Rwanda tops the list for many adventurous tourists. A third of the 1,000 mountain gorillas that are still alive on Earth reside in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, which attracts a lot of tourists who wish to go gorilla trekking. A safari unlike any other is made possible by seeing these endangered species. At other parts of the nation, you may search for the Big Five in Akagera National Park or follow chimpanzees in Africa's oldest rainforest, Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Rwanda is today an affluent, secure, and well-functioning democracy where people of all ethnicities are welcomed and embraced, less than 30 years after its genocide. Rwanda now firmly has a position on the world stage for premium experience tourism. It is not just one of the best safari locations in Africa, but it is also a model of conservation success.

For those in the know, Rwanda is unquestionably one of the greatest locations for lavish honeymoons, family vacations, or friends fulfilling a long-held dream of traveling together. As the CEO of the upscale travel company The Legacy Untold and a member of T+L's Travel Advisory Board, I have accompanied a number of customers on remarkable journeys to this breathtaking, unexpected nation. Here is how I advise organizing your trip to Rwanda.

Commence in Kigali

I generally advise guests to stay a few days in Kigali, the vibrant capital. Visit the bustling Kimironko Market to find everything regional there, from live chickens to handmade goods. My most recent highlight was spending time with local designers who are now walking the Milan runways and getting some custom items manufactured.

You may tour the genocide museum or go with a survivor to phrazle see how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time. Eat at upscale restaurants and take in cuisine that highlights Rwanda's various tales via its superb, farm-to-table food.

Accommodations in Kigali

The Retreat, a family-run establishment in the middle of the city, is the lodging option I usually recommend. You may also sample contemporary African cuisine at the two on-site eateries. Reserve a lavish pool suite for the ultimate enjoyment. Right on the border of Volcanoes National Park is Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Eight opulent rooms, each with an own heated plunge pool, internal and outdoor fireplaces, and huge oak framed windows showcasing the most dramatic volcanic views.

The One Only Gorillas Nest is surrounded by eucalyptus trees, rose bushes, and other natural plants and animals. With onsite amenities including a fantastic gym, pool, and spa, drumming classes, nature hikes, bicycling, and numerous places for fine dining, this facility is more of a boutique resort than a lodge.

The six rooms at Wilderness Bisate, which are scattered in a naturally formed amphitheater created by an eroded volcanic cone and provide panoramic views of three nearby volcanoes, pay humorous homage to ancient tribe construction methods.

Expand Your Knowledge of Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Parks

There is much more to Rwanda than gorilla trekking. While many tourists combine Rwanda with other destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa, you could easily design a two-week schedule to fully see Rwanda alone.

There are a staggering number of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes in Akagera National Park. The magnificent landscapes, which range from craters with towering walls hundreds of feet high to the picturesque Lake Rwanyakazinga, may be explored on safari by 4x4, motorboat, and on foot. My customers, who are often seasoned safari travelers, frequently comment on how few visitors visit this isolated area of Rwanda, giving it a unique opportunity to see incredible wildlife that you will have to yourself.

Africa's oldest forest, Nyungwe Forest National Park, provides chimpanzee trekking opportunities. Chimpanzees may be seen moving through the forest canopy and crossing your path. You may also stroll through the high-altitude tree plantations with the women tea pickers who still manually choose the tea the old-fashioned method, or you can use sky-high transparent metal rope walkways to explore the wild forests.