Rwanda
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills and endless vistas. Where misty rainforests and volcanoes set the stage, mighty mountain gorillas capture your gaze, and the culture is warm and welcoming. Between lakes and mountains, you discover a country that may seem small on the map but feels grand in every experience.
Why is Rwanda the perfect country for you as a traveler?
If you crave adventure in a compact yet incredibly diverse destination, then Rwanda is your country. It’s no coincidence it’s called the land of a thousand hills: wherever you look, the landscape undulates from jungle to mountain peak. Hike over volcanoes, bike along the Congo Nile Trail, or come face to face with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the mysterious rainforests. But Rwanda is more than just nature. It’s a country that breathes resilience and transformation. After a turbulent history, Rwanda has developed into one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most progressive countries. In the vibrant capital Kigali, you’ll experience this welcoming spirit and creative scene at its best.
Our team has traveled through Rwanda for years and knows the most beautiful routes. Here, we work closely with local partners who inspire us with their hospitality, entrepreneurship, and stories. Whether it’s visiting a small family-run lodge, cycling serene mountain paths, or sharing a meal with locals, we aim to create moments that connect you with the real Rwanda.
For you, this means traveling at your own pace, with depth. With our trusted partners and angels just across the border, we know the best routes and create experiences that highlight both the country’s natural wonders and its inspiring people. Whether you want to be active or prefer slow travel, we help you get started. For travelers who want to experience greatness in a small country, Rwanda is perfect.
Rwanda
Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.
Make your trip even more special by combining safari with cultural experiences:
- Kigali is clean, sustainable, and sitting still during a city tour is impossible: a vibrant art scene, colorful markets, and amazing people.
- The Genocide Museum in Kigali is a place to remember and learn about the horrific 1994 genocide.
- Island hop on Lake Kivu, taking in the mountains, volcanoes, and the stunning green surroundings.
- Gisenyi, located on the shores of Lake Kivu, boasts three sandy beaches. For the sporty types: it’s also great for water sports here.
- Gisenyi is also the starting point of the Congo Nile Trail. This trail runs from Gisenyi all the way to Lake Tanganyika in Burundi. Those thousand hills we keep talking about? On this adventurous trek, you’ll climb nearly all of them.
- Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, also known as the twin lakes. Few tourists visit these lakes, and you can enjoy hiking and mountain biking here.
- One of Rwanda’s most beautiful parks is Akagera National Park: spot the Big Five from a car or even from a boat!
- Travelers head especially to the southwest for Nyungwe National Park: one of Central Africa’s oldest rainforests. It’s home to no less than 13 species of monkeys. A fun activity here is the Canopy Walk.
- Venture into the jungle to search for mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.
- Volcanoes National Park is an important base for impressive research on the rare mountain gorillas.
From 0 to 100 years old! Rwanda is suitable for everyone, with:
- Routes featuring short driving distances and family-friendly accommodations.
- Romantic spots and unforgettable activities for lovebirds or honeymooners.
- Plenty to see and do comfortably for those aged 65 and up.
Thanks to its high elevation, Rwanda enjoys a mild climate, with temperatures a bit cooler than you might expect from a country so close to the equator. Daytime temperatures usually range between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. Once the sun sets, it’s time for a hoodie as temperatures drop to around 9 to 13 degrees. The lowest point in Rwanda is the Rusizi River, where it’s noticeably warmer than in the higher regions of this smallest East African country.
Rwanda has a tropical rainforest climate, with two rainy seasons: a long wet season from February to late May, and a short rainy season from late September to November. During these periods, heavy rains can occur but rarely last all day. Rwanda can be visited during the rainy seasons as well—just bring your rain boots and be prepared for wet mornings and dry afternoons.
Curious what a trip looks like? Here is our favorite route in Rwanda:
Discover the beauty of Rwanda
There is no litter and you'll notice that motorcyclists wear helmets and women carry large bunches of matoke on their heads.
Rwanda's genocide memorial
Everywhere in Rwanda, you’ll still notice the country has had its struggles. When visiting, there are certain places you shouldn’t miss.
Island hopping Lake Kivu
The largest lake in Rwanda. Lake Kivu dominates the border with Congo and lies in the heart of Africa’s lush Great Rift Valley.
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Together, we will make sure this trip is unforgettable for you!
Riekus
Travel Consultant Rwanda
With Charlie's Travels, you choose for fair and local travelling
Our team lives and works in Africa
We create our own routes
Your trip is completely tailor-made
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Travel stories of our travellers in Rwanda
Had a fantastic trip with Charlie’s Travels. Every little detail of the trip through Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya was thought through, making the trip flawless. A must for group travel!
My husband and I drove from Uganda to Rwanda and then on to Kenya. On several occasions, we were accompanied by a guide who spoke excellent English and was eager to share stories about their country or the places we visited. Five stars for Charlie’s!
We had an amazing trip through Uganda and Rwanda! Saw a lot of beautiful places, stayed in great hostels and lodges, did a lot of tours in stunning nature. It was absolutely great, and everything was arranged very well, with good (and kind) communication throughout the trip. 🙂
With eleven guests, we spent two weeks in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Thanks to their tremendous effort and creativity, we had an unforgettable trip. We also had a lot of fun with the traveling chef, drivers, and various guides. If you want to be surprised in Africa, give them a call!
“With Charlie’s Travels, we traveled through Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with 13 girls. The trip was incredibly diverse, featuring motorcycle rides, swimming in volcanic lakes, eco-lodges, camping with locals, and relaxing on the most beautiful beaches. All I can say is: ‘Thank you, Charlie!'”
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