A visit to Rwanda reveals a world of incredible natural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills”, this beautiful country not only provides the most effortless and accessible gorilla trekking opportunities in East Africa but also presents a plethora of diverse landscapes and unique experiences for an enriching Rwandan safari. 

The swamp marshes and savannah plains of eastern Rwanda give way to the rising hills and mountains in the west. Bamboo forests climb the fertile slopes of dormant volcanoes, creating a sanctuary for habituated but still wild gorilla families. Here in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the late American primatologist Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of the endangered mountain gorilla for 20 years. And it also later became famous for being the setting for the film Gorillas in the Mist. 

Apart from these precious primates, the park is also home to the rare golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and a few inquisitive elephants. One of the oldest forests in Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts a wealth of biodiversity, birdlife, and is home to the gorilla’s smaller cousin, the chimpanzee. 

Here you can trek through grasslands, swamps, bogs, and bamboo in search of these charismatic chimps as they swing in and out of sight through tree canopies, calling their companions. South of the park rests Lake Kivu – one of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley – with its indented coast and deep-water bays. The natural beauty of Rwanda certainly personifies tranquil perfection. However, this friendly country has dealt with its adversity too, and offers intrepid travellers insight into Central African culture, their history, and inspiring perseverance.