Rwanda – This could be your next luxury eco-tourism destination

Rwanda has quickly risen to the top of this year’s must-see destinations thanks to the country’s commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. At a time when travellers are becoming ever more discerning about how they spend their time and money, Rwanda is a rare example of how luxury eco-tourism is driving the country’s travel industry to great heights.

Thanks to a welcoming environment for investment and a commitment to environmental protection, Rwanda is now home to some of the most spectacular eco-lodges and resorts in East Africa. Stepping off the plane at Kigali International Airport is a breath of fresh air and the surprises don’t stop there. This increasingly popular destination offers you the chance to be at one with nature and to do so without sacrificing any creature comforts.

In Rwanda’s safari reserve, Akagera National Park, two off-grid, single-use plastic free havens for wildlife lovers are on offer: Ruzizi Tented Lodge in the south of the park and Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris in the north. Ruzizi gives travellers an intimate night with the sounds and sights of nature from the comfort of your private tent. Magashi is remarkable for the incredible concentration of wildlife on the peninsula where the luxurious lodge is located. With one of the highest concentrations of leopard in the region and a resident pride of lions, Magashi is one of the best places to spot the Big Five in style.

In the south of the country, Nyungwe National Park emerges from the intense green landscapes of tea like a scene out of Jurassic Park. As the oldest protected mountain rainforest in Central Africa, Nyungwe truly is a sight to behold. Located on the edge of the park is One and Only Nyungwe House – a place of rare beauty that almost feels magical. At Nyungwe House, indulge in a nature inspired spa treatment, enjoy a private yoga class as colobus monkeys swing through the treetops nearby or take a walk to a nearby waterfall that will have you in awe at the power of Mother Nature.

The jewel in the crown of Rwanda’s luxury eco-tourism offering is without a doubt the opportunity to visit endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spending an hour with these incredible creatures, similar to us in so many ways, is perhaps the greatest wildlife experience in the world. Located in Volcanoes National Park, ten gorilla families (out of 18 in the park) can be visited daily and doing so is an investment in their conservation and the communities surrounding the park that keep them safe.

The area nearby Volcanoes National Park is home to a range of exclusive lodges – from the brand new One and Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge to Bisate Lodge by Wilderness Safaris, there’s a luxury offering for every taste.