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ClimateNE & Climate Change Schools Project support the move to a low-carbon, resilient economy and help businesses avoid risk and realise commercial opportunities. Posts by Jen Atkinson, Krista McKinzey and Harriet Thew » Rwanda was voted among the "Top 10" tourism destinations in the world by Lonely Planet (2009), one of the world's leading travel guides. More often than not it is overshadowed by its neighbours Kenya and Tanzania - both firm favourites within the international tourist market. However are all those tourists visiting Africa missing out on the hidden gem that is Rwanda?
Rwanda is known to many Africans as the Switzerland of Africa, as the country's lakes - specifically Lake Kivu which reveals some of the best inland beaches on the continent - are breathtakingly beautiful. This country has a lot to offer tourists, namely the chance to experience a once in a life time opportunity to trek high up into the Parc National Des Volcans, where the majestic peaks of the Virunga six volcanoes sit proudly and hidden in the shade of a dense jungle. Here you will find the last remaining troops of Mountain Gorillas. But this is not the only chance you will have to get close to nature. In the country that is named 'a thousand hills' and where, if you head south, you will find Parc National Nyungwe Forest, there are plenty of other opportunities to spot a range of primates up close.
The craft makers that are part of our training programme are spread out across the whole country, so I have had the opportunity to see many of these sites for myself. The beauty of Rwanda and its people is astounding, and what they have achieved since the Genocide in 1994 is almost unbelieveable until you see it with your own eyes.
Our craft makers are extremely proud to be Rwandan and proud of the country that they live in....so if you are looking for somewhere different to visit this year, why not give Rwanda a go.
** http://www.lonelyplanet.com/rwanda
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