Often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with a mountainous landscape on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift Valley. Geographically, Rwanda borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nature and Wildlife in Rwanda

Rwanda, located in East Africa, is a nature lover's paradise. With diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, it's an unforgettable destination. Encounter majestic mountain gorillas up close with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Or, observe intelligent chimpanzees in their natural habitat with guided hikes in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Akagera National Park is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species to discover. And, for a moment of tranquillity, Lake Kivu provides stunning views and water activities. Rwanda's unique biodiversity and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to over a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Visitors can go on guided treks in Volcanoes National Park to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The tour takes one to four hours, and visitors can witness the playful behaviour of young gorillas, the nurturing of mothers, and the protective behaviour of silverbacks. The experience is carefully managed to ensure safety, with limited permits and strict guidelines. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is both exhilarating and humbling, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable creatures.

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a unique and thrilling adventure that offers a rare opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience takes you through the lush green forests of the Virunga Mountains, where you'll hike up to 4,000m above sea level in search of these magnificent creatures. As you get closer to the gorillas, you'll witness their playful behaviour, mesmerising interactions, and gentle nature. You'll be amazed by these animals' sheer size and strength yet humbled by their peaceful demeanour. The experience is truly awe-inspiring, and you'll leave with a deep appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants. Additionally, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture and learn about the region's history, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park has various animals in eastern Rwanda, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more. Visitors can take a guided safari tour through the park to get up close and personal with the wildlife. The park also offers boat rides on Lake Ihema, where visitors can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. With its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty, Akagera National Park is an unforgettable destination for any nature lover.

Birding in Rwanda

Birding in Rwanda is a truly unique and exhilarating experience. With over 700 species of birds, Rwanda has some of the most diverse birdlife in Africa. The country has various bird habitats, from Nyungwe National Park's dense forests to Akagera National Park's wetlands.

Rwanda's most sought-after bird species include the African green broadbill, the Grauer's swamp warbler, the red-faced woodland warbler, and the papyrus yellow warbler. Birdwatchers can also expect to see a variety of colourful sunbirds, kingfishers, hornbills, and turacos.

One of the best ways to go birding in Rwanda is to hire a local bird guide to help you navigate the country's diverse bird habitats and identify the different species. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a beginner, birding in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Rwanda Visa Information

The Rwandan authorities made their Visa one of the easiest to get.

• Citizens of all countries can get visas upon arrival without prior application.
• Citizens of countries that are members of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie can get free visas upon arrival in Rwanda for a visit of 30 days.
• A citizen of East African Community Member States can receive a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival for a six-month stay in Rwanda.
• Visitors from the following countries can be granted 90-day visas at no cost upon arrival in Rwanda: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and the State of Qatar.
• Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can apply online or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission of the country of residence before departure. Those using online have the option to pay online or upon arrival. No single affiliated agent is authorised to apply for a visa on your behalf.
• The visa fees must not exceed 50 USD for a single entry visa or 70 USD for multiple entry.
• To apply for a Visa to Rwanda online, please follow this link.

It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa procedures (as the information above can change at any time) and to arrange your visa(s) correctly and timely. Still, if anything needs to be clarified, we will gladly assist you.

Note:  This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.

Reminders

• Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
• A photocopy of your passport (including the visa page),
• Torch, malaria prophylaxis, insect repellent, sunblock, towel, jungle walking shoes, and long trousers for the walks; any other personal effects, light-coloured clothing.
• Allow time between the scheduled return trip and any ongoing travel connections. We do not take responsibility for any missed connections due to late return.