Why Travel to Rwanda
Absolutely, Rwanda is a beautiful country located in East-Central Africa, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its stunning hilly terrain. Rwanda is a landlocked country bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It’s characterized by a diverse landscape including mountains, savannahs, lakes, and dense forests.
Capital: Kigali (the largest and capital city)
Other major cities: Butare, Gitarama, Ruhengeri, and Gisenyi.
Rwanda has a population predominantly made up of the Banyarwanda ethnic group, which includes three main subgroups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language.
The culture is rich and diverse, with traditional music, dance, and art playing a significant role in daily life. The country celebrates various cultural festivals and events throughout the year including;
History and Genocide Memorial:
Rwanda experienced a devastating genocide in 1994, during which an estimated 800,000 people, primarily Tutsis, were brutally killed. The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a tribute and a reminder of this dark period in Rwandan history, promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation.
Wildlife and Conservation:
Rwanda is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly for its mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park is a prime location for gorilla trekking, attracting tourists from around the world.
Akagera National Park is another key wildlife destination, offering the opportunity to see various animals like elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and more.
Tourism and Adventure:
Tourism is a growing industry in Rwanda, with visitors coming to explore its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage. Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, birdwatching, and hiking are popular activities.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for its diverse primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as its unique canopy walk.
Rwanda’s economy has been growing steadily, and the government has made efforts to diversify sectors like agriculture, services, tourism, and information technology.
The country has seen improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development in recent years.
Sustainable Development and Green Initiatives:
Rwanda is known for its strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and green initiatives. It aims to become a green and clean country, promoting eco-tourism and conservation.
Rwanda is a country with a tragic past that has made impressive strides towards recovery and development. Its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich culture make it a captivating destination for travellers seeking both adventure and meaningful experiences.
Traveling to Rwanda for a safari can be an incredibly rewarding experience due to its unique and diverse offerings in terms of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters. Here are some reasons why you might consider traveling to Rwanda for a safari:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, and it offers one of the best opportunities to trek and observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. The Volcanoes National Park is a prime location for gorilla trekking
In addition to gorillas, Rwanda is home to the rare and playful golden monkeys. You can go on guided treks to see and interact with these fascinating creatures.
Diverse Wildlife: Rwanda offers more than just gorillas. Akagera National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. A safari here provides a chance to witness the diverse fauna of East Africa.
Breathtaking Scenery, Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its stunning, undulating landscapes. The country is characterized by lush green hills, forests, lakes, and volcanoes. Exploring these scenic areas while on a safari is a breathtaking experience.
Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage with a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, dances, music, and crafts. Engaging with local communities and learning about their customs and way of life can be a valuable part of your safari experience. Safe and Welcoming Destination: Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. The government has made significant efforts to improve infrastructure and tourism facilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit for travellers.
Rwanda is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism. Revenue from gorilla trekking permits and other tourism activities contributes to conservation efforts and helps protect the country’s natural heritage.
Rwanda is relatively accessible for international travellers, with Kigali, the capital city, serving as a major entry point. The country has a well-developed transportation network, making it convenient to move between different safari destinations.
Overall, a safari in Rwanda offers a unique blend of wildlife, stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts, making it an attractive destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
The Wildebeests start arriving Kenya in June and by July- August, the entire plains of Mara have been occupied by the wildebeests, zebras and gazelles and its when mara crossing is in progress