Rwanda Country Information

Africa Map with Rwanda Highlighted

What We Think You Should Know About a Safari in Rwanda.

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Rwanda

First touching down on Rwandan soil in the city of Kigali, you will soon understand why this country is called the Land of a Thousand Hills. Gazing at the horizon, one hill fades into another as far as you can see and as soon as you think you’ve seen the last one, it’s only then that you notice another behind it. But this tiny East African country is not limited to one landscape; it also has lush rainforest, volcanic regions, and open expanses of savannah. 

Rwanda stands out in the region and the world for its safety, order, and cleanliness. Following a tragic recent history, Rwanda rebuilt with a focus on national unity and an emphasis on peace and cooperation. This has resulted in an impressively well-functioning society. Its commitment to preserving its natural resources and wild spaces is also exceptional, with its most recent national park, Gishwati Mukura, debuting in 2020. You can see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. On the west side of the country, Lake Kivu, with clear waters and surrounded by dark green hills, offers an idyllic and relaxing getaway.  

The country has four climatic seasons throughout the year, alternating between rainy and dry. The long rains are from March to May and the short rains are from September to November. 

Country Specific Information
  • Official Name: Republic of Rwanda

    Population: 13 Million

    Area: 26,000 Square Miles

    National Animal: Leopard

    National Bird: African Shoebill

    Best Known for: Gorillas & Volcanoes

  • Long Rainy Season: March-May

    Short Rainy Season: September-November

    Average Low Temp: 60F

    Average High Temp: 90F

  • Visas for tourists visiting the country for 30 days or less are obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is $50 for single-entry permits and $70 for multiple-entry permits.

  • COVID-19 Vaccine is required.

    Yellow Fever Vaccine is required, if traveling from another African country.

  • Kinyarwanda is the primary language, but Kiswahili, French, and English are also spoken widely.

  • RWF: Rwandan Franc. Most Tourism Lodges accept USD and tips can be made in either currency. Rwanda’s ATMs can sometimes be difficult with US and European bank cards, so it is best to bring cash and exchange.

  • Types C (two round pins) and J (three round pins) operating on a 230V supply voltage.


Fun Fact

Rwanda grows some of the best coffee in Africa.


Camps & Lodges

Named after a legendary silverback, Kwitonda is located just outside of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and is an ideal location for trekking to see the nearby gorillas.


Situated in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, you will stay in cozy, unique thatched hovels that are embedded into the forest, each with a private verandah that looks out onto the magical volcanoes.


In the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is a relaxing landing spot from which you can trek to witness mountain gorillas roaming in their natural habitat.


Housed in the rainforest ecosystem that is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity, this is an incredible destination for birders and plant enthusiasts alike.

Rwanda is the easiest place to see the endangered Mountain Gorilla.