Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills

Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills is a small but stunningly beautiful country in the heart of Africa, her dominant feature being the milliard fertile green and beautifully terraced hills scattered all over the countryside. But she is als

o one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. In her north, track the rare Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, or the habituated Golden Monkeys popularly referred to as the little sisters of the gorillas; or enjoy a day-long guided hike up one of the volcanoes in this beautiful national park.

Tour Ibyi’Iwacu cultural village for a Rwandan cultural experience or join your Guide on a town tour of Ruhengeri including the local market where you meet, mix, and mingle with the local people. In the south, Nyungwe rain-forest National Park is a fairy-tale land nature lover’s paradise with stunning scenery, guided forest hikes down the valleys to beautiful water-falls; Tracking large troops of habituated Angola colobus Monkeys; get your adrenalin pumped on the Canopy Walk, the only one in East and Central Africa; Birding tours with expert guides; Track habituated Chimpanzees in Cyamudongo or enjoy Cultural interaction tours to some of the local tea plantations where you meet and mingle with local people.

In Rwanda’s east, the small but incredibly beautiful Akagera National Park is a big game country and home of the African Big-5; elephants, newly-introduced lions, rhinos, large herds of buffalo, even the elusive leopard when lucky, and milliard other plains game including eland and hippos and giant Nile crocodiles in Lake Ihema and her many other water bodies. On the gorgeous Lake Kivu, Africa’s 6th largest lake which forms Rwanda’s western border with DR Congo are found the resort towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu, perfect spots for a beach stay, leisure, and relaxation as well as guided town tours and dining where meet and mingle with local Rwandans as they go about their daily life.

Rwanda is a small, landlocked country in East-Central Africa, renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Here’s an overview of what makes Rwanda unique:

Geography and Climate

• Location: Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west. It is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its mountainous terrain.
• Climate: Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate with two main rainy seasons (from March to May and from October to November) and two dry seasons. The country’s elevation influences its climate, with cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes.

Natural Beauty

• Landscapes: Rwanda features a variety of landscapes, including lush green hills, savannahs, and lakes. The country is home to several national parks and natural reserves.
• Volcanoes National Park: Located in the northwest, this park is famous for its mountain gorilla populations. It offers trekking opportunities to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. For those planning a self-drive adventure to Rwanda, consider renting a 4×4 in Rwanda for the best experience.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park: This park in the southwest is known for its ancient rainforest and diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees and numerous bird species.
• Akagera National Park: Situated in the east, Akagera is known for its savannahs, lakes, and a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Wildlife

• Mountain Gorillas: Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. The Volcanoes National Park is a primary destination for gorilla trekking.
• Chimpanzees: Nyungwe Forest is another prime location for wildlife enthusiasts interested in seeing chimpanzees and other primates.

Culture and People

• Ethnic Groups: Rwanda is home to three main ethnic groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The population is known for its resilience and strong sense of community.
• Language: Kinyarwanda is the national language, while French, English, and Swahili are also widely spoken.
• History: Rwanda has a complex history, including the tragic Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Since then, the country has made significant strides in reconciliation and development.

Tourism and Activities

• Gorilla Trekking: One of the most popular activities in Rwanda, where visitors can trek through the jungle to see mountain gorillas up close. If you’re planning to rent a 4×4 in Rwanda for this adventure, you’ll be well-prepared for the rugged terrain.
• Cultural Tours: Rwanda offers opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, and crafts.
• Lake Kivu: A large freshwater lake on the western border, ideal for relaxation and water activities.

Economy and Development

• Economy: Rwanda’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with coffee and tea being major exports. The country has also focused on tourism and technology as growth areas.
• Development: Rwanda is known for its progress in infrastructure and governance, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Safety and Travel

• Safety: Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, with low crime rates and a reputation for cleanliness and orderliness.
• Travel: The capital city, Kigali, is a major hub for international travelers and offers various accommodation options. The country is accessible via Kigali International Airport. For your travel needs, renting a 4×4 in Rwanda can enhance your experience.

Cultural Experiences.

While it might have been the gorillas that entice you to Rwanda, it’s the people of Rwanda who will keep you coming back. Ancient traditions of honor and hospitality run strong here, and anybody who takes the time to discover Rwandan culture for themselves will find a proud and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to their traditions. Music and dance play an indispensable role in everyday life here, and performances range from dashing demonstrations of bravery and prowess to humorous songs, light-hearted dances, and rural artistry with roots in traditional agriculture.

Primate Tracking.

Beyond the gorillas that made Rwanda famous, wildlife junkies will be thrilled to know that they can track three more species of primate on their Rwandan holiday: Chimpanzees, Black-and-white colobus monkeys, and the endangered Golden monkey. Chimpanzee groups live high in the canopy of Nyungwe National Park, and catching your first glimpse of one crashing through the forest after hiking into their territory is nothing short of astonishing. The black-and-white colobus lives in Nyungwe as well, and these resplendent, long-haired creatures are every wildlife photographer’s dream.

Rwanda’s capital Kigali to is a tourism attraction in her own right; a smart African city of over 1 million, reputedly the cleanest on the continent with wide boulevards, nice flowered pavements, world-class hotels and restaurants, and an international airport. Our city tour of Kigali includes its major historical, cultural, economic, and political landmarks as well as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre; obviously a moving experience but of our recent history and really helps put everything else into perspective. As you tour other parts of the city, you will see just how incredible Rwanda’s recovery has been – a true testament to mankind’s resilience in the face of unfathomable odds. We also organize dining out experiences to sample Rwanda’s nice local restaurants serving a wide range of delicious Rwandan, continental, and international dishes that will leave you wanting for me.

The most amazing thing about Rwanda is encountering her people, Rwandans themselves, certainly some of the most beautiful, gracious, and charming anywhere in the world and hospitable to a fault, their ancient culture repackaged for the 21stcentury and still being practiced; it is they that always leave the longest lasting mark. Rwanda Tours are beautiful and amazing experience with the magic of the land of a thousand hills, and a million smiles, here in the heart of Africa.