"Africa’s premier gorilla-tracking destination, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ offers a great deal of variety to wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Big Five safaris can be undertaken in Akagera National Park, there’s excellent chimp-tracking and birdwatching in the dense montane forests of Nyungwe, or you could hike up the 4,507m peak of volcanic Mount Karisimbi, followed by some down time on the gorgeous mountain-ringed shores of Lake Kivu.”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYRwanda
Rwanda has come a long way since the genocide that tore it apart in 1994. It now ranks among the most stable, well-run and economically buoyant countries of African countries, and is notable for its relatively progressive outlook on social and environmental matters. This, for instance, is the only country on earth where women outnumber men in parliament, while in 2008 it became the first place in the world to enact a total ban on plastic bags.
Post-millennial Rwanda has reinvented itself a fantastic ecotourism destination. The main draw the world-famous mountain gorillas that inhabit the slopes of Volcanoes National Park’s spectacular Virunga Mountains. But the country is home to two other world-class national parks, both very different in character but equally rewarding to wildlife lovers.
For safari enthusiasts, Akagera National Park protects a tract of moist savannah and wetlands that supports all the so-called Big Five, along with large numbers of giraffe and hippo, and an astonishing 520 species of bird.
For hikers, the main attraction is Nyungwe National Park, an important watershed whose rolling forest-swathed hills are home to 13 species of primate, including a habituated community of chimpanzees, as well as a couple of dozen of Africa’s most localised forest birds.
Few could travel through Rwanda today and not be cognisant of the terrible events of 1994. An essential stop in the capital Kigali is its Genocide Museum and Memorial, which exists not only to mourn the victims of the genocide, but also to highlight Rwanda’s determination that the atrocities should neither be forgotten nor repeated.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more consistent rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
DRIER PERIOD
A slightly drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in October.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
WET SEASON
Whilst rain is possible throughout the year, during this period rainfall tends to be more intense and prolonged.
Rwanda is just two degrees south of the equator; this equatorial location means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Rwanda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on temperature, which is surprisingly pleasant throughout the year.
Its equatorial location does, however, mean that rainfall is likely throughout the year. There are main two wet seasons in Rwanda; the first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November.
The best time to visit Rwanda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park
The perfect complement to the forested habitats that dominate Rwanda’s other national parks, Akagera protects all the Big Five in a scenic mosaic of wetlands, moist savannah and rolling hills abutting the border with Tanzania.
Read MoreKigali
Kigali
The main air gateway to Rwanda, the country’s hilly capital is also known for its eco-friendly environmental policies and harrowing genocide museum.
Read MoreLake Kivu
Lake Kivu
The closest thing to a seaside resort in Rwanda is this scenic lake hemmed in by the tall Rift Valley escarpment on the Congolese border.
Read MoreNyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park
Protecting the largest remaining tract of Afromontane forest in East or Central Africa, Nyungwe has much to offer wildlife enthusiasts. Chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity, but the trail network also includes a canopy walkway, and hosts a wealth of handsome monkeys and forest birds.
Read MoreVolcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most engaging wildlife experiences Africa has to offer. Yet this breathtaking park offers a host of other worthwhile activities, ranging from tracking golden monkeys and birdwatching to hiking to the volcanos’ Afro-alpine summits.
Read MoreExplore our itineraries
The Rwandan Wilderness Safari
This luxury 5 night Rwanda itinerary offers both the opportunity for a gorilla trek as well as a safari in Akagera National Park.
An Out of Africa Adventure
An 8 night itinerary trekking gorillas in Rwanda, followed by 'out of Africa' safari at Cottar's 1920'S Camp in the Masai Mara.
Mountains, Plains and Volcanoes
An 11 night safari and gorilla trekking 'luxurious' adventure through Northern Tanzania and Rwanda.
Explore our sample itineraries for a little inspiration
ITINERARIESWhat People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
