is home to more than 270 habituated mountain gorillas and is one of the best places in the world for gorilla sightings. Days spent trekking may be long and arduous, but the reward is beyond imagination. No matter how many times you picture coming within feet of a majestic silverback, nothing can prepare you for the feeling of both terror and wonder as its hazel eyes stare straight at you; the hairs standing up on the back of your neck as it permits you to enter its territory. Rwanda is home to interesting cities, too. Cultural Butare hosts the former King’s Palace and several museums, whilst a visit to Kigali offers a chilling reminder of Rwanda’s troubled past with historical sites including the Genocide Memorial Site. Rwanda is a great destination in its own right, or added on as an extension to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania (it is only a short flight from Nairobi). Tourism to Rwanda has dropped greatly since the tragedy of the early 1990's, but visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the spirit of reconciliation which now exists in the country.

for 20 years in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park A Rwandan gorilla safari combines well with other East African destinations in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to chimpanzees and fantastic bird-watching opportunities. Akagera National Park, on the other hand, offers big five game viewing in a diverse savannah setting. Lake Kivu is a gorgeous expanse of water surrounded by Rwanda's gently rolling slopes Rwanda is the Most secure country in Africa, Small, compact and easy to travel around. Rwanda has dealt with its past tragedies and offers intrepid travellers and wildlife enthusiasts what is usually a hard-to-gain insight into Central African cultures, wildlife and environments

cultivated hills that characterise much of Rwanda. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, this is an archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland. Akagera is, above all, big game country. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while visitors might stumble across leopard, spotted hyena or even a stray lion. You will find giraffe and zebra on the Savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly impala, but also oribi and bush buck, as well as tsessebe and the world's largest antelope, the Cape eland. Camping alongside the picturesque lakes of Akagera is truly a great introduction to the wonders of the African bush. Lining the lakes are some of the continent’s densest concentrations of waterbirds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork - the latter perhaps the most eagerly sought of all African birds. Activities In and around Akagera National Park Game drives and walking safaris will give you the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife found in Akagera. Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best places in the world to study and watch a range of different primate species, including the common chimpanzee and baboon and the rarer Hamlyn’s monkey and manga bey. Nyungwe Forest, whilst easily accessible, is huge and possibly the largest swathe of montane forest left in east or central Africa. The park occupies a region of rain forest, swamp, long grasslands and bamboo in southwest Rwanda. The wildlife, as expected, is very diverse. There are 13 different primate species in the park as well as 85 recorded mammal species. The forests canopy rises high and conceals a prolific bird and plant life among the ebony, mahogany and tree fern. Activities In and around Nyungwe Forest Game viewing is on foot. Chimpanzee tracking is very popular and highly recommended. Forest or mountain walks, as well as birding safaris, are also popular. Volcanoes National Park Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains in northwest Rwanda. The park protects the slopes of this magnificent mountain range and its several ecosystems, which include evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virunga offers stirring views in all directions. These mountains, among the highest in Africa, are home to the rare mountain gorilla. Gorilla trekking is the park's primary attraction, but the region is home to a diverse range of wildlife aside from the gorillas, including buffalo, hyena, duika and the rare golden monkey. Elephants are occasionally seen and there are around 180 recorded bird species. The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze, a solidified lava flow, is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. Activities In and around the Volcanoes National Park Gorilla trekking and golden monkey visits are the most popular activities. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day. There are also tours of the nearby lakes, River Canoeing and caves. Volcanic Lakes Rwanda's lakes offer visitors glimpses into ancient African lifestyles. Here, fishermen still fish in dugout canoes unchanged in design for centuries, while the local populace can be seen working or sitting on the shores in colourful local dress, smoking traditional wooden pipes. The birdlife is fantastic and you will find flocks of pelicans, crowned cranes and malachite kingfishers on the lake shores and islands. Lake Kivu is the largest of the numerous freshwater lakes in the valleys of Rwanda. It lies on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, close to the gorilla-tracking centre of Ruhengeri, are often neglected gems, with the nearby Virunga Volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop. Idjwi, one of the largest inland islands in the world, lies at the centre of Lake Kivu and houses a large human population. The island inhabitants are friendly and reside in a number of villages, towns and resorts. Water sports in the region are excellent as are the beaches. Activities In and around Lake Kivu Lake Kivu is a perfect destination for those just wishing to relax on the beach. The towns of Kibuye, Cyangugu and Gisenyi are home to a number of sights to explore as well as excellent restaurants.

frequency, C & J plug Language English (official), Kinyarwanda (official), universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers. Religion Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1% Weather Temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to annuary); mild in the mountains with frost and possible snow. Geography Located in central Africa, Rwanda is bordering Democratic Republic of Congo (217km), Uganda (169km), Tanzania (217km), and Burundi (290km). Total 26,338 square km Land 24,948 square km Water 1,390 square km Coastline - 0 km (landlocked)