Boutique hotels in Rwanda

Rwanda is compact, green and well organized, and its lodges are among the most carefully designed in East Africa. Many are built with local materials by local craftspeople, and a share of the income supports conservation and nearby communities.

Gorillas and the volcanoes

Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest, is the main draw: families of mountain gorillas live on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Several lodges around Musanze occupy the forest edge, with views of the peaks and easy access to trekking starting points.

Lakes, forest and savanna

Lake Kivu forms the country's western border, with quiet towns such as Gisenyi and Kibuye offering lakeside stays and boat trips. Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest rainforests, with chimpanzees and a canopy walkway. In the east, Akagera has savanna, lakes and the return of rhinos and lions.

Kigali

The capital is clean, hilly and relaxed, with good coffee, art galleries and a growing number of small, stylish hotels.

When to go

June to September and December to February are the driest months and best for trekking. The rains in March to May make trails muddy, and permit prices for gorilla trekking are high all year, so book well ahead.