Rwanda is the travel world’s phoenix rising. From a devastating genocide more than two decades ago, it has emerged as one of Africa’s premier travel destinations, with a capital city transformed and world renowned national parks, which teem with birds and big wild game drives. We have made of compilation of 7 reasons why you should put visiting Rwanda as number one of your travel destinations;
1. Rwanda is safe, clean and friendly
The 1994 Genocide in Rwanda is now well and truly in the past, and the country is the safest in East Africa. Crime rates are low. You will feel safer walking down the street at night in Kigali than you will back home. It’s clean, too. Kigali is rated one of the cleanest cities in the world. The streets of the capital are spotless. One day every month, Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a day when all of the shops are closed and everyone performs community service, whether that be fixing a neighbor’s fence, digging a ditch, picking up rubbish or fixing the road. Rwandans are friendly too. If you need directions, just ask.
2. The coffee and food are great
The food in Rwanda great. The produce in the markets is fresh and good, make sure you try the pineapple and tree tomatoes at Kimironko Market and there are always new restaurants popping up in Kigali. Indian food, traditional Rwandan cuisine or five-star dining…. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it in Kigali. Just save some space for pastries from Brioche Bakery, which are always fresh and delicious.
Related Trip: 1 Day Coffee Tour Experience
3. Local art scene is booming
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda is a city of artists. From painting to metal working and basket weaving, there are numerous co-ops working in and around the city producing beautiful works of art. Visitors are always welcome and the money from anything you buy usually goes straight to the artist.
4. The nightlife is fun and informal
Whether you are looking for live music, karaoke or just somewhere to dance, Kigali has it all. For a fun and unpretentious atmosphere, try Papyrus in the Kimihurura district of Kigali. The DJs are great and there’s an amazing view of the city from the balcony. For karaoke, it’s got to be the Car Wash, back in the city, for cheap drinks, good food and a great vibe. For something a little more local and unrestrained, head to Nyamirambo, the coolest neighborhood in Kigali, and do some bar hopping. There are plenty of options and the party usually doesn’t stop until the sun comes up.
5. Gorilla and Chimps Trekking
Rwanda is one of only three places in the world where you can spot some of the world’s remaining 880 mountain gorillas, and staring down one of mankind’s closest relatives in its natural habitat is an experience we doubt you’ll soon forget. (Mountain gorillas share 98 percent of our DNA.) Book a gorilla trekking permit for inside Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, and you’ll be led on a daily guided gorilla trek that tops out at eight visitors. The only other two countries that offer the same experience; the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda require more vigorous hikes with no guarantee of great ape encounters.
Related Trip: 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Experience.
6. Safari Prime time
After acquiring lions and Rhinos, Akagera National Park is now a Big Five safari destination. With elephants, buffalo, and a wide variety of antelope, you’ll get the full savannah experience and the added bonus of the park’s river boat cruises, which include rare encounters with crocodiles and hippos. Akagera provides campgrounds and tents for a small fee, but honestly, “glamping” on the edge of Lake Ihema at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge is the way to go. Even better? All proceeds benefit the park.
7. Community and Cultural experiences
Rwanda is a great place to experience community, local life and cultural experiences. Designed and hosted by people, artisans and artists, the trips are a truly wonderful way to get a taste of the beauty and rigor of rural life and Rwandan culture. From Solo, couples, families and big groups, Rwanda offers the real taste of local life.
Just make a booking of your safari and experience Rwanda.
