The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across undulating lush hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.
Once Rwanda's largest city, today Butare (also known as Huye) serves as the intellectual and cultural heart of the nation. Situated in the south, of Huye Province, this small and peaceful city boasts some lovely tree-lined streets featuring a range of terraced restaurants and craft shops. The most appealing of Butare’s attractions is undoubtedly the National Museum of Rwanda, one of the finest museums in East Africa, showcasing the cultural history of the region through displays of photos and traditional artefacts. Other highlights include the Christian Cathedral and Nyanza, the traditional seat of Rwanda's feudal monarchy and the site of the restored 19th-century Royal Palace.
The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.
Long wracked by political strife, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (previously known as Zaire) is slowly beginning to stabilise and welcome tourists across its borders again. It’s an intense country to travel, but those intrepid souls who dare to explore it will be richly rewarded with pristine tropical landscapes, magnificent wildlife and a memorable cultural experience. Congo’s highlights include its exceptional game reserves, five of which are World Heritage Sites. Arguably the premier tourist drawcard is the guided treks that offer travellers the chance to experience primates in their natural habitat - including gorillas, chimpanzees and endemic bonobos.
Tucked away at the southwestern tip of beautiful Lake Kivu, Bukavu serves as the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu Province. This sprawling city of around 800 000 people is known for its remarkable collection of over 100 Art Deco buildings which were constructed during Belgian colonial rule. Visitors can also look forward to some excellent kayaking opportunities on the lake as well as visits to the exceptional Kahuzi Biega National Park, a critical habitat for eastern lowland gorillas.
The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.
As previously described
The bustling city of Musanze, also referred to as Ruhengeri, is situated in northwest Rwanda. Musanze is the hub of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking tourism route, offering many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It serves as the gateway to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park and is encircled by a number of attractions including the towering Mount Karisimbi, one of five impressive volcanoes in the park; the bat-filled Musanze Caves; and the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo - set against a spectacular backdrop of rolling green hills. Musanze is known as one of the best places in East Africa to track mountain gorillas and visitors flock here to view these majestic mountain apes.
