A tiny central African country that’s comparable in size to Maryland, Rwanda has a population of about 12 million. Rivalry between two ethnic groups, the Tutsi and the Hutu, culminated in the genocide of 1994, during which about 1 million Tutsi were murdered in the course of 100 days. An improbable degree of reconciliation has been achieved, and today the country is peaceful. The Virunga Mountains rise to nearly 15,000 feet where the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo converge. On the Rwandan side, the cloud-draped slopes are famous as the backdrop for Dian Fossey’s “Gorillas in the Mist.” More than 30 years after her death in 1985, the tangled forests contain around 400 of the world’s approximately 900 mountain gorillas.
Rwandan franc (RWF). Fluctuating rate valued at RWF904 = US$1.00 as of April 2019. Note: Our suggested hotel quotes rates in US$.
To phone hotels in Rwanda, dial 011 (international access) + 250 (Rwanda code) + city code and local numbers in listings.
Kigali, Tel. (250) 252-596-400.
Rwanda has two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — but in the mountains, the weather is unpredictable year-round.
Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay) and visa. Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
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