HIGHLIGHTS:

 

KIGALI

 

With population of almost 1 million,  Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic center of the nation, spreading out over several hills and valleys. The city has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. The main residence and offices of the President of Rwanda are located in the city, as are the government ministries. The city is developing fast, and is very much a showpiece capital designed to impress visitors, from the humble tourist, to foreign investors and visiting dignitaries.

 

As a clean, comfortable and ordered city, Kigali is very popular with long term expats, and the city is teeming with westerners, from young church or NGO volunteers having their first experience of Africa to career development workers enjoying a relaxed lifestyle where it is safe to bring up young children. This in turn means the city supports numerous restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets that cater to this demographic.

Kigali houses several memorials, museums, and centers dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and is definitely worth a couple days stay.

 

LAKE KIVU

 

Lake Kivu in Western Rwanda is a large lake bordering the DRC. Kibuye, the capital of the Western Province, lies on the eastern shore of the lake and is known for its beautiful beaches.

 

PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS

 

Parc National des Volcans in Northern Rwanda is home of the mountain gorillas. The national park is known as a haven for the mountain gorilla. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains and was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.

 

The Rwanda tourist board runs several activities for tourists, including:

• Gorilla visits - If you can afford it it's an excellent experience, and even possible as a daytrip from Kigali. Each gorilla permit costs $750 per person and you can buy them at the Tourism Office or through a tour operator. As of November 2010, there are eight habituated groups open to tourists, allowing for a total of 64 permits per day. Tourists spend an hour with the gorillas.

• Golden monkey visits.

• Climbing of Karisimbi volcano - this is a two-day trek with overnight camping at an altitude of 3,800 m.

• Climbing of Bisoke volcano - one day.

• Tour of the lakes and caves.

• Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey.

 

NYUNGWE FOREST

 

Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern region of Rwanda is one of Africa's oldest and largest protected mountain rainforest. It is home to one of the largest concentration of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Nyungwe is about 4-5 hours from Kigali and you can get there by private transfer or by bus. You can purchase a chimpanzee permit ($90 as of August 2012) at the Nyungwe tourist office or through a tour operator. There are other treks within the park that are well worth a visit.

 

Information taken from: http://wikitravel.org/en/Rwanda