Rwanda, formally known as the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked nation in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley, which is where Southeast Africa and Africa’s Great Lakes region meet. Rwanda is bordered by Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda is situated a few degrees south of the Equator.
Rwanda offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Gorilla trekking is a top draw, but the country has much more to offer. Visitors can explore Akagera National Park for safaris, enjoy birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest, and delve into Rwanda’s rich history at the Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace Museum.
The most popular activity in Rwanda is, without a doubt, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This Rwandan national park borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its population of highly endangered mountain gorillas keeps on increasing. According to experts, it has around 600 gorillas, a good increase from the 240–250 that existed in 1981.
You pay US$1,500 for one of the few daily trekking permits to visit one of the 18 mountain gorilla families that have become habituated with humans. The easiest way is to do this through a reliable tour operator; they can also organize transportation from Kigali to the park headquarters.
Trekking usually takes from four to eight hours, most of the time spent walking through swampy areas, wild meadows, and mysterious bamboo woods. Further, you will be brought to one of the families of habituated gorillas by guides from the National Park Service. A full hour is spent observing the animals while feeding, taking care of the young, or playing with each other.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is both memorable and safe: either porters can be hired to carry luggage, while armed guides assure the safety of visitors. After having gone on the hike, guests will have the opportunity to visit the Karisoke Research Center to get more information about mountain gorillas and the conservation that was done by Dian Fossey.
Some places to stay near Volcanoes National Park
Consider Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge for a luxurious stay near Volcanoes National Park. These five-star plus properties offer stunning views, exceptional service, and sustainability.
Those looking for cheaper prices can also try Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Kinigi Guesthouse, offering comfortable accommodation with facilities at mid-range prices. For shoestring travelers, they have Hotel Muhabura, La Palme Hotel, and Garr Hotel, offering cheaper rates with modest service.
The Lingering Horror of the Rwandan Genocide
Within the blink of an eye, only several decades ago, Rwanda witnessed one of history’s most abysmal genocides. In only 100 days, over 800,000 people were brutally killed. The aftermath of this disaster has left thousands of scars on this nation, and its impact still strikes a deep chord with the citizens.
A Memorial to Honor the Lost
The Kigali Genocide Memorial would stand to that poignancy of remembrance in memory of the victims. By displaying graphic photos, artifacts, and personal accounts, the museum offers an abysmal tour through events leading up to the 1994 genocide. Outside, the exhibit halls were bathed in a hopeful glow, which spoke volumes about juxtapositions between the darkest moments of the past and the promise of a brighter future.
A Call to Remember and Reflect
But beyond the concrete events of the Rwandan Genocide, the museum also deals with the greater background context of genocide as such and the responsibility of the international community. And then there is the Children’s Room, dedicated to the memory of the youngest victims, whose innocent lives are forever etched in the minds of all.
A Biodiversity Hotspot
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one real haven for biodiversity. This national park harbors an enviable concentration of flora and fauna. With over 1,000 plant species, hundreds of bird varieties, and dozens of mammal types, this rainforest is really one of the wonders of the nature world. Various experiences abound: tracking chimpanzees, a very unique experience where tourists have had an opportunity to observe these intelligent mammals up close.
A Canopy Adventure in a Thrilling Manner
From chimpanzee trekking, await other interesting activities in Nyungwe Forest for the adventure enthusiast. For the daredevil, there is a famous canopy walk in the park. Suspended high above the rainforest floor, this 91-meter-long suspension bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush canopy and distant mountains.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
While Nyungwe is not without its advantages to those who would rather stay on the ground, there is a network of 15 hiking trails that all offer differing opportunities to explore the various forest ecosystems. Whether you are the seasoned hiker or merely an outdoorsy nature lover, there is a trail for you.
A visit to the King’s Palace Museum would most definitely confirm Rwandans’ respect for animals-if the nation’s passionate conservation efforts don’t. The museum’s main attraction is the inyambo, or sacred cows, with their enormous horns.
