9 Reasons To Visit Rwanda
There are so many good reasons to visit Rwanda, including its national parks, historical and cultural sites, its lakes and beaches, cleanest towns, travelers’ security and safety, sacred destinations and luxurious hotels and lodges amongst others. Here are 9 Reasons To Visit Rwanda and experience a memory that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
1. National Parks.
Rwanda has four National Parks, Akagera National Park, Gishwati National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Akagera National Park is found in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. The park has an inspiring conservation story as it is now home to lions and rhinos, and is the only Big Five’s park in Rwanda. In addition to the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Elephant & Buffalo) visitors can encounter antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.
Gishwati – Mukura National Park which became the 4th and Rwanda’s newest National Park and named among the world network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO the 28th October 2020is famously known for its diverse plant species; over 60 species of trees like the bamboo and wood, around 84 bird species and a big number of Rwanda safari wildlife species. The park is also home to different animals and primate species have been spotted by conservationists such as Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys. Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys.
Nyungwe National Park is found in Nyungwe forest, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park is among the best in Africa with 322 birds species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species.
Botanists will marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. There are 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, such as the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few. Many tend to be shy so sightings are luck of the draw. The main park activity is Chimpanzee Trekking but one can also enjoy the canopy walk. Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife. The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.
Volcanoes National Park’ main activity is Gorilla tracking. In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest the Virungas.”Rwanda offers you the unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Golden monkeys are also found in Volcanoes National Park and are in two groups which can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbiand the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day.
2. History & Culture.
Main cultural tours and safaris in Rwanda take you to the King’s Palace in Nyanza, southern part of Rwanda. A reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, the King’s Palace is a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. In olden times, Nyanza was the heart of Rwanda. According to oral tradition, it was the site of battles and power struggles. The nearby Ethnographic Museum in Huye houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections, and makes a good combination with the King’s Palace. A gift from Belgium’s King Badouin in the late 1980s, the Ethnographic Museum now houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections. Traditional clothing and architectural methods are also illustrated, as well as the social importance of cattle. Descendants of the royal herd can be seen to this day at the Kings’ Palace. When we talk about cultural tours in Rwanda we can’t forget Ibyiwacu Cultural Tours which take you to the finest displays of Rwanda’s dynamic traditional musical and dance styles that are performed by the Intore Dance Troupes. Founded several centuries ago, the Intore, (The Chosen Ones) who performed exclusively for the Royal Court were given military training and taught the technique of jumping which forms a significant part of the dance. Performed wearing grass wigs and clutching spears this dance is a true spectacle of Rwanda.
3. Lakes and Beaches
major Rwandan lakes include; Lake Kivu, Lake Ruhondo, Lake Mugesera, Lake Burera, Lake Muhazi and Lake Ihema. Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Lake Kivu water temperature ranges from 23 to 27 °C throughout the year (73 to 81°F). It has three resort districts, Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi former Cyangugu. Rubavu previously known as Gisenyi is a large town on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park and the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking. There is no better place to conclude a safari than relaxing along the shores of Lake Kivu. The lake has neither crocodiles nor hippos making it suitable for swimming. Some of the main tourist activities carried out around this lake include; kayaking tour on Lake Kivu, or mountain biking or hiking and coffee tours around Lake Kivu. Akagera National Park Boat Trips on Lake Ihema is another highlight of any visit to Rwanda, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant water birds on the island in the middle of the lake. It is best way to see wildlife in the Akagera National Park.
4. Towns
major Rwandan’s touristic towns are; Kigali, Rubavu, Karongi, Nyanza, Musanze, Rusizi, Huye and Kibeho. The capital city of the country is Kigali. Ideally positioned in the center of Rwanda, Kigali extends across several hills and valleys, with good road links to the rest of the country. The verdant capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive, with just over one million inhabitants. First-time visitors to the bustling and colourful centre often remark how clean the streets are, a matter of pride across every community throughout the country. It houses Kandt House Museum, Rwanda Art Museum, Kigali Genocide memorial, Convention center, good number of chain of hotels, luxury hotels, National stadium and Kigali Cultural Village amongst others.
Rubavu, the second town to Kigali City; is a waterfront town on the shores of Lake Kivu, is an hour away from the Volcanoes National Park, and makes a good stopover on the way to or from Nyungwe, or somewhere to relax after gorilla tracking. As well as other spots along Lake Kivu, it has red sandy beaches, warm, clean water and an easygoing tropical character. It is a great place to unwind, soak up the tranquil vibe, watch the birds and enjoy various watersports.
