Rwanda travel with safari – travel in the land of a thousand hills
During our Rwanda tours, you can enjoy a pristine landscape, unique wildlife and encounters with locals, as well as an insight into the different ways of life and individual traditions in the “land of a thousand hills”.
Rwanda is a stable vacation destination. The small landlocked East African country of Rwanda has developed into a tourist highlight in recent years. The landscape is characterized by wooded and agricultural hills with an average altitude of 1,500 m and is intersected by many watercourses. The hilly relief that characterizes the western part of the country in particular gave Rwanda the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills”. The Volcanoes Mountains in the north of the country are home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Travel offer
Rwanda Safaris – Gorilla Trackings – Golden Monkeys
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ab € 4.230 / PersonFascination Rwanda – 10 days
10 Tage 1-6 Rwanda Travel
Highlights of our Rwanda trip
City tour Kigali
Boat trip on Lake Kivu
Virunga Mountains
Visit to a tea plantation
Royal Palace in Nyanza
Butare and the National Museum
Visit to a Batwa community
Mountain gorilla observation
Chimpanzee tracking
Nyungwe National Park
Akagera National Park
Musanze caves
Enjoy Rwanda better in country combinations with Uganda and Tanzania
Combine your Rwanda vacation with a stay in Uganda – the “Pearl of Africa”. The unique experience of observing majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park awaits you here. In Kibale Forest you can also encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat and in Queen Elizabeth National Park you can meet lions, elephants and buffalo on game drives.
Tanzania, another jewel of East Africa, welcomes you with its incomparable wilderness and cultural richness. Marvel at the spectacular wildlife in the Serengeti, observe the “Big Five” and experience the mighty “Great Migration”. The majestic Kilimanjaro and the impressive Ngorongoro Crater are further highlights. A time-out on the dream beaches of Zanzibar is a great way to round off the trip and extend your stay.
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ab € 3.445 / PersonTaste of Rwanda & Uganda – 10 days
10 Tage 1-6 Rwanda Travel -
ab € 5.440 / Person
Best of Rwanda & Uganda – 12 days
12 Tage 1-6 Rwanda Travel -
ab € 6.220 / Person
Big three-country tour – 14 days Rwanda – Uganda – Tanzania
13 Tage 1-6 Tanzania Travel
Why travel with Avali Tours?
- We know accommodation, lodges, hotels and camps from our own experience
- You are traveling with German or English speaking drivers
- We offer you professional advice
- We can customize any trip to your wishes
- You will be traveling with mostly German-speaking guides and drivers
- Vehicle fleet maintained according to German rules
Experience East Africa’s most beautiful sides on one trip
After all, Kenya awaits you with a mixture of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Roam the famous Masai Mara and keep an eye out for the “Big Five” or be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Whether Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania – every combination of these countries offers unforgettable experiences and impressions. Do you already know which highlights should be on your itinerary? Then please contact us – we will be happy to advise you personally and put together your own personal dream trip.
Rwanda round trips – gorillas, volcanoes and safaris
In the south of Rwanda lies the Nyungwe Forest, which is home to a diverse flora and fauna. Brand new since January 2021, Rwanda has another national park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, where you can experience chimpanzees, golden monkeys and diverse birdlife up close. Lake Kivu, with its deep bays and steep slopes, and the Akagera National Park in the east of the country are further attractions in Rwanda.
Kigali, the capital, is a modern metropolis that you would not expect to find in Africa. Here it is worth visiting the Genocide Museum, which impressively depicts the time of the genocide. Butare, the country’s cultural capital with various museums and a botanical garden worth seeing, is well worth a visit. A trip to Rwanda can be perfectly combined with a trip to Uganda, you will find various options in our program.
Highlights in Rwanda
Akagera National Park
Observing the Big Five in Rwanda is only possible here in Akagera National Park. In the east of Rwanda, the 2500 km² park stretches along the border with Tanzania. On game drives you can observe giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, eland antelopes, duikers, reedbucks, warthogs, baboons, spotted hyenas and striped jackals. The national park is also home to around 500 different bird species. It is a leisurely pace in the park, as there are comparatively few tourists. So enjoy the view and look forward to truly moving safari moments amidst a wonderful backdrop of savannah, grassland, swamps and lakes. On our trips, you start your game drive in a relaxed manner from the lodge.