Equally interesting to the museum itself are the four-legged creatures out back. A replica of a 15th-century king’s residence with thatched roof, royal hut, and fresh milk cottage, traditionally tended by an unmarried woman, is on view here.
On the northeastern part of town also lies the colonial-style house that was King Mutara III Rudahigwa’s royal residence in the middle of the 20th century; it is also open for tourists to go inside. Quite dramatic, the interior design combines European-style furniture-some actually belonged to the owner-with Rwandan designs.
Akagera National Park is the eastern part of Rwanda, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Kigali, managed by African Parks. This park comprises part of savannah plains, lakes, and wetlands inhabited by a multitude of animals. This is one of the largest protected wetlands in Central Africa and the last habitat for life forms that have adapted to the savannahs in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu is located in western Rwanda, lying in the Great Rift Valley of Africa, with magnificent mountains surrounding it and 2,700 km² of deep emerald-green waters. It is the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth-largest in Africa.
An hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park, Rubavu, formerly Gisenyi, is a considerable town on Lake Kivu’s northern shore and an absolute perfect venue for post-gorilla trek relaxation. This waterfront of Rubavu, once a famous colonial beach resort, is studded with hotels, fashionable lakeside bars, and decaying ancient homes that make for a great sundowner cocktail.
A popular beach resort, Karongi is roughly halfway down the lake. The hillsides, covered in eucalyptus and pine, give a spectacular view over the glittering lake. As the local fishermen paddle in time, the cadences of their chanting rise across the ocean at dawn and sunset.
The Congo Nile Trail
The 227-kilometer Congo Nile Trail treks through spectacular sceneries from Rubavu in the north to Rusizi .
The Rwanda Rocks is a hub for cross-cultural interchange that values people. They believe in ethical travel.
People travel for various reasons. Some of us take gentle journeys to gentle places with serene experiences and hydration. Others pack their suitcases for them to be filled with adrenaline activities which empower the locals by sharing unique culture with them, giving them opportunity. It’s a cultural center situated in a very picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills with spectacular views of Volcanoes National Park; various excursions, volunteer opportunities, and activities are offered.
Red Rocks is one of a kind in Rwanda for cultural and eco-tourism experiences developed on-site for both tourists and the local community. Banana beer making, traditional craftsmanship, and undertaking community projects are some of the activities that visitors may engage in and obtain a very important sense of local culture and contribution toward sustainable tourism. The campsite has a relaxed atmosphere and very lively art, hence being very friendly with community development and responsible travel principles.
7. Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the fourth national park in Rwanda and a key conservation site in the Albertine Rift. It consists of two separate forests, namely Gishwati and Mukura, with a total size of 34 square kilometers. Rich biodiversity hosts a number of wild fauna and flora, including but not limited to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and different bird species. Available activities include guided nature walks, primate tracking, bird watching, and waterfalls.
Kigali is surprisingly a very brilliant addition for travelers in search of an inspiring African travel adventure. Clean, safe, and hospitable to a fault, Kigali possesses many different kinds of attractions on offer.
For those interested in history, the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a poignantly powerful reminder of what Rwanda has endured. More local art galleries in town include the Inema Art Center for the art lovers in your company. Take some time to walk around Nyandungu Eco-Park, feeling the serenity of nature.
Kigali has various accommodations to suit different budgets and preference options. The Kigali Marriott Hotel or Radisson Blu Hotel would guarantee a luxurious stay, while the historic Kigali Serena Hotel stands out as a reputable hotel with all the modern amenities, great views, and excellent service.
If you want something cheap, mid-budget, and budget are sufficient. Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, 2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali, and Park Inn by Radisson Kigali offer good comfortable stays with well-placed locations. For the very low budgets, there is Gloria Hotel, One Click Hotel, and Lemigo Hotel that offer basic amenities at reasonable prices. Be sure to consider your budget, location, and amenities of choice when selecting where to stay.
