Rwanda is full of wonders!
Those who enjoy nature tourism will find “Kingdom of the Gorillas” in Rwanda, a tiny African nation made famous by Dian Fossey’s book “Gorillas in the Mist” (1983). Curiously, these mammals live in one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, where there are unique and spectacular landscapes — the vacation experience of your life! In the 1980s, Miss Fossey, a world-famous naturalist, once said of Rwanda: “Everywhere you look there is beauty.” Without a doubt, the African nation is full of wonders!
The other “Switzerland”
The New Hampshire-sized land has been called the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its jaw-dropping lakes and dramatic mountains. In fact, you will never find another country like Rwanda! Without the financial advantages of so many of the world’s top tourist destinations, Rwanda has one of the highest numbers of visitors per square mile in the world! Tourists come from different parts of the world, from Canada and Finland to Australia and the People’s Republic of China. There is no doubt that the future of tourism in the country looks promising.
Unlike many nations in the world, Rwanda is one of the safest countries on the African continent. The best example: in 2008 there were one million visitors, more than several Latin American republics and a world record for a small nation on Earth. Since then, Rwanda is an example in the world.
the heart of africa
The Vermont-sized land is a landlocked sub-Saharan African nation and is bordered by Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its area of 10,200 square miles – it is slightly smaller than Belgium – has a population of approximately 10,000,000. The small nation has magnificent scenery, including snow-capped mountains, thick tropical forests, plateaus, and volcanoes. Karisimbi, the country’s highest peak, rises 14,787 feet above sea level.
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is the most important economic, industrial and cultural center of the African republic. It is one of the most colorful places in Africa. Kigali’s economy is based on trade, tourism and government services. Various merchants sell their wares on the streets or in open-air markets. Apart from Kigali, the nation has three other cities: Ruhengeri, Butare and Gisenyi.
Gorilla Kingdom!
Due to the rapid pace of industrialization and human development, wildlife sanctuaries are disappearing. One exception, however, is the sub-Saharan African nation of Rwanda, a former Belgian colony until 1962. The characteristics of the African country have been slowly changing since it was originally a monarchy. In fact, Rwanda is a perfect place for tourists and nature lovers. At least ten percent of the country’s natural land resources are devoted to conservation. And each natural wonder has a wide range of ecotourism activities.
When nature made Rwanda, it put innumerable volcanoes, lakes and mountains, but it also put gorillas, one of the most fascinating animals. These apes normally lived for 35 years, and an adult male is about 180 meters tall and weighs about 220 kilograms. Along with lions and elephants, mountain gorillas are one of the most popular mammals on the African continent. On the other hand, these primates have inspired a whole generation of naturalists in the world. Also, these apes have made Rwandans proud of their country. For this reason, the Rwandan government has issued many postage stamps in his honor. In addition to this, the Massachusetts-sized land is home to Kiwita Izina, an annual national ceremony of naming a newborn baby gorilla. Since then, Kiwita Izina is one of the most important celebrations in Rwanda.
In this corner of the planet you can see and photograph mountain gorillas. There are several tours that allow tourists to visit the primate areas. Here you can also visit the places where Dian Fossey did research and wrote several articles (the Karisoke Research Center for example). In the “Gorilla Kingdom”, you can also find examples of love and cooperation. Primates certainly have strong family relationships. Contrary to what some people believe about gorillas, these animals are peaceful and friendly.
For these reasons, many naturalists have set their sights on Rwanda, including Fossey and Pascale Sicotte. During his first encounter with the apes, Fossey said: “Sound preceded sight. Smell preceded sound in the form of an overpowering musky human-like scent. The air was suddenly rent by a high-pitched series of screams followed by the rhythmic rondo of high-pulsing pok-pok chest of a large male silverback… I was immediately struck by the physical magnificence of the massive jet-black bodies mixed with the green palette of thick forest foliage.” She, who came from San Francisco, CA, died in the late 1980s, but the fruits of her labors continue to flourish in the Gorilla Kingdom into the 21st century. Today, Miss Fossey is a national hero in Rwanda and Africa.
A sanctuary of unspoilt beauty
The Volcanoes National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the Earth. The jewel of Rwanda, the country’s oldest national park, in the Virunga Mountains of northwest Rwanda, is a haven for the endangered species of mountain gorillas. This wildlife sanctuary provides an opportunity to see mountain gorillas in all their splendor and grace, the scenery is mesmerizing and the jungle is full of surprises. The Volcanoes Park was the place where Digit lived, the most famous mountain gorilla in the world.
National Museum of Rwanda
In addition to its nature reserves and wildlife refuges, Rwanda has other wonders: museums, palaces, and cultural centers. One of them is the National Museum of Rwanda, which contains many treasures from the country’s ancient cultures. Since then there is also a whole collection of native objects. In addition to its memorabilia exhibits, the National Museum offers extensive information on Rwandan history. Finally, it is considered one of the most important historical landmarks in the nation.
Nyanza Royal Palace
One of the main tourist attractions in Rwanda and a must-see for all visitors is the Nyanza Royal Palace, a jewel both in architecture and interior decoration. It is a reproduction of the former royal residence, once the home of the Rwandan monarchy. Much of the structure is of French and African-inspired design. These picturesque features make it a unique building in the country. Here you will find all the elegance of one of the last monarchies of the African continent. This monarchy was one of the oldest and most isolated kingdoms on the continent. Under this atmosphere, you can feel that you have stepped back many centuries in the charm of a golden age. In fact, a visit to the Royal Palace of Nyanza is definitely recommended.
The land of pleasant surprises
Akagera National Park has much to offer the nature lover, wildlife journalist and tourist. There lives a unique variety of fascinating wild mammals, from gazelles and impalas to zebras and giraffes. Visiting it is an unforgettable experience. Its dense vegetation is also home to exotic birds. Today the national park covers more than 2,500 square kilometers.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most interesting because in a space of 1000 square kilometers you can see wild animals in their natural environment, including chimpanzees, monkeys, Angolan colobus and olive baboons. It will be a trip remembered for a long time. Due to its unique natural beauty (there are 100 species of orchids), this natural sanctuary competes with the most beautiful national parks in the world. Meanwhile, it is also one of the richest national parks in the world in terms of birdlife (300 different types of birds!).
Other landmarks in Rwanda
Many foreign visitors flock to Lake Kivu, one of the highest navigable lakes in Africa, to enjoy the mild climate and incredible scenery. Since then, an excellent thing to buy is a package of “Marabá coffee”. Like Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia, Rwanda is also famous for its excellent coffee. The land the size of New Hampshire has had coffee as its main source of income.