Why Go to Rwanda?

Few wildlife experiences in the world compare to gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Trekking through bamboo forests and misty volcanic slopes, you’ll follow expert guides to reach a family of wild mountain gorillas. Then, there’s the moment—the moment when you lock eyes with a silverback just a few feet away. It’s raw, powerful, and humbling. This is bucket-list travel at its finest and one of the top reasons why Rwanda is considered Africa’s premier primate destination.

After the exhilaration of the rainforest, unwind on the serene shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. This lush lakeside escape is perfect for kayaking, sunset boat rides, and cycling the Congo Nile Trail. Life slows down here—fishing boats bob in the water, children play along the shore, and the scent of grilled tilapia fills the air. Stop in lively Gisenyi or tranquil Kibuye for hot springs, coffee tastings, and cultural encounters that showcase the richness of Rwanda’s lakeside communities.

If you dream of being immersed in an ancient forest alive with the sounds of primates and birdsong, Nyungwe Forest National Park is your call to the wild. This biodiverse gem is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. But perhaps the most unique experience here is the Nyungwe canopy walk—a swaying bridge suspended 50 meters above the forest floor. It’s both thrilling and surreal, offering bird’s-eye views of Rwanda’s pristine rainforest.

Kigali is Africa’s cleanest and most progressive capital, and it’s where Rwanda’s past and future meet. Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand the country’s painful but resilient history. Then, dive into the vibrant present—visit local fashion boutiques, sip single-origin Rwandan coffee at trendy cafés, and admire modern African art at the Inema Arts Center. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with music and energy—especially in Nyamirambo, where nightlife thrives and the culture feels electric.

Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey tracking, a joyful and energetic experience where you’ll spot these rare primates leaping through bamboo thickets. Adventurous travelers can hike to Mount Bisoke’s crater lake or tackle Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak, for unforgettable views across the Virunga Mountains. These treks are not just physical challenges—they’re deep connections to Rwanda’s elemental, untamed side.

Rwanda’s high-altitude terroir produces some of the finest Arabica beans in the world. Take a coffee tour through the lush hills surrounding Lake Kivu and experience Rwandan coffee culture from crop to cup. Walk through plantations with local farmers, learn traditional roasting techniques, and taste rich, floral brews while gazing out over rolling green hills that stretch to the horizon. It’s a grounding, sensory experience—and a reminder that Rwanda is as soulful as it is scenic.