Check the weather city by city, starting with Kigali.
Rwanda, the 'land of a thousand hills', has reinvented itself as a model of African development. Kigali, Africa's cleanest city, and Volcanoes National Park — the last refuge of the mountain gorillas — make Rwanda an exceptional destination, both moving and inspiring.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places in the world to observe wild mountain gorillas. These primates, close relatives of humans, live in family groups in the misty forests of the Virunga range. A permit ($1,500) grants access to an unforgettable hour with them.
Highlights : Mountain gorilla trekking, Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m), Virunga misty forest, Diane Fossey Tomb (Karisoke).
Kigali is the cleanest and most modern capital in sub-Saharan Africa: plastic bags banned since 2008, spotless streets, a dynamic food scene. The Genocide Memorial is an essential visit for understanding Rwandan history.
Highlights : Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko district — craft market, Inema Arts Center.
Nyungwe is one of the best-preserved rainforests in Africa: 1,000 km² of montane forest home to chimpanzees, Angolan colobus monkeys (500+), hundreds of bird species and a canopy accessible via a suspended walkway 50m up.
Highlights : Nyungwe chimpanzee trek, Canopy Walk — 50m suspended walkway, Angolan colobus monkeys (Africa's largest group), Kamiranzovu Waterfall.
Lake Kivu, shared with the DRC, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa: blue waters between green hills, tropical islands to explore by kayak, the beaches of Gisenyi and Kibuye, and specialty coffee growing along its shores.
Highlights : Gisenyi — lakeside, beaches, Amahoro & Nkombo islands (kayaking), Kibuye — colonial town & hills.
Rwanda is expensive for Africa, mainly due to the gorilla permit ($1,500 each). Kigali is a modern city with mid-range prices. Outside of the gorilla permit, the country remains affordable.