Rwanda & Uganda Luxury Holidays

A beautiful patchwork of landscapes home to an astounding variety of animals, birds and plants, Rwanda and Uganda have limitless appeal for any adventurous traveller.

Wonderful wildlife

Rwanda, also known as ‘Le Pays des Mille Collines’ or ‘Land of 1000 Hills’, is packed with a myriad of magnificent scenery. The dramatic Volcanoes National Park in the north west of the country features the Virungas, five spectacular volcanoes that provide incredible vistas of misty peaks and plenty of opportunities for climbing and trekking. The volcanoes meet bamboo forests to form a habitat for the famous mountain gorilla, along with rare golden monkeys, both of which are perhaps even more extraordinary sights than the volcanoes themselves. Mountain gorillas can be spotted in Uganda too, in the astonishingly steep mountainside rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is also a haven for birdwatchers.

More wildlife encounters are possible in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, where safaris take visitors close to nature. The full range of classic African mammals can be seen here, including lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos and rhinos. Catching glimpses of rare and wonderful species is also possible in Uganda’s Rwenzori mountains, the tallest range in Africa, which are ice-topped all year round. Several species are found here exclusively, and incredibly, new plants and animals are still being discovered. Thrillseekers can combine their wildlife watching with high octane adventures, such as white water rafting down the iconic river Nile, or hiking to visit the thunderous Murchison Falls.

Time to unwind

Rwanda’s Lake Kivu is an idyllic spot for relaxation and embracing the area’s laid-back lifestyle. Sandy beaches with views of islands dotted across the bay are plentiful, but Gisenyi is a particularly scenic resort that also offers something for the more active traveller. Boat tours and kayaking on the lake are fantastic options, as well as walking or cycling along the Congo Nile Trail. This can be as leisurely or fast paced as desired; the trail runs the entire 141-mile length of Lake Kivu, providing limitless views of vibrant green tea fields, coffee plantations and the coastline of the lake itself, as well as allowing an insight into daily Rwandan life. In Uganda, visitors can unwind on tranquil beaches on the shores and islands of Lake Bunyonyi, or the picturesque Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria.

Cities and culture

Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala, is an eclectic mosaic of old and new, brimming with culture and history. Old Kampala National Mosque makes for a fascinating visit, with magnificent domes of copper, an intricate interior and panoramic views from the top of the minaret. The city’s street markets and galleries provide more opportunities to immerse yourself in Ugandan culture and sample its dynamic art scene. In Rwanda, visitors can tour the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, an impressive building that contains plenty of interesting collections, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, to pay their respects and learn about the work being done to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future.

A trip to remember

If you’d like to learn more about everything these amazing countries have to offer, please get in touch with our friendly team by phone or live chat. At Azure, we can help you plan the perfect trip to explore Rwanda and Uganda in style.