Perched at an elevation of approximately 1,850 metres, Rwanda's capital city sprawls across a series of verdant hills and valleys and is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, . This undulating terrain provides panoramic vistas, with Mount Kigali offering well-marked trails for hikers to explore its lush vegetation and unique wildlife. The city's history is deeply etched in sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant tribute to the nation's past. Today, Kigali thrives with a vibrant arts scene, exemplified by venues such as the Inema Arts Center, where contemporary Rwandan art flourishes. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in the city's burgeoning food scene, including traditional milk bars that serve fresh dairy-based beverages. The Kimironko Market presents a sensory feast of fresh produce, textiles, and crafts. The Uganda National Mosque, commissioned by Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi, was built to strengthen diplomatic and religious ties between Libya and Rwanda. Nearby, Nyamirambo brims with colourful streets, local boutiques, and a lively nightlife.
Formerly known as Shangugu, the town of Cyangugu rests at the southernmost tip of beautiful Lake Kivu, overlooking the DRC’s town of Bukavu with which it is contiguous. The town serves as a popular gateway to both the lake and the nearby Nyungwe National Park, an enthralling forested area that is home to chimpanzees as well as a number of other primate species.
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.
Located near the town of Bukavu and the Rwandan Border, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s last remaining stronghold of the eastern lowland gorillas. The park’s terrain features primary tropical forest and is dominated by two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, both of which offer some spectacular hiking opportunities and provide panoramic views of the park below. With over 250 individual gorillas calling the park home, visitors can look forward to the unforgettable experience of witnessing these remarkable creatures in the wild. Other animals of note include, among others: the elusive forest elephant; an impressive number of primates, such as Bosman’s potto, red tailed monkey and Angolan Black Monkeys; and a diverse range of resident birds, including the famous Congo peacock.
As previously described
