Quick Facts

• Rwanda is known as the land of “Land of a Thousand Hills” with mountains and hills everywhere and towns and cities located at substantial elevations.

• Rwanda is a major producer of coffee and tea.

• Tourists cannot bring plastic bags into the country, and stores do not give any out.

• Of the 23 bird species in the world, Rwanda is home to seven of them (including many rare species), making it a bird watcher's paradise.

• Currency: Rwandan Franc

• Language: English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda

• Time zone: GMT +2
  

Best Time to Visit:

Shoulder Season: mid-May to November

• Animal sightings are more common at this time, with golden monkeys and mountain gorillas as well as habitat tolerant species such as buffalo and elephant all more visible in the dry season. These months are also ideal for trekking.

• From mid-October to November, it's the short rainy period, or green season. These months can also be great for birding, as trees and plants are flowering and visible birdlife is prolific, and it is even possible to enjoy specialist birding trips.

High Season: December to February

• This short dry period is better for animal sightings. The drier periods can also be ideal for those looking to hike, canoe or climb, with no need for shelter from rain.

• Lodge prices tend to be higher during these busier times of year.

Low Season: May to September

• These months are the long rain season which can be unrelenting particularly in the mountainous regions. Gorilla tracking is also less suited to this period.

• However, this can be an optimum time, as the figs and fruits within the forest ripen and they tend to be seen lower down in the trees.