Rwanda

RWANDA: Officially the Republic of Rwanda, a country landlocked in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa, sits south of the Equator in central Africa, bordering Burundi to the south, Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Known as the land of a thousand hills, stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world.

Rwanda’s population is of 13 million living on 26,338 km2 (10,169 sq mi) of land, one of the most densely populated mainland countries in Africa. The land is extraordinarily blessed with biodiversity, incredible wildlife survives throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

The major ethnic groups in Rwanda are Hutu and Tutsi who account for four-fifths and about one-seventh of the total population. While the Twa – a hinter-gatherer group constitute of lass that 1 percent of the population. Some of tourist attractions include; Lake Kivu, the largest watershed in Rwanda has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2 surrounded with resorts and treasured beaches namely Gisenyi and Kibuye.

The Volcanoes National Park, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and almost covered with rich, green rainforest, ‘the Virunga’s’. The Park falls on one side of the Virunga Massif, and is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and more.

Akagera National Park plains are relatively warm and low-lying comprising of savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. The larger open expanse is ideal for game viewing and since 2010, poaching has been cut to an all time low with the introduction of a helicopter, a canine unit and rhino trackers. 

The park has experience introduction of lions from South Africa and reintroduced 18 eastern black rhinos amongst other species, monkeys, baboons and an incredible 490 bird species can be seen and more on a boat trip on Lake Ihema with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodile and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.

Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, rich in biodiversity and spectacular beauty. The mountainous region teams with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees and 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. 

An Ideal location for primate tracking, with 15 trails, one of the best bird watching locations in Africa with over 322 bird species including Red-collared Babbler, 29 Albertine Rift Endemic species and at least 120 species of butterflies. There are 75 known mammals, such as cerval cat, mongoose, Congo clawless otter and many more. 

Walk up to the Isumo waterfall or along the Canopy Walk suspension bridge. Visit the Tea plantations bordering the edges of the park, with a habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds.