CNN Travel Lists Rwanda As One of The Best Destinations To Visit in 2023

At the start of January 2023, CNN Travel released a list of the best destinations to visit in 2023, and Rwanda the land of a thousand hills appeared as one of them. The article mentioned some of the unmissable tourist experiences in the country and where to enjoy them, tracking mountain gorillas being one of them.  Also recognized is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund recently launched a 4500-square-meter Ellen DeGeneres Campus that adjoins Volcanoes National Park. Travelers with gorilla trekking on their itineraries usually add this Center to their “to-do list” to explore its exhibits, virtual reality gorilla encounters as well as rewarding nature trails.

In Akagera National Park, southern white Rhinos that were translocated from South Africa in 2021 to aid conservation are already calving- part of the article stated. CNN Travel also acknowledged this Park’s easy accessibility from Kigali City, indicating that “it’s easier to get there too”. Also worth attention is the new route from London that joins Dubai, Brussels, Mumbai, and Guangzhou as the only direct flights from outside Africa to Kigali International Airport.

CNN Travel also noted new incredible accommodation facilities that include the country’s most exciting Hotel yet: the stupendous Sextantio Rwanda set to be launched in January 2023. These will include a collection of traditionally crafted huts on the tranquil Island of Lake Kivu (Rwanda’s largest and Africa’s 6^th largest Lake). This Hotel will be Daniele Kihlgren’s first project outside of Italy and part of it will show Rwanda’s past history as a way of keeping local traditions for generations. This not-for-profit project will directly benefit the local communities but also allows travelers to experience typical Rwandan rural life that ranges from fishing through the 2700-square-kilometer Lake, paddling in a traditional dug-out canoe, traditional banana beer brewing to the rearing of domestic animals (pigs, goats, chicken, and cattle) around the Hotel premises.

Reasons to visit Rwanda in 2023

Regardless of being small and landlocked, Rwanda has fascinated travelers with its phenomenal natural wonders as well as exotic wildlife that include the endangered mountain gorillas, Black and white Rhinoceros. This country, dubbed the “Land of a thousand Hills” is one of the few Safari destinations in Africa, that regardless of your age, budget and travel preference will deliver unforgettable experiences that aren’t provided in other places. Here are wonderful reasons to visit Rwanda in 2023.

Exotic wildlife species

Most travelers know Rwanda for its endangered mountain gorilla but there is a lot to see in this country’s Protected Areas. The heavily forested slopes of Virunga Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park offer shelter to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, leopards and other species while the Afro-montane Forest of Nyungwe National Park is home to chimpanzees and other 80 mammal species, several birds and reptiles. For travelers interested in seeing savannah-dwelling species, visit Akagera National Park where the big five game (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and Rhinos), Masai giraffes, warthogs, antelopes and others are found.

Friendly and welcoming people

Rwandans are some of the nicest, warmest and most friendly people you will ever come across. Even when you ask for direction, they will be more than willing to help, ever smiling, polite and so helpful.

Diverse and breathtaking landscapes

Right from the charm of the Urban Centers to the awe-inspiring sights of the countryside, Rwanda is undeniably beautiful. Get the chance to explore the stunning Virunga Volcanoes, rolling hills, verdant Valleys, sweeping savannah plains and open areas that will make you fall in love with this incredible country.

Mouth-watering food

If you haven’t experienced Rwandan food, then you haven’t lived because this country’s culinary experience isn’t worth missing in a lifetime. While on your Rwandan safari, don’t miss tasting Sambaza (dee-fried fish), Brochettes (Rwanda’s iconic meat skewers), Isombe (cassava leaf stew), grilled tilapia, and Agatogo (vegetable stew with plantains) among others.

Incredible weather

Rwanda boasts incredible weather all year round, and this is another reason why you have to visit in 2023. If you love sunshine, then you will consider making a trip because there is no snow. This country is literally hot and humid most times (June- September, December to February). Even in traditional cold months- March to May and October to November, it still shines after the rains.