RWANDA

Primate possibilities— It is said to be one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world to spend an hour in the company of a Mountain gorilla. We couldn’t agree more. It is an honor and a privilege to visit these majestic animals in their own home; a twist of vines and roots and dense vegetation high on the slopes of dormant volcanoes. It is a challenge navigating the terrain, but the reward is amplified because of that challenge.  Equally interesting to visitors to Volcanoes National Park, the frolicking antics of the Golden monkeys are a contrast to the peaceful slow-moving gorillas (usually!).  Chimpanzees and a dozen other primate species can be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park. A habituated troop of Rwenzori Black & White Colobus monkey numbers over 400 individuals!

The Culture of Connecting—It is impossible to come to Rwanda and not acknowledge its recent history.  A visit to the Genocide Museum in Kigali is heart-wrenching and somber, but it is also insightful, respectful, and important to understanding the country as it emerges from that shadowy past. Please remember that everyone you meet that is older than 25 has been impacted in some way by those tragic days. Despite the darkness of that chapter, Rwandese people are writing a bright future for themselves by establishing their nation as a forerunner in tech innovation and coffee production. Anywhere you go in the country, you will be met with smiles and warmth.

Lake luster – Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest body of water, nestled in the Great Rift Valley, and a place to slow down and unwind during a safari. In the mornings, songs drift through the air as fishermen head out in traditional boats for their daily catch. Find yourself exploring by kayak or sail on this sparkling expanse past islands which dot the lake. Here you will get a pulse on the sleepy, palm-fringed small-town life of the locals. The Imbabazi Orphanage with its stirring history, ‘Crop-to-Cup’ coffee tours which support local growers, and the colorful markets of Gisenyi are all worth investigating.

Hidden gem— Believe it or not, Kigali is Rwanda’s undiscovered wonder. Most travelers pass right through on their way to the wilderness areas. This up-and-coming city is thriving with an arts scene, a foodie revolution, and cafés serving heavenly coffee. Tour through the colorful neighborhood of Nyamirambo—with maze-like markets, prolific street art, and a proud creative community. Follow the cobblestone streets to some of the most gorgeous mosques in the city or sit at a café savoring some local dishes like chapati or samosas. A visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center is fascinating as it was started by 18 women to fight gender-based violence, gender inequality, and discrimination.  See how their initiatives are helping women in their community. Come sunset find one of the seven hilltops which make up the core of the city and witness a spectacular sunset from a rooftop café.