Being designated from the title of “The Land of a Thousand Hills” to the land of 'Gorillas in the Mist', to lastly being entitled as the 'Little Switzerland of Africa', the Central African nation of Rwanda is acclaimed for holding suprising scenic sights. From chasing Gorilla along the Virungas province to fresh air walking along the greenery stretches of the Akagera National Park, from the diverse attraction placed along the Nyungwe Forest to the crystal clear water near the Kivu Lake, all these wonderful sights surely catches your attention while touring to this fantastic location.

Official Name : Republika Y ‘ u Rwanda

Capital City : Kigali

Location : In central Africa, landlocked by Uganda Zaire Burundi and Tanzania.

Area : 26, 38 Sq. km.

Language : Kinyarwanda (official), English, French, Swahili (other)

Currency : Rwandan Franc (RF)

Religion : Roman Catholic, Protestant, Adventist, Muslim and indigenous beliefs

National Anthem : Rwanda Nziza (Beautiful Rwanda)
Newspaper : Business Daily, The New Times, La Nouvelle Releve

Places to Visit : Gisenyi, Kigali, Giseny, Parc National des Volcans, Parc National Nyungwe Forest and much more.

Transport : Don’t cross the land of Burundi through roads, as the region is quite volatile in nature and susceptible to innumerable dangers. Avail a shared taxi to the region of Kibungo along with taking a minibus ride to the Rusumo border that helps you to reach Tanzania from Kigali. From the borderline, avail local transport to Mwanza. Crossover to the region of Uganda where the crossing-point is demarcated along the area of Kigali and Kabale that one can go through Gatuna (Rwanda) and Katuna (Uganda).

Shopping : Woven baskets, native clay figurines, masks. Please do not purchase gorilla skulls or hands, as it is considered illegal.

Visa Information

A passport and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Visa generally required except for American and UK citizens entering Rwanda for less than 90 days and citizens of Burundi, DRC, Uganda and Tanzania; Those requiring a visa must obtain these in advance of travelling.

Flora & fauna

Comprised of savanna grasslands along most of the regions in Rwanda, watch out for tropical forests near the western, northern and southern borders of the Lake Kivu. Eucalyptus is the most common species thriving in the region that was once introduced from the southern region along with bringing in plants like acacias, and oil palms.

The native animals residing within the region are hippopotamuses, flying lemurs, partridges, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, guinea hens, lions, zebras, leopards, geese, monkeys, gorillas, jackals, hyena, snipe, wild boar, antelope, crocodiles, ducks and quail. One may even catch up with species like Mountain Gorilla and Shoebill Stork that are commonly found here.

Climate:
temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:
mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m
highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:
gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Land use:
arable land: 40.54%
permanent crops: 12.16%
other: 47.3% (2001)
temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Geography : landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural