RWANDA
Rwanda, the undulating and luscious (land of a thousand
hills), is a country that exhibits hope and renewal following its turbulent
past. Now two decades after the genocide, Rwanda has become Africa’s comeback
kid, with efforts to clean the streets, embrace peace, and encourage prosperity
being extremely successful, and elevating the land back to its rightful place
of revered natural beauty. Scenery seekers will not be disappointed here, with
breathtaking vistas, wondrous wildlife, and verdant greenery stunning at every
turn.
BEAUTIFUL
PLACES TO VISIT IN RWANDA.
Volcanoes
National Park
Home to the Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park lies in
the Northern Province of Rwanda, along the border with Uganda and the
Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also Africa’s oldest national park,
gazetted in 1925 primarily to protect the Mountain Gorillas from poaching.
The park spans 5 Virunga Volcanoes, clad with lush mountain vegetation that is
inhabited by a variety of wildlife which include: Mountain Gorillas, Golden
Monkeys, Buffaloes, and lots of birds including many Albertine Rift endemics.
Volcanoes National Park is the prime tourist destination of Rwanda and offers a
range of exciting adventures including Mountain Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey
Tracking, Birdwatching, Hiking, Nature Walks, Community walks, and Caving. Read
more about Volcanoes National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Situated in southwestern Rwanda and covering more than 1000 sq
km, Nyungwe Forest is the largest Afro-montane forest in East and Central
Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the ice age. Its
longevity has led to the accumulation and survival of an incredible diversity of
wildlife, including many endangered and endemic species. It is very rich for primates,
with 13 species, including Chimpanzees. It harbors more than 300 bird species,
including the highest number of Albertine rift endemics. Tourist activities
include Chimpanzee tracking, Canopy Walks, Guided Nature walks, birding,
camping, and tracking habituated Mangabeys and Blue Monkeys. Read more about
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Akagera
National Park
Akagera is Rwanda’s biggest national park measuring 1085
square kilometers. It lies in the Eastern Province, at a lower altitude with
grassland plains, a labyrinth of lakes, and papyrus swamps contrasting the rolling
hills and mountains that make up much of Rwanda. The park has beautiful scenery
with plenty of wildlife including Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes,
Leopards, Hyenas, Hippos, and crocodiles. Lions are being introduced back into
Akagera. With more than 525 species of birds, the Akagera has the highest
concentration of birds per square kilometer of any African national park! The
park offers visitors the classic African safari that includes a range of
experiences. Read more about the Akagera National Park
Gishwati-
Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s youngest park
formed in 2015. The parks consist of two disjointed montane forests Gishwati
and Mukura and it is located to the northwest of the country. The park is home
to many species including Chimpanzees and monkeys. The
park is a hotspot for birding, and also wonderful for hiking. The local
communities offer cultural and traditional experiences such handcraft making,
traditional dances about the Gishwati
Mukura National Park
Kigali City
Kigali is one of Africa’s most vibrant, cleanest, safest, and most organized cities. It is located in the heart of Rwanda, covering several hills
and exuding such a fresh atmosphere. For visitors flying into Rwanda, Kigali
harbors the international airport so a tour of the city is just inevitable!
Kigali harbors several historical and cultural attractions. Here is the Kigali
City tour guide
Mount Bisoke Volcano
Mountain Bisoke, 3711m, is a dormant volcano of the Virunga
Mountain range. It spans across the border of Rwanda and the Democratic
Republic of Congo. Of Rwanda’s five Virunga volcanoes, Bisoke
is the most popular for one-day hiking adventures. It contains two beautiful
crater lakes, including the one at the summit. The slopes are inhabited by Mountain
Gorillas & Golden Monkeys which may be encountered during the trek to the
summit. Read more about Mt. Bisoke and Activities
Lake Kivu
Rwanda
Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s biggest lake and one of the most
beautiful lakes in Central Africa. The lake is located in the west of the
country near the Volcanoes National Park in the north and Nyungwe Forest
National Park in the south. It is therefore the ideal place to relax after adventures in the parks. It is also a wonderful getaway for those seeking to escape
the hustle of the city. Meanwhile, Lake Kivu is also a top adventure
destination in Rwanda offering many adventures such as kayaking, boat
ride, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc...For more about Lake Kivu
The Congo- Nile Trail
This is a 227km (141 miles) trail along Lake Kivu, that
runs from Gisenyi in Rubavu District to Rusizi District. The trail offers an
exciting adventure through Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes of rolling hills and
clear waters. For adventure travelers, the trail offers an exciting way to
explore and discover Rwanda. It is a perfect fit for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures. The entire trail can be explored via a 10-day hiking or
5-day biking adventure.
Culture
Corridor
The cultural corridor offers a chance to experience the rich
Rwandan culture and history. Major sites along the corridor include Kigali
City, The King’s Palace/Urukari, the National Art Gallery/Rwesero, Inema Art
Center, the Ethnographic Museum, and Women's dancing groups in Butare.