Rwanda

Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills (Le Pays des Mille Collines), Rwanda is a tiny country squashed between the larger and better-known countries of Uganda and the DRC. Majestic mountains will paint an enduring picture on your memory long after your visit. The somnolent Virunga volcanoes to the northwest contrast sharply with the bamboo forests, hone to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas. This landlocked country has its own sandy shores around Lake Kivu while vast swathes of montane rainforest are home to many primates swinging and chattering in the leafy canopy above. Kigali, the central capital remains the commercial hub since its independence from Belgian rule in 1962. It’s a charming place to explore with tree-lined boulevards, and a thriving market. Recovering from a tragic battle-filled era, the city is quietly moving on while still respecting the past at the Genocide Memorial and Museum. On a lighter note, Kigali has several vibrant Art Centers, a modern Whiskey Distillery (1000 Hills Distillery) and Kandt House Heritage Museum. However, it’s the Akagera National Park Safari and wildlife that are the real stars of the show.