Amazing Rwanda – Oman Observer

Rwanda has undergone remarkable changes since the 1994 genocide, especially in terms of economic growth, security and tourism appeal. This feature looks at Rwanda’s recovery, infrastructure development and government policies to promote peace and prosperity, and delves into personal reflections and the country’s connections with Omanis living and doing business in Kigali.

It has been 30 years since the Rwandan genocide ended, when thousands of people were killed in just three months of brutal slaughter. To this day, my memory of the massacre is still vivid, I can still imagine the horrific scenes of death, and the smell of rotting is still vivid in my mind. I was in Rwanda as a teenager in 1994, one of the many Omanis who witnessed the dark side of the place.

My parents and I managed to flee the country as we had nothing to do with the internal politics there. For those who don’t know, many Omanis, including me, were born in this beautiful country.

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However, Rwanda has changed a lot today. After that tragedy, Rwanda rebuilt itself and distinguished itself from other developing countries in Africa. Now, this country can be said to be a paradise on the African continent.

Rwanda is getting better as it develops, which highlights the fact that the country must make up for lost years.

“What makes Rwanda different from other African countries is that it is the fastest growing economy that has risen from the ashes, from the ruins of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Currently, Rwanda is expected to grow at a high rate of 9.7% in the first quarter of 2024, ranking 9th among the 20 economies expected to grow the fastest in 2024,” Sifa Uwera, managing partner of Heritage Safaris Ltd in Rwanda, told me.

Sifa, co-founder and owner of Heritage Safaris Rwanda, said: “Rwanda has been ranked as the safest country in Africa. We have received feedback from solo female travellers, including ladies who claim that it is safe to walk on the streets of Kigali after midnight.”

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“Kigali and secondary cities in Rwanda are the cleanest, greenest and most organized cities in Africa, and arguably the world! Rwanda has also invested heavily in the digitization of services, especially 4G and 3G networks. Internet/Wifi is available in all public places, including public buses. Free WIFI is also available in all hotels, restaurants and public places,” she added.

Sifaa Rwanda travel is unique in its ease of travel. Visas are available upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and at the border, and are free for citizens of French-speaking, Commonwealth and African countries. For other countries, a tourist visa costs US$50 and is valid for 30 days. For travel across East Africa, an EAC tourist visa worth US$100 is available upon arrival, valid for 90 days.

When asked what places in Rwanda he would like to recommend to tourists, Sifa said: “The Volcanoes National Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, is famous for its endemic mountain gorillas. It is not to be missed. The park is also home to 200 species of colorful birds and chirping golden monkeys.”

“The Big Five can be found in Akagera National Park, a bird paradise with over 500 bird species, 3 hours from Kigali. Nyungwe National Park and Heritage Corridor has rich cultural tours, primates and Lake Kivu are within its range (5 hours from Kigali),” she added.

Sifa said there is no specific time of year that is the best time to visit Rwanda, but rather it is suitable all year round. “It is suitable all year round because the climate is suitable and tourists can come into contact with wildlife,” she said.

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According to the Rwandans I spoke to, the Government’s policy of ensuring the provision of basic services and economic growth to the people in order to alleviate the suffering caused by the genocide has been effective.

The situation is different now. There is no killing, no stealing, no corruption, and the authorities ensure that all government workers perform their duties and serve the people instead of themselves.

In the past, road travel was a very tiring thing, but today, the road infrastructure is very well developed.

By the way, I must mention this. According to the World Bank (Economic Update 20), “tourism is Rwanda’s main source of foreign exchange earnings and tends to create a higher proportion of formal sector jobs than other industries. Within the tourism industry, nature-based tourism accounts for 80% of Rwanda’s leisure and business tourists, which not only helps to protect biodiversity but also helps to advance Rwanda’s

Not only does nature-based tourism help combat climate change, it also plays an important role in creating jobs: it is estimated that for every $1 million (Rwandan francs 1.05 billion) injected into the economy, nature-based tourism creates 1,328 new jobs.

Rwanda has proven that it can move from violence to development and prosperity. Now, Rwanda has a lot to offer tourists. The beauty of the country is that it is now quieter and more peaceful than ever before.

Driving around allows for beautiful views of the surrounding green areas or other popular attractions such as the surrounding hills and lakes. My favorite place is Muhazi, where I love to watch the sunset over the mountains and lakes.

Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, with green mountains, gardens and tea plantations everywhere. It is home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, one-third of Africa’s bird species, and many species of primates. There are also volcanoes, wildlife reserves, resorts and islands on the vast Lake Kivu, as well as graceful dancers, arts and crafts, and most importantly, warm and friendly people.

What I liked most was that all the main attractions were within a one to five hour drive from the capital city of Kigali, so I was able to see most of them in just three days. Located in the heart of Central and East Africa, Rwanda is easily accessible to neighboring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Kenya, making it an ideal place to travel, especially for Omanis, some of whom are now citizens living in Kigali.

Kigali is Rwanda’s dominant city, a rapidly developing, showcase capital designed to impress visitors, from casual tourists to foreign investors.

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The city stretches across several hills and valleys, and many of the better restaurants and hotels are located away from the traditional city center. Kigali is a clean, comfortable, and well-organized city popular with long-term expatriates, and some Omanis also do business here.

Although the cost of living in Kigali is high, the neighboring provinces are even cheaper. If you want to buy something, Rwandan coffee is generally very good and the honey is great. The local markets are also filled with Rwandan handicrafts, beautiful fabrics in bright colors, and all the typical African things.