The Republic of Rwanda, a small, mountainous country, serves as the watershed
between two of Africa’s largest river systems—the Nile and the Congo. Blessed with
high elevation, Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate marked by two rainy seasons and
two dry seasons annually, fostering an agricultural sector that drives the country’s
economy. Often hailed as the "Pays des Milles Collines" or the country of
a thousand hills, Rwanda defies the common perception of Africa’s arid, flat
drylands.
Rwanda is a nation on the rise, basking in newfound political and social stability
following tumultuous times in the 1980s. The Genocide Museum in Kigali stands as a
somber memorial to the 800,000 lives lost during the infamous one hundred days,
serving as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of division, tribal
conflict, and hatred. As the most densely populated country on the continent, Rwanda
boasts a vibrant culture, with music and dance woven deeply into its fabric,
particularly during festivals and ceremonies—a true reflection of Africa’s pulsating
rhythm.
In the west, Nyungwe National Park showcases a rich tapestry of biodiversity, with 13
species of primates and 280 recorded bird species, making it one of Africa’s most
diverse forest ecosystems. However, it is the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas,
immortalized by the pioneering work of Dian Fossey and George Schaller and depicted in
the film "Gorillas In The Mist," that steal the spotlight. These majestic
creatures call the forests flanking the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the northwest
home. Encountering them is a deeply moving and profound experience, often topping
travelers’ bucket lists. Rwanda invites explorers to embark on a journey of discovery,
where the harmony of nature and the resilience of its people converge to create a
tapestry of beauty and hope.
