Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, and sweeping plains. Travelers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.
Tourism in Rwanda is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings in Rwanda and was projected to grow at a rate of 25% every year from 2013 to 18. The sector is the biggest contributor to the national export strategy. With its new world-class convention center, Rwanda is set to become a regional and international conference hub owing to ever-improving conference facilities, an excellent and expanding transportation network, and straightforward immigration procedures such as the ability for online visa applications, visa-at-gate policy for all Africans, and a one tourist visa policy for the Eastern African Community
Tourism in Rwanda is rapidly increasing and If you've never visited Rwanda, here's a piece that will change your mind completely!
Luxury in Rwanda; The 1994 genocide here was one of the most bone-chilling tragedies in modern memory, leaving a million dead and an entire country shaken to its core. In the almost quarter-century since, however, something remarkable has happened. Rwanda has flourished. No more talk of Hutus and Tutsis, the tribal divisions exacerbated by Belgian colonialists, but a newfound unity. There’s mandatory education and universal health care for ex-pats and locals. The country even legislated gender equality and claims more women in Parliament than any government in the world. Much of this change can be attributed to Paul Kagame, the president who steered Rwanda through a long period of reconciliation to emerge as one of the safest places in Africa.
And so tourism is flourishing and has pushed past coffee to become the country’s top foreign exchange earner. In the capital, Kigali, a futuristic new convention center is part of the government’s plan to frame the centrally located city as a major business hub. Once dismissed by guidebooks as “nothing much to see here,” Kigali has the vibrancy of a bustling 21st century Africa, where women in colorfulkitenge dresses carry jugs on their heads alongside zooming moto-taxis and young people texting. With multiple carriers flying into Kigali International Airport and an easy $30 visa paid upon arrival (a $100 three-pack includes Uganda and Kenya), travel to and around this tiny landlocked country has become easier than ever. The hope is that tourists who come for the gorillas will stay and discover the rest.
The west of Rwanda forms a branch of the Great Rift Valley known as the Albertine Rift. It has many unique, endemic species and is bursting with life. Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other primates live alongside hundreds of brightly-colored birds, orchids, and butterflies. And that is only scratching the surface…
Rwanda’s dramatic vistas are endless, with a fresh perspective around every corner. The country is full of beauty and manages to explore it all is easy, thanks to an excellent road network linking the core areas. Visitors can rest assured the country is safe as well as stunning as Rwanda was ranked the 9th safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum. I once had a friend who said she was stunned at the orderliness in the country and its general serenity. She misplaced her bag for some hours and got it back with all her belongings Intact.
Rwanda is a must add to your travel list. Do let us know if you found this article interesting.