Rwanda (The Land of Thousand Hills)

Enter the land of a thousand hills, with endless expansive lush mountains and diverse natural beauty which lies within the great lakes region of central Africa and boasts a moderate climate. Mountains dominate the center and west of the country, while the east consists of savannah, plains and swamps.

Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic republic of Congo to the west. Despite being landlocked and one of Africa’s smallest countries, 26,338 sq. km, Rwanda has an incredible treasure trove of diversity that requires protection. The Albertine-rift eco- zone (ARE), a region that stretches across six countries with Rwanda as its epic center, is of particular importance as it has an exceptional level of species endemism. Scientists regard it as having the highest levels of diversity on the continent.

The nature lover will be impressed by the variety and the rarity of what can be observed visiting Rwanda, but there is more to Rwanda than protected mountain gorillas and Albertine endemics. The shores of Lake Kivu boast some of the best inland beaches in Africa and offer an opportunity to explore the many small islands of Lake Kivu.

Kigali, the capital and conference hub of east Africa, forms a central stepping stone to various destinations within the country and central and east Africa. The city is green, vibrant, and safe and brews superb home grown tea and coffee.

Although Rwanda is all too often associated with the 1994 genocide that resulted in the mass murder of as much as 20% of the country’s total population, the country is taking giant strides towards cultural recovery and investment in the future.

Rwanda is truly a country with something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of the many things to do in Rwanda.

1. Visit Rwanda’s famous primates in Nyungwe national park, Akagera national park, and volcanoes national park including golden monkeys, chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys and baboon.
2. Track the world renowned mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park
3. Join birding safari tour to experience the diversity of Rwanda’s birdlife and visit several of Rwanda’s (IBA’s) Important Birding Areas; Nyabalongo wetlands, Akagera National park, Nyungwe forest national park, Akanyaru wetlands, Rugezi marsh, volcanoes national park and Cyamudongo forest.
4. Explore Nyungwe national Park’s amazing water falls or orchids and butterflies.
5. Explore one of 52 surveyed caves in Rwanda. Formed from Cenozoic volcanic rocks.
6. Visit Rwanda’s largest Lake Kivu and its many islands and beach resort towns Rubavu and Karongi.
7. Go canoeing, kayaking and wind surfing on Lake kivu.
8. Go mountain climbing at volcanoes national park-don’t miss the 5^th highest mountain in Africa- or mountain biking over Rwanda’s thousand hills.
9. Enjoy a full tradition Rwandan experience including dancing, traditional crafts, archery, tradition healers, food and a taste of Rwanda’s local brew at Iby’iwachu village in Musanze in Rwanda’s Northern Province.
10. Enjoy fish dishes and a relaxing day at Lake Muhazi around 60km from Kigali.
11. Tour Kigali on the Kigali city tour bus and learn all there is to know about Rwanda’s capital city.
12. Go shopping for Rwandan crafts at one of the many local markets or cooperatives throughout the country.
13. Travel back in time at the king’s place, Nyanza.
14. Visit Rwanda’s genocide memorial sites; Kigali memorial site; Murambi memorial site; Nyanza Kicukiro memorial site; and Ntarama Memorial site.