Despite of the past histories concerning the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed the lives of many people, Rwanda is so far the best destination that every traveler should reach and experience the true beauty of the land of a thousand hills. It is a country of volcanoes, thickly forested mountain ranges, lakes and rivers, its position on the Albertine Rift Valley puts it at the heart of one of the most bio-diverse environments in the world, much of Rwanda’s hill country and grasslands have been turned over to terraced agriculture and the country’s large animals are restricted to its three reserves.

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year yet it experiences dry and rainy seasons all the year around. For example November and march and April are rainy months whereas June and August are dry seasons good for tourism in the country, the rainfall stops and the dry season is in full swing during this time. The different tourism site in Rwanda that travelers can visit in June include among others

Volcanoes national park
The park is one of the four national parks in the whole world which still have the rare mountain gorillas alongside Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The park is only 2 hour drive from the international airport of Kigali which allows one to go for gorilla trekking on the day of arrival.

More still, in the national park are different volcanic mountains and travelers here can participate in hiking some of these volcanoes for example the Karisimbi volcano (3,800 m), Visit to Dian Fossey’s grave site and also the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera among others. All these are within the volcanoes national park and are so much interesting to the travelers.

Nyungwe forest national park
From the volcanoes national park for the mountain gorillas, travelers connect to the tropical rain forest of Nyungwe Forest National park which protects the largest single tract of montane forest in East and Central Africa. A magnificent rainforest full is a home for the chimpanzees the other closest relatives to human beings violable and habituated for chimpanzees trekking in the country; the national also has a variety of birds, butterflies and orchids among others which make the park their permanent home.

Akagera national park
The African tropical rain forest of Akagera is located in low lying eastern Rwanda, giving way to the dry savannahs of East Africa. With an appealing mix of wetlands and rolling wooded grasslands, Akagera National Park is the best site for spotting classic African animals including elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, leopard and many antelope species the larger predators leopard, hyena, side-striped jackal and lion, and the black rhinos which were reintroduced in the national.

It is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species, the rare and elusive shoebill shares the papyrus with other rarities such as the exquisite papyrus gonolek and countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands in large numbers make the national park of great interest to travelers there giving them a memorable experience.

The genocide memorial sites
These genocide memorial sites consist of the remaining of the people in form of skeletons; preserved dead body displays as well as mass graves where people were buried. The major genocide memorials in Rwanda include the Gisozi genocide memorial, the Murambi genocide memorial, the Nyamata genocide memorial, the Ntarama genocide memorial and many others.

They consist of the remaining of the people in form of skeletons; preserved dead body displays as well as mass graves where people were buried. The country was in 1993 devastated by a deadly genocide where most people lost their lives and lots of property destroyed. Many innocent people irrespective of their age were brutally murdered using killer weapons like machetes, hand grenades and many others in a period of about three months. Today, genocide memorials sites have been developed in the major areas where people were killed and are actual sites that tourists should not miss.

Conclusively, August is the best times to visit Rwanda, the national parks, historical sites, cultural and religious sites are all accessible, traveler’s should ensure to visit these places in this August for a great memorable experience. You can book directly with Rwanda Development Board or through us at Africa Adventure Safaris

Located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga Mountains, Nyamuragira, a large shield volcano similar to Mauna Loa on Hawai’i, is one of the Africa’s most active volcanoes that has erupted over 40 times since 1885 as well as eruptions from the summit, there have been numerous eruptions from the flanks of the volcano, creating new smaller volcanoes that have lasted only for a short time. Nyamuragira is a massive high-potassium basaltic shield
volcano located about 25 km north of Lake Kivu in the East African Rift Valley NW of Nyiragongo volcano. It has a volume of 500 cubic km, and extensive lava flows from the volcano blanket 1500 square km of the East African Rift, some lava flows having travelled more than 30 km from the summit. The volcano is so active in that after every few years, it produces eruptions often from radial fissures emitting lava fountains and large, fluid lava flows travelling many kilometers into the sparsely populated area of tropical forest and farmland surrounding it.

More still, the broad shield volcano, 3058 m high, has a summit caldera, about 2 km wide and walls up to about 100 m high, during some eruptions; a lava lake is contained within the caldera. In addition, as typical for shield volcanoes, it has both eruptions inside the summit caldera and from extensive rift zones on the flanks, producing numerous fissures and cinder cones.

However, according to the recent survey by a group of scientists from OVG, UN and the Second University of Naples who visited the are in April 2016, a lake at the bottom of the inner pit in the volcano’s summit caldera has recently disappeared, however, it was not known exactly what happened and how it came to happen but the surveying group in the area only saw an incandescent vent that was releasing a jet of hot gasses in the place of the lava lake. This group of people just found out that the lake that was formed I 2014 had just disappeared after a quick draining at around April 2016.

