Rwanda: Chasing Views in the Land of a Thousand Hills

As a pharmacy student, I attended a congress in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019. Often called the “country of a thousand hills”, Rwanda surprised many people when I told them I was going. It is often misunderstood, but in reality, it is one of the safest countries I have visited. Kigali is the cleanest city in Africa, with a plastic bag ban and strong community engagement.

The country is also developing in technology, with innovation hubs and tech start-ups emerging across Kigali. In the city, I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where I learned about the history of the tribes Hutu and Tutsi – a strong reminder to value peace and ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

I climbed Mount Bisoke (3,711 m) in Volcanoes National Park without preparation, trekking through the jungle inhabited by elephants and gorillas. At the summit is a crater lake.

On the way down, I lost my group and trekked with a Rwandan couple, which became another adventure. I also visited Nyungwe National Park, where I did the canopy walk above the rainforest, enjoying stunning views of Rwanda’s hills and greenery.

During the congress, we conducted a humanitarian campaign at the Gisimba Memorial Centre, collecting supplies for children in their after-school programme. We played with the children, and they sang for us. Seeing the happiness on their faces was truly moving.