Rwanda

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Welcome To Rwanda

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Travellers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.

Rwanda is known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills) thanks to the endless mountains in this scenically stunning little country.

Nowhere are the mountains more majestic than the Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, and hidden among the bamboo forests are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

For a change of scene, the shores of Lake Kivu conceal some of the best inland beaches on the continent, while Nyungwe Forest National Park protects extensive tracts of montane rainforest, and is home to many primates. Looking for a more metropolitan experience? Kigali, the capital, is one of the loveliest cities in Africa.

Where is Rwanda

Rwanda is located in the eastern central Africa between 1° and 3° latitude south of the equator. It borders Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

Its land area is only 26,338 km² and is thus one of the smallest states in Africa – in comparison, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland together are about the same size. The landscape is characterized by a hilly plateau.

There are many elongated hills, some of which end in steep slopes or swampy valleys. So it’s unsurprising that Rwanda’s nickname is the “land of a thousand hills”.

Topographic map of Rwanda

The highest peak of Rwanda is the Karisimbi with 4507m height in the volcanic Virunga mountains in the north.

While the west has a strongly cut mountain edge, the east of the country is characterized by a dry savannah with a vast swamp area, including the Akagera swamps but also many lakes.

Although Rwanda is a landlocked country, it is located in the Great African Lakes region.

Remarkable in the west is Lake Kivu, which is located in the border area to the Congo. It is 2650km² large and up to 450m deep.

Since the lake has high concentrations of gases, it can also be used for energy-producing purposes. Important rivers are the Nile tributary Nyabarongo, which becomes wide enough at Kigali to be navigable and the Akanyaru, which both unite to the Akagera and form in the east the natural border to Tanzania.

The climate is mostly humid. There are two rainy seasons, one from March to June and the second from October to November, which are interrupted by a small and a large dry season. The annual precipitation is between 750-2000mm.

From July to September it is mostly dry, the wetter season is between February and May. The tropical and high altitudes mean that the climate is temperate throughout the year.

The maximum temperatures of over 30°C and the minimum values of under 15°C are rarely exceeded or undercut.

Since the largest temperature fluctuations take place within a day and not during the year and thus a constant average temperature of 18-21°C prevails in the year, the country has also been given the nickname “Land of eternal spring”.

Rwanda Tourism Facts

Rwanda is one of the top tourist destinations in East Africa, hosting over 10,000 tourists every year that come to the country to explore the beauty and diversity of this small African country.

Though this country is beautiful and magnificent, there isn’t much information about it out, most people who have heard of the country, are quick to associate it with the 1994 genocide that claimed over 800,000 lives and affected the entire country.

Well the good news is, since 1994 the country has since recovered from this gruesome ordeal and is now stable and thriving in every way. So to help you learn more about this country, here are some facts about the country that you may not have known.

Rwanda is a the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda’s topography is mainly made up of magnificent hills with green vegetation, some covered with misty form that makes viewing them just spectacular.

The total number of hills in the country may be between 100 and 1000 with 11 of those hills located in the country’s capital Kigali.

Home to the famous mountain gorillas

Yes! Rwanda is home to the famous mountain gorillas. This small country is among the three countries in the region that host mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Mountain gorillas are endangered apes that share about 98% of their DNA with humans; they live in high altitudes in forested mountains in groups of 5 -15 or more.

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda are found in Volcanoes National Park which is part of the virunga conservation region.

Rwanda has four National Park

Wondering if Rwanda has any wildlife destinations, well this should answer it for you. Rwanda has four National parks with a great number of animals species from primates, the big five and many more animals.

The National Parks in Rwanda are Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Canopy Walk

Rwanda is the only country in the region with a canopy walk way. The canopy walk way is 90 meters long and 50 meters above the ground, its perfect for all those who are fascinated with viewing the wild and the surrounding region from above. The canopy walk way in Nyungwe National park.

Rwanda’s largest lake is Lake Kivu

Though the country has a number of water bodies, the country’s largest lake is Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is a fresh water body with several Islands that have unique and beautiful local stories. The community around the lake engages mostly in fishing and farming.

