WHY WE LOVE RWANDA, LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS

Emerging from a brutal past two decades on, Rwanda has transformed itself as one of Africa’s most politically and economically stable countries. One of two countries where mountain gorillas can be viewed safely, Rwanda shares a section of the bigger Virunga mountains with Congo and Uganda and presents an alternative gorilla tracking experience.

Despite being a tiny landlocked country,  Rwanda has plenty to offer with its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visit on its own or experience the country as an extension to the other East African countries.

WHEN TO GO

The dry season runs from June to early October and is the best time to go for tracking gorillas. Expect long rains from mid-March to mid-May though travel is still possible.

GETTING AROUND

Rwanda is a small country with a good connecting network of paved roads, we highly recommend a local driver to guide you around.

Internal domestic flights can help expedite your journey while there is a good public transport network to get around Kigali, the capital city.

LOCAL INSIDER TIP

Rwanda totally banned plastic bags in 2008 in an effort to eliminate plastic waste and promote eco-tourism. Visitors are not allowed to bring plastic bags (thin and non-recyclable ones) into the country, luggage and bags are generally inspected at checkpoints to reinforce this.

WILDLIFE

Home to more than half the entire world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, trek through the lush rainforests of Parc des Volcans where gorilla families reside. Be captivated by the moment when you first spot these silverback beauties. Relish the sight of these gentle giants gathering and chomping on vegetation as you spend a magical hour gazing and observing these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat.

NATURE AND LANDSCAPES

For nature lovers, the Akagera National Park located in the east offers savannah landscapes and a chance to view a diverse variety of wildlife and birds. For thrill hikers, trek through East Africa’s highest canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park for a wide-spanning view of this vast tropical rainforest.

HISTORY AND FUTURE

The Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a glimpse into the history of the atrocities that took place in Rwanda, including displays of photographs and real-life accounts. While a visit may be unsettling for some, the memorial plays an important role to remind and educate future generations of the country’s turbulent history and its swift re-emergence into one of Africa’s fastest growing economies today.

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