WHY RWANDA SHOULD BE YOUR AFRICA BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

WHY RWANDA SHOULD BE YOUR AFRICA BUCKET LIST DESTINATION

Rwanda, so many words echo in the mind of readers when they hear this country name but most often it’s the history of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide that claimed more than one million lives due to politically instigated ethnic divisions. But other than the Genocide museums that will be seen in urban centers and enroute to various towns, Life is much different now.  They say history shapes the future and indeed if you don’t learn from it then it repeats itself and you will be doomed. Rwanda government has avoided this dive and citizens get along much easily as they bond to develop their country for a better future for the generations to come.

Rwanda has been named one of the fastest growing economy in Africa and this is much achieved due to the limited corruption that seem to plunder most of African states as seen in many African countries where politicians squander country resources for selfish gains than for society development and growth. The precision in how things are done in Rwanda is a lesson to many African leaders if they are to leave some legacy worth remembering. Upon landing in Kigali City, you will be amazed by how clean and organized the city is and the order demonstrated on roads, traffic control, urban planning inclusive and the air you breath is worth feeling alive. So much to explore in Kigali city and the Kigali Genocide Museum is a must visit to recap on the country history of how inhuman behavior can be extremely even to your own neighbors. Your free to shade some tears because these testimonies will move your soul as you watch survivors recount the events on how they happened.Accommodation and hospitality sector is well developed and whether luxury, budget or backpacking you will find your comfort and you will feel secure just ask your travel planner for guidance that suites your resources and time.

Volcanoes Park

Volcanoes National Forest park in Musanze in the north bordering Uganda, is famous for the Giant Mountain Gorillas tracking and Golden Monkey primates and its worth the time. The landscapes and terracing enroute from Kigali city to the Volcanoes is breath taking and the road tarmac makes you feel relaxed even with a simple car. In Iby’Iwacu cultural village in Kinigi- Musanze you can also explore the cultural aspects of the Batwa the indigenous trip of the mountains. Sleeping in the Mountain gives another feeling for you will hear the nearby Gorillas families  as you rise besides the birds and fog but don’t worry cottages/lodges have often the fire chimney to keep you warm. Some travelers have been skeptical of the new changes in the Gorilla tracking permits but I often think otherwise. Rwanda earnings from Tourism are effectively and efficiently invested in Government development projects and the community well being and it’s the only country where you will have a tarmac road directly to the park and you wont be worried of the bumpy roads and nature of car your using, health sector for the communities is much elevated and infrastructure too. Rwanda has the least corruption in Africa and based on this I wouldn’t mind spending on the Gorilla permits knowing my money will be effectively used for a common cause if I had a chance.

Volcano park Rwanda

Lake Kivu beaches are another attraction after the hectic hikes of the volcanoes and Bisoke crater lake in Musanze and its often referred to as the cooling off zone. You can relax on the beaches, with some boating activities lined up to keep your stay comfortable. Gishenyi town where the lake Kivu beaches are found borders with Goma town and Border post to DR Congo.

Gorilla photo 2

Nyungwe Forest park also along the Albertine Rift Valley is found south of Lake Kivu and its home for the chimpanzee and white colobus monkey treks besides other primates, bird species over 350 and canopy walk trails. Its one of the oldest forest jungle in the rift valley with diversity of flora to explore for nature lovers. Other than being Hilly, Rwanda parks are easy to connect by road.

Akagera National Park is home for the nature wildlife game drives and has diversity of game to sight including the big cats like Lions, leopards and other Big Five in the eastern part of Rwanda.

With the interconnecting RwandAir flights, this further compliments access to Rwanda and other parts of the world.

Roger William

Rwanda Development strategy Boosting Tourism Sector

Rwanda Development strategy Boosting Tourism Sector

First word when one hears “Rwanda” is the inhuman Genocide that claimed almost a million lives and as i write memories often draw a shiver in my soul. Its unspeakable, unforgettable but the bonding of citizens has made it more simpler to forge away forward embracing togetherness and avoid divisive politics but work together for a better tomorrow for us and our generations after we are gone.

Well if you have been to Rwanda of late then you bear witness to the fast pace of development and investments taking place due to its economic stability and of course an iron hard on corruption which is the nemesis of African Governments. But the wounds of the Genocide can be felt when you visit the Genocide museums across the country and you should never miss visiting the “Kigali Genocide Museum” in case you have a minute of your tight schedule. Note its free of charge just a cab or bike to drop you over is the main cost and possibly our coffee/tea in the Museum canteen after the touching tour that will see you shade tears if your not strong enough to handle emotions.

Gorilla stare

Besides the scars of the Museum, Rwanda is gifted by Nature with the Famous Giant Mountain Gorilla’s in the Volcanoes National Park that have been the main tourism attraction drivers. Besides Gorillas you can also sight other unique primates like the Golden Monkeys, White colubus Monkeys and Chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Rain forest National park that stretches around Lake Kivu and also home for diversity of bird species and canopy walks for the strong hearted ones.

Lake kivu view

Introduction of Lions that had become extinct in the Akagera National park will give you a complete coverage of Africa world life experience from Primates, Birds to nature wildlife.

