Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills

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Quickly becoming one of Africa's safest and most sought after tourism destinations, Rwanda has been on my radar for quite some time. Though COVID forced me to push the trip back a bit, I'm ready to officially book my adventure and experience this beautiful country in Summer 2022 for my mom's birthday!

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, and sweeping plains.


Volcanoes National Park is home to about half the world’s mountain gorilla population, making Rwanda a top choice for a gorilla trekking safari. As for the setting, the country is extremely beautiful with its steep slopes covered in dense tropical rainforest. And though travellers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, there is so much more to see and experience. Rwanda has many other highlights worth exploring and is a safe and welcoming country with friendly people and a growing tourism industry.


What does Rwanda have to offer? 

  • Gorilla trekking, and experiencing mountain gorillas up close
  • Forest hikes and waterfalls
  • Spectacular mountain scenery
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Golden monkey trekking
  • Excellent birding

When are the best times to visit?

Dry Season(s)

For gorilla trekking, we recommend travelling during one of Rwanda’s two dry seasons: mid-June to September or December to February.

Rainy Season(s)

For chimpanzee trekking, the rainy season produces lush greenery so chimps move about less and are easier to track.

The short rainy season – October and November – is great for birding and photography. Rains normally come down in short, heavy bursts.

During the long rains – March to mid-June – gorilla trekking can be tough and muddy.




What are Rwanda's COVID-19 protocols?

  • Rwanda’s doors are now open and we look forward to welcoming you to be at one with nature, while staying safe and healthy. All tourism activities, including primate trekking within Rwanda’s national parks, have now resumed in line with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures. The well-being of travellers is Rwanda’s top priority and the country has put in place robust health and safety guidelines to ensure this.

  • All travellers arriving in Rwanda must present a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 120 hours of departure (meaning travellers must be tested and get results within 5 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted. A second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered after 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost. 

  • Currently, international visitors arriving by flight can visit Rwanda. There are no restrictions based on nationality or point of departure. These visitors can enter Rwanda on the condition of fulfilling the health and safety requirements outlined in these FAQs and this information note.Visitors must complete the Passenger Locator Form before arrival.

My (Rough) Itinerary

  • Arrive in Kigali for a city tour of markets and the Genocide Museum (in 1994 about 800,000 people were killed by Hutu extremists targeting political opponents and Tutsis in just 100 days)
  • Travel to Volcanoes National Park where we will trek with gorillas for two days
  • Travel to Nyungwe National Park for trekking with chimpanzees and monkeys
  • Onward to Akagera for a hot air balloon and jeep safari
  • Return to Kigali and depart for home 
  • Good add on to this itinerary is a short trip to Seychelles for some beach relaxation (a great option for honeymooners!)

It's my professional recommendation that trips should be planned at least six months in advance, but preferably longer. In addition, only a small number of permits are issued for gorilla trekking each year, so if it's on your bucket list, you'll need to secure one well in advance of your trip. 

Ready to book your Rwandan adventure or do you have more questions about Africa's hidden gem? Reach out to me at 908-230-2327 or jessica@ellitravel.com and discover just how easy it is to work with me! 


Jet Set Jess: Same Rates, More Benefits



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