Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
If you’re planning a trip to Rwanda, you’ve probably wondered, Is Rwanda safe for tourists? Gondwana’s answer is a wholehearted “Yes!” It is common knowledge that political instability and a civil war left permanent scars on the country. However, don’t let this deter you from travelling to Rwanda! The country has rebuilt into a vibrant, progressive space with an emphasis on community growth and preserving its natural resources. Whether you are visiting to experience the culture or see gorillas, it is important to understand the history of the country and a few rules for engagement when visiting Rwanda.
How Rwandan Culture Still Struggles With the Effects Of The 1994 Genocide
Over 20 years have passed since 1994’s Rwandan genocide, but the tragedy still affects the population who experienced violence and loss first-hand. The 2004 film Hotel Rwanda brought the world’s attention back to the Rwandan Civil War and Genocide. Though this film thankfully served as a reminder of this part of history, the current state of Rwanda is a much more peaceful place than the historical film represents. Currently, Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in parliament in the world. The Rwandan government and community have worked tirelessly to recover from the violence. Gondwana’s Rwanda Ecotour includes a visit to the genocide museum in Kigali, providing travellers with a cultural experience that highlights both the dark and light times of the country’s history.
Popular Destinations In Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is known as one of Africa’s safest and most modern cities. Kigali has experienced dramatic economic growth in the last few years. World-class restaurants, impressive hotels and a vibrant arts and culture community have turned the capital into a model city for the rest of Africa. One way that Kigali is uplifting its population is through building strong communities and helping people overcome poverty. Aspire Rwanda is a non-profit in Kigali that helps marginalized women learn life skills for an empowered future. Gondwana’s Rwanda trip participates in a cooking class led by the students at Aspire, and a portion of the trip’s sales are donated to this organization.
- Volcanoes National Park: Famous for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences, Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most popular destinations. Visitors come from all over the world to embark on guided treks through the park’s lush forests to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Read more oto learn exactly how fit you need to be for a gorilla trekking tour.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, and extensive network of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the forest canopy via canopy walkways, spot chimpanzees during guided treks, and encounter a wide array of bird species and primates.
- Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, offers stunning scenery and a range of water-based activities. Popular activities include boat cruises, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. The lakeside towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu provide charming accommodations and opportunities to immerse in local culture.
- Kigali: Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, Kigali, is a bustling metropolis known for its cleanliness, safety, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, visit art galleries and craft markets, sample Rwandan cuisine at local restaurants, and experience the city’s lively nightlife.
- Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park offers a unique safari experience, with diverse landscapes ranging from savannah and wetlands to lakes and woodlands. Visitors can embark on game drives to spot the park’s wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers.
Tourists Led by a Trained Guide in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
About Visiting Volcanoes National Park and Seeing Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s biggest tourist attractions. Volcanoes is one of three national parks where critically endangered mountain gorillas can be found and has a high concentration of these primates. Though violence and guerrilla activity are known to exist in the Congo’s Virunga National Park, there is no known threat of guerrillas in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes are considered to be especially safe because tourism and gorilla trekking bring in thousands of travellers each year. Mountain gorilla treks are very regulated, and trained guides and trackers lead travellers safely through the park. The government and park rangers strive to keep this area safe to promote ecotourism, the safety of the gorillas, and the conservation of their habitat.
Safe Travel In Rwanda (and elsewhere)
As with all travel, it is important to use common sense about safety wherever you go. Tourists need to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and valuables at all times. When you don’t know the language or customs, it can be difficult to know what hotels, restaurants, or tour guides to trust. Joining a small group tour with a trusted travel company like Gondwana can take a lot of the stress out of planning your vacation. Join Gondwana’s Rwanda Ecotour to see the cultural and natural highlights of this unique country.
