“After trekking through the misty forest of Volcanoes National Park for about an hour our group came upon the Muhoza family of 22 gorillas. We watched in awe as a massive silverback calmly munched on bamboo, completely unconcerned by our presence, while a few playful youngsters tumbled and chased each other.”
When most people think of Rwanda, a single image tends to rise to the surface. For Brittany, returning from her journey, it was this: a silverback gorilla, calm and unbothered, snapping bamboo while a few playful youngsters tumbled in the misty undergrowth of Volcanoes National Park. The moment was raw, joyful, and humbling all at once.
For her, it wasn’t simply about seeing gorillas in the wild — it was stepping into a larger story. This is a species once on the edge of extinction, now flourishing through decades of protection.
Yes, gorilla trekking sits high on countless bucket lists. But here, it becomes something greater — not just a wildlife encounter, but an act of connection and conservation.
“The fact that the revenue from a single trekking permit contributes so directly to protecting these animals and supporting the local communities makes the experience feel like more than just a safari; it feels like an investment in a hopeful and sustainable future,” Brittany reflected. “It’s an image of a nation that has chosen to rebuild — not just in its infrastructure and economy, but in its relationship with nature and with itself.”
The Rwanda That Greets You
Flying in, the hills reveal themselves first. Endless, rolling, green. Rwanda isn’t called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” as a poetic flourish — it’s a topographical truth. On the ground, life unfolds with an energy that’s at once grounded and forward-looking.
“What surprised me most about Rwanda was how safe, clean, and forward-thinking it is
which is a stark contrast to its historical narrative,” Brittany shared. “The capital, Kigali,
is meticulously clean and feels incredibly safe, which is a direct result of initiatives like
Umuganda, the monthly community cleanup day, and a nationwide ban on plastic bags.”
She went on to note the country’s leadership as equally striking.
“Beyond that, I was most surprised by the country’s progressive leadership. Rwanda has
the world’s highest percentage of female parliamentarians and is a leader in
environmental and social initiatives. It’s a country that is intentionally and collectively
building a better future, not just recovering from its past.”
The Heartbeat Difference
Across Africa, every destination is defined by its own personality. Kenya and Tanzania offer sweeping savannahs, South Africa blends cosmopolitan and safari.
Rwanda’s beat, Brittany discovered, is “profoundly human,” — “visible in the clean streets of Kigali, transformative policies, and conservation efforts like gorilla trekking. These aren’t just attractions; they are powerful symbols of the country’s relentless effort to build a new, shared future.”
Where others lean on wilderness alone, Rwanda tells the story of healing, rebuilding, and thriving.
Experiencing the Wild: Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes
Each of Rwanda’s three national parks carries its own distinct character.
Two in particular — Akagera in the east and Nyungwe in the southwest — couldn’t be more different. In Akagera, lions and elephants roam across wide savannahs and plains, boat safaris glide across still lakes, and the Big Five can appear in a single day. In Nyungwe, trails wind through rainforest, where mist clings to ancient trees and chimpanzees call overhead. Welcome to Rwanda, where it’s never just about gorillas!
- Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah ecosystem, a landscape of rolling hills, lakes, and grasslands. “I did see all of the Big Five in one day,” Brittany said, still amazed. Wilderness Magashi — just eight tented suites on a private concession along Lake Rwanyakazinga — anchors the experience, with game drives, boating safaris, and birding at its doorstep.
Akagera also carries a powerful story: once nearly emptied of wildlife in the aftermath of the genocide, it has been restored through ambitious reintroduction and community-driven conservation. Today, its future looks self-sustaining through tourism. - Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a world apart — one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and one of Rwanda’s last protected afromontane ecosystems. At nearly 1,900 meters in elevation, the air cools, mist lingers, and biodiversity thrives. “This is where you would go chimpanzee trekking, ziplining, hike to the famous canopy walkway, or trek to waterfalls.”
For travelers, One&Only Nyungwe House is the touchpoint: tea plantation experiences, conservation activities, wellness rituals, and tree planting connect guests to both the land and the culture. - Finally, in the northwest, Volcanoes National Park holds Rwanda’s most iconic treasures — the gorillas and golden monkeys. Beyond the trek, travelers find cultural depth at the Musanze Caves, Virunga Mountain Spirits distillery, and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
For stays, Brittany compared two UJV favorites: Singita Kwitonda, “small, intimate, with a strong focus on conservation and stillness,” and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, “larger, more resort-like, with spa, infinity pool, and treehouse-style rooms.”
