Rwanda is a captivating destination brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Despite its tumultuous past, Rwanda has emerged as one of the new African giants militarily and economically. It currently has the cleanest city on the African continent.
Besides the UK asylum news story that has continually overshadowed the identity of Rwanda in the rest past, there is a lot Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism. Here are the top five things to see and do during your Rwanda visit.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas are some of the world’s most endangered species. Unlike other gorilla species, mountain gorillas cannot survive outside their natural habitat. They can only thrive in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
All hands are on the deck to ensure that the mountain gorilla population continues to grow in these three countries. Rwanda is currently the frontline leader in gorilla trekking with annual mountain gorilla conservation initiatives including the KwitaIzina event.
Many international personalities have graced the KwitaIzina event and also participated in gorilla trekking. Currently, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s flagship tourism activity. Some of the proceeds from gorilla trekking are used in support of local communities which previously used to be the major threat to the survival of the mountain gorillas.
Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee tracking is one of the other activities that make Rwanda quite a remarkable wildlife destination. The activity is carried out in Nyungwe Forest National Park. However, this is not all the Nyungwe National Park has to offer. It is possible to do birding in the Nyungwe forest, canopy walks among several other activities.
Learn about Rwandan History and Culture in Kigali
Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, is a vibrant hub of culture and history. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s tragic past and pay homage to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Explore local markets, art galleries, and museums to gain insight into Rwandan culture and traditions.
Exploring Kigali is the best way to visit Rwanda on a tight budget.
Visit Lake Kivu
Rwanda’s largest lake, Lake Kivu offers opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can unwind on its shores, take boat cruises to explore nearby islands or engage in water sports like kayaking and swimming. Accommodation around Lake Kivu is also well-developed to ensure true relaxation in the heart of Africa.
Experience Akagera National Park
The land of a thousand hills is mostly mountainous and for that reason, the majority of the national parks are forested lands. Akagera National Park is the only Savannah National Park in Rwanda. It offers special opportunities to spot the big five in Rwanda. These are; Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Leopards, and lions.
Akagera National Park is also the only national park in Rwanda offering safari game drives. It is also the best national park for family trips in Rwanda given the fact that most of the activities offered in this park do not have any age restrictions.
Camping trips are also popular in Akagera National Park because of its savannah plains that offer something similar to what you can find in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.