operator operator ASK THE
Katie Paterson, Luxury Travel Designer, Carrier
“Rwanda is of course
famous for its population of mountain gorillas, but having experienced the incredible
destination first-hand, there is so much more to love.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Leopard in Akagera National Park; Nile Crocodile in Akagera National Park; Kigali Genocide Memorial PICTURES: Wilderness Safaris; Shutterstock/erichon, Oscar Espinosa
at a level that brings economic development with minimal negative environmental impact.” Michaella adds that Rwanda’s
strategy is “pro-conservation and pro-people” as its tourism revenue sharing scheme ensures communities living around the country’s national parks receive 10% of all tourism revenue. And while Rwanda’s gorillas will be a massive draw for clients, there’s much more to see and do, which Visit Rwanda is investing in. Michaella says: “Our strategy is to position Rwanda as a tourism powerhouse on the continent and beyond. We have restocked previously locally extinct species with the recent introduction of white rhinos in Akagera National Park and the park is now home to a thriving population of white and black rhinos.
“Some other changes we have made include a policy to open Rwanda and connect her to the
48 3 NOVEMBER 2022
I see crocodiles sunbathing, elephants striding on the shore and the otherworldly figures of hippos
rest of the world. Rwanda is ranked third for visa openness in Africa as anyone can get a visa on arrival.” RwandAir is introducing a new non-stop service from London Heathrow to Kigali on November 7 and increasing its service from three flights a week to four, while a new airport, Bugesera, is also currently being built so that the number of flights to the country can be expanded. The range of hotels available
is increasing too, with new properties such as the Four
Points by Sheraton Kigali joining brands such as Marriott, Radisson Blu, Serena and One and Only.
THE BIG FIVE To complement my gorilla trek, I go in search of the big five at Akagera National Park in the east of the country. On a game drive I feel optimistic after seeing elephants and buffalo early on but, despite sightings of rhino nearby, they remain elusive to us, as do lions and leopards. A behind-the-scenes tour at
Akagera National Park will be of interest for clients who want to learn more about how the park works, but a highlight on my trip is a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Zipping across the beautifully still water at 7am, I see crocodiles sunbathing, elephants striding on the shore, the otherworldly figures of hippos with pink ears and nostrils protruding from the water, and a variety of birds including posing sea eagles and a palm-nut vulture.
travelweekly.co.uk
From exploring Akagera’s plains and lakes teeming with wildlife to visiting the chimpanzees in the breathtaking beauty of
Nyungwe’s rainforest – or taking a boat ride on
Lake Kivu to drink in the
incomparable scenery – there are endless possibilities to suit any discerning traveller’s preferences. Rwanda truly captured my heart and I
cannot wait to return one day.”
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