Why Rwanda? The incredible Rwanda, ‘the land of a thousand hills’ has slowly emerged as one of Africa’s top safari destinations, providing indescribable safari experiences that can’t be attained in the other popular safari destinations across the Continent. Have you always wondered what would be the reasons why travelers, especially luxury visitors, love to visit this small land-locked country in the heart of Africa? It could be the warm and friendly people, spectacular historical sites (genocide history that shaped the country), stunning sceneries, unique wildlife activities, the beautiful weather, the dense jungles or its safety. Read through and discover in this article.
WHY RWANDA
Safety and security
Of course, with the common precautions like keeping valuables in your hotel, not moving at night alone and avoiding strange neighborhoods in place, Rwanda is one of the safest and most secure countries you will visit in Africa. For this reason, even female solo travelers will not have an issue with safety while exploring the land of a thousand hills.
Rich history
Rwanda’s history is another reason why thousands of travelers throng the country. The 1994 Rwandan genocide is one of the events that shaped the country’s present and future, especially in terms of Unity and peace. The painful 100 days of killing that began in April 1994 are documented and presented today as Genocide memorial Centers with photos, remains and personal belongings of victims displayed for visitors to learn and understand about the evil act in the country. Visiting these sites is not for the faint-hearted as you will be interacting with survivors who will narrate their ordeal during the tours with tears and pains. It’s an emotional experience!! Nonetheless, you can tour the Kigali genocide memorial Center, Murambi genocide memorial, Nyamata genocide site, Nyanza genocide memorial site, Nyarubuye genocide memorial site, Ntarama Genocide memorial center and the Bisesero genocide site.
Diverse wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, Rwanda stands out among the bigger African Countries and offers an exceptional experience. While in the land of a thousand hills, you can track the unique and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats (Volcanoes National Park), Spend quality time in the presence of Chimpanzees (our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom), go game viewing through Akagera National Park where big five game will be spotted alongside antelopes, Masai giraffes, primates and so much more.
Magical landscapes
Rwanda’s landscapes are magical and incredible scenic, mainly marked by verdant rolling hills hence the title “land of a thousand hills”. The country is also lined by stunning mountain peaks, lush and dense rainforests, jaw-dropping valleys, vast savannah plains which make any photographer to fall in love with the country.
The people and culture of Rwanda
Rwanda might have gone through a painful time and you could expect the people to be sad but interestingly, they are warm, friendly and welcoming. Visitors are so much respected in the land of a thousand hills and the hospitality here is definitely out-of-this-World with every travel leaving you feeling like you are home. Rwanda also boasts of unique cultures exhibited in their unique dressing, foods, art and architectural designs.
The beautiful climate
Rwanda experiences a warm temperate tropical highland climate, and is coldest in the western as well as northern provinces while it is warmest in the eastern Province and Bugarama Valley. However, the mean daytime temperature in this country is 19.1 Celsius degrees. The dry months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December are perfect for undertaking majority of the country’s activities like mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, game drives, chimp treks, nature walks and so much more.
Mouth-watering food
If someone tells you Rwanda has some of the most organic foods in the African Continent, you have to believe them because the country is leagues better than most countries. The country’s cooking is just about organic and freshly prepared cuisines, but you will notice that variety change from one area to the other. Taking a tour of Kigali City’s finest restaurants with a local guide will make it easy to immerse into the country’s unique culinary experience. Don’t miss the famous Brochettes, Rwanda’s signature cuisine alongside Isombe and many others.
The tea and coffee
The volcanic slopes of Rwanda boast of fertile slopes where the country’s tea and coffee. This makes Rwanda’s beverages popular for their high quality and while on your visit to the country, take time to undertake coffee and tea tours that include harvesting, drying, processing and packing before being exported.
Hikers will enjoy the Jaw-dropping and daring trails
Known as the “land of a thousand hills” and “Switzerland of Africa”, Rwanda boasts of beautiful and challenging terrains as well as awe-inspiring backdrops that cater for the needs of every hiker and individual abilities. You can hike any of the five Virunga Volcanoes-Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga whose slopes are protected by Volcanoes National Park. You can enjoy simple guided walks through the hills of Kigali and tick off your bucket list.