The small and densely populated Republic of Rwanda, in the heart of Africa, is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and noted for the scenic beauty of its landscapes and lakes. It made international headlines in 1994 through the genocide that killed almost one million Rwandans and displaced around four million more. After massive reconstruction, few physical traces remain apart from the various memorials that have been erected, and for some years now the country has been safe for travel.
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, in an attractive location straddling several hills, has a variety of hotels and restaurants as well as an informative Genocide Memorial Centre, a golf course and various points of historic or cultural interest. Other towns include Huye, with its National Museum of Rwandan History and Culture, and Gisenyi, a tranquil resort beside Lake Kivu.
The country’s three National Parks demonstrate its wealth of flora and fauna. The Volcanoes Park in the north, where Dian Fossey worked, has the magnificent mountain gorillas, also golden monkeys and opportunities for scenic walks or trekking among the volcanoes. Nyungwe Forest in the south is one of the largest remaining tracts of montane forest in East or Central Africa, with 11 primate species including chimps, 278 bird species and rich rainforest flora; while Akagera Park in the east, whose lakes and undulating savannah are home to superb birdlife, has large concentrations of hippo, plus plains animals such as giraffe, buffalo, elephant, zebra and various antelope.
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