The places of Rwanda, a county in East Africa, will always catch the attention of any traveler with a wanderlust for adventure, nature, and culture. Located just a few degrees south of the globe’s equator, this tropical country adorned by its hilly landscapes and beautiful sceneries is a place everyone should put on their bucket list of places to visit.
Have a look at Rwanda, the land with many wonders!
Volcanoes National Park
photo from: https://www.volcanoesparkrwanda.org/information/history-volcanoes-national-park/
Never miss the opportunity to go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. With 600 gorillas roaming the park, the four to eight-hour trekking experience will also introduce you to wild meadows, bamboo forests, and swampy areas.
Visitors don’t have to worry about their safety as the armed guides who lead the trek will communicate with the habituated gorilla families through clicking sounds, keeping any guest safe from the dangers of meeting these wild animals. Guests will spend about an hour observing the behaviors of the gorilla families, from their mealtime, caring for their young, and interacting with one another.
The Volcanoes National Park has so far supported the preservation of these mountain gorillas, even aiding the propagation of their species and increasing their count from 240-250 back in 1981 to the present 600.
Gorilla Guardians Village
And of course, mountain gorillas are not the only things you can see and experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Another spot to visit is the Gorilla Guardians Village run by reformed poachers who provide tourists the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s crafts, activities, and culture.
From learning how to weave baskets to carrying them on your head like the Rwandan women, the village grants the visitors an immersion into their daily lives. Not only can visitors learn their way of living, but they can also have a go at it. May it be from shooting an arrow to grinding grains with a heavy stone.
All of this will be worth the time and dedication since the guides will never fail to make the entire thing feel like a celebration. And don’t go anywhere else too soon so you can catch a glimpse and even join the traditional dancers in their intore dance recitals, where the dancers wear straw wigs and skirts and dance to the beat of their drums.
King’s Palace Museum
With Rwandans holding high reverence for animals, it’s not surprising that the King’s Palace Museum, one of Rwanda’s eight national museums, stars the inyambo, or the sacred cows, along with their large horns. For the entirety of the day, the cows will be sung to by traditional singers who belt poems. As a matter of fact, this ritual is unique to Rwanda and is worth taking the time to see!
But the cows at the back of the museum aren’t the only sight to visit in this place of culture and faith. The King’s Palace Museum itself displays a replica of a 15th-century king’s palace with a fresh milk hut, royal hut, and a thatched roof, which, by tradition, is managed by an unmarried woman.
Apart from all of these historical attractions, visitors can also visit the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa from the mid -20th century. This home has a highly colonially-influenced design with its European-style furniture in perfect fusion with the patterns of Rwanda.
Lake Kivu
If relaxation and peace are what you’re searching for, the 2,700-square-kilometer Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, is the perfect spot. With its emerald green waters surrounded by mountains reaching the clouds, the lake is a paradise for the weary and stressed looking for a place to wind down and regain energy.
Rubavu, which is situated north of the lake, offers a waterfront, sandy beach, along with its stunning resorts, which include the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Get to ride a sunset kayak trip with the fishermen of Lake Kivu who sing as they work and enjoy the paddling adventures on the lake.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nothing beats the natural environment of Rwanda with its tropical climate which is home to a variety of wildlife! The Nyungwe Forest National Park, with its 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 mammal types, is counted among the most crucial and relevant forest conservation sites in the entirety of the African continent.
Just like the Volcanoes National Park, this park offers the opportunity to observe another class of primates, the chimpanzees. Most of the tourists that come to this lush rainforest always come in search of this fascinating animal habituated by the park rangers.
Visitors can also enjoy the tropical climate and the natural habitats while also experiencing the only canopy walk in East Africa, which is a hike of around 90 minutes from the Uwinka Visitor Center. From there, tourists can attempt to walk across a long suspension bridge that spans 91 meters at a height of 50 meters above the rainforest. But of course, those with a fear of heights can skip the thrill of the canopy tour and choose to navigate along the 15 hiking trails for a unique adventure.
Kigali
And last but not the least, we have Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, home to a rich and vibrant culture, tasty and mouth-watering cuisine, and incredible sights as the perfect ender (or start) to your trip to Rwanda.
Visit the Inema Arts Center to see the artworks of Rwanda, then proceed to the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace. These spots for art are the perfect places to spark creativity and inspiration by viewing the collection of contemporary pieces gathered from Rwanda and the nearby regions.
Grab a cup of joe at Question Coffee Cafe which offers authentic Rwandan beans. The cafe’s special menus are a testament to the innovations the Rwandans continuously develop and the cafe itself is known for infusing unusual local products, like tree tomato, in their coffee.
Then to wrap your trip up, go experience the energy of the Kimironko Market, the largest marketplace in Kigali. Every corner in this place is an opportunity for a shopping spree!
No comments:
Post a Comment