Top 10 things that make Rwanda an amazing country in Africa

What makes Rwanda so amazing? Is it the majestic mountain gorillas that inhabit the misty highlands or the remarkable story of resilience and transformation that has defined this nation?

Well, the answer is, all of these and more.

Rwanda, a small landlocked country in East Africa, is a testament to the power of human resilience and the capacity for change. This nation, once synonymous with a heart-wrenching history, has turned a new leaf, becoming a beacon of hope and an inspiring model of economic development.

In the early nineties, Rwanda was ravaged by a devastating genocide that left its social fabric in tatters and its economy in shambles. Close to a million lives were lost, and the scars of this horrific event ran deep.

But the people of Rwanda chose not to be defined by their past. Instead, they embarked on a journey of healing, reconciliation, and transformation.

we're about to explore ten reasons that make Rwanda truly amazing.

1. Rwanda's Transformation

The country's incredible transformation. In just a few decades, Rwanda has risen from the ashes of its tumultuous past to become a beacon of hope and progress. This remarkable turnaround showcases the resilience and tenacity of the Rwandan people. Over the past three decades, Rwanda has invested heavily in health, skilled workers, strong families, and social protection programs to improve the quality of life for all citizens. This section highlights significant achievements in health, education, family support, and community programs. The most surprising thing is that life expectancy in Rwanda has reached 69.6 years in 2022.

2. Beautiful Landscapes

The beautiful landscapes. From the misty mountains to the sprawling savannahs, Rwanda's natural beauty is breathtaking. The country's diverse geography provides a stunning backdrop for any adventure. Rwanda is a land of contrasts, and although there are many experiences in the valley, going to the top of the mountain offers a broader perspective. When you look at it from above, you will understand where the nickname of "The Land of a Thousand Hills" comes from. The undulating peaks are covered in a lush, colorful carpet of green. Rooftops and banana trees create a contrast between the tea plantations and the bright blue sky.

3. Wildlife

The wildlife. Rwanda is home to some of the world's most endangered species, including the majestic Mountain Gorillas. The chance to come face-to-face with these gentle giants is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But Rwanda's allure extends beyond its impressive socio-economic achievements. Nestled among the towering Virunga Mountains, Rwanda offers a unique and captivating wildlife experience. It is one of the few places on earth where one can come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas, a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Rwanda is also home to Akagera National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is teeming with a diverse range of wild animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and various bird species.

4. Vibrant Culture

The vibrant culture. Rwandan culture is a rich tapestry of traditional music, dance, and art. The country's cultural heritage is not only preserved but celebrated, offering a unique glimpse into its past. Music and dance are an important part of Rwandan rituals, festivals, gatherings, and storytelling. The best-known traditional dance is a choreographed dance consisting of three parts: umushagiriro (cow dance), performed by women; The most famous dance known as intore (hero dance) and drumming, also traditionally performed by men, is the National Ballet. Although arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, most are produced for use rather than decorative items. Woven baskets and bowls are unique, especially Agasek-style baskets. Imigongo is a unique form of cow dung art created in eastern Rwanda. Manure is mixed with natural soil in various colors and painted with ridge patterns to create geometric shapes. Other crafts include pottery and wood carving.

5. Innovative Economy

The innovative economy. Rwanda is often referred to as the 'Singapore of Africa'. The country's commitment to innovation and technology has propelled its economy forward, making it an exciting place for business and investment. Rwanda aims to become a middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050. Rwanda plans to achieve this through the implementation of its seven-year National Transformation Strategy (NST), based on compliance-focused business strategies. United Nations regulations. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite challenges from internal and external issues, the Rwandan economy remains strong and resilient, reaching a growth rate of 7.6% in the first three months of 2023. GDP growth is expected to gain strength from 2024 to 26. average growth rate of 7.2%.

6. Cleanliness

The cleanliness. Kigali, Rwanda's capital, is one of Africa's cleanest cities. The nation's commitment to cleanliness is evident in its urban planning and public spaces. Rwanda's transformation is also evident in its capital, Kigali, one of the cleanest cities in the world. This cleanliness is not just about aesthetics but also reflects a deeper cultural shift towards environmental sustainability. Rwanda was the first country in the world to ban non-biodegradable plastic bags, a bold move that has significantly reduced environmental pollution.

