Rwanda

Rwanda is small land locked country in Eastern Africa. To the north is Uganda; on the west the formidable Virunga Mountains and further south Lake Kivu provides a natural border with Democratic Republic of Congo. Tanzania lies to the east and Burundi to the south.

Following the hideous genocide of 1994, the Rwandese are stitching together their communities and, led by inspirational and controversial president Paul Kagame, are looking to create a model African country, free of corruption and tribalism, driven by education, information technology, and tourism.

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated places on earth.  Almost every available space is cultivated, and you might imagine that this would not lend itself to a notable wilderness holiday but the few national parks are of immense importance as islands of natural habitat in the sea of people.  Conscious of the need to care for the environment, the president has decreed a day a month when everyone from kids to the ministers have to help collect litter and clean up the streets.  Consequently, Rwanda is one of the tidiest countries in Africa, despite still being quite poor.

The country is best known for harbouring some of the world's last gorillas, but there are a number of other reasons to visit.  On the wildside, there are fabulous primates, great numbers of exotic birds and some of the world's richest biodiversity.  However, Rwanda also offers an opportunity to enjoy the colour and vibrancy of rural life in Africa which is a memorable experience in itself.