Rwanda Rwanda [ /ruˈændə/ ] “Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu” Many visitors come on holiday to Rwanda to see its famous mountain gorillas, sometimes as an add-on to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, stay for just three or four days and then leave, which is a shame because there is so much more to see on a Rwanda holiday. With three national parks, a thriving capital city, spectacular mountain scenery and some surprisingly diverse wildlife, Rwanda has plenty to occupy a longer holiday and certainly deserves further exploration. Today, Rwanda has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. It has more women in Parliament than any other country in the world (64% at the time of writing) and is one of the friendliest, safest countries on the continent. Yet for most people, it inevitably conjures up images of the dreadful genocide of 1994, when almost a million people died. Whilst the genocide is a massive part of its history, over twenty years on Rwanda has evolved into a united, proud and optimistic country that warmly welcomes its visitors and provides a truly memorable and inspiring holiday. About Rwanda Annual Rain Fall COUNTRY SIZE: 26,338 sq km (10,169 sq mi) 140 112 84 CURRENCY: Rwandan Franc (RWF) 56 28 LANGUAGES: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili ETHNIC: Hutus, Tutsis, Twa Annual Temperature CAPITAL: Kigali AIRPORTS: Kigali International Airport, Kanombe Kamembe Airport, Cyangugu POPULATION: 12,6 million (2018) HEALTH REQUIREMENTS These are not mandatory, unless you enter the country from a coun- try where yellow fever is prevalent and cholera zone RWANDA Seasonal Highlights NOV DEC-FEB MAR - MAY MAY-OCT The best time visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel year round, thanks to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude, which gives it a fresh highland feel and consistent temperature. The average daytime temperature is around 30°C or 86°F. The capital of Kigali enjoys an average temperature of 21°C or 70°F. You can track gorillas year round in Rwanda, however you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions. Green Season This is Rwanda’s long rain season, and it can be unrelenting, which is particularly marked in the mountainous regions. Gorilla tracking is less suited to this period, although if you are looking to track the chimpanzees in the Nyungwe area this can be an optimum time, as the figs and fruits within the forest ripen and they tend to be seen lower down in the trees eating, are more stationary and also seen in larger groups. Transition Season A short rains period, these months can also be great for birding, as trees and plants are flowering and visible birdlife is prolific, and it is even possible to enjoy specialist birding trips (specifically late November/early December or late May). Green seasons also make for excellent photography conditions, with rains tending to be quick and heavy before clearing to blue skies – ideal for capturing scenery. Another peak time to travel, this short dry period is better for animal sightings. The drier periods can also be ideal for those looking to hike, canoe or climb, with no need for shelter from rain. Lodge prices tend to be higher during these busier times of year. Dry Season This is the long dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park and for visiting the Rwanda wildlife overall, so if you have complete flexibility with your dates we would recommend travelling during this time. Animal sightings are more common at this time, with golden monkeys and mountain gorillas as well as habitat tolerant species such as buffalo and elephant all more visible in the dry season. As gorillas reside in the rainforest, we still recommend taking waterproof clothing even during these drier months. This is also peak season in Rwanda, so prices can be higher. RWANDA RWANDA Places of Interest IN RWANDA Volcanoes National Park Volcanoes National Park, which runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas. Comprising five volcanoes, the Virungas are utterly spellbinding and few would argue that this is not one of the most exciting national parks in Africa. We probably needn’t remind you, but of all the extraordinary sights and attractions around the Virungas, the one that really draws people here are the famous mountain gorillas. Akagera National Park Akagera is Rwanda’s answer to the savannah parks of Kenya and Tanzania, and is utterly different in landscape to anywhere else in the country. Prior to the genocide, when much of the wildlife was slaughtered or driven over the border, this was considered one of the better parks in East Africa. Today, thanks to outside investment, wildlife numbers are increasing and most people get to see zebras, impalas, topis, giraffes, masses of hippos and crocodiles and even elephants, lions and rhinos. Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa. Despite its huge biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa. Nyungwe’s strongest drawcard is the chance to track chimpanzees, which have been habituated over the years to human visits. Another highlight is the simple pleasure of hiking along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest. RWANDA What to do IN RWANDA Kigali Genocide Memorial Lake Kivu Kigali City Tower Inema Art Center Akagera National Park Murambi Genocide Memorial Center Nyamata Church Camp Kigali Memorial Amahoro Stadium Kimironko Market Mt. Kigali Kigali Center for Photography Volcanoes National Park Muslim Quarter Campaign Against Genocide Museum Niyo Art Gallery National Museum of Rwanda Librarie Ikirezi Bookshop Ntarama Church Karisoke Research Center Virunga National Park 1000 Hills Distillery Rwanda Art Museum Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine Go Gisenyi Tours Congo Nile Trail Ivuka Arts Centre Nyungwe National Park Kandt House Museum Kigali Arts Center RWANDA.