Why consider Rwanda as your travel destination in 2022
Rwanda is a country that should be on everyone’s list of top travel destinations. The small country in the centre of the African continent is emerging as a top country to visit in Africa. If you’re wondering why a small nation like Rwanda ticks many boxes for avid travellers attracting people from all over the world, there’s a multitude of reasons for this. Rwanda is a unique destination for adventure and distinctive experiences, a fact you will appreciate more when you visit the country.
Safest country in Africa?
Rwanda is known to be one of the safest countries on the African continent. Rwanda is the kind of place where you can usually walk at night without fear, always under the watchful eye of police patrolling around the capital. For tourists who have fear of going to a new country, it means you can explore more and have a good night out without worrying about your safety.
Perfect climate
You can come to Rwanda any time of the year be guaranteed good weather that is a perfect balance of not too hot or too cold. Rwanda has a tropical climate with dry and wet seasons. Rwanda also doesn’t experience long extended periods of cold weather or what people would typically call winter. The longest dry season is from June to September which is when you will experience the warmest temperature. This period coincides with summer in the western hemisphere season but you can arrive in warm weather any time of the year. Daily temperatures range between 22°C and 27°C during the day throughout most of the year.
Home to the rare mountain gorilla
The mountain gorilla is one of the most memorizing primates in the world. They are one of the closest species to humans after chimpanzees and baboons basically our primate cousins. Rwanda is one of 3 countries (DRC and Uganda being the other two) in the world where you can find mountain gorillas. In Rwanda, gorillas are found inhabiting the dense forests of the Volcano National Park. To see the animal you are given a permit and take a guided tour where you will trek the mountains to be face to face with them.
Despite being of intimidating size, gorillas are known to be gentle, peaceful and social animals. Famous primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey lived among the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcano National Park dedicated her life’s work to their study and conversation. Gorilla trekking contributes to protecting the mountain gorilla as the proceeds from permits go toward conservation efforts.
Dive into Rwanda’s rich culture and history
Rwanda has a rich culture and complex history. Rwanda’s history can be separated into pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence. For an authentic immersion into pre-colonial African living, you can also take tours of Kings Place in Huye where you can experience life in pre-colonial Rwanda, many of the cultural practices which are still around today.
Rwandan society is steeped in a culture that has very authentic practices and some quirky ones like milk bars. Cows have been an integral facet of Rwandan culture for hundreds of years and still to this day. Many of Rwanda’s traditional dances are inspired by giant-horned cows which belonged to the royal family. Women emulate the gentle movements of cows while showing their beauty and grace. Rwandan imigongo art made using cow dung and dates back hundreds of years. You can find imigongo art anywhere from the markets to art galleries in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s troubled history as a result of the genocide against the Tutsi is well known across the world. However, today’s image of Rwanda is one of a fast developing country, modelling itself against Asia’s success story Singapore. While visiting Rwanda you can visit are memorials that honour the lives lost and educate people on Rwanda’s past to truly experience the country’s progress after a tremendously dark period of the country’s history.
Natural beauty and wildlife
Rwanda is a natural haven with a lot of beautiful scenery packed into a small area. From the capital Kigali, you can take road trips and experience the charming countryside, characterized by sprawling luscious green vegetation and hilly terrain which you’ll see as you drive across the country. Nyungwe canopy walk in the southwest of Rwanda is a rainforest abundant with species of chimpanzees and home to the famous Nyungwe canopy which is a high suspension bridge.
While exploring the western part of the country you also visit little resort towns on the border with Congo in Rubavu district for a few nights stay before going back to the city. People can cross over to DR Congo’s bordering town Goma for a few hours to adventure and experience a bit more of central Africa.
Many tourists’ top priorities when visiting Africa is to have a safari experience with lions and other of the continents big animals. Rwanda’s Akagera national park is home to zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. After you have a safari during the day, at night visitors can lodge in the game park.
Friendly and welcoming people
Rwandan people are warm and friendly always willing to help foreigners to find their way into the country. You can guarantee there’s always someone willing to onboard you to the culture and assist in translation. The main languages spoken in Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili.
Visa on arrival
Arriving in Rwanda as a tourist is a hassle-free and easy process. You can find flights to Kigali International Airport from most major hubs across the world. Nationals from all countries are given tourist visas on arrival. All you need to do when you decide to visit Rwanda is pack a bag and make your way to Rwanda.
Rwanda is an attractive destination and a trip that is worth taking as soon as your next vacation. Visiting Rwanda you will have an unmatched, authentic and enriching experience! Start making plans and take your trip to Rwanda.
