Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a tapestry of rolling green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, and shimmering lakes. Terraced hillsides stretch as far as the eye can see, and deep valleys give way to lush rainforests teeming with life. Along the Congo Nile Trail, travelers can hike or cycle past coffee plantations, quiet villages, and the sparkling shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great inland seas.

Farther south, the Cyinzobe Trail in Nyungwe Forest leads deep into one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Nights are spent in cozy cabins beside a river or high above the canopy overlooking a swamp, where mornings begin with the sound of birdsong echoing through the trees.

In the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a trek through the mist leads to one of the world’s rarest encounters—coming face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat: a silverback resting in the shade, a few females nearby, and youngsters tumbling and playing around. Every so often, one would glance curiously in our direction before returning to its game, as if reminding us that we were guests in their world. The moment felt both intimate and untamed—a glimpse into a life that goes on, undisturbed, deep in the forest.

Back in Kigali, the rhythm shifts. The city hums with energy—markets, cafés, and art spaces where creativity threads through everyday life. Wander through local art centers, or spend time at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, where women learn new skills and build their own businesses, shaping a community rooted in strength and possibility.