Magic in the ‘Land of 1000 Hills’
Time to see the Silverback Gorillas!
A vibrant colourful culture of innovation
As soon as you arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, you can feel the energy pulsing through the streets. The vibrant colors of the traditional Imigongo artwork proudly adorning the buildings, the sounds of the locals shopping at busy markets and the buzz of the city bustling around you captivate your senses as you sink into the pace of life here.
Kigali is a city transformed – it’s risen from troubled beginnings into a pioneer of innovation in every sense. From its booming art and fashion scene, exquisite afro-fusion dining experiences, to its innovative approach to infrastructure and sustainability, Rwanda is leading the way!
From delivering medical supplies to remote communities via drone, a nationwide roll out of fibre optics, to empowering education and more, there is so much to be admired and experienced here – and of course, we know the best spots along the way! Thandeka invites you to come behind the scenes and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s remarkable transformation first hand…
Meze Melonga Chef Dieuveil Malonga combines his African heritage and training at some of the finest European restaurants to create a unique Afro-fusion experience that subtly blends tradition, modernity and culture. Yum!
A modern masterpiece with a smack of Rwandan heritage on a plate – all eyes on Meze Malonga as it rises to the top of the fine-dining list!
A Primate Mecca
Seeing the mighty mountain gorillas in the misty wilderness of the Virunga Mountains is one of the most thrilling, deeply moving, and meaningful wildlife experiences on the planet. Critically endangered, wild mountain gorilla populations teeter at less than 1000, making a Rwandan safari to get up-close-and-personal with these magnificent apes a poignant and likely, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spending time with them, you get a sense of just how similar we are and begin to fully understand the enduring fascination with these gentle human-like creatures, and why it’s so crucial that we support their protection.
But of course, that Rwandan spirit of change and courage has turned the tables on the vulnerable population of gorillas and fought back by pushing to the frontline of innovative conservation and sustainable tourism, with the majority of funds generated from trekking experiences reinvested directly back into the protection of the magnificent gorilla families, and the advancement of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park. A trip to the rainforests of Rwanda is life-changing for you, and for the future of its wildlife.
Staying in Style
Of course the Thandeka experience wouldn’t be complete without unpacking at some seriously gorgeous and sustainable lodges, and as always we have the insider scoop on the best places to call home during your trip!
The peerless Kwitonda lodge from Singita is our absolute favourite base from which to explore the Volcanoes National Park!
Nyungwe National Park, home to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a myriad of primates offers the unique opportunity to spend time with chimpanzees, an incredible creature that shares 99% of human DNA. Find these guys swinging from the trees and playing, carrying their babies on their backs and hear them howling in the distance as you enjoy a sundowner (or two).
A unique and moving experience, Kwitonda Lodge is the perfect base for this otherworldly trekking experience!
The beautiful chimpanzee is a distinctive, cheeky black-coated ape more closely related to humans than any other living creature. Find them swinging in the trees and playing in the forest!
Tea, anyone?
Another fabulous spot to stay at is Nyungwe House. Set on a lush tea plantation a stones throw away from the start of renowned chimpanzee trekking trails, it’s all about location, location, location. Of course, the lodge itself is also to die for – with sumptuous interiors, traditional Imigongo art throughout and delicious food coming out the kitchen, it’s another top spot to unpack.
Nyungwe House’s sumptuous interiors blend modern design and tradtional Rwandan Imigongo art.
Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park
Magashi Camp overlooks the shimmering waters of Lake Rwanyakazinga and sits proudly amongst the wilderness where once more, an abundance of apex predators and their prey call home. Marvel at lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant roaming its hills and vast savannah from your sleek and stylish hideaway.
An inspiring metamorphosis
Rwanda’s innovation skills have also been at the heart of the remarkable recovery of Akagera National Park. An inspiring conservation story, in 2010 The Rwanda Development Board partnered with the NGO African Parks to jointly manage Akagera back to its former glory after it was sadly decimated in the mid 1990s.
Boasting spectacular scenery and a rich diversity of habitats, it is home to the largest protected wetland in East Africa, provides the last refuge for savannah adapted species and with the reintroduction of lions and rhino, the only park in the country where you can see the magnificent Big 5!
Lions are once again at home in Rwanda. Welcome back, friends.
We can’t recommend this lush region enough for a unique and diverse experience of culture, wildlife and conservation at its finest – and even better, it’s off the beaten track and far from the madding crowds.
The story of the nearby Iby’iwacu community is fascinating – living alongside nature, the villagers here convinced a group of reformed poachers to turn their backs on their activities and instead created a traditional dance group!
We would love to craft your extraordinary African adventure to Rwanda and beyond! Contact us directly at jambo@thandekatravel.com to start the conversation.
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