Reasons To Visit Rwanda
The perfect spot for resting your weary limbs after your gorilla tracking, Lake Kivu is 90 minutes' drive through winding hills and colourful villages from the Virunga Volcanoes. Here you can float on the water on a relaxing boat trip and watch the world go by.
Rwanda is home to Africa's first National Park, Virunga, which was created back in 1925. It was done to protect its most famous wildlife - its gorillas. However, while its primates will be at the top of you to-see list the country's montane forests contain over 700 bird species with many, such as Grauer’s Swamp-warbler, being regionally endemic.
The trek through the dense forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes can take between two to six hours. However your reward is an hour watching your assigned gorilla troop play, eat, groom and relax.
If you want something a bit different head to Butare, Rwanda's second city, where you can visit the King's Palace, the University and the National Museum, which is home to an incredible collection of artefacts which are beautifully presented.
Up until relatively recently montane forest occupied one third of the territory of present-day Rwanda. Now these ancient forests are mainly restricted to the three main parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. By visiting any one of these you will see a great diversity of fauna and flora.
Travelling through Rwanda provides a fascinating insight into daily village life. Often located in beautiful countryside a village visit is an absolute highlight where a warm and enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed.
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Africa and The Indian Ocean
Although home to elephant, buffalo, and duiker, Volcanoes National Park is best known for the 300 mountain gorillas that reside amongst the bamboo forests on the upper slopes.
The ultraviolet index is a measure of the risk of skin damage due to exposure to the sun. Be aware that the potential damage caused by the sun varies from person to person as well as by time of day, altitude and several other factors. We recommend contacting your GP for further advice.
Wear sunglasses on bright days; use sunscreen if there is snow on the ground (which reflects UV radiation) or if you have particularly fair skin.
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with clothing and a hat, and seek shade around midday when the sun is most intense.
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen having SPF 15 or higher, cover the body with sun protective clothing and a wide-brim hat, and reduce time in the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon.
Wear sunscreen, a shirt, sunglasses and a hat. Do not stay out in the sun for too long.
Take all precautions, including: wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, wear a very broad hat, and avoid the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon.
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Further reading:RwandaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout RwandaCountry Guides
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