More importantly still, according to the recent scientific publication from March 2016, it was realized that the lave lake had been a consequence of the larger lateral eruption that took place in 2011-2012. To add on this, the eruption was believed to have emptied a significant amount of magma that introduced significant changes in the configuration of the volcanoes internal plumbing system hence leading to the formation of the summit pit craters. Also, in 2014, the next phase of the magma recharge took place where by the magma rose into one of them to create the summit lava lake which disappeared din 2016.

Also according to the GVP Eruptive History Data concerning its eruption history, it started Since 1865, when historical records for Nyamuragira began, more still, further eruptions have been reported in 1882, 1896, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907(2), 1908, 1909, 1913, 1920, 1921, 1938, 1948, 1951(2), 1954, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1967, 1971,1976, 1980,1981, 1984, 1986, 1987-88, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2011-2012, and 2014 which clearly indicates the activeness of the volcano as compared to other volcanoes in the whole world.

In addition, Nyamuragira and nearby Nyiragongo mark the western end of the Virunga volcanic field and together with Visoke is the only volcanoes which have been historically active in the area. Several fault systems meet at Nyiragongo, such as the main N-S fault, the NW-SE trending system linking Nyamuragira to Nyiragongo, the NE-SW trending fault system including the Rushayo chain of scoria cones that was formed in 1948, and possibly the further fault approximately parallel but west of the Rushayo chain over which lie the scoria cones of Muhuboli and Gitur.

In conclusion, nyamuragira volcano national park is an active volcano alongside Nyiragongo and therefore travelers should not miss out this during their travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Throughout the history of Rwanda, it is the first times for the country to take part in the miss world beauty pageant by a 19 year old beauty queen miss Jolly Mutesi the Miss Rwanda for the year 2016 who will represent the country at the Miss World slated for October 16th Washington. Rwanda the land of a thousand hills is rich in diverse natural attractions, the beautiful sceneries, rolling hills, wildlife, historical sites and beautiful hospitable people among other things that make it a must visit destination in Africa.

Jolly Mutesi is a product of King David High School who represented the southern province in the preliminaries at the fifth edition of the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, the lady is more excited about the opportunity and has urged all the people of Rwanda to support her to win the prestigious crown in the miss world beauty contest.

Although several African countries have been participating in the contest in the past, Rwanda had not taken part; it is going to be its first time to take part in the popular contest that draws contestants from all over the world. Rwanda is one of the two new countries to be represented in the pageant since the competition started 65 years ago, alongside Bangladesh.

Rwanda has been widely known for the 1994 genocide of the Hutu against the Tutsi which led to the death of many people and destruction of property in Rwanda; up to present many people still feel pity and sympathy whenever a person talks of Rwanda.
Therefore, according to the chief executive officer of Rwanda inspiration back up limited Mr. Dieudonne Kagame Ishimwe , Rwanda’s participation in the miss world beauty contest is an excellent platform to further improve the country’s image outside the country as most people has absolutely no idea about the progress that Rwanda has made in the recent years. This will be another opportunity to showcase what else Rwanda has to offer as well as the potential of Rwandans.

More importantly still, the ultimate goal of Rwanda’s participation in the miss world beauty contest in is to showcase the country and the progress it has made in the previous years serving as a platform for the people of Rwanda to show the world where Rwanda is at present.

In addition, the people of Rwanda are so hopeful in Mutesi’s contest basing on her intelligence, eloquence and positive attitude that will make an indelible mark at the world event. Also, she encourages people that she is so prepared to try her best in doing whatever it will take to the maximum of her abilities.
The beauty queen has recently been influential and inspiring to the youth as she made different community works, fundraising campaigns, public awareness and more, she has embarked on various initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives and sensitizing the youth on the dangers of drug abuse, visiting children’s homes and hospitals.

Concerning the promotion of domestic tourism in Rwanda, She recently took part in a week-long working visit to Akagera national park with support of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). She also paid Mutuelle de Sante (Community Health Insurance) for 1000 needy people in the Western province and offered free milk for children of Peace and Hope Initiative in Kinyinya, Gasabo District, and again partnered with Rotaract Club, and built ‘kitchen gardens’ for 50 Genocide widows Kinyinya giving much hope to Rwanda as a whole.

In conclusion, more than 100 countries will be vying to win the coveted title of Miss World 2016, The contestants will be judged on the basis of various fast tracked events, like top model, talent, multimedia, sports, beauty with a purpose and resort wear and the current Miss World Mireia Lalaguna of Spain will crown her successor at the annual event. All countries planning to participate are reminded of certain factors considered which include, the organizing company’s profile and the period it has been organizing the beauty contest as well as its license.

Rwanda the land of a thousand hills is also blessed with a number of wildlife species including a variety of primates whose safaris offer great wildlife encounters. The tales of Rwanda’s primate safaris are very exciting featuring man’s closest relatives and basically how these interesting animals manage daily in the jungle. Rwanda has many primate species however only five of them are usually of interest to tourists and these include the following;

The Chimpanzees
Inhabiting the deep and thick natural forest of Nyungwe forest national park located in southwestern Rwanda, chimpanzees are among the leading primate attractions in Rwanda probably the 2nd leading primates after mountain gorillas. Nyungwe forest is included the still standing and less disturbed natural forests in east Africa with a number of tree species some aging a thousand years.

The forest environment is just an ideal place and a haven for the chimpanzees that keep on jumping from one tree branch to another.
Chimpanzee here live in groups that range from 10 and more and they usually feed on plant leaves, wild fruits, shoots as well as some small insects. There are trails in the forest that tourists follow as they track the chimps and they do this amidst sightings of a number of wildlife species like birds, plants, insects and other forest dwellers.

Rwenzori Colobus Monkeys
Also known as the black and white colobus monkeys, the Rwenzori colobus monkeys are other primates that live in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park that are fun to look at. These are covered with black fur with white tail tips, whiskers and shoulders. They also live in groups that extend even up to 200 individuals monkeys. They are also mobile animals that move from one place to another.
These monkeys are endemic to the Albertine rift and can only be clearly viewed from Nyungwe forest national park and mount Rwenzori national park in Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas
These are the leading primate attractions in Rwanda. They live in the forested of mountains of volcanoes national park situated in northwestern Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are very endangered primate species that were in 1980’s at the verge of extinction but were saved after a series of conservation efforts. Today, Rwanda’s volcanoes national park is the best mountain gorilla trekking destination on the planet with 10 habituated mountain gorilla families/groups. In a day, only 8 tourists are allowed to track a mountain gorilla group, which they spend with an hour.

Encountering mountain gorillas in the forested jungles of volcanoes national park is very amazing and exclusive and it’s an experience that cannot be enjoyed in any other place on the Planet. Tourists interested in being part of the mountain gorilla safari expeditions should endeavor to book their mountain gorilla permit early enough to avoid missing out.

Each mountain gorilla permit is sold at $1500 and can be purchased by tourists directly from the Rwanda Development Board or it can be secured through a tour operator. Mountain gorilla tracking is an all year activity that can be done at any time of the year.

Golden Monkeys
These are endemic to the Virunga volcanoes area and volcanoes national park being part of the Virunga volcanoes; it surely has these rare monkeys that are covered with a golden fur. The color of the fur of the golden monkeys is very outstanding it’s for that reason that golden monkeys can be easily identified even when in a thick vegetation cover.

Just like many other primates, golden monkeys also live in groups of their closest relatives and also move from one place to another in the forest searching for fresh plant leaves and shoots to feed on.
The trek to the forest to search for golden monkeys also starts very in the morning after a briefing at the national park headquarters. The search does not take long as it is with mountain gorillas tracking.

Rwanda’s tourism industry has been developing over the years despite the painful past of the 1994 Rwandese genocide. Rwanda is a small landlocked country located country located in east Africa neighboring Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and DRC. Rwanda is blessed with a number of wildlife and it’s among the leading wildlife destinations in Africa. The country is known to the many as the land of a thousand hills and has a lot of adventure to offer to tourists seeking for once in a lifetime experiences. Wildlife adventures and exclusive experiences can be enjoyed in one of the national parks that the country has.

Volcanoes national park located in northwestern Rwanda is the most visited wildlife destination because of the exclusive mountain gorilla encounters tourists have while in the forested mountains of this national park. Volcanoes national park is a home of the endangered mountain gorillas and the best place on earth where tourists can enjoy mountain gorilla safaris. There are 10 habituated mountain gorilla families in this national that are open to tourist visitation. Mountain gorilla permits are sold at $1500 and mountain gorilla tracking can be done at any time of the year though best experiences are during the dry season.
Volcanoes national park is covered with a tropical rainforest as well as bamboo and it therefore in habits a number of many other wildlife species like birds and many reptiles that are usually encountered by tourist while on forest expedition in search of the mountain gorillas.

This national park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, which are primates that are endemic to the Virunga volcanoes. Just as their names depicts, golden monkeys are covered with a coat of golden fur and viewing them in the forests of volcanoes national park also offer incredible primate experiences. They also live in groups of their close relatives and also feed on plant leaves, wild fruits and shoots. Golden monkey tracking also starts in the morning as tourist hike the forests to meet them. Golden monkey permits are sold at only $100 and can be obtained through a trusted tour operator.

