Rwanda
Rwanda
Land of remarkable rebirth
About Rwanda
To visit Rwanda is to witness the power of the human spirit.
Perhaps more than any other country, it tells a story of profound and astonishing transformation.
Once known for its tragic past, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of progress, a forward-looking nation renowned for its safety, its immaculate cities and its deep commitment to conservation.
The country’s famous nickname, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is no exaggeration: its landscape is an awe-inspiring tapestry of emerald mountains, rolling hills and glittering lakes.
Within this gorgeous scenery, many of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife encounters are to be found. In the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park, coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas is a humbling, life-altering experience.
In the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, you can track chimpanzees and walk among the treetops on a dizzying canopy walkway. And in Akagera National Park, a model of conservation success, lions and rhinos have been reintroduced, restoring the Big Five to its plains.
To travel in Rwanda is to be moved – by the beauty of its nature, the warmth of its people and the inspiration of its journey.
Top travel tips for Rwanda
Did you know
Rwanda is widely considered to be one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa, with Kigali often cited as the continent’s cleanest capital city.
Book gorilla permits first: gorilla trekking permits are the single most important part of your itinerary. They are expensive, limited in number and sell out months in advance. Your entire trip should be planned after you have secured your permits for a specific date
Leave the plastic bags at home: Rwanda has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags. Your luggage will be searched for them upon arrival at the airport, and they will be confiscated. This law is strictly enforced and is a key reason for the country’s famous cleanliness
Prepare for high altitude: most of Rwanda, including Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, sits at a high altitude
(1 500m/4 921ft to 2 500m/8 202ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatise before undertaking strenuous activities such as gorilla trekking
Engage respectfully with the history: a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a powerful and essential experience for understanding the country’s journey. It is a place of deep emotion and reflection; dress conservatively and approach your visit with the utmost respect
Get ready for Umuganda: if you happen to be in Rwanda on the last Saturday of the month, you will encounter Umuganda. This is a mandatory national day of community service from 8am to 11am, where nearly all shops and businesses close. It’s a unique insight into the nation’s community spirit
A truly special event is Kwita Izina, an annual naming ceremony for baby mountain gorillas born in the Volcanoes National Park. Based on a Rwandan tradition for human babies, Kwita Izina promotes awareness and helps to combat poaching. In 2025 40 baby gorillas were named, bringing the total since 2005 to 397. Dates for the ceremony vary, so speak to your Travel Architect about travelling at the right time
When you realise the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.”