Rwanda is bird watching haven

Rwanda is home to over 100 bird species that live in the country’s natural habitat. The country is also home to seven famous world-wide bird species and a number of rare bird species.

These birds are spread out in the four National parks of the country with most found in Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park.

Ban on Plastic bags

Rwanda has a ban on plastic bags, so when you visit the country you are not supposed to bring in any plastic bags.

Even during your stay you will not find any plastic bags, the locals don’t use plastic bags, the store don’t give out plastic bags and having a plastic bag can actually lead to you being penalized. What is used in the country is biodegradable bags or paper bags.

Art

If you are a lover of Art, you will be thrilled at the variety of Art in the country. Most of the hotels have art pieces in display and there are a number of galleries all around the country.

What Attractions in Rwanda

Begin your Rwandan adventure in Kigali, a bustling city where you can explore the vibrant arts scene and thriving nightlife. Delve into Rwanda’s history at the Genocide Memorial, and admire modern architecture around the city.

Volcanoes National Park is one the best places to visit in Rwanda, just a short drive from Kigali. Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas, hike through dramatic landscapes and see golden monkeys, beautiful birds, and butterflies.

In Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s most preserved rainforest awaits. Home to over 1,000 wildlife species, including playful chimpanzees, Nyungwe offers lush greenery, misty mornings, and captivating birdwatching.

A Rwanda safari on the savannahs of Akagera National Park in the east teems with life: spot lion, giraffe, and buffalo against a backdrop of lakes and papyrus swamps. A conservation success story, it’s a must-see.

End your adventures on the shores of Lake Kivu. Kayak, swim and soak in the views. Rwanda is easily combined with other celebrated safari destinations from Kenya and Tanzania to the white-sandy beaches of a Zanzibar holiday.

Rwanda’s location on the equator brings stable temperatures throughout the year, with no distinct winter or summer.

The dry period is from June to September, and the wet season is from October to May, with January and February relatively drier which is the best time to visit Rwanda

Kigali – Rwanda’s Modern and Safe Heartbeat

Kigali has triumphed over its tumultuous past and is now a clean and safe haven. It has become known as one of Africa’s friendliest cities and is the start of a Rwanda safari.

From vibrant shopping malls in the city centre to lively markets, Kigali offers many activities to keep you engaged for days.

Highlights:

Stop at the Kigali Cultural Village for live music and art workshops.
Sample the most extraordinary Fair-Trade coffee in the world at Hingakawa Women’s Coffee Cooperative.
Time your stay with the Kigali Film Festival, Hobe Rwanda Festival or the Kigali Fashion Show.
Pay your respects at the thought-provoking Genocide Memorial Centre.

Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Treks Amongst Fiery Peaks

The late Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of the endangered mountain gorillas on the bamboo-covered slopes of the majestic Virunga Mountains, leading to the making of Gorillas in the Mist.

Experience one of Earth’s most memorable wildlife encounters, and actively participate in the enormous efforts to save this remarkable species.

Highlights:

Take a 2-hour behind-the-scenes campus tour with a gorilla researcher.
Immerse yourself in a half-day activity at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Join a private, 2-hour masterclass in gorilla conservation.
Experience gorilla trekking with a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researcher, best enjoyed from June to September during the dry season.

Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzee, Primates and Butterfly Paradise

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe offers an all-embracing adventure. Home to abundant birds, rare butterflies and beautiful orchids, its famous residents include chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the black and white colobus. With superb hiking trails, the forest canopy walk is an excellent way of spotting blue monkeys living on the treetops.

Highlights:

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests on the continent, steeped in natural wonders.
The forests are a biodiverse extravaganza that teem with life, hosting an array of flora and fauna.
Nyungwe is a primate paradise that includes chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the striking black and white colobus.
An exciting canopy walking adventure offers an exhilarating experience on elevated pathways; keep your eyes peeled for blue monkeys frolicking among the treetops.

Akagera National Park – Big 5 Territory Beckons

Akagera National Park embraces an appealing mix of wetlands, dry savannahs, and rolling wooded grasslands. You can spot elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, giraffe, leopard, lion, and many antelope species.

Akagera is a relatively small park, about three hours from Kigali. In addition to guided Big 5 game drives, private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night game drives are offered.