The third town to Kigali city is Karongi town. It is perhaps the most popular beach retreat for families living elsewhere in Rwanda. It’s easy to see why, with its majestic vistas, tranquil atmosphere and easy access from Kigali.
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5. Genocide Memorials.
Rwanda put in place memorial sites as a result of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis where more than one million Tutsis were killed within 100 days. Memorial sites are places of remembrance and learning. During your black tourism trip in Rwanda, you will be able to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Inaugurated on the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is where 250,000 victims have been buried. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. While the largest memorial is in Kigali, the genocide touched all corners of Rwanda, and as such there are many emotionally charged memorials located throughout the country. Some are as simple as a quiet garden space for contemplation, while others are larger and hold relics, remains, and exhibits on the genocide itself. In addition to the main memorial center in Kigali, other memorial centers include Ntarama Genocide Memorial, Nyanza Genocide Memorial, Bisesero Genocide Memorial, Kamonyi Genocide Memorial, Nyamata Genocide Memorial, Murambi Genocide Memorial and Camp Kigali Belgian Monument amongst others.
6. Sports & Adventure.
Adventure activities in Rwanda include; cycling, cricket, mountain climbing & hiking, kayaking, canopy walk, caving, helicopter tours, paramotors and hot air ballooning.
Canopy walkaway, Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife.
The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails. Viewing the canopy on arrival, most especially for those that are fear heights, this could also be described as the endless walk to hell. Apart from the freshness in the air and the wonderful aerial view of the trees, you will also enjoy the sights of the fantastic birds that fly across as you enjoy the walk.
Climbing & hiking, the highest peak in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, which translates as white shell, referring to the frequently white-capped cloud cover at the summit. At 4,507m it is a strenuous yet rewarding hike, which takes two days, camping along the way. As this is the territory of gorillas, other primates and many bird species, hikers could be blessed with a chance meeting along the way. There is also Mount Muhubura, a demanding full day climb up to 4,127m, and the scenic twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. It is possible to reach a viewpoint over the lakes by car, so hikers shouldn’t expect to be alone. The Congo Nile Trail; alongside Lake Kivu, the Congo Nile Trail is popular with both cyclists and hikers, traversing rainforests, bracken fields and bamboo forests. At 227km from one end to the other, it takes 10 days to complete on foot, although it is possible to do in single sections.
Cycling, Rwanda which is known as the country of thousand hills is an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling, with almost endless trails and roads criss-crossing the territory. The greatest route is the Congo Nile Trail, a 227km itinerary which runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the journey takes about five days, although it is possible to do single stages for those with less time or dedication.
7. Festivals & Events.
Major festivals and events in Rwanda include Kwita Izina, Rwanda Film Festival, the Panafrican Dance Festival; FESPAD, and Kigali Up amongst others. The annual baby gorilla naming ceremony; Kwita Izina, takes place in Kinigi, but visitors can also join a several-day guided tour from Kigali running up to the main event, where they’ll get to meet the park staff and leading conservationists, attend cultural evenings and a celebration in Musanze, tour the little-visited lakes Burero and Ruhondo, and finally attend the naming ceremony, where there’s music, dancing, and discussion on the great strides that Rwanda has made in gorilla conservation. The Panafrican Dance Festival is another festival taking place in Rwanda but biennially. The overall objective of the festival is to bring Africans together and promote the culture of peace through traditional African dances. This biennial festival brings together African cultures celebrated through traditional dances for a period of five days.
8. Accommodation.
The country the best hotels and lodges in the world. Rwanda offers different types of accommodation ranging from luxury accommodation to classic hotels, campsites to resorts and lodges. They have better facilities that are eco-friendly. So for a visit to Rwanda you need to stay at a place that is both comfortable and well within your budget.
9. Meet in Rwanda.
Rwanda is the most MICE destination in the East African region. This is due to the country’s simplified visa process that allows nationals of every country in the world to get a visa on arrival in addition to its easy accessibility, due to the multitude of flight options offering connectivity to Kigali and the rest of Africa through the national carrier RwandAir. There is also a presence of the range of world-class MICE venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the Kigali Conference, and Exhibition Village, Intare Conference Arena, and the newly opened Kigali Arena. The Kigali arena serves as a multipurpose facility, as it will continue to host indoor sporting events as well as concerts, festivals, fashion shows, product launch events, executive retreats, board & shareholder meetings, as well as serving as a training center for sports coaches.
In addition to the 9 Reasons To Visit Rwanda, there are many more reasons why you should consider taking a trip to Rwanda this year.
