For most people, Rwanda is infamous for its tragic social collapse of the 1994 genocide. But while this tragic epoch is a big part of the country’s modern history, Rwanda has evolved into a united, proud and optimistic nation. Visiting Rwanda will leave you with an overwhelming sense of admiration for its people’s hope and determination, and the remarkable way the country has unified. Today, Rwanda has one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. It has more women in government than any other country in the world, and is one of the cleanest, friendliest and safest places you can visit in Africa. There are lots of things to do in Rwanda;
Track Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. They make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The unique gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1060 mountain gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their location.
Spend a day with the chimps of Nyungwe Forest
These cousins to humans can be found and tracked in Nyungwe National Forest. A beautiful guided hike through the forest will lead you to these fascinating creatures where you can watch them play and interact up close. Chimpanzee tracking can be done year-round in Nyungwe Forest, rain or shine, and while it is never guaranteed that you will see them, sightings are very common and guides are skillful in tracking them. The experience differs from gorilla tracking as the chimps are running around, so the sightings are a bit more sporadic and rushed, but worthwhile nonetheless.
Spot hippos, elephants and giraffes in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in the northeast of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa. Akagera combines well with Nyungwe and the Volcanoes National Park to offer a great safari element as it is home to many large plains game species like elephants, giraffes and lions as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork.
Dip your toes into Lake Kivu
One of the African Great Lakes (the sixth largest in Africa), Lake Kivu is stunningly beautiful and an incredible place to visit on your Rwandan adventure. The water in the lake has a cool temperature and there are beautiful beaches along the lakeshores with fine sand where one can relax in the sun after having a paddle or indulging in some water sports like kayaking or wind surfing. At only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu is also a great place to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventures.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
As you travel through Rwanda, it’s impossible not to think about the relatively recent Rwandan Genocide, in which more than 800,000 people died in just 100 days. The tragic event changed the course of history for the country, as well as the lives of everyday people who lost countless friends and relatives just a couple of decades ago. Travelers can begin trying to understand the incomprehensible event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Through halls of photographs, artifacts and informative stories, the museum explains the build up to the genocide, what occurred during those 100 horrific days and how Rwanda has worked to unite as a country in the wake of the devastation. It also includes an exhibit on the youngest victims of the genocide, with life-size photos and touching personal details about these children’s short lives. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is equal parts heartbreaking and insightful, but without a doubt essential to understanding the complex country of Rwanda.
Learn how to pick tea leaves
After trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you might be eager to relax with a cup of tea. Fortunately, tea plantations blanket the area around the park, offering not only dreamy scenery, but the chance to learn the art of cultivating the caffeine-laced leaves. Gisakura Tea Estate invites tourists to experience a couple of hours in the life of a tea leaf picker. The pickers will let you wear their backpack-basket and show you the delicate technique of plucking tea leaves with just three fingers. It’s harder than it looks! Then, you’ll watch as their impressive hauls are weighed and trucked to the factory for processing.