Rwanda’s greatest treasure is its mountain gorillas, which inhabit the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. Few experiences on earth compare to the profound connection you feel while observing these gentle giants. Whether it’s a silverback presiding over playful youngsters or a nursing mother cradling her baby, these encounters reveal the emotional depth and intelligence of a species that mirrors humanity in remarkable ways.

Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda offers adventures as diverse as its landscapes. Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts trails through cloud forests alive with chimpanzees and exotic birds, while the azure waters of Lake Kivu invite you to swim, kayak, or simply unwind. In the east, Akagera National Park combines classic savannah safaris with sightings of the iconic Big Five.

Rwanda’s recent history, marked by the tragedy of the 1994 genocide, is addressed with honesty and compassion. Sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial offer moving insights into the country’s journey of resilience and reconciliation, leaving visitors deeply touched by its story.

While the gorillas are an absolute must-do, the quilt-like “Land of a Thousand Hills” has so much more besides. Head southwest on switchback roads, to track chimpanzees and watch stunning birdlife in the vertiginous cloud forests of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Swim or kayak in the clear, warm waters of Lake Kivu, with its Mediterranean-like shoreline. Or venture east to the archetypal savannahs and lakes of Akagera National Park where the “Big Five” can all be seen, along with (if you’re extremely lucky) the elusive shoebill stork.

Rwanda is of course, famous – or infamous – for the tragic social collapse of the 1994 genocide, a wound from which it is still recovering. Much of the healing process comes from the way this remarkable country has confessed its mistakes – from neighbourhood courts reconciling survivors with perpetrators to countless monuments and several excellent museums, including Kigali’s almost unbearably poignant Genocide Memorial. Combined with the many opportunities you’ll have to discuss the country’s past and present with your driver-guide and other hosts, the memorial is an essential stop on most people’s itineraries and leaves an indelible impression.