Kigali is the country’s vibrant capital and here you can join a community walk around the spotlessly clean neighbourhoods. Visit bustling markets, enjoy a locally grown organic coffee and support cooperative enterprises as you immerse yourself in local life. The horrific Genocide Memorial may not be top of your ‘to see’ list, but it allows you to reflect on how far this country has moved on from its traumatic past.
In the south of the country is the stunning Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is home to fascinating flora and fauna, a thrilling elevated walkway and a vast array of bird species. Most people come here to see resident Chimpanzees, who crash through the trees and entertain visitors with their loud screeches and playful behaviour.
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great lakes and has beautiful clear water and sandy beaches. It is unusual in the fact that it has no resident predators, such as hippos or crocodiles, which makes it perfect for kayaking. You will also see the fascinating singing fishermen here, who come out in spindly boats at sunset and chant a haunting melody to ensure their strokes are in time.
Akagera National Park is superb for birdlife, especially around the lakes where you can take a boat safari to see congregations of hippo. If you are lucky you can spot the Big Five on the empty grassy savannahs and unusually, go for a walk with an anti-poaching patrol or meet the conservation teams behind the successful reintroduction and protection of these animals.
Volcanoes National Park where the mighty mountain gorillas roam. This is one of the very few places on earth where you can meet a giant Silverback face to face and observe a gorilla family at close quarters. It is a mind-blowing experience - one you are unlikely to ever forget.