Rwanda

Undulating green hills and spectacular scenery

Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is a small, mountainous country in central-eastern Africa. Although landlocked, Rwanda is in the African Great Lakes region and boasts spectacular plains and lakes which run into grasslands and beautiful green peaks. Rwanda’s luxury travel industry is relatively new, with the country previously associated with the horrific 1994 genocide where nearly a million people were killed over three to four months. A quarter of a decade later, the country’s government has prioritised peace and stability, it has low levels of corruption compared with neighbouring countries and has invested heavily in making the country a fantastic and safe tourist destination.  

The Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of the country encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains and is home to the silverback mountain gorilla. With protected forests and beautiful mountain slopes, visitors can hike through the vegetation to seek out a family of this rare and majestic animal. A trip that should be on every traveler's bucket list, observing the gorillas in their natural habitat is a truly moving and once in a lifetime experience. However, the mountain gorilla is not all that Rwanda has to offer. In the south-west corner of Rwanda is the Nyungwe Forest, home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, l’hoest’s monkeys, colobus & mangabeys. The Akagera National Park is another site of incredible habitats and wildlife particularly large mammals such as elephants, buffalo, hippo, eland & tsessebe, as well as the famous big cats. Lake Kivu occupies most of the length of Rwanda's western border, along which lie a number of beautiful lakeside towns and surprisingly stunning beaches. Safaris to Rwanda are complimented by an understanding of the country’s history and the events which have shaped it. In the diverse, vibrant and exceptionally clean capital of Kigali are a number of museums and memorials which focus on the genocide and are sobre but worthwhile and informative. 

A remarkable recovery to a safari paradise

Rwanda has an increasing number of luxurious accommodation options with high-end hotel brands Wilderness Safaris, Singita and One & Only expanding in the country. One infamous spot is Virunga Lodge which opened in 2004 and is perched on the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of six volcanoes and two crater lakes. Whether a stunning safari lodge on the edge of a lake, a distinctive tented camp or a luxury urban hotel, our selected spots provide an authentic and distinctive Rwandan experience. Rwanda offers a diverse range of activities and is a great destination in its own right, or as part of a multi-country central and east African itinerary. Ultimately, visitors can relax in luxury knowing they are in one of the safest countries on the continent.