Rwanda Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

With two weeks in Rwanda, you'll have ample time to explore its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. From the lively capital, Kigali, to the serene beauty of Lake Kivu, Rwanda offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Trek through Volcanoes National Park to witness the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas, delve into the country's rich history, and experience its lively local traditions. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, historical insights, or simply to soak in the peaceful surroundings, a 2-week trip in Rwanda allows you to uncover it all at your own pace.

Five days in Rwanda isn’t enough to see it all, but you can explore a couple of destinations. Tour the bustling markets of Kigali, trek the lush forests of Nyungwe, soak in the lush wonders of Volcanoes National Park, or relax by the serene shores of Lake Kivu. With the country’s manageable size, hopping from one destination to another is doable, letting you capture Rwanda in a 5-day itinerary.

Experience the magic of Rwanda over 10 days, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history await. From the misty volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park to the vibrant wildlife in Akagera National Park, immerse yourself in one of Africa's most beautiful and peaceful countries. Trek through lush jungles to see mountain gorillas, spot incredible wildlife on safaris, and learn more about Rwanda's turbulent history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. A trip to Rwanda offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culture.

With 7 days in Rwanda, you can explore the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park, marvel at Kigali's vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, and soak in the tranquility of Lake Kivu. Choose to immerse yourself completely in Rwanda's most captivating locales or embark on a dynamic journey that unveils the country's lesser-known wonders. A trip to Rwanda for a week offers the perfect itinerary to capture the essence of a country that is as diverse as it is breathtaking.

The biggest draw on any Rwanda itinerary has to be visiting the world’s last free-roaming mountain gorillas. But while small by African standards, Rwanda’s wonders don’t stop there. The incredible but little heard of Akagera National Park offers the quintessential safari Big Five experience, while chimps roam the forest floor of Nyungwe National Park. Then there’s Lake Kivu, whose beaches are the perfect destination for some rest and relaxation before taking in the sights and sounds of Kigali. Surrounded by hills, it’s mainland Africa’s cleanest, greenest and safest capital.

The Big 5 refers to five African game animals: the African lion, the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhinoceros. These animals were originally called the Big 5 not for their size, but for the level of difficulty and danger big-game hunters faced when tracking and hunting these animals on foot. Bringing down one of these big five animals won the hunter a trophy, therefore making them the most sought-after African animals in the big-game hunting world. Over one hundred years ago, these five animals were abundant. American president Theodore Roosevelt himself embarked on an African hunting expedition and was quoted as saying the “African elephant would never become extinct” due to the sheer number he encountered. Flash forward to the current day and most of the Big 5 animals are currently listed as “vulnerable” or “endangered” species. Although hunting of all these animals is still allowed to some degree, Africa has put strict laws in place to protect and conserve each species. However, poaching has been and continues to be a concern. Nowadays, African safari operators and local hunting guides borrow the term Big 5 when marketing their tours and services. Visitors and big-game hunters who come to these African reserves will experience what it’s like to see these regal and majestic animals in the wild on their massive reserves or even experience the thrill of hunting one. In either case, it’s an accomplishment that is on many traveler’s bucket list.