RWANDA WILDLIFE GUIDE

The history of Rwanda is complex and has been shaped by a number of factors, including colonialism, ethnic tensions, and genocide.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 19th century, Rwanda was a monarchy ruled by a Tutsi king. The Tutsi people, who made up a minority of the population, were traditionally cattle herders and were often in positions of power and influence. The Hutu people, who made up the majority of the population, were primarily farmers.

During the colonial era, Rwanda was first occupied by the Germans, and later by the Belgians. The Belgians introduced a system of identity cards that categorized individuals based on their ethnicity, which exacerbated tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu. The Belgians also favored the Tutsi minority, which further deepened ethnic divisions.

Following independence in 1962, Rwanda continued to be ruled by a Tutsi-dominated government, which was overthrown in a Hutu-led coup in 1973. This led to a period of Hutu rule, during which Tutsis were subjected to discrimination and violence.

In 1994, Rwanda experienced one of the darkest periods in its history when an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed in a genocide that lasted just 100 days. The genocide was sparked by the death of the Rwandan president, a Hutu, in a plane crash. Hutu extremists launched a campaign of violence against Tutsis and moderate Hutus, using machetes and other weapons to kill people in their homes, schools, and churches.

The genocide came to an end when a Tutsi-led rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), captured Kigali, the capital city, and established a new government. The RPF leader, Paul Kagame, became president in 2000 and has since overseen a period of rebuilding and reconciliation in Rwanda.

Today, Rwanda is a stable and peaceful country, and has made significant progress in economic development and poverty reduction. The government has also implemented policies aimed at promoting national unity and reconciliation, including the establishment of citizen-led forums to address grievances and promote dialogue between different ethnic groups.

Country Code: +250.

Crime: In general, crime rates in Rwanda are lower than in many other African countries, and the country is considered relatively safe for visitors. However, as in any country, there are still risks and visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and bus stations. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on their belongings, especially in crowded places. It’s also recommended to avoid walking alone at night and to use a reputable taxi service if necessary.

There have been occasional incidents of armed robbery and carjacking in certain areas, particularly in urban areas such as Kigali. Visitors should exercise caution when traveling by car, especially at night, and avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle.

Currency: Rwandan Franc.

Electricity: Type C (2-pin round), Type J (3-pin similar to Type C).

Language: Kinyarwanda is the national language, while French, English, and Swahili are also official languages.

Latitude and Longitude: 1.9403° S, 29.8739° E.

LGBT: In Rwanda, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to life imprisonment under the country’s penal code. The government and the majority of the population hold conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is common.

There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and reports of harassment and violence against them have been documented. LGBTQ+ organizations are not officially recognized, and individuals who openly identify as LGBTQ+ may face social stigma and discrimination.

Despite the challenging legal and social environment, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In 2019, Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, expressed support for LGBTQ+ rights and called for more tolerance towards the community. Additionally, some NGOs have been working to support the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and promote greater acceptance and understanding.

However, it’s important to note that despite some positive developments, LGBTQ+ individuals in Rwanda still face significant challenges and risks. Visitors who identify as LGBTQ+ should be aware of the legal and social context and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and well-being while in the country. It’s recommended to exercise discretion and avoid public displays of affection or open discussions of LGBTQ+ issues.

Population: 13.46 million (2021).

President: Paul Kagame.

Rwanda has three national parks, each with its own unique features and attractions.

Volcanoes National Park

This park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can go on gorilla trekking expeditions and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park also has several hiking trails, including one to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which is the highest peak in the park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to a diverse array of primates, including chimpanzees and several species of monkeys. The park also boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, including a canopy walk that allows visitors to walk among the treetops and get a unique perspective on the forest.

Akagera National Park

This park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and is known for its savannah landscapes and diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and several species of antelope. Visitors can go on game drives to see these animals up close, as well as take boat tours on Lake Ihema to spot hippos and crocodiles.

The Rwandan Genocide was a mass killing that took place in Rwanda in 1994. Over the course of approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered by members of the majority Hutu population.

The roots of the genocide can be traced back to the colonial period, when the Belgians favored the Tutsi minority over the Hutu majority and introduced identity cards that reinforced ethnic divisions. After Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the Hutus took power and began to marginalize and discriminate against the Tutsis.

Tensions between the two groups escalated in the 1990s, when a Tutsi-led rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), launched an invasion from neighboring Uganda. The government responded with a campaign of ethnic incitement, portraying the Tutsis as a threat to national security and calling for their extermination.

On April 6, 1994, a plane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down, killing everyone on board. Although the perpetrators of the attack are still unknown, it served as a trigger for the genocide, as Hutu militias began to target Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

The killings were carried out by government forces, militias, and ordinary civilians, who were often armed with machetes and other crude weapons. The victims were often rounded up in public places such as churches and schools and then killed en masse.

The international community was slow to respond to the crisis, and the United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda was unable to stop the violence. The RPF eventually defeated the government forces and took control of the country, ending the genocide.

The aftermath of the genocide was marked by a period of instability, as the new government struggled to rebuild the country and reconcile the different ethnic groups. Efforts have been made to bring the perpetrators to justice, both through the Rwandan justice system and through international tribunals such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

The Rwandan Genocide remains a tragic chapter in the country’s history and a stark reminder of the devastating impact of ethnic conflict and hatred. It has also served as a catalyst for efforts to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.

Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife. Here are some top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

This center serves as a permanent memorial to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and provides an important opportunity for visitors to learn about the country’s history.

Lake Kivu

This picturesque lake, which straddles the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation.

Inema Arts Center

This contemporary art gallery in Kigali showcases the work of local artists and provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrant arts scene in Rwanda.

King’s Palace Museum

Located in Nyanza, this museum provides an insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage, with displays of traditional clothing, artifacts, and architecture.

National Museum of Rwanda

This museum, located in Butare, showcases the country’s history and culture, with displays on traditional music, dance, and art.

Mount Bisoke

This inactive volcano is part of the Virunga Mountains and offers visitors the opportunity to embark on challenging hikes to the summit, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Congo Nile Trail

This 227-kilometer trail runs along the shore of Lake Kivu and provides visitors with the opportunity to hike, bike, and explore the beautiful scenery and local communities along the way.

Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with temperatures varying depending on altitude. Generally, temperatures are mild throughout the year, with an average daily temperature of around 21°C (70°F) in the capital city, Kigali.

There are two rainy seasons in Rwanda, the long rainy season from mid-March to May and the short rainy season from October to December. During these periods, rainfall is typically heavy, and there is a risk of flooding in some areas.

The dry season runs from June to September and from December to February, and during this time, the weather is usually sunny and dry. However, it is worth noting that even during the dry season, there can be occasional rain showers, particularly in the highlands.

Temperatures in Rwanda vary depending on the altitude, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, which is part of the Virunga Mountains and has an elevation of over 4,500 meters (14,700 feet).

Overall, the climate in Rwanda is relatively mild and pleasant, with temperatures remaining fairly consistent throughout the year. However, visitors should be prepared for rain, particularly if they are traveling during the rainy season, and should dress in layers to accommodate the temperature changes that can occur at different altitudes.