The capital
Almost every trip starts in Kigali, a clean, green city of hills with the Genocide Memorial, Kimironko market, Nyamirambo and a strong café scene.
The volcanoes
Two and a half hours north, Volcanoes National Park is home to the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, with Musanze as the base town.
The lake
West of the volcanoes, Lake Kivu offers beaches in Rubavu, islands in Karongi and the Congo Nile Trail along the shore.
The rainforest
In the southwest, Nyungwe National Park has chimpanzees, a canopy walk and tea estates.
The savannah
East of Kigali, Akagera National Park is Rwanda's Big Five safari park, with boat trips on Lake Ihema.
The royal south
On the road to Nyungwe, Huye has the Ethnographic Museum and easy access to the King's Palace at Nyanza.
How to combine them
A classic ten days runs Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Huye, then back to Kigali. With a week, choose Kigali, the gorillas and the lake. Use the free trip planner to shape a route that fits your dates.