When I think of Rwanda, the first thing that pops up in my mind is the film Hotel Rwanda which follows the true story of how a hotel manager hid refugees during the genocide that tore through the country. Although there is deep sorrow, Rwanda has come out stronger and more united than before. They are leading in equality in their politics, creating a clean society in terms of energy and environment, and investing heavily in natural preservation as well as tourism to showcase their national parks, which are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
Rwanda is a small country but has so much to offer. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go on a Mountain Gorilla trek. This was the main reason for my visit, but as I landed in the country’s capital, I got a taste of daily city life as well as a history lesson of Rwanda’s genocide. My time in Rwanda was short but incredibly impactful, both culturally and environmentally.
What I Saw
After arriving late at night in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, I made my way to my hotel to rest before a full day of exploring the city. Our first stop was the Genocide Museum. We were free to walk through the exhibits at our own pace with an audio guide. This was a solemn start to the day but eye opening. The museum documents and educates people of the mass genocide against the Tutsi people and the events leading up to it. The exhibits are shocking but I think it’s important to learn about these events to recognize and prevent them from happening in the future.
After leaving the museum on a somber note, we drove around the city while our guide pointed out popular areas. I was impressed by how clean and well-kept the city was. You could tell that the citizens take pride in their country. Kigali is growing rapidly, as seen by the new developments and infrastructure to attract international businesses.
After lunch at the original Hotel Rwanda, we started our drive to the lodge for our gorilla trek, the main event of this trip. The drive was several hours but beautiful. The mountainous landscape dotted with farms in the valleys is breathtaking.
After a restful night, we had an early morning to meet up for our trek in Volcanoes National Park. We met with our trek guide and other hikers at the visitor center and then had a four-hour drive to the trailhead in the Virunga Mountains. We were looking for a large family of gorillas with one male. The mountain trail was chilly and wet. Thankfully we were supplied with a trekking pole to help with climbing some of the harder parts of the trail. I’d say I’m in pretty good shape, but this trek was on the tougher side. The muddy trail didn’t help but it was worth it once we found the gorillas.
You get to spend an hour observing the troop once you find them and wow, what an experience. You get to explore the jungle as you follow the gorillas – no trail and you’re walking through wild vegetation. I didn’t expect to get so close to the apes, they were only about two feet away from us.
At one point a youthful gorillas got curious and playful and got so close that he lightly punched one of our group members. It was an adrenaline filled moment.
My favorite experience was when the silverback gorilla walked past us, beating his chest, followed by his entourage of females and young children. It was like he was showing off his power to us.
We saw so many fun moments between the babies and their mothers. I could have stood there watching the cuteness for hours. The hour went by so quickly, but I was ready to go as it had started to rain. The trek back, although all downhill, was difficult as the rain started pouring down, making the trail very muddy and slippery. I almost fell several times, but a fellow hiker caught me. By the time we made it back to our Jeeps, I was drenched but I was so excited by the experience I just had.
It was our last night in Rwanda before heading to Tanzania to meet the larger travel group so we made our way back to Kigali for the night. It was a very short time in Rwanda, but very impactful as the hour with the gorillas will forever be etched into my memory.
Where I Stayed
Kigali Serena Hotel
Centrally located in Kigali, this hotel is beautiful with lush gardens and a vast, welcoming lobby. My stay here was short, but my favorite part was the luxurious breakfast buffet. It was an excellent way to start my morning, hot coffee with a good book, before the sightseeing started.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
This lodge is right on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, making it an ideal home base for the gorilla trek. We had individual cottages that were massive, especially for one person. Since we were at a higher elevation, near the mountains, it got chilly at night but the turndown service includes setting the room all cozy with a wood fireplace and hot water bags in bed. The perfect setting to rest before a hard trek.
The staff also puts on a traditional Rwandan dance show which was a nice welcome. We also got to participate in the dance festivities.
If you’d like any more information or have questions about my time in Rwanda, feel free to drop a comment or reach out to me on Instagram!