South of volcanoes national park is Nyungwe forest national park, which has the largest and well-preserved natural montane rain forest in east Africa. Nyungwe forest extends several kilometers over a number of hills and the best destination for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest has the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda. These are usually seen over tree branches as they move from one place to another probably seeking for fresh leaves, wild fruits which for meals or even looking for new places where to spend a night. There are well developed tracking trails that lead adventurous tourists to the different parts of the forests with great sightings of other wildlife species like birds, butterflies and many others.

Nyungwe forest national park also has the only canopy walk way in east Africa that stands several meters above the ground thus offering great aerial views of this vast forest. This national park can be accessed by road from Kigali in about an 8 to 9 hours drive through the countryside of Rwanda the land of a thousand hills.

Rwanda has one savanna national park – Akagera national park located in the eastern Rwanda. Akagera is the place in Rwanda where tourists can view savanna wildlife species like the African elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, Topi’s, lions, hippos, crocodiles and many others. Game drives and boat cruises are the major tourists activities carried out in this national park. The boat cruises are carried along lake Ihema as tourists go adventure trips to see the hippos and the crocodiles near the shores. There are also many bird species in this national park and its therefore among the birding destinations in Rwanda and the best place to see the rare shoebill stork.

Rwanda is a small country located in East Africa and popular known as the land of a thousand hills. The country has cool climatic conditions and beautiful landscapes covered by green vegetation and above all very hospitable people. This attractive country sadly experienced a tragedy in 1994 (the Rwandese genocide) where many innocent people lost their lives, property destroyed, wildlife ecosystems destroyed and a very negative image of the country as a tourism destination. Many people around the world had heard about the deadly genocide and all those who were interested in visiting the country for tourism resorted to going to other tourism destinations.

Tourism activity greatly declined in Rwanda especially after 1994 however the government has been fighting hard to restore the country’s image and make it the a leading tourism destination which it has successfully done. The Rwandan government and the people first accepted the impacts the 1994 genocide brought about and capitalized on them making Rwanda a dark tourism destination.

The killing spots were turned into genocide memorial sites and today are among the leading attractions mainly for dark tourism. At the genocide memorials, there are displays of some of the dead people who were exhumed from some mass graves, skeletons, some personal belongings of the people and blood stained cloth pilings. Examples of the genocide memorials include the Murambi genocide memorial, Gisozi genocide memorial and many others.

All of the genocide memorial sites are always open every working day from 08:00am to 05:00pm except for public holidays and the Omuganda (general cleaning day every last Saturday of the month). Entrance is free but a donation is expected at the end of the tour. Taking photographs is however strictly not allowed except if one has a special pass.

Mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park are also among the prime tourist attractions in Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are very endangered species remaining in only 3 counties on the planet (Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo). Volcanoes national park has 10 habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked by tourists at any time of the year. Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers remarkable tourism experiences of a lifetime that one can never forget.

Every year, a number of tourists from all over the world flock Rwanda to be part of the mountain gorilla tracking experience and therefore all those planning to should always make their bookings early enough in order not to miss out.

Lake Kivu is another leading tourism destination and best place for those on honeymoons. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake located in the western part and has standard resorts and hotels. Being around lake Kivu or to any of the islands in the lake offers beautiful scenic views of Rwanda and most interestingly, lake Kivu is a hippo and crocodile free lake therefore one can freely swim in the waters without any fear. While around lake Kivu, one can go for boat trips, nature walks, and water sports like kayaking and sport fishing.

The Rwandan government has also worked hard to revive the once destroyed ecosystems for example Akagera national park. The lions that were once extinct have been reintroduced and the national park properly well demarcated to avoid human encroachment on the national parks land and wildlife. Gishwati forest reserve has also been restored to reasonable sizes and given a status of a national park. Its located in the western part of Rwanda below and few kilometers from volcanoes national park and it has a number of wildlife attractions that include birds, primates like monkeys, butterflies as well as various tree species.

Rwanda has been able to do that in the last decades and has greatly and positively transformed its tourism industry just like some other countries that were affected by civil wars for example Vietnam did. There are more enjoyable tourist attractions one can visit while in Rwanda all facilitated by the fast growing hotel and hospitality industry. A visit to Rwanda is very worth it and one can never regret going there mainly because of the cool climate, the people and the exclusive experiences the country offers.

For more info about Rwanda’s tourism success story, contact Africa Adventure Safaris, the number one gorilla safari company in East Africa