Kwita Izina: Rwanda’s Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Remarkable Rwanda is just that. Like a Phoenix rising from its turbulent past this is a surprising country – safe, clean, proud and breathtakingly beautiful with loads to offer the adventurous traveller. Trekking endangered Mountain Gorillas may top every traveller’s list, but you’d be missing so much if you visited for just a few nights. One could easily spend a week exploring the forests, lakes and game parks of this East African Gem. From canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest to canoeing on Lake Kivu, the Land of a Thousand Hills is, as Lonely Planet suggests, “a front row seat to the Jungle”.
The Volcanoes National Park, at the foot of the Virunga mountains bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas that survive thanks to Dian Fossey, the researcher who dedicate her life to the study and protection of these gentle giants, and whose grave can be visited on a beautiful yet challenging hike up the mountain slopes. The lifetime experience of spending an hour in the company of a gorilla family is truly something that will be hard to top on your Travel Bucket list.
Nyungwe Forest, which stretches for 970 square kms across southeast Rwanda, is one of the world’s most ancient forests, dating back to before the Ice Age. The canopy walk, suspended 75m above the forest, offers an exhilarating bird’s eye view over one of the most important ornithological sites in Rwanda, where almost 3020 bird species reside. Lake Kivu, one of the Great African Lakes, offers a tranquil beach escape, whilst Akagera National Park to the East of the country boasts three ecoregions: savannah, mountain and swamp – and 4 of the big 5 with Rhino soon to be introduced.
Remarkable Rwanda is just that – from humble, hopeful locals to the many natural gems, unique wildlife encounters and a haunting history, there are countless reasons to visit and even more to return again.
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