Experiential Travel Rwanda - Delve with me into Africa's best kept secret...

Home to the world-famous Mountain Gorillas where you can get up and close to see them in their natural habitat. This Sub-Saharan African country lies in Central East Africa surrounded by the neighboring countries of Uganda in North, Tanzania to its East, Democratic Republic of Congo to its West and Burundi to its South. Find out with me more about the uniqueness of this country and what makes it so special. Having spoken to a few people that have been to Rwanda once, twice or a few times already I wanted to find out more on what makes Rwanda so desirable, what do the travelers seek that makes them want to travel to Rwanda again and again.

Here’s what I have found out: ‘Not only that there is so much more to see and do but it’s the Rwandese people, their story, their passion and love for their country. The pride with which they host people from around the world to share the unique experiences that their country has to offer is remarkable.

Rwanda is now open and welcoming tourists.

With a flying time of six hours from Dubai on a direct flight with Rwand Air you will land into the international airport in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda where your adventure begins.

Why Rwanda? • #1 safest country in Africa • #5 safest country in the world • Kigali is one of the cleanest cities in the world. Emerging and leading the world in green growth with a mission to maintain a clean and healthy environment. • Also known as the land of a thousand hills with incredible landscapes - rainforests, lakes, grasslands, tea plantations, volcanos and national parks. • 15 species of primates and wildlife that is synonymous to Africa in a pristine environment. • Pioneering and leading the way in sustainability in all of Africa. Rwanda was the first country to ban plastic bags. • Conservation efforts by bringing back the deficits of the African Big 5 back into the wild that were getting extinct a few years ago due to illegal hunting. • Good Infrastructure and transport network making it seamless for the travelers to navigate the country. • Cultural Heritage Corridor – Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Rwanda at one of the cultural villages or enrich your local experience with Community based tourism • Umuganda – Come together with the locals for a community service in Rwanda.

Rwanda is not a huge country to navigate and this suggested Itinerary of 10 days/ 9 Nights is a good introduction of the country to the first time visitors.

Day 1: Kigali Arrival Day 2: Genocide Memorial Visit and Akegera National Park - Afternoon Game drive. Day 3: Akagera National Park Morning Boat ride & Afternoon Game Ride – Safari drives, camping, boat rides, picnicking, birding, cycling, fishing and paramotor activities. Day 4: Volcanoes National Park and Village Community Tour – Primate trekking, Cave tourism, hiking through eco-parks and mountains are some of the fascinating activities to choose from. Day 5: Volcanoes National Park - One & only Gorilla’s nest Gorilla Trek Experience & Relaxation. Day 6: Golden Monkey Trek Day 7: Nyungwe National Park & Tea Ceremony – Hiking, Nature walks to waterfalls & canopy walkways, Chimp tracking, tea & honey experience, wellness activites. Day 8: Nyungwe National Park - Chimpanzee Trek and Canopy Walkway Day 9: Nyungwe National Park - Colobus Monkey Trek Day 10: Kigali Coffee Master Class Lake Kivu can be added to the itinerary time permitting. This is Rwanda’s beach side region with surrounding Tea and coffee plantations in Rubavu. The Congo Nile trail is recommended for the serial adventure seekers and requires 10 days or more to explore around the region. Given our experience of 2020 so far highlighting Rwanda as a tourist destination couldn’t be better timed. The Genocide Museum in Kigali is a must visit to learn more about the country’s dark past when the genocide took place. It has not been less than 25 years ago that Rwandese have come out of a Civil War. They are leading and setting an example for other countries with their resilience and their commitment to make their country a vibrant place.

Hope you are as inspired as I am to experience this phenomenal country with incredible journeys that await for us in Rwanda. If you do plan to visit Rwanda there is an extra planning required as there are permits that need to be organized atleast 6 months in advance. The efforts made to conserve and protect the mountain gorillas to thrive, the permits released are restricted and limited to a small no. of people. If you have put away a romantic getaway or that much needed holiday then Rwanda is that place, for those seeking something different from the norm go as soon as you can. This is the time to turn your dream into reality…

If that’s sealed the deal for you then let’s explore the options of where to stay. I have some hotel recommendations for you to consider. Whether you are looking for luxury lodges, 5* hotels or a boutique lodge Rwanda has some extraordinary properties in imaginative locations with magnificent views. Below is a mix of some recommendations if you are thinking of combining different regions on your travel to Rwanda.

Akagera National Park: Akagera Game Lodge – It’s like literally floating on top of the clouds when you stay at Akagera Game Lodge with exceptional views of the savannah below. This only luxury hotel is stands on top of a hill top offering guests a truly exceptional wildlife experience.

Volcanoes National Park: Bisate Lodge – Not only is this lodge the most instagramable hotel in Rwanda but it is also an eco-friendly haven and can be chosen as your base for the immersive Gorilla Trekking Experience in the nearby Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe National Park: One & Only Nyungwe House – Explore the largest mountain rainforest on the African continent at One & Only Nyungwe House. Chimpanzee trekking, interactive and engaging tea plantation tours, wellness activities and curated experiences for couples are some of the unique experiences at One & Only Nyungwe House to be added to the mix.

Lake Kivu: Cormoran Lodge – This lodge has the most magical sunrise and sunsets over the beautiful lake of turquoise blue on the shores of Lake Kivu. Cormoran lodge is an intimate sanctuary to explore the surrounding region of Rubavu which is an agri-tourism destination for tea and coffee. Relax here in Rwanda’s beachside region in hot springs and activities like kayaking and mountain biking.