RDB seems determined to do everything it takes to Rwanda tourism products known in al the world. One year after Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal football club as the official sleeve partner of Arsenal, Rwanda Development Board has further signed a three years partnership with National Geographic and Arsenal. The new deal will see Rwanda’s history, culture and tourism products published in National Geographic’s digital and social platforms while the “VISIT RWANDA “ continue to feature on the sleeve of Arsenal players. Also, Rwanda tourism products ready for Disney will market offer-controlled joint venture, which will obviously increase the market. The new deal aims at marketing and exposing Rwanda’s tourism potential to the whole world making this small country the leading tourism destination every traveler should visit before he/she dies. In May 2018, Rwanda was named the official sleeve partner of Arsenal in a bid to become the leading travel destination in the globe. Rwanda Development Board paid £30 million sponsorship deal, which raised many questions on whether Rwanda will actually get back that money. In 2018, Rwanda was visited by two Arsenal legends, Lauren and Alex Scott for Kwita Izina (Gorilla naming ceremony) in Volcanoes National park.
About National Geographic
National Geographic is one of the leading travel platforms which has for over 130 years inspired millions of people through groundbreaking storytelling. The platform has the best and brightest scientists, explorers and photographers who together make it the leading travel news guide. The new signed platform will, therefore, provide Rwanda with a perfect platform for sharing her stories, incredible gorilla safari and other incredible experiences this land of a thousand hills offers
Top tourist attractions in Rwanda
Despite her small size and poor economic status, Rwanda has much to offer when it comes to tourism. The Land of a Thousand Hills is naturally blessed with magnificent features some of which are hardly found elsewhere in the world. Among the top tourist attractions in Rwanda include:
Mountain gorillas
Gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity, which attracts the highest number of travelers on Rwanda safaris. Sheltering over 400 mountain gorillas, Rwanda is one of the few destinations to visit and track the world’s endangered species in their native habitats. The country is home to 10 gorilla families, which live in the jungle forests of Volcanoes national park. Also, Rwanda offers travelers with luxury gorilla trekking tours at a cost of $1500 for a single gorilla permit. The other population of mountain gorillas lives in Bwindi forest/Mgahinga gorilla national parks in Uganda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chimpanzees/canopy walk
Do not miss trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. A Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tour offers you a close encounter with the closest relatives to human beings. Interestingly, a chimpanzee permit costs $100, which is relatively cheap, and affordable compared to gorillas. Also, enjoy a canopy walk, which offers you a great aerial view of the forest, Virunga volcanoes, and neighboring community villages.
Big game
Go game viewing in Akagera national park home to the big five games. A game drives through the savannah plains of Akagera park offer you great views of numerous animals hunting and grazing in the forest. Expect to see lots of elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, buffalos, waterbucks, elands, impalas, warthogs, giraffes, and leopards among others. Game viewing is best done in the morning and evening hours to catch up with animals before they retire for day and night rests.
Virunga volcanoes
Besides wildlife, Rwanda is home to three extinct Virunga volcanoes, which offer travelers with exceptional hiking experiences. Hike to the top of Mt Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the chain of the 8 Virunga volcanoes whose summit is shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. Other hiking experiences in Rwanda include hiking Mt Bisoke and Dian Fossey graveyard. Hikers are reminded to wear hiking boots, hand gloves and carry enough drinking water to keep them strong.
Golden Monkeys
Do not miss visiting lively golden monkeys in Volcanoes National park. Golden monkey trekking is usually done as a complement to gorilla tracking which together makes a complete safari package. Golden monkeys permit cost $100 each bought from Rwanda Development Board.
Kigali city
The beauty and cleanness of Kigali city are worth exploring. Unlike other cities, Kigali city is exceptional in terms of clean streets, organized traffic and less congestion. Tourist sites in Kigali include Kigali convention center, Kigali genocide memorial site, president’s palace and art galleries’ which make your experience more enjoyable.
In general, Rwanda’s tourism potential is worth marketing. The partnership of Rwanda with National geographic will with no doubt promote tourism Rwanda attracting a high number of travelers from all over the world.
