Rwanda has established a burgeoning tourist destination, and its tourism sector’s growth is pivotal in this transformation.

Known as the sanctuary of gorillas, Rwanda entices travelers from all corners of the globe, with many flocking here for the awe-inspiring Gorilla trekking experience. Nestled in the northern region of Rwanda, it’s a land graced by the magnificent mountain gorillas.

Yet, Rwanda is not just about Gorillas; it boasts an array of breathtaking national parks like Nyungwe, Akagera, and Gishwati Mukura in the western part of the country, However, it’s essential to note that Rwanda has much more to offer to tourists than its gorilla population.

Numerous tour operators and local guides have channeled their expertise into community-based tourism activities and expeditions that extend beyond the confines of national parks.

One such visionary is Nzabonimpa Theodore, the founder and CEO of Beyond the Gorillas Experience in Rwanda. With 12 years of experience in community-based tourism, Theodore has successfully bridged the gap between people and their heritage for the overall development of Rwanda.

During our interview with Theodore, he emphasized the diverse experiences that Beyond the Gorilla trekking Rwanda has to share with its guests, These encompass non-volcanic mountain hikes, adventure tourism, leisure, interactions with rural communities,

and a deep dive into Rwanda’s rich culture and heritage, All of these elements form an integral part of community-based tourism in Rwanda, contributing to improving the lives of its citizens, Theodore passionately concluded that the youth and other potential investors should bring their skills to the realm of community-based tourism.

It’s not just about focusing on gorillas and national parks; there is a world of opportunities waiting to be explored, Our conversation with Theodore Nzabonimpa revealed the multifaceted beauty of Rwanda  the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and its warm smiles. It’s a fact that Rwanda’s allure extends far beyond its gorilla population.

Visitors can delve into history at the Kigali memorial site, embark on city tours in Kigali or Musanze, explore Rwanda’s picturesque lakes, or hike Mount Kabuye in Gakenke, In conclusion, Rwanda offers a wide range of activities that not only provide travelers with enriching experiences but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the nation, surpassing the popularity of gorillas.

Photo of mount Kabuye.

Mount Kabuye’s peak is adorned with beautiful volcanic rock as well as verdantforest vegetation, It takes hikers only five hours to reach the summit of this stunning Mountain at 2700 meters above sea level, although the time taken also depends on the hikers pace as the starting point.