From Kigali To Lake Kivu
From Kigali To Lake Kivu: A Tour Of Rwanda’s Best Landmarks : Rwanda is a small country located in the heart of Africa, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty and stunning landmarks. From the bustling city of Kigali to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, there is no shortage of exciting places to visit and explore in Rwanda. In this article, we will take a long-form tour of Rwanda’s best landmarks, starting from Kigali and ending at Lake Kivu.
Kigali
This Rwanda safari tour begins in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Despite being a bustling urban center, Kigali is a city that is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. It’s a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers sit alongside traditional markets and restaurants serving local delicacies. The city is also home to several landmarks that reflect its history and culture.
One of the most notable landmarks in Kigali is the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The memorial serves as a sobering reminder of the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of over 800,000 people. The memorial features several exhibits and displays that document the events leading up to the genocide, as well as the aftermath and efforts to rebuild and reconcile. Visiting the memorial is a humbling experience that provides insight into the country’s history and the resilience of its people.
Another landmark worth visiting in Kigali is the Inema Arts Center. This contemporary art center features works from local artists that explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice. The center offers workshops, exhibitions, and performances that provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with Rwandan art and culture in a meaningful way.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
After exploring Kigali, the Rwanda Safari tour moves on to the Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda. The park is home to one of the oldest forests in Africa and features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species.
One of the main attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the canopy walkway. This suspended bridge stretches over 160 meters through the treetops and provides visitors with a unique perspective of the forest. Walking along the canopy walkway is a thrilling experience that is not to be missed.
The park also features several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the forest on foot. One of the most popular trails is the Igishigishigi Trail, which takes hikers through the heart of the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Volcanoes National Park
The next stop on this Kigali explore tour is the Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The park is home to the famous mountain gorillas, which are among the most endangered species in the world.
Visitors to the park can take part in a gorilla trekking experience, which involves hiking through the forest to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close and personal.
Aside from the gorillas, the park also features several hiking trails that take visitors through the lush forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Kivu
The tour ends at Lake Kivu, which is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa and is surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Kivu is by taking a boat tour. The tour allows visitors to explore the lake and its surrounding islands, as well as to learn about the history and culture of the local communities.
