Trending Destination Highlight: Rwanda

From time to time, we at TCS World Travel highlight a locale we think our guests should not miss. Over the last six years, Rwanda has become a favorite destination not only on our private jet expeditions and luxury custom travel trips, but also for many of our staff during personal travels. We sat with a group of TCS World Travel veterans and asked them what makes this country so appealing. Here’s what they had to say:

Why Go to Rwanda Now?

You go for the gorillas and other animals and you return for the people… their resilience, their kindness, and their happiness. The story of how this country pulled itself up from horrific genocide that pitted neighbor against neighbor and family member against family member is incredible. Now it's so safe and secure and clean you can't believe it happened.

Chris Kollas, VP Sales and Business Development

The country is so vibrant. You know that they had such tragic events 24 years ago, but now they are thriving. The country’s restoration efforts over the past two decades have really worked. Refugees have come home and started businesses, and the economy continues to grow. Also, tourism is well managed but still at its early stages. There are five star accommodations popping up, especially in relation to gorilla trekking, but even so you can still really immerse yourself in the local culture.

Jennifer DuBois, VP Operations

What Makes the Mountain Gorilla Experience so Wonderful?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is probably the single greatest interactive human-wildlife encounter on the planet and the ultimate ecotourism adventure. Plus, the industry created around gorilla trekking has single-handedly saved the species from the brink of extinction. Majestic volcanoes, deep crater lakes, thickets of bamboo, and lush cloud forest vegetation are all part of the mesmerizing experience of traveling to the Virunga mountains to see the gorillas. It really is paradise.

Timothy Ryan, Director of Product Development

I loved it because there is a buildup of anticipation as you climb the mountains following your guides, who are going off trail and hacking down the thickets with their machetes. And then two hours later, you stop and you hear some chewing and then you see the first gorilla. And then another. And another. One of the female gorillas brushed my leg as she walked by me to tend to her little one who was playing like a little kid.

Chris Kollas, VP Sales and Business Development

Rwanda is a magical country that is a jewel in the crown of Africa. Its people are its main asset, together with its beautiful countryside and scenery. By far the majority of tourists heading to Rwanda are in search of the mountain gorillas, and rightly so; they are reason enough to visit any country. This is well worth it for the experience that many guests describe as ‘life-changing’, and it helps sustain the Volcanoes National Park.

Richard Butler, Expedition Leader

The people involved in gorilla trekking and in the surrounding villages to Volcanoes National Park all have government healthcare and benefits so they stay healthy which keeps the gorillas healthy. Part of the trekking fee goes to community benefits so both the gorillas and the people thrive.

Jennifer DuBois, VP Operations

What About Kigali?

People are often surprised by the safety and cleanliness of this capital city (and the whole country in fact). Umuganda means coming together for a common purpose. On the last Saturday of each month it is compulsory for people to spend the morning cleaning up the streets. If you are lucky enough to be there on this day, it’s heartwarming to witness.

Jennifer DuBois, VP Operations

The Genocide Museum is a must. It is a heart wrenching and honest look at a very dark chapter in human history. And yet at the same time, the museum is also a testament to the human capacity for forgiveness, truth and reconciliation. The museum is also an important reminder that we must call out injustice, and take a deep look at the mistakes of our past in order to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Timothy Ryan, Director of Product Development

The art scene is thriving. Check out the Inema Arts Center, a wonderful collective of Rwandan artists.

Deborah Cughan, Art Director

Do You Have Any Tips for Guests Headed to Rwanda?

We visit Rwanda in two upcoming expeditions; join us on either Best of Africa or A President's Journey Around the World.

Kingdoms & Cultures by Private Jet 2024

Jun 13 - Jul 2, 2024

Trace the histories of old and encounter enduring cultures on this journey for adventurous travelers across Europe and Central Asia by private jet. Travel off the beaten path to stroll the well-preserved ancient quarters of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, uncover the treasures of the Silk Road in Turkmenistan and explore Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Step out of your day-to-day comforts to delve into notable sacred sites, from the remote painted monasteries of Suceava, Romania to the Georgian Orthodox cathedrals in Tbilisi on this explorer’s itinerary.

Trending Destination Highlight: Rwanda

Why Go to Rwanda Now?

What Makes the Mountain Gorilla Experience so Wonderful?

What About Kigali?

Do You Have Any Tips for Guests Headed to Rwanda?

Explore more

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Kingdoms & Cultures by Private Jet 2024

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Trending Destination Highlight: Rwanda

Why Go to Rwanda Now?

What Makes the Mountain Gorilla Experience so Wonderful?

What About Kigali?

Do You Have Any Tips for Guests Headed to Rwanda?

Explore more

Upcoming Trip

Kingdoms & Cultures by Private Jet 2024

Featured Articles

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