Situated along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and features a biodiverse protected area inhabited by a plethora of weird and wonderful wildlife. It is home to at least a quarter of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla and also the unique Okapi 'zebra-giraffe'. The park stretches over 7500 square kilometres of unspoilt terrain characterised by dense forest, savanna, wetlands, lava fields, deep valleys, volcanoes, and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Popular activities include: mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation and trekking experiences, guided nature walks through tropical rainforest, and hiking the Nyiragongo volcano to view the world’s largest lava lake.
As previously described
As previously described
One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Kivu is the sixth-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world, covering a vast surface area of roughly 2,700 square kilometres and reaching to almost 500 metres at its maximum depth. Three vibrant resort towns located on its shores – Kibuye, Gisenyi and Cyangugu –provide an array of enticing restaurants. The steep hills that surround it are webbed with a network of scenic hiking trails leading through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls. Water sports enthusiasts will have a field day at Lake Kivu, and bird watchers are likely to be equally thrilled by the lake’s variety of diverse avian species.
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.
