When it comes to tourism, Rwanda is praised for its gorilla and primate trekking opportunities. But the country, known as the “Land of 1,000 Hills,” is recognized among travelers not only for its natural beauty, but also for its commitment to conservation, rich cultural heritage and emerging destinations such as Akagera National Park.
Peggy Purtell, an affiliate of Travel Experts in Milwaukee, said gorilla trekking in Rwanda has exploded for her business. “Rwanda is magical. The gorilla trekking is fantastic. I have clients who have been there multiple times,” she said.
Linda de Sosa, another Travel Experts agent based in Houston, just returned from gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and describes it as a true bucket list trip.
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Photo credit: Arnie Weissmann
It was the 158th country I visited and I was fascinated by the people, the hospitality, the scenery, the gorillas and everything else. It is especially heartbreaking to think of the genocide of 1994. This is another reason why I went to get my PhD in genocide and Holocaust studies. I spent the second week visiting monuments and interviewing historians, survivors and perpetrators.
De Sosa noted that while visiting the gorillas is not an easy task, there is the option of being carried up the mountain in a basket stretcher for people like him with limited mobility.
The gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are undoubtedly the country's main attraction, but Rwanda is also home to numerous monkeys, including chimpanzees as well as olives, as well as colobus, golden, loest, owl-faced, dent, blue and verve monkeys. . Nocturnal primates such as baboons and pothos and bushbabies. This can be found in Nyungwe, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The mountainous region of Nyungwe is teeming with wildlife.
Beautiful accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park include Wilderness' Bisate Lodge, an eco-chic rainforest lodge. Resembling a giant bird's nest nestled in the trees, the lodge features six stunning forest villas. The villa's traditional form reflects Rwandan culture, and the interiors take full advantage of the scenery by maximizing comfort and warmth. Each 91 sq m villa offers a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception area and bathroom, and offers breathtaking views across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke.
Beyond Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe, Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys predicts that Akagera National Park will be in the spotlight by 2024.
Today the park is almost unrecognizable compared to 20 years ago, when it was on the verge of irreparable damage. Today it is recognized as the largest protected wetland in Central Africa and has recently become a Big Five reserve following the reintroduction of lions and rhinos, making it Rwanda's only Big Five reserve. Akagera is also home to the rare wetland-dwelling sitatunga antelopes and great-shoe storks. And two of bird watchers' favorites are the endangered Papyrus gonolex and the red-faced barbet. A total of over 500 species of birds live in Akagera.
African elephants in Akagera National Park. Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys predicts the park, with its abundant wildlife, will be in the spotlight in 2024. Photo credit: Oscar Espinosa/Shutterstock.com
A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of a visit to Akagera. The island in the center of the lake is home to hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterfowl.
Accommodation is available within the park, with camping available at various lodges, bush camps in the north at certain times, or at specific locations. A popular option is Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, located on a hill at the southern end of the park above the savannah. The lodge offers excellent views of the surrounding area, including Lake Ihema. In addition to 60 guest rooms, Mantis features conference venues, a restaurant, a bar and a pool deck.
people
Rwanda's people and cultural richness are another major attraction.
“The best thing about Rwanda is the people,” said Purtell of Travel Experts. “Customers return with a close connection with the Rwandan people, who always have a smile on their face.”
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Travelers can immerse themselves in the traditions and daily life of the Rwandan people. The Umuganda Community Work Day, held on the last Saturday of every month, is a unique opportunity for visitors to join local residents in a variety of joint projects that reflect the country's spirit of cooperation and unity.
Tea and coffee tours are also essential to the Rwanda experience. The country's hilly terrain and fertile soil are ideal for growing these crops. Visitors can explore lush tea plantations, learn about the cultivation process, and taste the finest teas. Likewise, coffee tours provide insight into the process by which Rwandan coffee goes from bean to cup, demonstrating the importance of this industry to Rwanda's economy and culture.
Most operators in Rwanda offer community visits upon request. For example, Singita offers a unique opportunity to visit Gasura, a small village in the Kinigi region. The interactive tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a variety of authentic Rwandan cultural experiences.
Taking guests from house to house in the village includes everything from meeting local craftsmen who weave baskets and carving gorilla trekking poles to learning how to process locally produced food staples, such as stomping cassava roots and grinding sorghum to make flour. It's possible. It also includes a visit to a family's home to get a glimpse into the local way of life.
