Explora la cultura de Rwanda: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Rwanda a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Rwanda is a captivating country located in the heart of East Africa, on the Great Rift Valley fault line. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', it combines the misty volcanoes of the Virunga mountain range, the dense rainforest of Nyungwe, the Big Five-filled savannah at Akagera and the serene waters of Lake Kivu. After its exemplary process of reconciliation and development, Rwanda has established itself as one of the cleanest, safest and pioneering destinations in ecotourism and conservation on the planet.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Rwanda
Rwanda is a captivating country located in the heart of East Africa, on the Great Rift Valley fault line. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', it combines the misty volcanoes of the Virunga mountain range, the dense rainforest of Nyungwe, the Big Five-filled savannah at Akagera and the serene waters of Lake Kivu. After its exemplary process of reconciliation and development, Rwanda has established itself as one of the cleanest, safest and pioneering destinations in ecotourism and conservation on the planet.
Festivals & Events
The National Volcano Park (PNV) protects eight extinct volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range (such as Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke, with its crater lake). In addition to mountain gorillas, it is home to troops of golden monkeys and the grave of zoologist Dian Fossey in Karisoke.
Nyungwe National Park is a rainforest that survived the last ice age. It has more than 1,000 species of plants, 13 species of primates (including habituated chimpanzees), waterfalls such as Kamiranzovu and the hanging walkway that crosses the gorge over the treetops.
On the eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera offers a landscape of rolling savanna, salt marshes and ten freshwater lakes. It is home to more than 500 species of birds and healthy populations of lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, leopards, zebras and Masai giraffes.
Encounter with Mountain Gorillas in Virunga
Entering the humid bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park on the trail of a habituated family of mountain gorillas is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on the planet. Spending an hour in silence a few meters from an imposing 'silverback', mothers with babies and young people playing in their natural habitat leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Walk the Nyungwe Hanging Walkway
Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest mountain rainforests in Africa. Its famous suspended walkway (Canopy Walkway), located 70 meters high above the crowns of ancient trees, offers dizzying aerial views of the tree canopy, home to chimpanzees, Angolan colobus monkeys and hundreds of species of orchids and endemic birds.
Admire the Royal Inyambo Cows in Nyanza
In the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza, the former royal capital, the 'Inyambo', a breed of sacred cattle with gigantic lyre-shaped antlers, are preserved. Traditional shepherds sing melodic poems of praise to them while the cows parade to the rhythm of the music with astonishing elegance.
Hike the Congo Nile Trail on Lake Kivu
This famous route of more than 220 km runs along the eastern shore of Lake Kivu, passing through hills dotted with coffee plantations, fishing villages and pristine bays. It can be done on foot, by mountain bike or by kayak, spending the night in local lodges with views of the reflection of the hills on the water.
River and Land Safari in Akagera
Akagera National Park represents the rebirth of the Rwandan savanna. Following successful reintroduction programs for lions and black and white rhinos, the park offers vehicle safaris in search of giraffes, leopards, zebras and elephants, as well as boat trips on Lake Ihema surrounded by hippos and crocodiles.
Immerse yourself in the Memory and Vitality of Kigali
The Rwandan capital is a model of urban order and creativity. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a fundamental step to understanding the past and admiring the country's resilience. In the afternoon, artistic neighborhoods such as Niyo Arts Center or Kimihurura vibrate with specialty cafes, design galleries and fusion cuisine restaurants.
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Gorilla Permits and Advance Reservation
The official permit for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park has a cost set by the government to finance community conservation. Since the number of daily visitors per gorilla family is strictly limited to 8 people, it is essential to book permits several months or even a year in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or an authorized agency.
Ban on Plastic Bags and 'Umuganda'
Rwanda prohibits the entry and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags by law; Luggage is thoroughly inspected at customs at Kigali airport and bags are confiscated. Likewise, on the last Saturday of each month in the morning 'Umuganda' is celebrated, a community civic day of cleaning and public works where traffic and businesses stop until noon.
Currency and Payments (Rwandan Franc and Mobile Money)
The official currency is the Rwanda Franc (RWF). Payment by 'Mobile Money' (MTN or Airtel) and bank card is widespread in hotels, cafes and shops in Kigali. However, to travel to rural areas, pay tips to guides and park trackers or buy crafts in local markets, it is essential to always carry cash in Rwandan francs.
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