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NederlandsRwanda: the land of a thousand hills
Rwanda is a small and beautiful country in East Africa. It was once known for its difficult past, but today it is one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa. People call it the “Land of a Thousand Hills” because of its green hills and lovely views. You can visit peaceful lakes, walk through rainforests, and see amazing animals like monkeys and birds. Rwanda also has a rich culture and friendly people who are proud of their country. A trip to Rwanda is a mix of nature, history, and strong spirit. It is something you will never forget!
Rwanda
Name: Republic of Rwanda
Capital: Kigali
Population: 14.5 million
Surface area: 26,000 km²
Language: Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Neighbouring countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo
CultureRoad’s route along Lake Kivu was great and the standout chimpanzee trek won me over. The moments on that trek were priceless!
Peter (australia)
Nyungwe Forest National Park
If you love nature and adventure, Nyungwe Forest is a place you will really enjoy! It is one of the largest national parks in Rwanda and a top spot for chimpanzee spotting. The national park is full of life, with more than 1000 types of plants, showing Rwanda’s incredible biodiversity. But that’s not all! Nyungwe is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 300 kinds of birds living here. Which is why many people call it a true birdwatcher’s paradise.
Intore Dance Performance
The Intore dance, known as the “Dance of Heroes,” is a vibrant celebration of Rwanda’s cultural heritage. This traditional dance is full of energy. With its rhythmic drumming, vibrant costumes, and precise movements, the performance tells the stories of Rwanda’s past and its people’s resilience. Watching an Intore dance is a powerful experience that connects visitors to the spirit and pride of the nation.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most iconic experiences. Located in the stunning Virunga Mountains, the park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, an endangered species. Guided treks through are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is actually the biggest lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest in Africa. It is a beautiful place for both relaxation and exploration. Surrounded by green hills, the lake is worth experiencing both on land and on boat.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the most important places in Rwanda. It is where people come to remember and honour the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Visiting the memorial helps you understand Rwanda’s past and how the country has worked hard to heal and rebuild. It is a peaceful and respectful place, with a lot to learn from.
The history of Rwanda can be described as one of struggle and recovery. The country has been home to different groups of people for thousands of years. Over time, strong kingdoms were built, like the kingdom of Rwanda, which grew powerful in the 15th century. this kingdom was ruled by a king, also called the Mwami, and was based on farming and cattle. Life was peaceful for a long time, but thing changed under colonial rule.
Colonial rule and division
In the late 19th century, Rwanda became part of the German Empire. After world War I, Belgium took over control. The colonial rulers divided people by ethnic group, maily Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, gave power to the Tutsi minority. This created tension that grew worse over time.
Independence and the Genocide
Rwanda became independent in 1962. Over the next decades, the relationship between hutus and Tutsi became more difficult. This led to the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, where around one million people were killed in just 100 days. It was on of the darkest times in modern history.
After genocide: rebuilding and peace
After genocide, Rwanda began to rebuild. A new government led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) worked hard to bring peace and unity. Since then, Rwanda has made huge progress. The country is now safe, modern, and growing fast. visitors can explore the beautiful nature, friendly people, and learn about Rwanda’s past and future.
The peace in the country is good news for tourists: more and more areas are safe to travel again. As a result, the beautiful natural treasures and rich cultures of local tribes are finally discovered by tourists.
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Blog posts about Rwanda
Peter’s Journey with us to Burundi, Rwanda, CAR and South Sudan
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