7. Community-Focused Initiatives

The community-focused initiatives. From monthly communal clean-ups to women empowerment programs, Rwanda is a country that values community and cooperation. Umuganda is a wonderful practice that takes place on the last Saturday of every month and is rooted in the Rwandan culture of problem-solving and collaboration; It is not the first step towards a clean city; steps. The state cleans the house and takes care of the personal hygiene of all citizens. Since 2009, Rwandans have been gathering in communities or in their homes to work on a specific project; It can clean public gardens, help people repair their homes (especially during the rainy season when homes can be damaged), or is a tree plant.

8. Safety

The safety. Despite its troubled history, Rwanda is now one of the safest countries in Africa. This sense of security makes it an attractive destination for travelers. Imagine an African country where you can walk down the street at night while using your smartphone and not lose it in a second! Roads all over the country are illuminated and equipped with security cameras to ensure the safety of everyone traveling on this beautiful road. Rwanda is investing heavily in its security to ensure everyone is safe and no one is above the law! Therefore, the number of tourists visiting Rwanda has increased.

9. Hospitality

Ninth, the hospitality. Rwandans are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Visitors often remark on the friendliness of the local people. The country's President Paul Kagame announced that Rwanda will open its borders and provide visa-free to all African countries.

10. Sustainable Tourism

And finally, sustainable tourism. Rwanda is a pioneer in promoting eco-tourism, ensuring that its natural treasures are preserved for future generations. So there you have it - ten amazing reasons why Rwanda is a remarkable country. Rwanda truly is a gem worth exploring, from its inspiring transformation and breathtaking landscapes to its innovative economy and commitment to sustainability. below are the most tourist places in Rwanda:

Volcanoes National Park is part of the larger Virunga Transnational Reserve and is the stop for all Rwanda gorilla safaris and a sanctuary for many mountain gorillas. It is about a two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, making it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest forests, with beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity; There are 1,068 plant species, including 140 orchid species and 322 orchid species. Birds include 75 species of animals, including red-collared waders and servals, meerkats, Congolese otters and leopards.

Gishwati Forest is part of the Gishwati-Mukula Forest National Park. Gishwati Concession is managed by Wilderness Safaris in partnership with the Forest of Hope Association and the Rwanda Development Board. Gishwati Forest opened to the public on December 1, 2020. The most popular activities are chimpanzee tracking, hiking and bird watching.

Akagera National Park is about two and a half hours drive from Kigali. Akagera National Park, managed by African Parks, is located in eastern Rwanda and covers 2,500 square kilometers (970 square miles) of savannah land (one of the largest wetlands in Central Africa). The park takes its name from the Kagera River, which flows through Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania. The river flows into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes in and around the park.

Lake Kivu With an area of ​​2,700 square kilometers (1,000 square miles), Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest lake in Africa. Uphill, terraced hills lead to the picturesque lakeshore and resort towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Changugu. These cities serve as a mecca of adventure through challenging treks in search of gorillas and chimpanzees in the volcanic region and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Lake Kivu has lively beaches and resorts.

The Congo Nile Trail is a hiking and mountain biking trail that follows the Congo Nile basin between Rusiz and Rubavu. There are 8 cycling stages and 10 walking stages on the Congo Nile Trail. Each stage takes one day to complete, and food and aid are provided at the end of each stage.

Royal Palace Museum The Royal Palace Museum is one of Rwanda's eight national museums and its main attraction is the sacred Iyambo cattle because of their huge horns. At the same time, traditional singers sing poems to lull the cattle into a gentle state; this is a performance unique to Rwanda.

Ethnographic Museum Located in the Huye district, approximately 130 kilometers south of Kigali, the Rwanda Ethnographic Museum houses one of the finest collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts in Africa. In 1989, Belgium gave the city a museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Rwanda's independence.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi buries over 250,000 victims. The monument is intended to show how the genocide against the Tutsi occurred, as well as examine other genocides that occurred in the 20th century. The Wall of Names is dedicated to the dead, but most of the victims of the murder are unknown and their names cannot be found, so this is still in operation.

In essence, the story of Rwanda is a story of hope and transformation. It's a story of a nation that has managed to rise from the ashes of its troubled past and carve out a path of progress and prosperity. From its impressive socio-economic strides to its commitment to environmental sustainability, from its vibrant culture to its captivating wildlife, Rwanda is truly a gem in the heart of Africa. So, what makes Rwanda so amazing? It's its people's indomitable spirit, resilience, commitment to change and progress, and warm and welcoming nature. It's the awe-inspiring wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes. It's the story of a nation that has managed to turn tragedy into triumph. That, in essence, is what makes Rwanda so amazing.


Author: Donald Masimbi