It is that time of the year, CNN Travel publishes the list of destinations to think about for those planning travels in the year, 2023.
And guess what! Rwanda is on the list of 23 destinations that CNN Travel ranks as the best destinations in the world to visit in this new year 2023.
This is beautiful news for Rwanda travel but it is well earned as the Land of Thousand Hills and Mountain Gorillas has done so much to create arguably the best environment on the continent for travelers coming to discover the amazing landscape of rolling hills and volcanic mountains, abundant wildlife, and a beautiful culture all in this tiny country found in the heart of Africa.
This is why you should consider adding Rwanda to your trip to Africa in 2023
Best covid response: Rwanda had one of the best covid responses to tame the covid spread, including instituting lockdowns. And when the vaccines became available, Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to access them and vaccinate her people. Most of the population is fully vaccinated and all those in the hospitality and tourism sector were fully vaccinated. Your safety from covid infection is almost guaranteed in Rwanda
Relaxed covid restrictions: Covid restrictions such as mandatory testing on arrival and quarantine have been dropped in Rwanda. Only remaining restriction is the required to take a PCR test when visiting the primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees, and a rapid test for other activities in the parks. This is to protect the wildlife, especially the primates, that share DNA with humans from contracting the virus.
Visa on arrival for all countries: Rwanda has an open-door policy; everyone can get their visas on arrival. Wake up today and what to see the gorillas tomorrow, just book your flight to Rwanda already!!
An oasis of security and safety: Rwanda’s proximity to Easter Congo and the volatile neighboring countries is often a concern for visitors from across the world. However, the country understands best its position and has beautiful most robust security and intelligence system that has made the country one of safest countries in the world. The city Kigali is almost an eutopia in Africa with almost no crime on the streets. You walk any time and anywhere without the worry of being magged or assaulted by goons.
Cleanest and most organized country: Rwanda and the capital Kigali almost seem misplaced in sub-Saharan Africa. The city and country are so clean and organized you will be left speechless. No single person is above the law and every citizen knows his or her role in keeping order and cleanliness. This been engrained in the soul of the common Rwandan as a tradition.
Abundance of reputed hotels: Several international brands have set up shop in the capital Kigali and across the country. Some of these include Serena, Mariott, Sheraton, Radisson, etc…
Gorillas and other top things to see and do in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking: Gorilla trekking is the most popular tour in Rwanda. The country is home to a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population found in Volcanoes National Park, a part of the Virunga Mountain chain share with Uganda and Congo. The gorilla tracking permit costs $1500
Chimpanzee tracking: If you can, do not miss the chimpanzee trekking, an exciting adventure in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest that will bring you into a community of chimps in their natural habitat. Getting up-close with our closest relatives is one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters. The chimpanzee trek is also much cheaper than the gorilla trek, a chimp tracking ticket costs no more than $150.
See the Big five in Akagera National Park: Rwanda is slowly building a reputation beyond the gorillas to become a big game country too. Lions and Rhinos, the only missing member of the “big five”, were introduced in Akagera National Park, the only savanna park in the mountainous country. You can therefore enjoy a wildlife safari with all the big five in addition to seeing the gorillas, all this in as few as 3 days in Rwanda!
Lake Kivu: Riding in canoe and fishing on the most scenic lake in central Africa will complete your vacation in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s biggest lake located along the Rwanda – Congo border and is set in one of the most idyllic of places in the rolling hills of the Albertine rift valley and the sprawling Virunga Mountain ranges. Active travelers can take on the multi-day hiking and biking trail – the Congo-Nile trail along the Lake Kivu.
Ticking off endemic birds in the Albertine Rift valley: Rwanda is a heaven for birdwatchers, with more than 700 bird species in a such a small territory but mostly the endemic birds of the Albertine rift valley found in montane forests in the west of the country make birding in Rwanda a matter of when and not if.
Kigali City tour: Kigali is eutopia in Africa or an experiment to prove that black Africans are capable of building modern safe cities devoid chaos that is characterized by most cities in Africa. A day tour of Kigali City will include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial where you learn about the horrors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, as well as other genocides that have happened around the world. It is a place to reflect about the consequences of blind hate leaving you different.
Amazing people with a vibrant culture: The genocide cast a dark shadow on what Rwandans truly are, they are friendly and beautiful people with strong cultures and traditions including the iconic intore dance. You can visit an organized cultural village where Rwanda cultures and traditions are showcased. Once such is the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village near the mountain gorillas.www.eastafricantrails.com
