Test Rwanda

Rwanda has a tragic past marred by genocide. But back in 1994, the West turned a blind eye. Visiting the National Genocide Memorial provides a very detailed look at the events that led to the massacre. Two nearby regional memorials offer a haunting look at what actually happened. Both Ntarama and Nyamata are completely untouched, with bloodstains on the bricks, thousands of skulls piled high, and blood-soaked clothes hanging from the ceiling. There’s no denying that it can be tough viewing, even if it’s an essential piece of the Rwanda travel experience.

Yet this isn’t a country that looks back. Visiting the memorials increases your admiration for the country of today. In the second part of the private cultural tour, you explore the colors and charms that are redefining this small East African nation. Vibrant tones mix with enthusiastic shouts in Kimironko Market, where the guide introduces you to Rwanda’s culinary delicacies. Cute cafes sell coffee that goes directly from bean to cup. An upmarket restaurant combines the grandeur of yesteryear with the artisanal style of today. Everywhere you go, there are smiling faces as the guide reveals a country that’s as forward-thinking as anywhere in Africa.