Rwanda, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, is a fascinating country that is bursting with natural beauty and truly unforgettable experiences. From gorilla trekking (the country is home to more than half of the world’s entire gorilla population) to safaris in Akagera National Park and tea plantation tours in Nyungwe, read on for a roundup of our top five reasons to visit Rwanda.
1
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Located in the country’s capital, the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a museum designed to educate and increase awareness about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi minority. A sad yet poignantly essential experience, the memorial includes an education centre, gardens, and archives which act as a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives.
2
Hiking in Nyungwe Forest
Home to over 1,000 species - including 310 bird species, hundreds of butterfly species, and 12 primate species - Nyungwe Forest National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise and one of Africa's best-preserved forests. Explore the various trails on foot or by bike and marvel at the scale of the forest while braving the 150ft-high canopy walkway at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. For the true animal lovers, don’t miss the chance to track and spend time with a group of habituated chimpanzees that call the forest home.
3
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes
Seeing mountain gorillas up close is a real highlight on any visit to Rwanda. Accompanied by an expert guide, venture into the lush rainforests of Volcanoes National Park to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures as they go about their daily routine. The best time of year for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season - from December to February and June to September – and we can help organise the permits and tricky logistics
4
Safari in Akagera National Park
With its flat plains - similar to the Serengeti - and multitude of wildlife species, from eastern black rhinoceros to lions, Akagera National Park is a real gem, and the perfect place for a quieter safari. Conservation and community engagement are the beating heart of this special place which was on the verge of being lost just 20 years ago but had since been rejuvenated by tourism thanks to the support of the admirable Africa Parks scheme. The ultimate way to experience the park is with an overnight stay in the luxurious Magashi Camp, with its spacious and airy tents and uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga.
5
Tea Plantation Tour in Nyungwe
Learn about how tea is planted, maintained, harvested and processed on a tour of one of the tea plantations in Nyungwe National Park, a vast area of mountain rainforest in the southwest of the country. This is an ideal activity for small groups and families and a perfect way to inject some education into your trip as you find out about one of Rwanda’s largest exports.
Cover picture : Bkamprath/Getty Images/iStockphoto
