Rwanda; the land of a thousand hills is one of the eight countries that make up the East African community. Though ranked among the smallest countries in East Africa, the once failed state is now among the most respected countries in East Africa and beyond. Regardless of the country being one of the three land locked countries in East Africa; it has made leaps beyond what many African countries can imagine.
In Africa, Rwanda is known for having the cleanest capital city on the African continent. Through the Rule of president Kagame, Rwanda has managed to not only keep the city clean through their city council but also a monthly public cleaning initiative locally known as Omuganda.
Beyond Africa, Rwanda is the only African country that the United Kingdom had found fit to host its asylum seekers. This was partly because this small country is ranked among the safest countries in the world. It is common for people to walk on Kigali streets in the night without expecting to mugged by strangers.
With such a beautiful image; Rwanda has gone a step further to invite the whole world to visit Rwanda through their “Visit Rwanda” campaign courtesy of their partnership with Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich. But what are the best places to visit in Rwanda this year? Here is our top five list of the must visit destinations in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is one of the tourism icons of Rwanda. Currently, it is only possible in Volcanoes national park. During a gorilla trek, you get to hike through the volcanoe forests in search for the mountain gorillas. Once you encounter them, you will remain in a six meter proximity without any barrier between you and the mountain gorillas.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Volcanoes national park is popular for the Dian Fossey tomb hike and the mount Bisoke hike. In simple terms; this is the ultimate Rwanda hiking destination. Volcanoes national park remains the Rwanda self drive destination even this year.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Second to gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking is among the top primate activities Rwanda has to offer. The park offers amazing nature walks through the Nyungwe forest. There is also a canopy walk in case you wish to have an aerial view of the forest.
Similar to Volcanoes national park, you can consider a Kigali car rental for a self drive trip to Nyungwe forest national park.
Akagera National Park
The land of a thousand hills is mostly hilly. To some people, it is hard to imagine a savannah national park in Rwanda. But near the border of Rwanda and Tanzania, there is a sanctuary for the Africa’s big five known as Akagera national park. This is the only place in Rwanda where you can do game drives.
Among the animals to expect on a game drive in Nyungwe Forest national park include: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes among several other African wildlife species.
Lake Kivu
Closer to the border of democratic Republic of Congo, lies the beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu. Commonly popular for honeymoons and business trips, Lake Kivu is one of the places that offer a true relaxation environment beyond game drives in the national parks.
Among the popular hide outs around lake Kivu include Serena Hotel, Kivu lodge, Paradise Malahide, Palm garden resort among several other hideouts. Lake Kivu is one of the best places to relax from after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest national park.
Kigali City
Though Kigali city is the main international gateway into Rwanda, the city has more to offer beyond an international airport. The best way to understand Rwanda, is driving around Kigali. In case you wish to explore on a motorbike, you can hire a bodaboda.
Among the most important things to do in Kigali include the visiting the Genocide memorial so that you get a proper idea of where Rwanda has come from to get where it is right now. It will also give an appreciation of the people that have achieved much regardless of the pain they have had to bear for decades.
The city will also give you an opportunity to test the best fresh fruits in the local markets. Anyone that has been eating fruits supermarkets will easily understand the value of a fresh fruit taste. That is what the Kigali markets have to offer.
With these five places, you will have a good time in Rwanda. However it is also important to make some honorable mentions in case you wish to include more activities to your Rwanda bucket list. These include the King’s palace, Musanze caves, ethnographic museum among several other destinations.