With scenery ranging from immense volcanoes to vast savannahs and pristine rainforests to tranquil lakes, Rwanda’s varied geography matched with its deep history makes this country a unique African destination.
Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is dominated by rolling hills and volcanoes in the north. The lush jungles of Volcanoes National Park are home to several ancient volcanoes as well as 13 species of primates, including the well-known mountain gorilla. Just two hours south of Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, a bustling city shrouded in Rwanda’s culture and history. With yearlong springtime weather, the Akagera National Park contains miles of savannahs and swamplands that make a Rwanda safari an incomparable experience. Lake Kivu in western Rwanda offers an array of watersports with an unexpected landscape of both beaches and mountains.
When visiting Rwanda’s national parks it’s common to see animals such as zebras, giraffes and elephants in the savannahs as well as chimpanzees and golden cats in the rainforests. Rwanda’s diverse territory is home to more than 700 species of birds including African Spoonbill, Tropical Boubou, and Red-Faced Barbet.
Holbrook’s experience in leading trips to destinations that are off the beaten path has allowed us to create unique opportunities for travelers that wish to experience all of the beauty, diversity and adventure that Rwanda has to offer.
Gorilla Trekking
The Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park, home to roughly a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, draw visitors from around the world to witness and experience these magnificent apes. Volcanoes National Park was the base for primatologist Dian Fossey, renowned for her extensive research on gorilla groups and author of the 1983 book, “Gorillas in the Mist.” Gorilla tracking with Holbrook’s experienced guides gives an intimate encounter with these animals in the wild, and excellent opportunities for photography. In addition to the famed gorillas, Rwanda offers the chance to see more than a dozen other primate species, including the chimpanzee, golden monkey, bushbabies, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys.
National Parks
Though smaller in size than the state of Massachusetts, Rwanda is home to three national parks, which together protect a variety of different habitats for an array of wildlife and more than 700 species of birds. Despite its location just south of the Equator, the country’s high elevations make the climate moderate and comfortable for exploring.
At Volcanoes National Park—most famous for its mountain gorillas but also home to chimpanzees and golden monkeys, among others—you can discover eight volcanoes, hiking trails, caves, and bamboo forests in search of wildlife and myriad bird species. The mountain rainforests at Nyungwe National Park offer different habitats with the chance to see chimpanzees and more than 275 types of birds, including 16 endemic species. Located adjacent to Tanzania, Akagera National Park is characterized by highlands, savannah plains, and wetlands. This is an excellent place to see some of Africa’s iconic wildlife, like elephants, zebras, antelopes, leopards, hyenas, jackals, hippos, and crocodiles. The Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet, and Swamp Flycatcher are just some of the highlights of the park’s 500-plus bird species.
Culture & History
Stained by civil war, Rwanda is a country on the rise; despite its painful past, today the country is flourishing and tourism is better than ever. The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda’s capital provides an unflinching look at the country’s history and gives visitors a context to better understand the direction in which Rwanda is moving today. Explore the city of Kigali further to experience Rwanda’s rich culture, colored with traditional African drum music and highly choreographed dance that has been passed down for generations. Outside the capital, you can visit a tea estate to learn about Rwanda’s largest export, view a traditional performance by Intore dancers, or shop for crafts like woven baskets, pottery, and the Rwandan craft of Imigongo, or cow dung paintings.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Rwanda. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.
A tourist visa is required. Tourist visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport for $30 (subject to change). Visa fees are payable in U.S. dollars printed after 2006 or VISA credit cards.
A yellow fever certificate of immunization is required to enter Rwanda. Please see details in the Immunization section below.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Rwanda for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers who are one year of age or older.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines before visiting Rwanda.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Rwanda are at moderate risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Currency
The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc.
Electricity
The electrical current in Rwanda is 220V 50Hz AC. Travelers from the United States need to use a converter.
Time Zone
The time zone of Rwanda is Central Africa Time Zone (UTC+02:00).
Rwanda does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.
Communications
PHONES
Rwanda’s country code is +250.
To call Rwanda (from the U.S.): Dial 011-250-(xx-xxx-xxxx)
To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use. It may be more affordable to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival.
INTERNET
Internet is available at some hotels and lodges in Rwanda, and there are a few Internet cafes in major cities, but service is often slow.
Reading List
FIELD GUIDES
Birds of East Africa
Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe
Compact and comprehensive, this guide to 1,388 species of birds in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi features 286 excellent color plates, range maps and notes on habitats and conservation. A veteran tour leader, co-author Stevenson lives in Kenya.
Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals
Jonathan Kingdon
A conveniently compact edition of Kingdon's gloriously illustrated Field Guide to African Mammals. The guide includes abbreviated information on identification, distribution, ecology and conservation status and 480 outstanding color illustrations and maps.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife
Bunny McBride, Duane Schlitter, Richard Estes & Peter Alden
This comprehensive photo guide covers 850 birds, mammals and reptiles of Africa. With range maps and a good country-by-country overview of habitats and parks.
