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 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.

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.

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