Arrive in the welcoming capital of Kigali, one of Africa’s most forward-thinking and quietly buzzing cities. Start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and powerful tribute that honours the country’s past. From there, explore the city’s artistic soul at the Inema Arts Centre, browse boutique galleries and dive into Kigali’s fast-evolving culinary scene. Standouts include Kozo, where irreverent Thai chef Sakorn Somboon whips up an eight-course Afro-Asian counter experience or Nyurah – a Rwandan restaurant inspired by Italian techniques. Kevin Mbundu’s hip café, Kivu Noir, at the forefront of Kigali’s burgeoning homegrown coffee scene, is a great place to stop – especially with the recent addition of cocktail bar Ruä.

A scenic drive north through terraced hills takes you to Volcanoes National Park. Here, a variety of luxury eco-lodges offer immersive stays up in the clouds – imagine firelit evenings, fine wines and uninterrupted volcano views. After settling in, opt for a gentle meander to rest up ahead of Rwanda’s most iconic experience: a privately guided gorilla trek. Early risers will enjoy venturing deep into the rainforest at dawn to spend precious time with these critically endangered mountain gorillas. With only 80 permits issued per day, and visitors split into small groups of eight, these treks offer an exclusive, low-impact experience that ensures the wellbeing of both wildlife and wilderness.

If wining and dining is more your scene, a trip to Meza Malonga Labs, on the shores of Lak Ruhondo, is unmissable. The experience begins with a boat tour on a traditional fishing vessel and leads to an extraordinary multi-course culinary experience. If you don’t have the time to make this day trip, be sure to visit the restaurant in Kigali instead. 

After a final breakfast overlooking volcanoes, journey south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. We recommend staying at One&Only Nyungwe House, a serene retreat tucked within a working tea plantation at the forest’s edge. Here, spa rituals draw on African healing traditions and the forest invites you in with hiking trails, canopy walks and the chance to track the resident chimpanzees. 

To the northeast, Akagera National Park offers Rwanda’s classic safari experience with a twist – lush wetlands, savannah plains and a network of shimmering lakes shaped by the Akagera River. Search for the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, on game drives or boat safaris across Lake Ihema, where hippos and crocodiles patrol the waters. This is one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories, where rewilding programs have brought ecosystems back to life. 

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons: either from mid-December to early February or from June to September. Direct international flights to Kigali are available from London Gatwick, Amsterdam and Brussels.

To learn more visit ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel.