Skip to main content

Rwanda

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is the fertile and friendly red-soiled Tibet of Africa, famous for its mountain gorillas, lush scenery, rich history, coffee and tea plantations, and the beautiful Lake Kivu.

No matter what road you take in Rwanda, your trip is guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

“Once we reached the gorillas, it truly took my breath away. The silverback was massive and majestic, immediately reminding me of my place in the animal kingdom.”—Katie Gomer, Product Manager, Africa

 

Highlights

See and do:

  • Trek to see the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park
  • Catch up on some R&R at Lake Kivu
  • Visit the Genocide Museum in Kigali to better understand and respect Rwanda’s history
  • Take in Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, like its rolling hills, mountains, and many tea plantations

Pairs well with:

  • Kenya and Tanzania for big game viewing.

Rwanda is one of the most beautiful countries on the African’s continent, with steep  volcanic mountains, grassy plains and lush rainforests.

Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species. There are only approximately 880 left on the planet. Half of the remaining mountain gorillas reside in family groups within the Rwandan border of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes bordering Rwanda, Uganda & the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The remaining gorilla groups reside in these neighboring countries.

Making the trek to visit the mountain gorillas of Rwanda is unlike most wildlife experiences. There is no vehicle or vessel from which to safely observe, no cage to look into, or glass to look through. The extensive habituation process takes many years, and gradually helps the gorillas become used to the presence of humans. The goal is not to tame the gorillas, however. They are, and always will be, wild animals.

While encountering a mountain gorilla in the wild is unforgettable, it is not the only experience to be had in Rwanda.  Visitors to this beautiful country are also able to embark on a game drive in a national park bordering Tanzania, visit Rwanda’s capital city Kigali to experience its remarkable growth, or head to Lake Kivu for a relaxing getaway just to name a few.

Trip Inspirations

Safari + Gorilla Trek

Richards Private-181

15 Days: Kenya + Tanzania + Rwanda

Discover Kenya's Masai Mara and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Tanzania's iconic Serengeti National Park on an exciting safari through three distinct regions. Venture into the foothills of the Virunga mountains to track the mighty Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

View Full Trip Inspiration

Travel Blog

Lion – Home Page Photo

Travel Beyond Nominated for “World’s Best” Award!

We would be honored to receive your vote for this distinguished award. As our mission states, “Travel Beyond is a company of travel specialists dedicated to designing custom journeys that responsibly immerse guests into some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.” We trust that you have experienced this with us and that you will support us with Read more…

 “The Land of a Thousand Hills”—Rwanda Beyond Gorillas

In the month of October, I traveled to the incredible and inspiring country of Rwanda with my colleague Megan Huntoon. Prior to my journey, I knew to expect great primate trekking and excitedly prepared for my up-close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda in fact, houses one-third of the world’s remaining population of this Read more…

IMG_4546

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: A Former Zookeeper’s Primate Experience

Prior to working in travel, I had yet another job that most little kids dream about—I was a primate zookeeper. In this role, I had the pleasure of working with various monkeys, lemurs, and of course great apes at zoos around the country. So, when the opportunity arose for me to head to Rwanda and Read more…