Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

There are four national parks in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park. These parks offer an ideal habitat for hundreds of animal species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras and many more. Rwanda is also a hotspot for bird watching with more than 700 known species. Rwanda has the oldest rainforest in Africa, as well as lakes, waterfalls, mountains, valleys and forests.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Rwanda has the second fastest growing economy in Africa, partly due to tourism and its focus on sustainability and conservation. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, the number of tourist arrivals almost doubled from 2010 to 2014 bringing the annual total to more than 1.2 million people. In 2018, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) awarded Rwanda with its first Global Leadership Award.

To learn more about traveling in Rwanda, a local expert from the Rwanda Development Board shares information about gorilla trekking, responsible tourism, packing list suggestions and more.

What is Rwanda like?

From the breathtaking landscape to the friendly and welcoming smiles of Rwandans, there is a lot that travelers will get to see when they travel to Rwanda. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions about Rwanda?

We are constantly working to change the negative narratives and perspectives by marketing Rwanda as a ‘must visit’ travel destination for business and leisure. We have so much to offer the world. Rwanda has transformed from a nation known for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis to one vibrating with creativity and innovation.

What animals can be found in Rwanda?

There are many animal species found here. Rwanda is an up-and-coming safari destination with central Africa’s largest protected wetland in the Akagera National Park on the country’s eastern border with Tanzania. Following the reintroduction of lions and rhinos, we are now home to the Big Five. Rwanda is known for its gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, as well as chimpanzees and other monkey species, including colobus,  golden, L’Hoest’s, owl faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet, among others. Birding is also very popular in Rwanda. We have one of the highest bird counts on the continent despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

How many gorillas live in Rwanda? 

At the latest count (year 2020), there are approximately 1,004 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif region (Rwanda, Uganda & DRC). Of the 604, over 340 live in Rwanda. Visitors that want to experience gorilla trekking will be with guides who know where to find them in the wild. Visitors get to go on a hike and witness what gorillas are like in their natural habitat. Check out the Visit Rwanda webpage about gorilla tracking for more details.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Can you describe Rwanda’s commitment to responsible tourism?

As guardians of many iconic species, Rwanda is committed to safeguarding their existence, particularly within the four National Parks. We are constantly working to ensure that we can live in sustainable harmony with our environment and have a clean and green mindset. We banned plastic bags in 2008, and our lands are possibly the cleanest in Africa thanks to efforts made in every community throughout Rwanda. Ten percent of the revenue from permits is channeled towards local communities to build schools and health centers, as well as roads. There is a compensation fund for local farmers should wild animals damage their crops, which helps to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Are there any special events happening in Rwanda this year?

We have many flagship events throughout the year that attract different visitors from around the globe. Most of the events include conferences, sporting events and the annual Kwita Izina ceremony that is held to celebrate Rwanda’s conservation milestones.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Where can I go to learn more about Rwanda’s cultural heritage?

To learn more about Rwanda’s cultural heritage, travelers can go to museums, including, but not limited to, the King’s Palace and the National Museum in Nyanza. Creativity is something to be celebrated through traditional dance, unique architecture and works of art – our heritage is all around us.

What should I pack for Rwanda?

The dress code in Rwanda is usually informal yet respectful. For example, men tend to wear trousers but shorts are fine, although walking around without a shirt is frowned upon. It’s best to check the weather forecast before arrival but daytime temperatures in Rwanda are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains. Avoid wearing blue in Akagera National Park, which attracts tse tse flies, and take sensible precautions against mosquitos and other inserts. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdy clothing to protect against stinging nettles and solid walking shoes. Depending on your plans, you may want to consider bringing gardening or leather gloves, as well as gaiters.

Courtesy of Visit Rwanda

Thank you!

To learn more about conservation efforts, check out the following organizations currently working in Rwanda: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the Gorilla Organization, International Gorilla Conservation Programme and Gorilla Doctors and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Check here for practical travel information, such as transportation, accessibility, currency, connectivity, visas and more.

If you enjoyed the Is Rwanda Worth Visiting, check out another article about wildlife.

The post Is Rwanda Worth Visiting first appeared on Travel Observed.

The post Is Rwanda Worth Visiting appeared first on Travel Observed.

Photo by Zoltan Tosi

How long have you been giving food tours in Marrakech? 

My husband, Youssef, and I started our tour company in April of 2014 and have been doing tours ever since!

What are some of your favorite Moroccan dishes? And, can you describe the flavors?

My favorite dish is rfissa, because it always reminds me a bit of Thanksgiving stuffing (I’m from the US). It’s usually made for new moms because it has a lot of protein and nutrients needed after giving birth. The base is shredded bread similar to msemmen, a layered flaky bread. Then chicken is cooked with lots of onions, turmeric, fenugreek, ginger, ras al hanout and brown lentils. This is put on top of the bread, and the sauce is drizzled over as well. It’s the ultimate Moroccan comfort food.

