Brief Introduction to Rwanda

Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is one of the world's smallest countries and is in a landlocked position between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with mountains in the west, savannah in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The Volcanoes National Park is where Rwanda's renowned gorilla safaris take place; attracting thousands of visitors every year. The country hosts some rare species of animals in addition to the sought after silverback mountain gorillas; unique birds and insects are beautifully abundant in the tropical forest of Nyungwe. Music and dance, particularly drums and the highly choreographed 'intore' dance, are an integral part of Rwandan culture. Traditional arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, including 'imigongo', a unique cow dung art.

The rolling hills of Rwanda's small surface area incorporate just three National Parks. The Volcanoes National Park displays the amazing volcanoes with their green slopes and the deep, dark lakes within their 'dormant' craters. This Park is home to one of the world's only populations of mountain gorillas, ambling between lush, bamboo-covered slopes. Other attractions include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa's last remaining mountain rainforest habitat, which is home to chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus and other primates. Thirdly, Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda, bordering Tanzania. A complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps make up over a third of the park and is the largest protected wetland in central Africa, and it gives way to the drier savannahs of East Africa. This Park is home to African giants, such as elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, leopard and many antelope species.