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon is held every May and starts and ends at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.
Rwanda in June
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. June marks the start of the long dry season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is relatively low (below 50mm). Jun is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks,…
Rwanda in June
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
June marks the start of the long dry season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is relatively low (below 50mm).
Jun is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to be dry underfoot and the odds of being drenched by a shower are as low as it gets in a rainforest.
Because it falls into the long dry season, June to August is the best time to visit Akagera National Park.
A highlight of the calendar at Volcanoes National Park is the annual Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) Ceremony held every June, when all baby gorillas born over the previous 12 months are given names.
Rwanda in July
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. July falls within the long dry season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is low (well below 50mm). July is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since…
Rwanda in July
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
July falls within the long dry season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is low (well below 50mm).
July is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to be dry underfoot and the odds of being drenched by a shower are as low as it gets in a rainforest.
Because it falls into the long dry season, June to August is the best time to visit Akagera National Park.
First held in 2014, the Ubumuntu Arts Festival is a music and dance dominated four-day event held in the amphitheatre at Kigali Genocide Memorial every July 2018. It attracts acts from all over Africa and further afield.
Rwanda in August
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. August is a dry month but the short rains may start towards the end of the month. Monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is low (under 50mm). August is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes…
Rwanda in August
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
August is a dry month but the short rains may start towards the end of the month. Monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is low (under 50mm).
August is an excellent month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to be dry underfoot and the odds of being drenched by a shower are as low as it gets in a rainforest.
Because it falls into the long dry season, June to August is the best time to visit Akagera National Park.
Rwanda in September
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. September falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is moderate to high (above 100mm). September is a good month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National…
Rwanda in September
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
September falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is moderate to high (above 100mm).
September is a good month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions still tend to be relatively dry underfoot at the start of the short rains, but expect frequent showers.
One of Kigali’s premier cultural events since its inauguration in 2005 is the Rwanda Film Festival, which is now held every September and features the work of promising local filmmakers as well an international selection of Africa-themed movies.
Rwanda in October
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. October falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher). October is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there…
Rwanda in October
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
October falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher).
- October is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there are frequent showers. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in October and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
Rwanda in November
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. November is the peak of the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher). November is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and…
Rwanda in November
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
November is the peak of the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher).
November is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there are frequent showers. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in November and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
For birdwatchers, resident species are boosted by a large number of Palaearctic migrants between November and April.
Rwanda in December
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night. December falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher). December is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there…
Rwanda in December
Highlands and medium-altitude regions, for instance Kigali, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, are warm to hot by day, and comfortably cool by night.
Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night.
December falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher).
December is not an optimum month for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there are frequent showers, though this is less of a risk towards the end of the month. That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in December and you’ve a better chance of a last-minute permit. Climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of year.
For birdwatchers, resident species are boosted by a large number of Palaearctic migrants between November and April.
Our Recommended
Tours in Rwanda
These recommended tours for Rwanda can be tailor-made to match your budget.
13 Day Tour
The Complete East Africa Experience
Kenya Masai Mara Tanzania Serengeti National Park
per person per tour11 Day Tour
Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration Combined
Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Tanzania Serengeti National Park
per person per tour16 Day Tour
Best of Africa Safari
South Africa Botswana Rwanda Tanzania
per person per tourOur Destination Expert






Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
What is Alice’s favourite place in Africa?
Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Megan Warrington

Megan is an Africa Concierge Expert at Discover Africa, she is responsible for compiling travel programs for people in search of their dream safari in Africa.
About Megan
What does Megan love about African travel?
There is always a new adventure around the next corner.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Tanzania.
What is Megan’s favourite place in Africa?
Namibia
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
What is Alice’s favourite place in Africa?
Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Matthys van Aswegen

Matthys is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant, with over 13 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.
About Matthys
What does Matthys love about African travel?
Diversity and abundance of landscapes, cultures, wildlife, beaches, food and everything you can think of.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mauritius and Tanzania.
What is Matthys’s favourite place in Africa?
Cape Town
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Adelle Bell

Adelle is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant and has been in the travel industry for the past 10 years. She is a FIT specialist and has extensive experience in planning and executing dream itineraries in luxury travel.
About Adelle
What does Adelle love about African travel?
You have not lived if you have not experienced an African Safari - the early morning safari drives with the African sun rising in the distance, the smell of morning freshness, coffee in the Bush. You have got to experience a morning in Africa!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa (Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and Phinda Game Reserve), Botswana and Mozambique.
What is Adelle’s favourite place in Africa?
Kruger National Park
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Antoinette Van Heerden

Antionette is a Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, with 5 + years experience in the travel and tourism industry. She specializes in luxury safari packages.
About Antoinette
What does Antoinette love about African travel?
Adventure combined leisure travel makes for the best trip!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is Antoinette’s favourite place in Africa?
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.
Amazingly diverse safaris in Botswana - first by boat then by jeep - doesn't get any better!
Kelly
20 Sep 2016Friendly contact and quick responses
Thomas
03 Feb 2017Way above our expectations and we felt sad to leave!
Sushila Sivaretnam
21 May 2019Thank you for all your help Discover Africa
Lisa and Niall Shapiro
01 Feb 2013Nice but to noisy and shaking.
Wasén
01 Dec 2017Outstanding trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe
Chris
08 Feb 2019The sound of the lion roaring still rumbles through me
Shaina Herman
25 Feb 2014Excellent service, great places, punctual to the minute!
Lauritz Holm-Nielsen
14 Oct 2019Excellent communication, professional & helpful service with quick response times.
Pete
26 Apr 2019Friendly, efficient and very helpful in all aspects of organising our safari in Botswana.
Heather
21 Feb 2020From start to finish, professionally handled.
Scott
29 Jul 2017