What’s special about Rwanda?
It may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but when it comes to diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty, Rwanda certainly got the lion’s share.
Thanks to the growth and unity of its people, the country has undergone a remarkable transformation since its devastating genocide in 1994. Reborn from the ashes of its tragic past, Rwanda’s tourism has boomed, and it has developed into a premium travel destination, offering enlightening cultural experiences, world-renowned national parks and astonishing encounters with the natural world. Below are just a few Rwanda highlights to enjoy.
Rwanda’s famous gorilla treks
With just 880 left in the wild, Rwanda is one of just three places in the world you can still find the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Led by experienced rangers, Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla treks offer an extraordinary insight into the primate’s natural behaviours. Witness first hand the intimate bonds between family members, the playful antics of the youngsters and the watchful protection of the silverback — all played out right before your eyes in the breathtaking surroundings of the Virunga Mountains.
Coming face to face with our evolutionary cousins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you forever. What’s more, Rwanda’s gorilla tourism aids the conservation of this critically endangered species — so you will also be helping to protect them and their precious home.
Outstanding Natural Beauty
With its peaceful lakes, volcanic mountain ranges and expansive rainforests, Rwanda is home to some of Africa’s most diverse natural landscapes.
Known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda is characterised by deep valleys, lush green slopes and ancient peaks. The country’s mountainous regions are spectacularly beautiful, covered with biodiverse rainforest and scattered with rivers and waterfalls. Below these undulating peaks, you will find Rwanda’s ethereal lakes, their crystal blue waters surrounded by immaculate coastlines and emerald hills.
If you need just one reason to spend time in Rwanda, the country’s breathtaking natural beauty alone is worth the trip!
Rwanda people
The natural beauty of Rwanda’s countryside is reflected in the tenderness and compassion of its people.
Rwandan people are respectful, kind and accommodating. Famous for their hospitality, the locals are incredibly welcoming to tourists. Most people will go above and beyond to help you out, put you at ease or simply share a smile. If you need anything, just ask! In fact, ask a Rwandan for directions and they’ll probably walk you to your destination themselves!
Fresh, Flavoursome Food
A mixture of local delicacies and traditional East African favourites, Rwandan cuisine offers a whole world of flavours to explore.
Characterised by its simplicity and focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Rwandan food is absolutely bursting with flavour. Local favourites include ibirayi — delicious, golden brown potatoes; akabenz — tender barbecued pork topped with lime; and urwaga — a traditional East African drink also known as ‘banana beer’.
When you visit Rwanda you will soon discover that the most popular food is the country’s national dish, brochettes. Made with skewered meat and vegetables roasted over a charcoal grill, Rwandan brochettes are delicious, a must for foodies wanting to experience the authentic taste of traditional Rwandan cuisine.
Clean as a whistle
The great people of Rwanda keep their country spotlessly clean. Once a month, communities across the country come together to tidy up the towns and cities, sweeping the streets and collecting stray pieces of litter. Rooted in Rwanda’s culture of co-operation, this community service, or ‘Umuganda’, has transformed the country into one of the cleanest in the world.
In 2008, the government banned the production of single-use plastic bags, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives made from paper, cloth, banana leaves and papyrus. Over a decade later, Rwanda’s streets are now garbage-free and plastic pollution is at an all-time low.
Hiking adventures
Rwanda is a hiker’s paradise, offering unique trails for every experience level. From gentle walks along peaceful lakes to scaling Rwanda’s epic peaks, hiking is a great way to discover the country’s spectacular natural beauty.
Check out Nyungwe National Park, which has a superb network of hiking trails, including its treetop canopy walkway. At 160m long and 70m high, the suspension bridge is the only one of its kind in East Africa — offering majestic panoramic views of lush rainforest and incredible wildlife.
In the north, adventure seekers can summit the snow-capped peaks of Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park. A two-day trek to an altitude of 4,507m, the trail is an intense physical challenge with ample rewards. With over 3,000 species of wildlife living in the forest, hikers are regularly gifted with sightings of chimpanzees, tropical birds, dazzling wildflowers and golden or blue monkeys.
For a gentler walk, head west to Lake Kivu. Here, hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Rwanda’s largest lake, take a refreshing dip in the water and catch a glimpse of authentic rural life passing through friendly local fishing villages.
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali
Only a quarter-century after it was devastated by the Rwandan genocide, Kigali has rebuilt itself as one of the most vibrant and diverse capital cities in Africa.
Known for its emerging art scene, flourishing cafe culture and eclectic architecture, Kigali is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. And when it comes to exploring the city, it is hard to know where to begin! Visitors can shop for local food, crafts and authentic kitenge fabrics at Kimironko Market, experience the city’s rich culture at its museums and art galleries, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere in the modern rooftop cafes.
Rated one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world, Kigali has fast become the rising star of East Africa and another great reason to visit Rwanda.
Where to stay: we’ve heard amazing things about the One &Only Gorilla’s nest…
Have you spent time in Rwanda? Where else would you recommend?
