Rwanda, East Africa has become a rapidly growing country known for its great safaris and outdoor activities in recent years.
Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills because about 70% of the country is made up of mountains. The country with its capital in Kigali is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the northwest.
Rwanda was a colony of Belgium and France. It gained freedom from Belgium on July 1, 1962, and became its own country.
The main languages in the country are Kinyarwanda, which is the local language, as well as French and English, because of the colonial rulers.
Rwanda is known for many positive things, but the 1994 genocide, which led to the deaths of more than 800,000 people, is a tragic event that is still remembered today.
Besides the genocide, Rwanda has a lot of natural beauty, with many types of plants and animals found all over the country.
Volcanoes National Park is well-known for being the home of the rare mountain gorillas. It is just one of four places where mountain gorillas live in the area. Visiting this park lets you see these monkeys in their natural environment.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s biggest national park and the only one with savannah. It has more than 80 types of wildlife and around 100 types of birds. At this park, you can enjoy things like game drives, bird watching, nature walks, and boat rides on Lake Ihema, among others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest park in the country and has around 11 types of primates, more than 1,000 plant species, and 300 bird species, among other wildlife.
Canopy walks in Nyungwe
Rwanda has many coffee farms that you can visit whenever you’re in the country.
If you enjoy exploring different cultures, you can visit many cultural sites in Rwanda. There are many everywhere in town and across the country. At these cultural events, you can take part in traditional dances and activities that are part of Rwanda’s culture.
During these travels, you will have the chance to enjoy Rwandan food, which is known for being simple and tasty. Most of the food is made with fresh ingredients and yard extras. Some popular foods you can find are Rwandan rice, ugali, and grilled meat, among others.
The 1994 genocide is a well-known part of Rwanda’s history. When you visit the country, be sure to go to one of the genocide memorial sites. There are many places to visit in the country, with the most popular being the Kigali Genocide Memorial located in downtown Kigali.
In the northeast of Rwanda, near the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the lovely Lake Kivu. You can go there for a peaceful day and enjoy activities like fishing, community tours, and visiting local farms.
During your visits to the village, you can join the locals in traditional basket weaving. The baskets are made from natural materials, and making them is a popular activity for women to socialize in different groups. The baskets are sold to help make money for house needs. Travelers often buy these baskets as keepsakes.
Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day on July 4th, similar to how America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th. In Rwanda, Liberation Day celebrates the end of the slaughter. The end of the genocide is marked with celebrations that last for 3 to 4 months. The celebrations begin with a time of grief called kwibuka – Remembrance. This is followed by a commemoration day on April 7th, and they end with the liberation celebration on July 4th.
When you visit Rwanda, be sure to join in on all these events. You will enjoy yourself and learn a lot about the country.
These are some important things to know about Rwanda. For more information, you can check with your tour company.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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