From its lush national parks teeming with wildlife, to its vibrant cities and welcoming people, Rwanda promises an unforgettable journey. Here's why you should consider making Rwanda your next travel destination.
According to Forbes' Bucket List Travel, there are as many reasons to visit Rwanda as there are people who call it home. The 26,338 square km area is home to over 14 million people, making it one of the most densely populated nations on the African continent.
Yet, it stands out as a leader in conservation efforts, (with four national parks) ranked as the third greenest place globally by The World Travel Guide, 2015.
In Rwanda, you will find tourists searching for a luxury experience, those roughing it in campsites or seeking out the country's famous gorillas and chimpanzees- a small tip on the iceberg.
From historical inspirational museums, to incredible meals served high above the city's lights, Rwanda is full of promise and wonder. Exploring it will leave you emotional and enlightened.
Some must-do experiences to add to your itinerary include gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas, visiting national parks like Akagera and Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura for wildlife species, golden monkey trekking, boat cruises, bird sighting, to mention but a few.
You can also explore traditional dance and rich culture through visits to cultural villages like Ibyiwacu in Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Rwandan hospitality will leave an indelible memory.
Rwanda is also home to the "Big Five (wildlife species)," thanks to conservation efforts that reintroduced extinct species like rhinos and lions.
Additionally, Rwanda is one of the safest African countries, ensuring security for tourists during their stay. The country's cleanliness and ease of access are also significant pull factors.
Notably air transport is readily at hand with Kamembe Airport and Rubavu Airstrip facilitating domestic travel while Kigali International Airport serves as the main gateway for international tourists, offering direct flights to numerous cities worldwide.
This experience is deeply felt and appreciated by tourists who have witnessed Rwanda's attractions firsthand.
"As a tourist in Rwanda, I was captivated by the breathtaking landscape, the thrill of gorilla trekking in the misty mountains, and the warmth of the Rwandan people," says George Tinashea from Zimbabwe.
"From exploring the vibrant streets of Kigali to relaxing by the serene shores of Lake Kivu, every moment was a beautiful blend of adventure and culture. This enchanting country is a testament to resilience and hospitality, and it left an indelible mark on my heart," he confesses.
For Kerim Abdel Rahim from Egypt, Rwanda is a must-visit place considering the great moments he had in the country.
"Rwanda has captured my heart with its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It's a place where adventure meets serenity, and every moment feels like a cherished memory in the making," he says.
This amazing experience is shared by Suzgo Chitete from Malawi and Patrick Mogani from the Central African Republic. They both recount that the order and security in Kigali make it a compelling destination, attracting visitors for another trip to Rwanda.
Frank Muzungu, Managing Director of Kigali Car Rentals, shares his view noting that Rwanda offers a combination of nature, adventure, and culture.
"From trekking through the forest for gorillas to hanging out in Kigali visiting the eco-parks where one watches hundreds of birds including the treasured grey crested cranes, doing a canopy walk and primates watching in Nyungwe forest Rwanda offers everything one would wish for," Muzungu says.
"It's a special place which you may want to never miss out on as you will feel emotionally attached to the land, the people, and nature. It is a country that truly reinvigorates your soul and defines the spirit of travel," he adds.
Due to a variety of attractions and government initiatives, the tourism sector has grown significantly.
Reports from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that the sector generated growth from 1.4 million visitors in 2023, surpassing 2019 revenues with a recovery rate of 124% from the hurdles of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Domestic tourism increased to $47.7 million, contributing to increased visits to national parks which generated $35.79 million in 2023.
Volcanoes National Park registered the highest increase of 38% in visitors, followed by Akagera National Park with a 24% increase, and Nyungwe National Park with a 10% increase. Nyungwe National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2023.
According to Rugwizangoga, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, the growth results from strategies to position Rwanda as a unique high-end, low-volume, eco-tourism destination, and conservation efforts.
The country has consistently participated in top global tourism business fairs over the past 20 years, including ITB Berlin, We Are Africa, ILTM (Singapore, Cannes, and Virtuoso), where Rwandan travel agencies engage with tourism buyers.
Rwanda's capacity to attract top hospitality global brands such as One&Only, Singita, Radisson, and Marriott, the promotional role played by Visit Rwanda partnerships, as well as incentive opportunities for local and international investors are also key factors for such incredible growth.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/tourism/article/embracing-rwanda-as-your-next-travel-destination
