The power of reconciliation on display. Years after a horrific genocide, Rwanda is a leader of the African continent.
"Our car rambles northwest, from Kigali to the Virunga Mountains, Mom and I in search of the endangered silverback gorillas. We move through beautiful fertile valleys, up into lush green forests. We drive along the tops of ridges where we can see mountain ranges that extend to the horizon. We pass coffee farms and tea plantations, children playing soccer below a green canopy. It’s a different country than you would expect: the surroundings secure and tranquil and removed from the wrenching genocide of thirty years ago that pitted neighbor against neighbor in a tribal conflict, where eight hundred thousand people died in a little over one hundred days. Rwanda today thrives on tourism and a burgeoning modern tech economy."
--Look For Me There, Chapter 17
CITIES VISITED:
MUST DO:
FAVORITE MEMORY:
Kigali
Kinigi
Pay respect at the Kigali genocide memorial
Visit Kimironko market
Gorilla trekking in Kinigi
Admire the Virunga Mountains
Trekking with endangered silverback mountain gorillas is the coolest thing I've ever done in my life.
Fairly easy visa process. Gorilla trekking requires advance permit and is expensive. Kigali is clean and efficient, best seen with a local driver. Get proper government-approved guides for all gorilla treks.
Rwanda is a testament to the human value of forgiveness, releasing the pain of the past and moving forward together for the betterment of all. There are lessons to be learned here, from its history, its wildlife and the genuine care practiced by the locals.
