Have you ever considered traveling to Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali in East Africa? Rwanda has a lot to offer, even though it might not be the first vacation spot that comes to mind, and will ensure that you, your friends, and your family have an authentically memorable African experience.
Go on a safari to observe exotic creatures, sample new cuisine, and dance the night away at one of the city’s numerous energetic clubs.
There are many ways to spend your vacation in Rwanda, including hiking, birdwatching, traditional game drives, nature walks, cultural experiences, and relaxing by a lake. After the horrible genocide that occurred in 1994, the nation underwent a rapid transition. There are memorials dotted over the nation, but the inhabitants of the “Land of a Thousand Hills” do not allow history to dictate their fate, and tourists can gain a profound understanding of the development and cohesion of the Rwandan people.
Rwanda, a small nation in East Africa bordered by the well-known nations of Tanzania and Uganda, has a lot to offer both luxury and budget travelers. Mountainous, culturally complex, and stunning describe Rwanda. Only a few hours apart, this tiny country contains jungles, savannas, volcanoes, lakes, and forests. Rwanda is called the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ for a reason, and in between activities, don’t forget to take in all the breathtaking views and sunsets.
There are several good reasons to travel to Rwanda, and we’d like to share our top ten.
- The Captivating Mountain Gorillas Of Rwanda
Rwanda is a success story in wildlife protection, and there are many opportunities to see wildlife and explore national parks. More than half of the mountain gorillas in the world live in the Virunga Mountains, a mountain range spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visitors to the nation can visit gorilla families in the wild and contribute to their protection. Nyungwe National Park also harbors chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and more than 300 distinct species of birds in addition to gorillas. Africa’s “Big Five” are once more present in Akagera National Park thanks to the reintroduction of lions and rhinoceroses to Rwanda in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
The Virunga Mountain Range in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the majority of the 880 mountain gorillas that are still alive today. Given that the gorilla population in Rwanda is currently flourishing, the country’s excellent conservation efforts have garnered international attention.
- Walk In The Footsteps Of Famed Primatologist Dian Fossey
Any mountain gorilla trek is complete with a visit to Dian Fossey’s former research facility. An experience that values knowledge, courage, advocacy, joy, and sadness is hiking up her grave shrine. Fossey was well-known for her work as a primatologist who studied gorillas and led initiatives to safeguard them. In 1967, Ms. Fossey started a study project that would eventually become her life’s work and provide the groundwork for her to form a close, intimate bond with the primate species and many of the particular gorillas she interacted with.
A silverback gorilla she named Digit was her favorite. Fossey was taken prisoner by troops after initially studying mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She escaped and relocated to Rwanda, where she established the Karisoke Research Center. The prevalence of poaching at the time had taught the gorillas to be fearful of humans, but Fossey was able to gain their trust with her quiet patience, diligence, and respect.
- World-Class Hiking & Trekking
The best place to go on a vacation outside is Rwanda. A fantastic network of paths leads you into some of the most stunning scenery on earth in both Volcanoes Park and Nyungwe Forest. AfricanMecca Safaris will assist you in finding paths that exceed your expectations, regardless of your level of fitness or experience.
The most difficult climbs lead to Mount Karisimbi, the highest peak of the eight main volcanoes in the Virunga region, which has a snow-capped summit and is located at an elevation of 4507 meters in Volcanoes National Park. The two-day trek will challenge you physically and mentally while immersing you in the beauty of four distinct vegetation zones. Another high-elevation hike awaits at Mount Bisoke, the most visited summit in the Virungas.
- Akagera National Park
For you, the Kagera National Park is a must-see. Have a once-in-a-lifetime safari ride with a knowledgeable guide and view animals like giraffes and monkeys in their natural habitat. The Akagera game lodge, which offers pleasant, clean, and reasonable rooms so you may spend the night (or a couple nights), and continue your journey the next day, is close to the Akagera game park, which is a little outside of Kigali’s city center. Any traveler going through the country must visit Akagera National Park. The park is well-known for its diverse fauna, breathtaking scenery, and simplicity of access; the southern gate is only two hours from Kigali. Spend a few days sleeping under the stars feeling oh so small in this gorgeous wildlife haven.
- The Inema Arts Center
The Inema Arts Center is unquestionably your style! Two brothers own this facility, which debuted in 2012. If you’re in Kigali, it’s a terrific area to spend the day because it’s home to painters, jewelers, and performers. The Inema Arts Center has a lot to offer, including classes in yoga, painting, and performance. You won’t have any downtime.
- Beach Escape Experience
One of the best beach getaways in Central Africa is in Rwanda! With a total surface area of 2700 square kilometers at an elevation of 1460 meters, Lake Kivu is the 18th deepest lake in the world. Imagine spending a few days exploring Rwanda’s lush green rainforests, communing with mountain gorillas, tracking chimpanzees, and walking in the footsteps of Rwandan kings, and then traveling a short distance to a sparkling lake and lovely beach for some rejuvenation.
- Fantastic Weather
Rwanda’s weather is forever moderate. Not too hot and not too cold, Rwanda easily has some of the best weather compared with its surrounding East African neighbors. Rainy season comes twice a year (from approximately October to November and February to May), and though getting around can become more difficult, it’s an easy trade-off for the lush green views and all the flowers.
- Birding Paradise
The estimated 650 species of birds that call Rwanda home are an incredible number given that the entire nation is only 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles). Also, because of the variety of habitats, our visitors can observe a wide variety of avian life, including the second-highest number of endemic species to the Albertine Rift.
13 species and 16 subspecies that are indigenous to the Rwenzoris and Virungas can be found in Volcanoes National Park’s forest canopy. Some of the birds that can be found in the park are black-and-white mannikins, red-throated wrynecks, white-tailed blue flycatchers, and cinnamon bracken warblers.
- Stay at Rwanda’s most luxurious Ecolodge
Nothing better reflects Rwanda’s growing interest in luxury travel than the lodge’s recent 2017 debut, Bisate Lodge. This hotel is the place to stay because it is stylish, upscale, and genuinely eco-friendly. The furnishings of the six lodge suites, which resemble bird nests, are extremely fashionable. Bisate sits on the rim of an eroded volcanic crater, and every private balcony on the property has a perfect view of the Bisoke Volcano. If you can swing it, a stay here is magical.
- Colorful Markets
The marketplaces in Rwanda, from Kigali to Gisenyi, are among the best in the country. Take a full day to explore Kimironko Market in Kigali, sample the local produce, and buy some Agaseke baskets. Such marketplaces may be found in every significant Rwandan town, and they are the heart of the city.
- Rwanda’s Cuisines
Rwanda is developing a reputation for its cuisine. In addition to a wide range of local pleasures, Kigali has some excellent international eateries that serve dishes like artisanal ice cream, spicy curries, fresh sushi, and Italian pizzas.
In Rwanda, many different lodging alternatives cater to a variety of preferences and price ranges. Although Rwanda isn’t particularly recognized for its hostels, travelers looking to travel on a budget have many affordable options. But, Rwanda is also gaining popularity as a high-end travel destination and has a lot to offer the affluent single traveler.