Did you know that Rwanda is also referred to as the land of a thousand hills?

Rwanda is an East African country and the smallest of all bordered by countries like Uganda in the North, Burundi in the South, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, and Tanzania in the East. This country is ranked as one of the best safari destinations in Africa with a lot of biodiversity in their natural habitats, unique cultures, and physical features all worth visiting.

Rwanda, though it is East Africa’s smallest country has a lot to discover and numerous activities to take part in during your Safari in Rwanda that will answer your question of why visit Rwanda. The following are some of the reasons why you should really not miss including Rwanda on your travel itinerary to Africa.

Rwanda is one of the three countries with the remaining population of mountain gorillas and these gorillas are ones that have contributed much to the growing tourism industry of Rwanda as they attract thousands of tourists every year. They can be found in Volcanoes National Park located in the northern part of this wonderful country and if you have your permit which Costs USD 1500 you will be allowed to trek for one of the mountain gorilla families in volcanoes.

If you love primate watching then try Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda with 14 primate species including the chimpanzees. While here you are able to trek for these chimpanzees and spend one hour in their presence as you watch them do a lot of things which are similar to those of human beings since they share 98% of their DNA with human beings. You will also have a look at other primates like blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys and not forgetting golden monkeys which can be spotted in the Giswati-Mukura forest.

Game viewing in Rwanda is one of the best activities you can take part in which will offer you a stunning view of the big five animals which include the rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, have a look at lakes and swamps and other animals like hyenas, sitatungas and many more. All these attractions can be found in Akagera National Park and if someone is interested in a boat cruise which is carried out on Lake Ihema and game drives then don’t miss out on this wildlife sanctuary in Rwanda.

For mountain climbing lovers, Rwanda becomes the best as it is a land of a thousand hills thus favoring a lot of hikers. Hike to the summit of one of the Virunga volcanoes which is Karisimbi which towers to 4507 meters above sea level, pay respect to gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey as you hike to her grave and you will also reach the Karisoke Research Centre that was started by this heroine.

Get closer to the people of Rwanda as you explore their culture in the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village where you will be warmly welcomed and entertained by the Banyarwanda men and women using traditional instruments that will twinkle your ears and make your visit memorable, taste the sweetness of the Rwandan local dishes, visit the King’s Palace, spend some time with the traditional healer as he will be explaining to you how he uses the trees, roots, barks and flowers to cure some diseases.

Hang out in Rwanda’s capital city Kigali and have a look at a variety of attractions here like the Kigali genocide memorial site and see the remains of thousands of Hutu and Tutsi people who died in 1994, visit art centers in Kigali to look at Rwanda’s finest art, visit Kimironko Market and have a look at the dress codes of the locals, buy some souvenirs from the craft shops and many more beautiful places.

End your holiday at Lake Kivu which is located on the border of Rwanda and D.R. Congo as you take part in beach activities like swimming, and sport fishing, enjoy breathtaking scenery from the blowing winds of Lake Kivu, bathe in the sun as it rises and sets back, look at the hippos and crocodiles while on a boat cruise and you can also explore the flora and fauna around this lake during a nature walk.