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.
Quick facts
- Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Population: 12,159,586
- Area: 26,338 km2
- Capital City: Kigali (population: 745,261)
- Major Religion: Christianity
- Currency: Rwanda franc (RWF)
- Time Zone: GMT +2
- Country code: + 250
- Altitude: Ranges from 1000-4500m above sea level.
Geography
Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda rests just below the equator and its small size has a rich geography with mountains, volcanoes, savannas, and many lakes. Rwanda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Language
The national language is Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili are the other official languages. French is widely spoken throughout the country. In the capital and other tourist areas, many people speak English.
The People
Rwanda is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. Rwandans are drawn from just one cultural and linguistic group, the Banyarwanda, although within this group there are three subgroups: the Hutu (84%), Tutsi (15%) and Twa (1%). The Twa are a forest-dwelling pygmy people descended from Rwanda's earliest inhabitants.
Economy
Rwanda has a presidential system of government. The president is Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), who took oath in 2000. Rwanda's economy suffered heavily during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, but has since strengthened. The economy is based mostly on subsistence agriculture. Coffee and tea are the major cash crops for export. Tourism is a fast-growing sector and is now the country's leading foreign exchange earner.
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating 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. It also offers a collection of 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.
Uganda, or the ‘Pearl of Africa’, as it was famously dubbed by Winston Churchill, is characterised by relatively dry and flat savanna in the north, with verdant mountains in the West, and vast dense and remarkably lush forests in the central region. The nation is home to an astonishingly diverse range of African wildlife including the highly endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which hosts four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Outdoor enthusiasts can get their adrenaline fix with plenty of whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, quad biking and horse riding facilities on offer. Add to this some friendly locals, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a capital city full of lively bars, clubs and restaurants, and it is easy to see why Uganda has gained itself a reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country'.
Located in southwestern Uganda, in the Kisoro District, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area. This wilderness sanctuary was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests. The striking landscape boasts three conical volcanoes which are a part of the magnificent Virunga Range which fringes Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Aside from the main attraction which is the mountain gorillas, the park is home to buffaloes, elephants, endangered golden monkeys and many of bird species. The three extinct volcanoes offer plenty of hiking trails.
Situated north of Lake George within the Western Region of Uganda, Kasese is the principal town of the Kasese District. With growth originating around Uganda’s largest copper mine of Kilembe, this area is now the largest town in the Rwenzururu region. Known as one of Uganda’s most naturally resourceful areas, Kasese is rich in copper, limestone and cobalt. This energetic town acts as a gateway to the unspoilt landscapes and breathtaking scenery of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and the Queen Elizabeth National Park, a lush protected area home to over 100 types of mammals and 606 different bird species. Offering something for all, Kasese CBD also boasts both a booming nightlife and a high volume of religious worship centres.
The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation, it surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty and wonder, offering plenty to both experienced climbers and casual hikers. The main attraction is the Afro-Montane rainforest found above 3,000 m which includes the giant forms of lobelia, heather and groundsel. Straddling the Uganda/DRC border in eastern equatorial Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains are also known as the legendary 'Mountains of the Moon' written of by Ptolemy as early as 150 AD. Standing at an impressive 5,100 metres, the mist-shrouded peaks carry permanent snow and glaciers, while the lower slopes are covered with dense forest. The range is 120 km long, 48 km wide with six snow-capped peaks and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular beauty. While the mountains are a great attraction to hikers so too is the beauty of the area, the forests, birds and animals. Visitors can look forward to hiking through the mountains, soaking up stunning views, and traversing Stanley Glacier.
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Straddling Uganda’s lush equatorial rainforest, Fort Portal is a striking designated tourism city of Uganda that rests in the Western Region of the country, northwest of the bustling city of Mbarara. Perched at an elevation of around 1500 metres, Fort Portal offers sublime scenery with views over the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes, as well as flourishing landscapes with it being a verdant tea-growing area. This friendly town's central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the scenic surrounding landscapes. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can track the chimps in the magical Kibale Forest National Park, explore the enchanting Crater Lakes or enjoy the delightful hot springs and dynamic central African wildlife of Semuliki National Park. Don't miss the culturally significant Kabarole Main Mosque.
Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.
