Overview: Top Destinations Rwanda
Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is one of the world's smallest countries and is in a landlocked position between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with mountains in the west, savannah in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The Volcanoes National Park is where Rwanda's renowned gorilla safaris take place; attracting thousands of visitors every year. The country hosts some rare species of animals in addition to the sought after silverback mountain gorillas; unique birds and insects are beautifully abundant in the tropical forest of Nyungwe. Music and dance, particularly drums and the highly choreographed 'intore' dance, are an integral part of Rwandan culture. Traditional arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, including 'imigongo', a unique cow dung art.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and is again a Big Five destination after the recent reintroductions of lion and black rhino.
Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s newest national park. It consists of the Gishwati and Mukura forests, which are about 25km apart in western Rwanda.
The remarkably accessible Nyungwe Forest National Park contains the largest remaining tract of montane rainforest in East Africa.
Volcanoes National Park (also known as Parc National des Volcans) is arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla.