DESTINATION RWANDA

Imagine 13 primate species that include Chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, 1068 plant species, 75 mammals, 322 bird species, and 140 orchids all in one tract of forest in south western Rwanda. All this explains the diversity of Nyungwe national park.

Each of the 13 trails available at the park offer unique experiences and challenges which include encounters with the Black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, Waterfalls and various vintage points that offer views of Lake Kivu and the neighboring countries of DRC and Burundi.

Nyungwe Forest has the most impressive canopy walk suspended from 70m. The 200m long steel walk way at the start of Igishigishigi trail give a bird’s eye view of the stunning green park. You can also visit the community for cultural encounters and visit the tea plantations in the neighboring estates.

When we talk of revival of parks in Africa, Akagera defines it all. Found in 1934 and later given out as farms in 1997 reducing its size to 1122km² from 2500Km² the park returned to its glory since 2010 when Africa Parks joined forces with the Republic of Rwanda to have it revived.

The park gets its name from the Akagera River that flow along its boundary in the east feeding into a maze of lakes that include the famous Lake Ihema. Akagera is the country’s only savanna park and home to notable game like the buffalo, leopard, elephants, zebras, and topis. The park was upgraded to Big 5 status with the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and also the recent introduction of Rhinos.

The park is in the north east of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania and the combination of lakes, swamps, highlands and savanna plains give the park an exceptional scenery and a high level of biodiversity. For the ornithologists the park has a recorded checklist of about 500 bird species where you can tick from and these include the Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek among others

Instated as a national park in 2015 to save it from being depleted by settlers and illegal mining makes Gishwati-Mukura National park Rwanda’s newest park. The two forests of Gishwati and Mukura make the 34sqkm Park.

The park is a sanctuary to one group of 20 chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys. It has a birdlife with 232 species in Gishwati and 163 at Mukura and these include some of the Albertine endemics.

Activities at the park started in 2019 and this why the park is infamous to most of travelers to Rwanda.

This is the capital of Rwanda and the city is a beauty and one of the cleanest and organized cities in Africa. Kigali is home to the country’s Airport which is the start and end for most visitors to the city.

The dynamic and modern city is worth exploration as it host museums that include the Genocide memorial Museum and it is filled with culture. Visiting local markets, restaurants, and craft markets gives light on the fashion, history and feel of Rwanda.

Perfect get away for relaxation and lake side recreation. Lake Kivu is magnificently surrounded by mountains. The island dotted lake with deep emerald green waters is safe for swimming and absolutely stunning. Enjoy Kayaking, canoeing, boat rides and fishing at one of Africa’s great lakes.

The museum is 88km south of Kigali city and is home to the Queen Mother. It contains a host of the kings own possessions including furniture and ornaments. The first buildings make up the colonial style palaces built for King Mutara III Rudahigwa in 1932 and was his residence until his death in 1959.  The walls of the palace chart the history of Rwanda and its Kings through the centuries.

Alongside the colonial palace is a reconstructed traditional palace in the style of that Rwandan Kings used until the 20^th century. The beautifully crafted construction offers a detailed insight into the daily life of Rwanda’s monarchy and is made of entirely traditional and local materials. Two further huts have been built to show how two important rituals of royal mile- Milk and Beer were prepared, stored and shared.

In the paddock at the rear is a herd of traditional long horned cattle known as “Inyambo”. This royal breed of cows formed an integral part of Rwandan culture and are treated as sacred. Today these cows are still sung to and groomed but never milked or eaten.

Opposite the colonial type palace, is a second palace set on a hillside designed more in line with the wishes of the King. The palace was constructed in 1957-1959. It hosts an array of traditional and contemporary Rwandan paintings and structures, with many being post genocide. Sadly, the king never took up residence here as he died shortly before it was completed.

The Rwanda national museum is in Huye south of Kigali about an hour drive. The hugely informative and entertaining museum has several rooms showing exhibits from Rwandan history and culture, representing the country and its people through ancient times.

A full scale replica of traditional huts, original tools, decorations, implements and modes of transport are displayed in the museum. There are also costumes and equipment used by the famous “intore” dancers. The museums reception has a lounge with traditional handcraft where you can grab a souvenir.