The Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda, often celebrated in the iconic Hollywood film Gorillas in the Mist through Sigourney Weaver’s Academy Award-winning portrayal of gorilla researcher Dian Fossey, is renowned for its mountain gorillas. Beyond this, the country is endowed with a rich tapestry of biodiversity, remarkable wildlife, and diverse landscapes ranging from cloud forests and montane rainforests to expansive plains.

Dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a landlocked republic that has remarkably recovered from a devastating civil war in the early 1990s, transforming into one of Africa’s most notable success stories. Affectionately called the Singapore of Africa, Rwanda has become one of the continent’s most coveted destinations.

Earning the nickname ‘Remarkable Rwanda’ through its relentless dedication and progress, the nation’s capital, Kigali, is a hub of vibrancy and dynamism. Situated at the heart of Rwanda along the Ruganwa River, Kigali is infused with African allure, featuring an eclectic mix of French-Belgian and African culinary experiences, innovative start-ups, and cafes renowned for serving some of Africa’s finest coffee. The city, surrounded by lush green hills, not only prides itself on its cleanliness and thriving young arts and shopping scenes but also holds significant historical importance. A minimum two-night stay in Kigali is recommended, allowing time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. These sites offer profound insights into the 1994 Rwandan genocide, serving as places for remembrance, reflection, forgiveness, and hope.

Rwanda: A Sanctuary for Primates

Rwanda is celebrated for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, yet it also serves as a haven for chimpanzees and a variety of monkeys including colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl-faced, Dent’s, blue, and vervet monkeys, in addition to olive baboons, and the nocturnal pottos and bushbabies.

Known also as Parc National des Volcans, this national park shelters 400 gorillas within twelve groups that have become accustomed to human presence, allowing for close observation by tourists. Spanning five of the eight Virunga Mountain volcanoes, it is acclaimed as one of the most accessible places in Africa to encounter these majestic primates. The experience of getting up close with these gentle beings stands out as a highlight for all who visit Rwanda.

Beyond gorilla trekking, the park offers a variety of activities including Golden Monkey Trekking, guided tours to Dian Fossey’s Tomb and the Musanze Caves, hikes across Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke volcanoes, as well as explorations of the Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes and waterfall. Furthermore, visitors can engage in reforestation efforts, contributing to the conservation of this remarkable area.

Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, boasts a rich biodiversity with 13 primate species, including a notable chimpanzee population and the Albertine Rift-endemic L’Hoest’s monkey. While primate tracking is a prime attraction, the region also captivates botanists and bird watchers with its diverse avian and plant species, including over 20 endemic species.

For hiking enthusiasts, Nyungwe offers a network of 15 trails spanning 130 kilometers, catering to various fitness levels and providing a myriad of opportunities for exploration. Among these, a trail leading to the Kamiranzovu Marsh, the park’s largest wetland, is noteworthy for its scenic waterfall and diverse wetland vegetation, offering a peaceful setting for walks and photography. The Canopy Walkway, suspended 60 meters above the forest, provides stunning vistas of the valley and surrounding woodlands.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park, comprising the larger Gishwati and smaller Mukura forests, straddles the ridge dividing the Congo and Nile water catchments. This emerging wildlife sanctuary, rich in primate species and birdlife, will introduce private chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences from late 2020. These exclusive encounters will allow a select few tourists to assist in acclimatizing Gishwati’s chimpanzee community, setting the stage for unparalleled chimpanzee and primate trekking experiences. Visitors can also relish the pristine montane forest, exceptional bird watching, and cultural interactions with local communities engaged in the park’s preservation, embodying sustainable ecotourism at its best.

Rwanda’s Biodiverse Savannah

Akagera National Park stands as Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s last sanctuary for savannah-adapted species. This national park, encompassing 100,000 hectares, has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. Through concerted efforts, poaching has been virtually eradicated, allowing wildlife populations to flourish. Akagera’s diverse landscapes, including forest-lined lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains, and rolling highlands, rank it among Africa’s most picturesque reserves. Notably, the park celebrated the return of lions in 2015 after a two-decade hiatus, and black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017, reinstating its status as a ‘Big 5’ destination. A highlight of any visit is a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, offering encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a rich variety of bird species.

Exploring One of Africa’s Great Lakes

Lake Kivu, lying on the frontier between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, is part of the esteemed African Great Lakes. Positioned along the Albertine Rift, a segment of the East African Rift Valley, this lake is a short drive from Volcanoes National Park. Lake Kivu, known for its serene, Mediterranean ambiance, serves as an idyllic retreat following the exhilarating treks in nearby parks. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing in the lakeside town of Rubavu to admire its breathtaking sunsets. The surrounding area, adorned with quaint tea and coffee plantations, also offers a variety of biking and hiking trails for exploration.