Rwanda may be landlocked, but you can still capitalise on Lake Kivu's golden sand beaches. The pretty market town of Gisenyi is the perfect place to take a break from your adventurous pursuits. Join a tour of the Primus brewery, visit the local youth cultural centre, or simply unwind with the picturesque view of the water.

By staying at one of Volcanoes National Park's luxury lodges, you'll be in prime position to see the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. There's plenty of other primates to seek out too, such as troops of golden monkeys. Habituated to human contact, these elusive creatures are fascinating to watch, and every bit as appealing as their larger, more famed cousins.

Rwanda is blessed with plenty of far-stretching rivers which weave amongst its mountains. Take a day to embark on a canoe tour near the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, gliding through rolling hills and keeping one eye peeled for exotic bird species, like storks and flamingos. Make sure you pack a camera, too, as you won't be short of stunning African vistas.

Rwanda's forward-thinking capital is a model of urban development. The artisan coffee shops, co-working spaces, LED streetlights, and wide boulevards are a real blend of European and African sensibilities. Rwanda's rich history and fascinating culture can also be explored in detail at the emotional Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and the Presidential Palace Museum.

One of the highest priority areas for forest conservation in Africa, Nyungwe Forest is awash with lush, green valleys of equatorial rainforest. For a truly unique experience, take the canopy walk that hovers 50 metres above the floor. You'll be afforded spectacular views and the chance to mingle with monkeys, rare orchids, and nearly 300 species of bird.