Rwanda has been to hell and back in the last 15 years, enduring the brutal genocide of the Tutsi tribe by the Hutu and an economic collapse in the mid-nineties. Now, with rebuilt businesses and a recovering population, Rwanda is once again a place for outdoor enthusiasts to set out on treks, experience the wildlife and drink in African culture.
What to do
The mid-eastern portion of Africa that Rwanda inhabits is a green and fertile area, hospitable to everything from silverback gorillas to waterfowl. Akagera National Park is a good place to set out on an expedition to see the wildlife, or Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike the volcanoes at the center of the park or go on a tour to known gorilla and golden monkey hang outs.
Getting there
Flights to Rwanda land in Kigali, the country's capital. Kigali's central location in the country makes it easy to catch transportation throughout Rwanda to your desired destination whether it be Lake Kivu or one of the national parks.
Where to stay
Famous for offering refuge to families during the 1994 genocide, the Hotel des Milles Collines (portrayed in the movie Hotel Rwanda) is still open for business, although because it was not filmed on location, the Hotel des Milles Collines does not resemble the movie version very much.
Kigali hotels are generally more expensive than hotels in other cities.