Rwanda’s Culture and Traditions
Rwanda lingers on the senses in ways that shift with its landscapes. In the mountains of Volcanoes National Park, mornings arrive cool, crisp, and misted with rain, the kind of air that feels cleansing. In Akagera, lower and exposed, the heat presses in differently — drier, sharper.
Asked what sound defined Rwanda, Brittany pointed to the rhythmic beat of the drums — steady, full of energy.
“It was more than just music; it felt like the heartbeat of the country itself,” she reflected.
“You could hear it in the performances. It was a sound that seemed to connect
everything, from the history of the royal court to the vibrant, forward looking spirit of
the people today. It was a sound of culture that is very much alive.”
What struck her just as deeply were the unspoken details. The agaseke baskets — intricate pieces that symbolize peace and are exchanged as wedding gifts. Watching women from different backgrounds weave them together felt like a reflection of Rwanda’s reconciliation in motion. That same spirit was visible in daily life too: the calm, polite greetings, the respect shown to elders.
Your Gold Nuggets Selling Points
To Brittany, Rwanda is not a “one-note” destination defined only by gorilla trekking. It’s a country with its own cadence — compact, intentional, and deeply human — that belongs on the map as both a standalone journey and a perfect complement to East Africa’s icons.
Here are the levers that make Rwanda easy to position and compelling to sell:
Connection
The intimacy of Rwanda is unmatched. With gorilla trekking capped at just a handful of permits per day, clients step into encounters that feel personal, emotional, and unrepeatable — experiences that bond families and friends far beyond the trek itself.
Ease
Unlike sprawling safari circuits, Rwanda is compact and accessible. Travelers spend less time in transit and more time immersed — from lions on Akagera’s plains to chimps in Nyungwe’s rainforest, to the warmth of Kigali.
Depth
Rwanda’s story goes beyond wildlife. Advisors can lean into cultural touchpoints — agaseke basket weaving, Umuganda community clean-up day, imigongo art, or simply the dignity of daily life — that leave clients with a sense of purpose, not just adventure.
Momentum
Rwanda is rising. Safe, clean, and forward-looking, it’s Africa’s leader in sustainability and equality. Clients who want to be “ahead of the curve” will find themselves proud to support a country building its future with intention.
For advisors, Rwanda isn’t just another stop on an Africa itinerary. It’s a standalone story — “vibrant, resilient, inspiring” — that adds depth and meaning to any journey.
Seasons in Rwanda
- June–September (long dry): Prime trekking conditions, clear trails, most popular for gorillas and wildlife.
- December–February (short dry): Another excellent window with comfortable weather.
- March–May (long rains): Lush, green, fewer travelers — muddy trails, but atmospheric.
- October–November (short rains): Similar balance: fewer crowds, vibrant landscapes.
Brittany visited in September:
“This meant the trails were still relatively easy to navigate, especially for things like
gorilla trekking, but I could also sense the coming of the rains.” It revealed how alive and
constantly shifting Rwanda’s landscapes are.
Brittany’s Insider Tip
“Come prepared.”
“Gorilla trekking can be strenuous — steep, muddy, at altitude. Clients should pack
waterproof boots, long sleeves, and rain gear. Hiring a porter is a game-changer: it
makes the trek easier and directly supports the community.”
Beyond the Expected
For Brittany, “Rwanda isn’t just another safari destination. It’s profoundly human — clean, safe, forward-thinking, and designed to be experienced intentionally.”
It’s not only gorillas. Lions in Akagera, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, golden monkeys in Volcanoes. Add Kigali’s museums, agaseke basket weaving, and even vodka tasting at Virunga Spirits, and the country opens up in surprising layers.
Advisor Note
Position Rwanda well, and you’ll give clients a journey that’s intimate, seamless, and unforgettable. It works as:
- A standalone trip for travelers seeking depth and exclusivity.
- A pairing with Serengeti or Maasai Mara safaris, plus Zanzibar for contrast.
With UJV Africa, you’re not just booking a trek — you’re crafting a story of wildlife, resilience, and culture your clients will carry home.
Ready to reframe Africa for your clients?
Anchor Rwanda with your UJV Africa specialist. From gorilla treks to multi-country safaris, we’ll plan, connect, and elevate every journey with insider access and seamless logistics.This is UJV Africa, redefined.