Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with a green, mountainous landscape, lying south of the Equator in east-central Africa. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mille collines (French: “land of a thousand hills”). Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

The capital is Kigali, located in the centre of the country on the Ruganwa River.Rwanda is a geographically small country with one of the highest population densities in sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda also shares with Burundi a long history of monarchical rule. Unlike what happened in Burundi, however, the demise of the Rwandan kingship came about through a grassroots Hutu-led upheaval that occurred before the country became independent in 1962. Ethnic strife between the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi factions peaked in 1994. Civil war and genocide at that time left Rwanda’s economy and social fabric in shambles. The years that followed have been characterized by reconstruction and ethnic reconciliation. Today, Rwanda is striving to rebuild its economy, with coffee and tea production among its main exports. The World Bank has praised Rwanda’s recent “remarkable development successes”, which it says have helped reduce poverty and inequality.

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, roughly in the center of the country. It sprawls across numerous hills, ridges and valleys, and has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. The Kigali Genocide Memorial documents the 1994 mass killings in Rwanda, associated with the country’s civil war. The city’s Caplaki Crafts Village has stalls selling traditional handicrafts, including woodcarvings and woven baskets. Kigali is one of Africa’s more attractive capital cities, but most head to Rwanda to see it’s mountain gorillas. “Tourism is one of Rwanda’s biggest foreign revenue earners and silverbacks are its poster-boys and chest-thumpers,” says Nigel Richardson. “On the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a volcanic fold of mountains, it is claimed there are now over 600 gorillas, compared with 254 in 1981.”

Peacefully nestled along picturesque hilltops, Kigali is a thriving city notable for its cleanliness, orderliness, and hospitality. Kigali is a great place to begin or end any Rwanda journey as it’s conveniently located in the geographic center of the country. The city is clean and safe, with extremely welcoming people. Travelers will enjoy exploring the great cultural activities – including several award-winning museums, burgeoning music scene, and some of East Africa’s most memorable dining experiences.

Volcanoes National Park  lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo andMgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The “Parc National de Volcans”- in French (or PNV as it’s known by locals) lies along the Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences. While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys.

The National Park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkeys. PNV is also one of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters, where many non-profit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her tomb or a visit to the Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day. The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.