Hotels and Restaurants offer cuisine diversity for people from all walks of life to ensure Rwanda becomes your Home away from Home coupled with the Warm hospitality and reception of the locals who are always available to offer all necessary guidance when needed.

Lake Kivu offers beautiful beaches and water sports to keep you relaxed and busy during your stay in Rwanda.

Rwanda museum

 

 

Travel Passion Tamed on an Africa Tour Holidays

Travel Passion Tamed on an Africa Tour Holidays

Travel may look expensive but it should be among every one’s life essentials because adventure opportunities seem not to end for those with nomad travel passion. Why not plan a visit to a place of you dream in Africa, is it hiking, Gorilla adventure or wildlife? Rwanda is a small country with all you need for an African safari tour. Break off for a few days in Rwanda, sunny weather, discover the countries culture and history, diverse landscape of the rolling hills, and grab your life time memories of the Gorilla and Golden monkeys at volcanoes national park. Chimpanzees and other primates are just a ride away in Nyungwe forest park plus other Nature Wildlife at Akagera national park.

Rwanda has excellent tourist activities and is home to part of the remaining mountain Gorillas in the world. The country is steeped with great amazing views all through including the cities and forests. The other prominent feature is the Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes a place to be for hikers and mountain climbers. The hike to the top of the mountain is challenging but exciting and its one of the most done hikes in Rwanda. The hikes are more convenient for Gorilla tracking either after the trek or before the trek. The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing from the mountain management guides who later give you porters to assist you in case the hikes become tough. You need just 1-2 days in order to explore both mount karisimbi and Bisoke. The hikes last for either 5-6hours both ascending and descending.

With the calm climate and good soil, Rwanda is a green country year round, neat and organized for tourists to enjoy. The bamboo forests, lakes, mountains, genocide memorials, Kigali city, Lake Kivu, wildlife, culture, the Rwanda people are the magnificent attractions the country offers to its guest. Many Rwanda tours and safaris are done in the country but nothing compares a grand tour to see Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees plus other primates. Birds are a must watch and hundreds can be spotted during different forest adventures in either volcanoes or Nyungwe forest. Though Rwanda has several birding sites starting from Kigali the countries capital, Akagera National park is the best countries birding destination with plenty of different bird species and even a home to the exclusive shoebill. Check out other birding sites in Rwanda in case you want to watch more birds, Nyabarongo, Cyamudongo, Rugezi Swamp, Akanyaru, Nyungwe and volcanoes. Due to its central location Rwanda is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countries Uganda, Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania and Kenya for more tour adventures.

Rwanda culture   Rwanda dress code

Rwanda a Country Rich in Culture and Art Diversity

Rwanda a Country Rich in Culture and Art Diversity

Looking at unique tourist countries in Africa, Rwanda primes sited in central East Africa a few degrees south of the Equator surrounded by Uganda, Burundi, Democratic republic of Congo and Tanzania. Rwanda capital Kigali is excellent with many hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, craft centers, Genocide sites providing a great beauty which outstanding. The country is famed for mountain Gorillas but it attracts thousands all over the globe with different reasons Business, Leisure and tourism, community initiatives, Research, among others. However Rwanda hosts different events every year as a way of renewing and keeping the country trendy rich culture and art in style. Good timing makes sense especially if you in the country for a particular event or festival.

Mountain Gorilla New Born Naming Ceremony, Centre X Centre Festival, Rwanda Music festival, Rwanda film festival, Azimatis art festival and the daily cultural performances are the most favourite events for tourists to Rwanda and many visit the country to be part of the celebration. Most events are celebrated once a year in particular different months and schedules are always out for travelers and interest citizens on closer dates keeping a keen eye on every update is a must. All events are worthy attending and sometimes tourists get a chance of giving their names to the little New Born Baby Gorillas a rare circumstance and a wish for many tourists to the country.

Music & traditional dances are the main culture entertainments in all Rwanda events and festivals giving chance to the guests to also join the team if they feel like. If you an Artistic never miss out the Hilly wood Film Festival and the Centre X Centre Festival at theater which create social change and strengthens Rwanda’s unity spirit among the Rwanda people through cultural portrays in visual art. By so doing Rwanda prides it’s self to have the most excellent Music, art and poetry in the region.

After attending the event you can take on the Rwanda Culture tour to all cultural sites of Rwanda. Start by visiting the king’s palace at Nyanza, the valued hot springs of Rugarama in close vicinity to Nyungwe forest. Also you can spare time and give hope to the orphans at Ross Carr’s orphanage in Gisenyi, visit the genocide memorial sites that span throughout the country including the main one in Kigali city, and later spend afternoon at the beach. Ruhengeri Rwanda best tourist region comes last a place where you will not only get culture exposure but also track the mountain Gorillas that’s if you interested. Several cultural performances are found in this area including the best Rwanda Royal dance performance. Golden monkey treks, boat rides to Lake Bulera and Rukundo, great hikes to Karisimbi and Bisoke at your disposal if time permits. Take time and explore Rwanda’s outstanding culture to its depth

cultural dance 2           Rwanda Baskets -