Nyungwe Forest
The Nyungwe Forest is the largest contiguous rainforest area in East Africa with an area of 1000 km². Around 500 chimpanzees live in the mountain forest, sharing the evergreen and lush habitat with 12 other primate species. Take the opportunity to observe the lively animals playing and climbing while chimpanzee trekking with the experienced guides.
The park is home to a unique biodiversity: some orchid species, butterflies and birds are endemic. Those who are not afraid of heights can look forward to the Canopy Walkway – a wooden suspension bridge in the middle of the treetops at a height of 70 m – with a truly gigantic view of a tropical Garden of Eden.
Volcanoes Nationalpark
Even the journey to the Volcanoes National Park is an experience: tea and coffee plantations, which nestle in terraces on the shallow slopes of the green hills, line the way. The 130 km² park was made famous by the legendary scientist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her research to the mountain gorillas living here. Five of the eight Virunga volcanoes are located in the national park and, with their majestic heights of over 4000 m, provide a dramatic backdrop in the middle of the dense mountain cloud forest. In addition to the mountain gorillas, you can also observe the golden monkeys here. Go through the thicket with the guides and experience an unforgettable encounter in the middle of the wilderness.
Travel information & interesting facts about Rwanda
Wann ist die beste Reisezeit für Ruanda?
The best time to travel to Rwanda depends largely on what activities you have planned during your stay. For many visitors, gorilla tracking is the top priority, and the dry months from mid-December to early February and June to September are best suited for this. During these times, the paths are drier and tracking is easier. These months are also ideal for safari lovers, as the animals are more likely to be found at waterholes due to the dry conditions. However, the climate in Rwanda is relatively mild and constant all year round, making the country a year-round travel destination. In fact, the rainy season, which lasts from March to May and from October to November, can have its own special charm. The landscape is particularly lush and green during these months, and this is the best time for birdwatchers as many species are breeding and active during this time. Be aware that it can be cooler in the higher regions, especially in Volcanoes National Park, so pack accordingly. Ultimately, the best time to travel to Rwanda depends on your personal preferences, travel plans and interests. If you are flexible and not tied to vacation periods, we will of course be happy to advise you individually.
Klimadiagramm und Wetter
The dry season, especially from June to September, is the best time to visit the famous mountain gorillas. Nevertheless, the weather in Rwanda is pleasant all year round, making it an ideal destination at any time of year.
| Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | august | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
| Average daily temperature in °C | 20,2 | 20,3 | 20,1 | 19,9 | 20,3 | 20,5 | 23,9 | 21,6 | 20,7 | 19,9 | 19,4 | 22,2 |
| Precipitation per month in mm | 69 | 100 | 106 | 183 | 92 | 20 | 9 | 34 | 86 | 102 | 127 | 100 |
Einreise
As a German citizen, you need a valid passport and a visa to enter Rwanda. You can apply for the visa for R uanda online or apply and pay at the airport on arrival. The costs in both cases are around 50 US dollars.
Geld & Währung
The official currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF). You can withdraw cash from ATMs in larger cities using major credit cards and EC cards for a fee. Payment by credit card is only possible in individual cases. We recommend that you take enough euros or US dollars (bills that are not older than 10 years!) with you and change them into cash on site.
Gesund reisen
No special vaccinations are required for entry from Germany to Rwanda. The Federal Foreign Office recommends all standard vaccinations according to information from the Robert Koch Institute. You should also look into the subject of malaria prophylaxis. It is best to talk to your family doctor or a travel medicine specialist about the various forms of prophylaxis. We recommend that you take out insurance with health cover abroad. You should still have room in your luggage for a small first-aid kit with painkillers, anti-diarrheal, plasters and disinfectant as well as mosquito repellent.
Ortszeit
The time difference to Central European Time (CET) is + 1 hour. There is no time difference during Central European Summer Time, as there is no distinction between summer and winter time in Rwanda.
Sprache
Almost 90% of the locals speak the national language Kinyarwanda (one of the Bantu languages). French, English and Swahili are additional official languages. You can easily converse with younger locals in English. Many of the older locals understand French better than English.
Essen und Trinken
Some new flavors await you in Rwanda. Beans, manioc and porridge made from corn or plantains, which is usually combined with chicken or beef and a hearty sauce, are staples of the cuisine.
Please ensure that you only drink boiled drinking water or water from closed bottles.