Highlights:

Big 5 safaris in open vehicles are best experienced during the dry season, which runs from June to September and January to February.
Easy access from Kigali.
In addition to the safaris, you can savour relaxing private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night safaris.
Akagera is the largest protected wetlands area in Central Africa.

Lake Kivu – A Tranquil Gem and Restorative Waterside Haven

Lake Kivu, nestled in the heart of the Albertine Rift, will captivate you with its emerald-green majestic mountains encircling calm azure waters. As Africa’s eighth-largest lake, it offers tranquillity and adventure.

The lake’s allure can be enjoyed through kayaking, swimming, and sunset cruises. Chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, scenic hikes, and canopy walks add variety.

Highlights:

Delight in chimpanzee treks and forest canopy walks.
The unparalleled scenery offers rewarding and adventurous hiking trails.
Splash into the lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming and sunset cruises.
A lake adventure is perfect for rejuvenating energy levels before a long flight home.

Rwanda, the “land of a thousand hills,” beckons with its warm and friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and remarkable wildlife.

How to Get to Rwanda

There are several international flights that arrive at Kigali International Airport, which is just 10 Km from central Kigali. These International flights arriving in Kigali are with SN Brussels, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Burundi and Rwandair Express. There are two direct flights from Brussels by SN Brussels Airlines. Rwandair Express has introduced two flights a day from Nairobi (Kenya) and Entebbe (Uganda), and two per week from Johannesburg. Rwandair also has daily flights to Bujumbura and 3 flights weekly to Kilimanjaro. With effect from January 9th 2009, Rwandair Express started flying thrice a week to Rubavu (Gisenyi-Rwanda) every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Getting to Rwanda is easy.

Rwanda by air

Kigali International Airport (IATA: KGL, ICAO: HRYR), formerly known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, is the primary airport serving Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

It is the main air gateway for all destinations in the country, and in addition serves as a transit airport for Goma and Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The airport is located in the suburb of Kanombe, at the eastern edge of Kigali, approximately 12 kilometres (7.2 mi) from the city centre.

In 2004, the airport served 135,189 passengers. In 2008, the airport served about 300 000 passengers.

There are three terminals at Kigali. The main two storey terminal was built to replace the single storey building, now housing the VIP terminal.

The main terminal can handle 6 small to mid-size aircraft, but it can also handle up to a Boeing 747 jet. The south side of the runway has two helicopter pads with access to main runway. The pads are used for military helicopters.

A cargo terminal is also located at the airport. The latest upgrades to the tarmac and support systems were made in 2002. There is free WiFi in the waiting area.

Rwandair has its head office on the grounds of Kigali International Airport^] The airline previously had its head office in Centenary House in Kigali.

New Kigali (Bugesera) International Airport

There are plans to replace the current airport with a new one located south of Kigali on the south side of the Nyabarongo River in Bugesera.

A new airport location is needed as the existing airport does not allow for growth (no room for additional runway and facilities). The new airport will have one runway, but it can allow a second to be added later. The project should begin in 2010, ready for flights by 2012 and completed the first phase by 2025.

RWANDA’S GROUND TRANSPORT

Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa. Most visitors who have booked through a tour company will be provided with good private vehicles, usually 4-wheel drive.

All of the major centres are connected with local and luxury bus services. Air charter services are available anywhere in the country.

HIKING AND BIKING

The fine road network, with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for long bicycle trips across the verdant hills and valleys. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed on the thousands of kilometers of fine rural trails linking remote villages, criss-crossing the entire country.

Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills

Tucked in between the iconic safari destinations of Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda offers guests some of the best primate tracking on the planet – set against the backdrop of its endless green hills and soaring mountainsides.

With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, it’s no surprise that the majority of guests visit Rwanda to track and view this highly endangered species. Rwanda is superb for primates in general, including the fun-loving Sykes monkey, the Golden monkey and the boisterous chimpanzee in the Nyungwe Forest.

Despite a turbulent past, Rwanda is a safe and friendly destination – testament to the resilience of its people. For guests seeking a deeply enriching safari, Rwanda offers an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else.