Rwanda
Language → English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili
Population (around) → 13,511,896
Currency→ Rwandan franc (RWF) FRw, RF, R₣
General weather Overview
Rwanda, like all equatorial countries, has a tropical climate where
there is almost no difference between the seasons. The daylight hours vary little and the
temperature differences between summer and winter are also small. The climate in Rwanda is
pleasantly warm all year round; with cool nights, due to the altitude. In fact, most of the country
lies on a plateau, about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level. Only in the western region does
the elevation fall below a thousand meters (3,300 feet).
Cities
Kigali / Capital – Gitarama – Butare – Musanze – Gisenyi – Byumba – Cyangugu – Kibuye
– Rwamagana – Kibungo – Nzega
Fun facts
- In 2008, Rwanda became known around the world for banning plastic bags to become more environmentally friendly. Alongside the country's conservation work for the endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda is as sustainable as it gets. Dian Fossey's work and the film Gorillas in the Mist brought the issue much international attention, but the Rwandan government and various non-governmental organizations have also worked tirelessly to protect the gorilla population and their natural habitat
- The flag of Rwanda has blue, yellow, and green horizontal stripes with a yellow 24-ray sun in the upper right corner. The design depicts the lush vegetation of Rwanda bathed in yellow sunlight promoting national unity, respect for work, heroism, and self-confidence
- Rwanda has been ranked the ninth safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum and the eleventh safest country in the world according to a 2017 Gallup poll, Rwanda is impressively safe, stable, and easy to visit. Before countries like Austria and New Zealand, Rwanda really did everything to make tourists and residents feel as safe as possible
Some popular local foods
Isombe, Matoke, Igisafuria, Brochettes, Ugali, Urwagwa, Ikivuguto,
Icyayi, Mizuzu
Some native animals:
Gorilla, Elephant, Lion, Antelope, Giraffe, Impala, Topis, Guereza,
Aardvark, African Wild Dog, Hippopotamus, Leopards, Baboons+
Couple of reasons to visit
- Gorilla trekking! After seeing gorillas up close, you can choose to follow in Dian Fossey's footsteps and visit the ruins of her former home. The famous primatologist has done an incredible job of understanding the gentle giants and helping to raise awareness of the importance of conservation to the world
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a museum designed to teach and increase cognizance about the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi minority. A devastating but poignantly vital experience, the memorial consists of an education center, gardens, and data that act as a significant tribute to individuals who lost their lives
- Learn how tea is planted, tended, harvested, and processed on a tour of one of the tea plantations. Consisting of a vast area of mountainous tropical forest in the southwest of the country. An ideal activity for small groups and families, this is a perfect way to gain educational insight while discovering one of the country's greatest exports
- Go on an unforgettable safari drive in some of the most incredible national parks, through flat, vast plains where you can experience hundreds of different species and animals from birds, to lions, to rhinos and so much more; and if you are lucky you get to witness the movements of the big 5. Don’t forget about some of the astounding luxurious stays you get to spend the night at while having uninterrupted views of lakes, lands, animals, whilst listening to the sounds of nature around you
