The highlights of Rwanda

The jewel in Rwanda’s safari crown, Akagera is the only savannah reserve in the country and game drives and boat trips are the best ways to spot the wildlife. Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon and will have you waving your camera at the Big Five, zebra, giraffe, and an impressive 11 antelope species. The animals can be skittish, but the scenery is outstanding and pottering around in a 4x4 is a highlight. Night drives will help in the spotting of leopard and other elusive nocturnal creatures. Boat trips are available from certain lodges and make a great introduction to the park’s 520 feathered species (especially if sundowners are involved), and for trying your luck at finding rare sitatunga.

Akagera also offers an opportunity to get behind the scenes of running a protected wildlife area, firstly on a perimeter walk of the park to ensure safety and operational integrity of the area, accompanied by an on-duty fence attendant, or with a visit to the park HQ, the hub of the action.

Volcanoes is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking, so there are no prizes for guessing what you’ll be getting up to. There are several habituated gorilla families in the forest so it’s (slightly) easier to gauge trekking times, but there’s still no guarantee how long you may need to walk for. Pack those comfy boots! Treks depart with the sparrows, are led by seasoned guides and scouts, and will take you through the juicy, green forests of the lower volcanoes. After you first lay eyes on your gorillas, you’ll spend an hour with them before heading back.

Aside from the furry star attraction, there’s a good selection of activities in Volcanoes making a longer stay attractive. If you’re keen to dig deeper into the forest and all its inhabitants, try trekking with endangered golden monkeys or hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave and seeing what you can spot along the way. Possibilities include lots of monkeys, gorgeous flora, and small antelope. We also recommend taking a walk into the local villages and meeting the communities, and exploring the crater lakes, time allowing.

Despite its turbulent past, Kigali is safe and incredibly friendly, and makes a wonderful welcome to the magic of Rwanda. History and culture are evident everywhere you look and a city tour should be number one on your list, no matter how long you are staying for. Highlights include the Inema Art Centre, a contemporary gallery showcasing work from East and Central Africa, the museum of natural history, the iconic Milles Collines hotel, and Kimironko Market, where you can spend your pennies on everything from fruit to fabrics, cookware to clothing. For a quick break in between, pop into Question for a cup of the good stuff and a glimpse into Rwanda’s booming industry.

A stay in Kigali shouldn’t pass by without a visit to the Genocide Memorial. A necessary and sobering reminder of the country’s tumultuous history, it’s also a reminder of its bright future and the resilience of all who live here.