The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals
Jonathan Kingdon
This stunningly-illustrated, comprehensive field guide by a leading authority includes over 500 of Kingdon's exquisite color paintings. Fully revised and updated with more than 1,100 species.
MAPS
Rwanda/Burundi Map
ITMB
A detailed, folded map of Rwanda and Burundi.
GUIDEBOOKS
Bradt Guide Rwanda
Janice Booth & Philip Briggs
Part of the British series, this practical, detailed travel guide to Rwanda focuses on nature (especially gorillas), history and culture.
Lonely Planet East Africa
Hugh Finlay
This practical guide to East Africa features maps, a good overview of culture, history and nature. Covers Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania.
The Traveling Nature Photographer
Steven Morello
Morello's handy guide to exploring the natural world through photography includes chapters on preparation, equipment (especially lenses), weather, exposure basics and composition.
NATURAL HISTORY
Gorillas in the Mist
Dian Fossey
Fossey's highly personal, detailed account of the ecology and behavior of the mountain gorilla of Virunga based on her 13 years among "the greatest of the great apes."
The Shadow of the Sun
Ryszard Kapuscinski & Klara Glowczewska
The veteran journalist looks back on his three decade-long odyssey through Africa in this classic, remarkable memoir. Kapuscinski captures the impossible extremes of the continent, recounting its beauty and brutality with an unfailing generosity of spirit.
Among the Great Apes, Adventures on the Trail of Our Closest Relatives
Paul Raffaele
Acclaimed nature journalist Raffaele's epic journey to survey the last remaining great apes living in the wild takes him from the orangutans of Borneo to the central African highlands where he gets up close with mountain gorillas, chimps and bonobos.
Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes
Pamela S. Turner
An illustrated overview of the work of Dr. Felicia Nutter and the Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, geared for grades five to eight. With excellent color photographs throughout.
In the Kingdom of Gorillas, Fragile Species in a Dangerous Land
Bill Weber & Amy Vedder
A gripping account of conservation, ecology and politics in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains by the husband-and-wife team who worked with Dian Fossey in the 1970s.
The Impenetrable Forest
Thor Hanson
Hanson recounts his time in the Peace Corps in Uganda and his work to establish a gorilla trekking program in the Bwindi-Impenetrable Forest, home to not just half of the world's mountain gorillas but also to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, elephants, giant forest hogs and rare forest birds.
The Myth of Wild Africa
Jonathan Adams & Thomas McShane
The authors, associated with the World Wildlife Fund, demolish the romantic fallacy of an untouched continent where animals roam freely in sanctuaries. It's a no-holds-barred critique of old-style conservation in Africa.
The Year of the Gorilla
George Schaller
A vivid tale of adventures among the gorillas of the Virunga volcanoes of Zaire, Rwanda and Uganda -- a wonderful account of field work under trying circumstances by a great wildlife biologist.
World Atlas of Great Apes and Their Conservation
Julian Caldecott
This handsome, authoritative natural history of bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, published in conjunction with The Great Ape Project, features essays by leading scholars, color photographs and maps.
HISTORY & CULTURE
We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, Stories From Rwanda
Philip Gourevitch
The gut-wrenching story of Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, looking backward from the horrific genocide of 1994 to deep-seated historical causes (and Western inaction). Gourevitch offers both an insightful chronicle and extraordinary stories in this award-winning report.
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles
Richard Dowden
Africa editor of The Independent and The Economist, Richard Dowden draws on decades of experience in this multi-faceted, vivid portrait of contemporary Africa -- an Africa that, Dowden effectively argues, can only be developed by its own people.
Mountain Gorillas
Gene Eckhart
Featuring 200 intimate color photographs, this up-to-date, captivating portrait reveals the gorillas of Bwindi National Forest and Virunga Volcanoes, their biology, status and hope.
The Blue Sweater, Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World
Jacqueline Novogratz
Inspired by the discovery of a boy in Rwanda wearing her own blue sweater (name tag still sewed inside) 11 years after she donated it to Goodwill, Novogratz relates the inspiring story of the creation of the trailblazing Acumen Fund and her work empowering the power around the globe.
The Scramble for Africa
Thomas Pakenham
Absorbing and meticulously researched, this in-depth history of the Victorian land grab in 19th century Africa includes excellent portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.
Want to subscribe to the Holbrook Explorer?
Gorilla Trekking Photography with Gustafson Photo Safari | Rwanda 2015 Trip Report (Days 1 & 2)
Educator Resources: Endangered Species Lesson Plan Grades 6 - 8
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking with Bill Richardson
Guatemala
Honduras
Colombia