Where to stay – our Rwanda lodges
6 facts about Rwanda that might surprise you
1. umuganda
Every last Saturday of the month, the so-called “Umuganda” takes place in Rwanda. On this day, all citizens of the country perform charitable work, which almost takes the form of a social “happening”. For example, people get together to plant trees or sweep the street together. This community day is an important part of Rwandan culture.
2. language
The official languages in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French and English. But learning a few words of Kinyarwanda can be a fun and rewarding experience. Try “Muraho” for “hello” and “Murakoze” for “thank you”.
3. woman power
Rwanda is the country with the highest proportion of female parliamentarians in the world (as of 2021). More than half of the seats in parliament are held by women, making the country a pioneer in terms of equality and women’s rights.
4. unique wildlife
Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world where you can observe mountain gorillas in the wild. These majestic animals are probably the country’s main attractions. But did you also know that Rwanda is home to the rare golden monkeys? You can discover this endemic species in Volcanoes National Park, for example. The colorful primates are known for their bright red or orange coats and their playful way of life.
5. culture and history
Rwanda has a rich culture and history. The country has recovered from the genocide in 1994 and all signs point to freedom. Rwanda’s economy is growing and being modernized. Visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali to learn more about Rwanda’s dark times and perhaps even to pause for a few minutes in remembrance.
6. the “Milk Bars
There is a unique kind of bar in Rwanda – the “Milk Bar”. Fresh milk is served here and prepared in different variations – warm, cold, sweetened, salted or fermented. Drinking milk has a long tradition in Rwanda and symbolizes prosperity and hospitality. So, next time you are in Rwanda, don’t miss the opportunity to taste a glass of fresh Rwandan milk and meet nice people.
Rwanda Inside – Background knowledge
Nature conservation and tourism: Volcanoes National Park as a role model
Rwanda is a remarkable example of how nature conservation and tourism can go hand in hand. A prime example of this is the Volcanoes National Park, home to around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This park is not only an impressive testimony to nature conservation, but also an important economic factor for Rwanda. Tourism contributes significantly to the conservation of wildlife and the natural landscape, as part of the income from the expensive gorilla tracking permits goes directly to conservation and community development.
Visitors to the Volcanoes National Park have the rare opportunity to observe the majestic mountain gorillas at close range. But that’s not all the park has to offer. Its diverse wildlife includes golden monkeys, buffalo and an impressive variety of birds. The lush vegetation, which ranges from bamboo forests to alpine moors, is another reason why this park delights nature lovers from all over the world. Tourism in Rwanda also means participating in community development. Rwandans have recognized that tourism must be sustainable in order to be successful in the long term. There are various projects that are financed from the parks’ income with the aim of improving food security and increasing the income of the local population. During your trip to Rwanda, you will not only experience the breathtaking nature and wildlife, but also see how your trip directly contributes to its preservation. The park impressively demonstrates how tourism can help to protect nature and improve people’s quality of life at the same time. As a tour operator, we are aware of our responsibility and naturally also pay attention to the fair remuneration of our employees.
Traditional food and culinary delights – from banana beer to coffee
Rwanda’s coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. It is a highly prized commodity that has firmly established the country on the world coffee map. The volcanic soils, combined with the ideal altitude and perfect climate, contribute to the production of high-quality Arabica coffee, which is known for its intense aroma and mild flavor. A visit to one of the many coffee plantations provides an insight into the elaborate process from cultivation to the cup and offers the opportunity to taste this exquisite coffee directly at the source.
Banana beer, or Urwagwa, is another of Rwanda’s culinary highlights. This traditional drink is made from fermented bananas and sorghum (a type of millet). It has a unique, slightly sweet and slightly sour taste. Urwagwa plays an important role in Rwandan culture and is often served at ceremonies and festivals. The brewing process is an art in itself and is traditionally mostly carried out by women.
In Rwandan cuisine, “ugali”, a side dish made from fresh maize, maize semolina or maize flour, is served with many meals and is a harmonious addition to the hearty, spicy dishes and sauces. Another traditional dish is “matoke”, steamed, baked or fried plantains, which are a popular side dish. Both dishes are simple but nutritious meals that are part of Rwanda’s everyday cuisine.
For meat lovers, “brochette”, meat grilled on skewers, is an absolute must. These meat skewers can be made from beef, goat, chicken or fish and are often served with a spicy sauce. The preparation of brochette is a social event and often the highlight of street parties and gatherings. This delicious dish is a testament to Rwanda’s rich barbecue culture and an absolute must for any visitor.
