Five Strong Reasons To Visit Rwanda 2021

Rwanda is popularly known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’ is a paradise for any traveller interested in having amazing adventures and unique moments to cherish for a lifetime. Rwanda has for the longest time rewarded its visitors with enchanting sights of landscapes as well as setting one’s heart flutter with elusive wildlife. Rwanda is an exceptional tourist destination endowed with beautiful sceneries, rare wildlife, bird species, mountains, water bodies and many others.

1. World-class mountain gorilla safaris

Rwanda is one of the only three places where you can spot some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. In the popular perception, the key reason to visit Rwanda is its mountain gorilla population. Rwanda has branded itself as a luxurious gorilla safari destination which is evident from its prime mountain gorilla trekking experience visitors enjoy when they visit its only gorilla destination Volcanoes national park.

These gentle creatures live in the north-west of the country with an incredible spectacle of ten gorilla families can be toured by visitors. Enjoy a tryst with the gorgeous apes in the misty altitudes of this spectacular land. Trek across the lush fields of hills into the thick jungle where you will meet face to face with mountain gorillas. Therefore, in case one is interested in nature’s rarities, Rwanda is the only destination alongside Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo where he or she will see the remaining mountain gorilla species in the world.

2. Magnificent historical sites

Rwanda is a land that goes beyond the magnificent mountain gorillas but one which is enrooted with great history- the Rwanda 1994 genocide. This ‘a hundred days of murder’ history is one of the reasons why you should visit Rwanda. Following the end of the genocide, eight memorial sites were set up in different parts of the country to commemorate the lives of the slain people. All nationals and the visitors to Rwanda get to explore this dark memory of Rwanda’s history at any of the memorial sites. Taking a visit to any of the memorial sites, one learns about the events that transpired at that particular location and how it differs from others. Here is an overview of the eight Rwanda genocide sites;

• Murambi genocide memorial site

Previously known as a school, the Murambi genocide memorial site is a mass grave to about 2700 individuals who were slaughter at this location. The place was initially disserted by natives who had settled in other locations following the events that transpired in the area but were let refurnished for an exhibition. The visitors to pMurambi Museum get to view displays of corpses, preserved burial rooms while listening to disheartening narratives about the genocide experience.

• Gisozi memorial site in Kigali

Gisozi memorial site is believed to be the location where the majority of Tutsi victims were slaughtered by Hutus. Approximately 300,000 people were buried at this site. The memorial site features a display house, library, a cemetery and a photo gallery.

• Gisenyi Genocide Memorial site

Gisenyi memorial site is recognized as the first memorial site established as well as a mass grave to 12,000 individuals who were killed at Nyundo and the area of Corniche.

• Nyamata memorial site

Formerly a church, Nyanata memorial site is a mass grave to about 2500 people who were killed while seeking refuge from the killings. Today the church continues to be a memento of the 1994 genocide.

• Bisesero memorial site

Located in Karongi district, Bisesero memorial site is comprised of nine small structures which symbolize the nine communities which initially formed Kibuye region. It is believed that approximately 30,000 people were killed in this place. Today, the site is referred to as the hill of resistance because of the brave resistance exhibited by the Bisesero people against their opponents.

• Nyarubuye memorial site

Nyarubuye memorial site was initially a convent as well as a school where approximately 20,000 people were man slaughtered and even buried. These were brutally killed as they attempted to escape to Tanzania. The remains of the deceased were preserved in the convent in 2003 for memorial while the school was renovated and operates with a few students today.

• Nyanza memorial site

Nyanza Memorial site

Nyanza memorial site was established following the return of UN officials to their country. These had come to provide security to the people of Rwanda during the genocide. Following their departure, all people who had come to take refugee here were killed because there wasn’t any assistance from UN.

• Ntarama memorial site

Ntarama memorial site is approximately one hour drive from Kigali. Approximately 5000 people were murdered especially women and child within the church during the war. These like the rest had gone to seek refuge thinking church was the sole place to be. The church is a display church today. Therefore, a visit to Rwanda without visiting any of the genocide memorial sites is undoubtedly an incomplete tour.

3. Unforgettable canopy walks

One of the most preserved montane forests in Africa is the Nyungwe forest in Nyungwe national park. Located 220km approximately six hours drive from Kigali, Nyungwe forest national park envelopes with fold varying landscapes of the rain forest, bamboo forests, swamps and grasslands. The park is a paradise to hikers one of the reasons why Rwanda has become a top tourist destination in the world. Nyungwe forest national park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s awesome scenery exposing the parks beaming landscape while on a walk on a rope bridge suspended 50 meters above the ground. It is a spectacular tour of the rain forest, the only one of its kind in East Africa.

Enjoy a moment of bliss as you reach the centre of 200m long canopy walk where you will watch white fluffy clouds parading in a distance. Watch the golden hue of the sunset with the sight of fantastic birds flying below and above you while enchanting incredible serenades as well as monkeys traipsing among the trees. This is an adventurous activity offers a superb bird’s eye views into the over stream bed lined with a tall tree and ferns whose memory you will relive again and again. To most visitors, canopy walks are one of the world’s most magical jungle adventures. It is because of this walkway that commands spectacular views of untouched natural forest beauty that you should visit Rwanda.

4. Incredible cultural experiences

Music, dance and drama are part and parcel of culture in Rwanda and performances range from prowess demonstrations to humorous song and rural agricultural artistry. A cultural tour to Iby’Iwacu cultural village is unforgettably an incredible adventure to explore while on your safari to Rwanda. Iby’Iwacu offers a rare opportunity to meet the local people, formerly mountain gorilla poachers, but currently reformed mountain gorilla ‘protectors’. Iby’Iwacu village is located near Volcanoes national park in Nyabigoma, Musanze district. Visitors to the village enjoy the chance to interact with the local people, learn their traditions and beliefs, and take part in their daily activities.

The visitors are free to share a home with the local people not to mention heritage treasures including lifestyles, activities, artefacts, and many others. The performers are committed to showcasing their ways of living, dances, drama and traditional lifestyles. The Iby’Iwacu cultural performance is a very humbling experience to any visitor at the village.

5. Captivating hiking adventures

Popularly known as the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda rewards its visitors with exceptional hiking adventures. Rwanda’s epic scenery, pleasant climate, and magnificent wildlife make the land a remarkable place to explore on foot. The best hiking is enjoyed in the western region from Volcanoes national park in the north along the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west and down to Nyungwe national park in the south. The shortest hike is to Lake Ngezi, a scenic little lake nestled in a volcanic depression at the foot of Mount Bisoke. Other hikes include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura and the scenic twin lakes.

In conclusion, Rwanda has branded itself as a prime travel destination in the world which is evident from its road network, iconic wildlife and luxurious trekking experiences visitors enjoy when they visit this land of a thousand hills.