Rwanda – Africa’s Fast Growing Tourism Destination

Rwanda – Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destination. Tourism still stands out as the biggest foreign exchange earner in Rwanda. As of 2013-2018, the Rwandan tourism sector was estimated to contribute about 25% each year. Tourism in Rwanda is the largest contributor to the country’s export strategy and it has also attracted several foreign direct investments.

Most popular as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda boasts of her splendid sceneries, the warm and hospitable people. A visit to Rwanda for a safari holiday guarantees unique experiences. Rwanda safaris introduce tourists to the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and distinct tourist sites each with unique attractions. Rwanda is one place where you can encounter both savanna and montane forest wildlife.

Rwanda as a business hub in Africa

Rwanda isn’t only the fastest growing tourism destination, but it is also ranked as the 2^nd easiest place to do business in Africa. This is according to the World Bank and it is no wonder that it was awarded the leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by both the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum.

Rwanda as a MICE destination in Africa

Rwanda is a landlocked country but has a lot to showcase to the world. Other than nature-based experiences, Rwanda has also become an excellent MICE destination. The world’s popular summits have been held in Rwanda thanks to her state of art Kigali Convention Centre. Of recent, the Commonwealth of Heads of Government Summit has been held right in Rwanda, East Africa. Kigali Convention Centre is found near Kigali Airport, offering the best of regional and international conventions, festivals, exhibitions, meetings and many other events.

Tourism industry- Rwanda Development Board

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is what brings together all the key stakeholders in order to make Rwanda a suitable destination to conduct business. RDB reports directly to the President and key ministers.

Why visit Rwanda?

Rwanda has positioned herself as high-end destination for a good reason. There is a lot to discover while on Rwanda safari tour. From the diverse cultures and rich heritage to wilderness experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking, game drives/wildlife viewing, birding, nature walks, to hiking adventures and leisure at the lake shores/luxury stay.

Top destinations to visit in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

If there is one destination with best-kept secrets then it is Rwanda. Discover the country’s hidden secrets on a guided game viewing safaris in Akagera National Park, located in Eastern province. A game tour to Akagera is a lifetime opportunity to encounter all the big 5 game in just one habitat. The park was founded in 1934, spreading to cover an area of 1122sq.kms and hosts diversity of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes, the Masai giraffes, zebras, over 500 bird species also reside here.

The popular safari activities to enjoy while on Akagera National Park safari include guided game drives, launch or boat cruise, birding, nature walks, hot air balloon tours, helicopter tours and many others. The key places to consider for a night stay on Akagera tour include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Dereva Hotel, Magashi Tented Camp, etc.

Volcanoes National Park

Located in the far Northwestern side of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park (VNP) is a home to golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas. The park was founded in 1925, spreading to cover up to 160sq.kms in its distinct vegetation zones featuring bamboo forest, swamp, health, evergreen vegetation and vast grassland.

Volcanoes National Park lies within the Virunga Region, hosting up to 5 of 8 Virunga Massifs; Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, Karisimbi Volcano, Gahinga. While on Rwanda tour to Volcanoes National Park, expect to indulge in the most inspirational experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking. Trekking Rwanda mountain gorillas includes visiting any of the 12 fully habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes NP and these include Sabyinyo, Group 13, Karisimbi/Susa B, Susa A, Kwitonda, Umubano, Bweza, Hirwa, Amahoro, Titus and more.

Other exciting activities/experiences of visitor interest while at Volcanoes National Park include guided golden monkey tracking, bird watching, nature walks, hiking, Dian Fossey tomb hike, Musanze cave exploration, cultural experience in Iby’Iwacu cultural village and others. The available areas to stay in include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, and more.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Founded in 2004, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s premier chimpanzee tracking destination. Lying in the Southern Province, Nyungwe hosts up to 13 species of primates including Dent’s Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, silver monkeys, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys etc.

Over 310 bird species are also found within Nyungwe Forest. These include the handsome francolin, Rwenzori turacos, Elliot’s woodpeckers, chestnut owlets, chapin’s flycatchers, blue turacos, collared apalis, Neumann’s short tailed monkeys, white bellied robin chat, chestnut throated, Rwenzori batis, white tailed blue flycatchers, stripe breasted tit and more.

The popular activities to do at Nyungwe National Park include canopy walk, chimpanzee tracking, nature or forest walk, tea farm tours, birding tours, hiking and more. Places to stay include EAR Guesthouse, One & Only Nyungwe House, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Top View Lodge.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a newly established park in Rwanda, founded in 2015 and sits in the western side of the park. This is a natural rainforest-protected area sitting up to 34sq.kms and it is the smallest of the 4 Rwanda National Parks. It is comprised of Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves.

The popular wildlife in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, buffaloes; birds like mountain yellow warblers, grey crowned crane, martial eagle, purple breasted sunbird, Rwenzori batis, strange weavers, regal sunbird, etc.

When to visit?

Rwanda is open to all travelers at any time of the year. The best time to visit though is during the dry season and this is from June to September, December to February- the best months to enjoy adventures such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, volcano hiking and others.