Rwanda

Rwanda is moving quickly away from the dark days of the 1990’s. An excellent road network means travel around this small and pretty country is easy, and allows access to its diverse attractions. Known as the “Switzerland of Africa”, as well as “Le pays de Mille Collines” (Land of a Thousand Hills), Rwanda offers the most spectacular views of the Albertine Rift Valley and the Virunga Volcanos. It has also become known as the best place in Africa to see the endangered Mountain gorillas, as well as numerous other primates.

Howard’s experience in central Africa, including his most recent visit to Rwanda in April 2003, means that he can offer expert guiding to a country visited by few. A particular interest and knowledge of the natural history of the Great Apes such as Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees enables us to give a highly valuable experience. Visits to the Virunga gorillas, made famous by Dian Fossey’s determined work there are often a lifetime highlight for any nature lover.

The Gorillas live in the Parc National des Virungas (Virunga National Park) in the north of the country. This is only two hours away from Kigali the capital. This therefore makes an add-on to any safari especially easy for anyone with an interest in seeing these impressive creatures. Habituated Chimpanzees can be looked for in the Nyungwe Forest in the far south west of the country.

The genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994 is a fact that Rwandans as a people are trying to work through. It is not a part of history that has been buried, but rather there is an attempt to understand it in the context of the country’s complex history. As such we as visitors should also attempt to understand its place, and a visit to one of the many moving memorials can be extremely informative.