Welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. A tiny, landlocked country in East-Africa with almost 13 million inhabitants. With an image plagued by a bloody history, Rwanda is actually much more safe and well organised than one might expect. And with the mysterious fog rising from the endless green hills, the thick rainforests harboring the rare mountain gorillas, the volcanoes, lakes and bustling capital, Rwanda offers everything for an unforgettable trip. Curious? Travel along!

Let’s first start with a bit of context. Rwanda is a small, green country, nestled in between big sisters Uganda and Congo, and the smaller Burundi. The population knows multiple ethnic groups, the most prominent being the Hutus and the Tutsis. Nowadays it is forbidden to speak those titles aloud, and every citizen is required to identify themselves as Rwandans. A result of the devastating genocide, that took place only in 1994, and had the purpose of wiping out every Tutsi in the country. Around one million Rwandans died that year. 

After the genocide was put to an end, Rwanda was dedicated to rebuilding itself. Under the – somewhat dictatorial – rule of Paul Kagame, the country not only managed to develop one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, but also one of least corrupted governmental systems. The main reason why Rwanda is one of the safest African destinations to travel! Don’t be surprised to find brand new roads, neatly trimmed hedges, mowed lawns and policemen in the most unexpected corners. Ready to explore more of the land of the thousand hills?

The starting point of the trip could be Lake Burera. This hidden gem can only be found far off the beaten track, close to the Ugandan border. A smooth lake, reflecting three majestic volcanoes and carrying six islands with fertile soils, overgrown with all kinds of fruit trees. The islands are home to a few communities who built their lives on the water, and who will give you a warm welcome with songs, dances and a plate of steaming food. No tourist-performances here, because this place has so far stayed undiscovered by large traveling crowds. The best experience is to join the fishermen on their boat trip on the lake. You’ll set foot on different islands, learn everything about the best fishing techniques, meet dozens of colorful bird species and of course: feast on your own catch of the day while the golden sun sets!

Before or after visiting Lake Burera, don’t hesitate to stick around Musanze town for a few days. You can explore this cosy place entirely on foot: from the bustling, fragrant fruit and vegetable markets, to the rooftop of a huge mall offering a stunning view over the volcanoes. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Karisoke Research Center, where you can learn everything about Diane Fossey and her quest to protect the endangered Mountain Gorillas. End the day with an aromatic coffee or ice cold beer at Crema café.

Lake Burera is not the only lake in Rwanda. Stretched out over the borders of Rwanda and Congo, you’ll find a large lake called Kivu. 90 Kilometers long and 45 kilometers wide, this scenic lake offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. One of them is the Congo Nile Trail: an adventurous, 227 kilometer trail along the lake. Hiking this trail will take a mere ten days, but you can also travel distances by bicycle or kayak. A true playground for anyone who loves the great outdoors, with plenty of beautiful camping spots in between the banana trees, small beaches for refreshing dips and millions of stars that light the sky in the night.

Every outdoorsy adventurer in shants needs a hot shower, a cold beer and a proper flushing toilet once in a while. While you’ll find many guesthouses along the way, you can also stick around and explore the small cities on Lake Kivu’s shore. Gisenyi or Kibuye have a beachy, laid-back vibe and offer the perfect place to relax, take a boat trip and watch the sunset while sinking your teeth in a freshly caught Tilapia.

After exploring Lake Kivu, it is time to move Rwanda’s next specialty: the impenetrable jungles. South in the country you’ll find Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest montane rainforests in Central-Africa. Surrounded by tea plantations and green hills, this tropical ecosystem is home to many flora and fauna that are impossible to find anywhere else in the world. During a hike to the roaring waterfalls you might experience a meet and greet with the L’Hoest monkeys, Olive baboons, or our hundredth cousin: the Chimpanzee. Don’t forget to let out your own inner monkey by conquering the canopy trail: small bridges high in the forest giants, offering a different perspective on the lush and mysterious jungle.

A somewhat more costly option, but most would say worth it, is the praised and famous Volcanoes National Park. These deep forests spread out over mountains of Northern Rwanda, Congo and Uganda, and harbor the endangered Mountain Gorillas. During a trek through these thick, foggy forests, a ranger will follow their trails and lead you right to the doorstep of these majestic animals. In Rwanda however, the permits for this trek cost a mere 1200 $. Pockets too empty for that? Follow the footsteps of zoologist Diane Fossey during the Diane Fossey Hike, or read more about an unforgettable gorilla trek in Uganda! 

During a trek through these thick, foggy forests, a ranger will follow their trails and lead you right to the doorstep of these majestic animals. In Rwanda however, the permits for this trek cost a mere 1200 $. Pockets too empty for that? Follow the footsteps of zoologist Diane Fossey during the Diane Fossey Hike, or read more about an unforgettable gorilla trek in Uganda! 

Wow, what a trip! Before you start packing your bags and booking your ticket, there’s a few practical things to know about the land of a thousand hills: 

• Rwanda is small, little over 26.000 square kilometers. This means you can explore the whole country in two weeks.
• Rwanda is very suited for a self-drive road trip. The roads are easy and safe to conquer, without too much traffic.
• Car hire too expensive? No worries, the public transport network throughout the country connects all various destinations. Busses leave and arrive frequently, and tickets are affordable.
• Rwanda is a more expensive travel destination than its neighbouring country Uganda.
• In the cities, Rwandans speak excellent English. However, there are parts of the country where citizens rather speak French, Swahili or local languages, which can cause a language barrier. 
• Rwanda might be located on the equator and in the tropics, but don’t be fooled: it can get cold! Parts of the country are elevated, and therefore much cooler. Kigali, for example, is situated on a level of almost 1600 meters.