Discover Rwanda, the country of gorilla safaris in Africa

Discover Rwanda, the land of gorilla safaris in Africa Rwanda is a tiny, landlocked country the size of Wales, with three million more people than Scotland. One can reach almost anywhere in Rwanda from the capital, Kigali, by car in about two hours. The roads are well maintained and easy to follow, making driving through the beautiful countryside a distinctly Rwandan pleasure. It is an old Rwandan legend that God, even though he spends the day wandering the world, always returns to Rwanda to appreciate the beauty of it! Come and enjoy the charming hospitality of the Land of a Thousand Hills!, one of the recent destinations of the African Safari

Landscape, wildlife and gorilla safaris Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills. It may come as a joke to most Rwandans, who like to say that whoever was counting certainly missed some! In northern Rwanda, the hills are like inverted cones, covered with agricultural plots that make the landscape appear quilted. The roads wind through the countryside, providing a spectacular view for anyone traveling by car.

Much of Rwanda’s extensive collection of wildlife and stunning views are the result of the Albertine Rift. The Rift stretches from Tanzania through Rwanda and even as far north as Uganda. The collision and separation of two of Earth’s land masses created the Rift, resulting in a wide variety of natural wonders and habitats, from hot springs to alpine climates. Thanks to the Albertine Rift, Rwanda has more than 670 different species of birds, 120 varieties of butterflies and splendid trails throughout its national parks.

Permits to enter the country’s parks can be obtained from the Rwanda Tourist Offices (ORTPN), on l’Avenue de l’Armee in Kigali. Visitors should make a point to stop as more information and souvenirs are provided there as well.

A permit to track gorillas in Rwanda costs USD 500 per person. Gorillas are one of the most endangered species in the world, with the number being reduced to 700 mountain gorillas. For each permit you pay, you contribute directly to the conservation of these apes. An African safari with gorillas is very rewarding.

History and people Rwandans today are descendants of three main ethnic groups: the Twa, the Hutu and the Tutsi. Although the Twa, the forest pygmies of Rwanda, were the first to settle in the area, today they only make up 1% of Rwanda’s population. The Hutu people came later, followed by the Tutsi. Traditionally, the Hutus and their descendants worked in agriculture, while the Tutsis were known for herding cattle.

It was not until the 1700s that Rwanda became a country, in the modern sense. Power was centralized under the rule of the “Mwami”, the Tutsi kings who were thought to have divine powers. In the court of the Mwami, the Twa dancers were often employed as jesters and entertainment. Otherwise, the Twa people remained largely isolated throughout Rwanda’s history. The mwamis controlled Rwanda by exacting tribute from district chiefs, who were also typically of Tutsi descent.

Since 1994, Rwanda has greatly increased its tourism. The number of tour operators in Europe and the UK offering tours to Rwanda had grown to 23 by 2003. Based on Kigali’s beautiful hotels, rare mountain gorillas and the country’s fantastic variety of wildlife, the industry of tourism has flourished.

The people of Rwanda have united under the former leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, President Paul Kagame. Kagame, who seeks to create a sense of national identity in Rwanda, won the country’s first democratic elections in August 2003.