Why Visit Rwanda in 2022
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Loading... - Kaweria Ombati
- 17 Mar 2022
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There are many reasons why you should visit Rwanda in 2022. Rwanda is a landlocked country in the East African Community. The country is bordered by Uganda to the north, Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and Tanzania to the East. There are 13.4 million people in Rwanda of which Kigali capital city hosts 859332 urban residents. The country is home to three indigenous tribes including Hutu the largest with 85%, Tutsi (14%) and Batwa pygmies (1%) who speak Kinyarwanda. English became the official language in 2008 replacing French of which most people still speak. Ethnic tensions created during the Germany and Belgian colonization led to Rwanda genocide against Tutsi in 1994. The civil lasted for 100 days with death of over 800000 people of which majority were Tutsi making for one of the most tragic and largest genocides in the world. The policy to rebuild the country now recognizes only one ethnicity “Rwandan”. Referring to people by their tribe is prohibited. This national unity has created a peaceful and safe environment in terms of crime. Despite the limited natural resources, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in terms of economic growth. Kigali capital city is clean with international hotel brands including Raddison blue and Marriot along with Kigali Convention Center. Rwanda has made a priority to create luxury holidays making for an exotic destination. The streets of Kigali are clean with an organized public transport system including Express bus, motorcycles and taxi. Buses link Kigali capital city to other towns including Musanze, Rubavu and Karongi on the shores of Lake Kivu, Nyanza, Huye, Kibeho and Rusizi. Cars are the most convenient ways of getting around in Rwanda. Cycling is also popular with biking routes including the Congo-Nile Trail, Kigali – Musanze and Kigali loop biking trails.
Reasons to visit Rwanda with Africa Adventure Safaris the leading travel agent in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas are endangered species and live only in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The primates don’t survive in captivity and there’s no other option to see them other than visiting one of the three countries. In particular, Rwanda has 10 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park and offers an opportunity for gorilla trekking safari. The gorilla permit cost is $1500 per person available for booking through Rwandan Development Board (RDB) or tour operator. The park has a wide range of accommodation including high end eco-lodges to match the cost of the permit. Gorilla safaris in Rwanda focus on habitat and community conservation. Dian Fossey lived in Volcanoes National Park from 1967 to 1985 and pioneered active conservation activities such as ranger monitoring patrols. This helps to fight habitat loss and poaching the major threats to gorillas. She established Karisoke Research Center now the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) which is helping people and saving gorillas across Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Dian Fossey Hike offers a chance to learn and support conservation of gorillas.
The park is being expanded to create more space for the increasing number of gorillas. Part of the gorilla permit revenues support the local community. Visitors can also support the community at the Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
The non-profit organization helps former poachers who have traditionally used land for timber, water and food. The cultural village offers a chance to experience Rwandan traditional culture and heritage. There are several activities to do including local food preparation, playing roles of king and queen in front of a hut for photoshoots. There are Intore dance performances, bow and arrow shooting and village walks.
Dark tourism
During the Rwandan genocide against Tutsi in 1994 which lasted for 100 days over 800000 people mainly Tuti were massacred across the country. The historical civil war is an enduring plea for reconciliation that would have a national ethnicity. There are several genocide sites to visit on Rwanda safari. The Kigali Genocide Memorial and Campaign Against Genocide Museum are found in Gasobo district of Kigali capital city. The former is a resting commentary of over 250000 genocide victims. The site is open for public viewing and offers an audio tour guide, exhibition, gardens, library and teaching center. Elsewhere, Ntarama and Nyamata church Genocide Memorial sites are 33 sq.km (47 minute drive) south of Kigali airport.
Bird watching
Rwanda is home to 703 species of birds of which over 34 are Albertine Rift Endemics. Best birding watching site in Rwanda include Nyungwe Forest National Park. The protected areas is famous for harboring 13 primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys among others. Most importantly, Nyungwe forest is home to over 300 species of birds of which 16 are Albertine Rift Endemics including red-faced woodland warbler, stripe-breasted tit, strange weaver, Rwenzori turaco which are difficult to find in other parts of East Africa. The park offers over 13 nature trails which provide opportunity to spot forest birds including Kamiranzonvu waterfall hike. Those intending to hike all day long can go for Mount Bigugu trail the highest point of Nyungwe forest at 2921 m. The Nyungwe forest canopy walk offers aerial views of the park for keen photographers.
Volcanoes National Park is another great birding site with 178 species of birds including Virunga Massif Endemics. Hiking trails including Bisoke volcano hike offers a chance to spot the scarlet-tufted sunbird and enjoy spectacular views of the Virunga mountain rangers. Furthermore, those intending to spot savannah and water bird species can visit Akagera National Park with over 490 species of birds. The protected area is 134 sq.km (3-hour drive) east of Kigali capital city. Spanning for 1222 sq.km, the park contains Akagera River which creates several lakes including Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani along with savannah grasslands, woodlands and riverine forests.
The boat cruise along Lake Ihema offers excellent bird watching opportunity. There are Lake Victoria basin Endemics including papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary, white-winged swamp warbler and Carruther’s Cisticola. The shoebill stork is present, though can be difficult to spot in the park.
In Ruhengeri Northern Province, Muhanga sacred forest and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo offers a chance to spot the woodchat shrike. Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rutsiro and Ngororero districts north-western Rwanda is home to over 126 species of birds. Established in 2016, the park has new trails and provides a chance to support Rwanda’s landscape restoration efforts. There are two accommodations including homestay, campsites and Giswhati Research Center. Karongi and Rubavu resort beach towns on the shores of Lake Kivu are 75 sq.km (2-hour drive) to Giswati Mukura National Park. Visitors can easily combine Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking and birding in a single trip.
Spectacular scenery
Nicknamed the “Land of a thousand hills” Rwanda encompasses spectacular mountains including 3 of 8 Virunga Massifs. These include Bisoke (3696m), Karisimbi (4507m) and Muhabura (4127m) dormant volcanoes found in Volcanoes National Park. There are two Volcano hiking trails including Mt. Bisoke Crater Lake hike which takes a day and Karisimbi hike two days with camping.
The Congo-Nile trails offers opportunity for mountain biking in Rwanda. The route is 227 sq.km from Karongi town on the northern shores of Lake Kivu to Ruzizi in the south. Parts of the Congo-Nile trail have steep terrain while others are flat. Both experienced and beginners can enjoy biking excursions from various points including Rubavu public beach. Read More…