My husband’s favorite Moroccan dish is a sardine meatball sandwich, which may sound strange. Sardines are very popular in Morocco because they’re affordable. To make the meatballs, the meat is removed from the bones and ground with spices like onions, cumin, salt, and pepper, but everyone makes them a little differently. They’re made into little patties and grilled over charcoal. The meatballs are then put into Moroccan bread along with smen, an aged butter, fresh chopped onions, fresh pureed tomatoes, green olives and hot sauce.

Is there one dish that every visitor should try while in Marrakech?

Visitors shouldn’t leave Marrakech without trying tangia. This is THE dish of Marrakech and we make it the best here! It’s a really simple dish made with mutton that’s slow cooked along with garlic, olive oil, saffron and cumin. But make sure you eat it by scooping it up with bread and not a knife and fork or you’ll lose a lot of the flavor.

Courtesy of Marrakesh Food Tours

What is a tagine? And, can you recommend a traditional tagine dish?

Tagine is the word for the vessel that the dish known as tagine is cooked in, as well as the dish itself. There are dozens of tagine recipes that change based on the region and the family. The most common tagine people will see on a menu is likely to be chicken with preserved lemon and olives but that’s just one variation. Our favorite is a beef tagine with prunes and almonds. The mix of sweet and savory is really delicious!

What might surprise travelers about the food culture in Morocco?

One thing that might surprise travelers is that Moroccans don’t typically go out to eat Moroccan food. They go out to eat other things, so most of the Moroccan food you’ll find is made specifically for tourists, and often times it’s not that great. This can sometimes lead to people feeling disappointed in their food experience.

Do you have any food-related tips for visiting the souks?

While visiting the souks, look where the locals are eating. They’re not ordering 150dh tagines in a flashy place. In fact they’re probably eating in places you wouldn’t even think were a restaurant. Be adventurous, watch what they’re doing and give it a try. Of course you can mix it up and try things in restaurants too, but don’t be scared away!

Courtesy of Marrakech Food Tours

What do Moroccans typically drink with their meals?

They don’t! Usually when people are eating, they don’t have something to drink. They prefer to drink when the meal is finished. Then, it could be water, but usually the drink of choice is mint tea.

Are there any social errors that visitors should avoid when dining out in Marrakech?

It isn’t really an error but I see people eating tagines with a fork and knife all the time, and I think you’re really missing out on the dish. Tagines are meant to be eaten by using bread to scoop up the sauce and meat. At least try it, even if you’re not comfortable eating the whole meal that way. If there isn’t enough liquid in the dish to do this it’s also a sign that the tagine isn’t that great.

Can you name a few of your favorite restaurants, cafes and/or street food vendors in Marrakech?

One of my favorites is Henna Art Café. It is a great place to have lunch, and they also offer fixed prices and organic henna application (so it’s safe!).  Another one of my favorites is L’Mida, a new restaurant that offers modern Moroccan dishes and some really yummy mocktails. +61 is another great option. It is my go-to for a mix of international dishes. They also have a cocktail menu for those that want a drink with their dinner. Lastly, I would recommend Le Trou au Mur, which offers traditional Moroccan dishes (international too) in a lovely medina setting.

Moroccan bread – photo courtesy of Marrakech Food Tours

Have you noticed any recent food trends in Marrakech?

It seems like there are always new places that are popping up. Lately, there has been quite a few places that are doing Moroccan food a bit differently, more of a modern twist. Also, brunch culture is become more of a trend in the dining scene.

In addition to the food, what do you enjoy most about living in Marrakech?

Sunshine! Seriously, I love that the sun shines almost every day!

Thank you, Amanda! To learn more about eating in Marrakech, check out Amanda’s complete food guide.

About Marrakech Food Tours
Since 2014, Marrakech Food Tours has been owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Youssef and Amanda. Their mission has been to bring the real food of Marrakech to those visiting the Red City. Tour options include Evening Street Food, Summer Street Food, the Medina Mix Walking Tour, Ramadan Iftar Dinner, Essaouira Food Day Trip, Ijoukak Valley Day Trip with Lunch and Shopping Tour. They also have private tours available upon request.
Website: https://marrakechfoodtours.com/
Email: info@marrakechfoodtours.com

If you enjoyed Marrakech Food Guide: Interview with Moroccan Food Expert, check out other food-related articles.

The post Marrakech Food Guide | Interview with a Moroccan Local first appeared on Travel Observed.

The post Marrakech Food Guide | Interview with a Moroccan Local appeared first on Travel Observed.