CHOGM Summit 2021 to be held in Rwanda
CHOGM Summit 2021 to be held in Rwanda: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2021 will be held in Rwanda, the ‘Land of a thousand hills.’ The leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years to address issues affecting Commonwealth member states like training and capacity building around digital infrastructure, women’s rights, youth empowerment and trade affairs among others.
As a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has greatly affected the world, the CHOGM meeting which was scheduled to take place on 22-27 June 2020 in Kigali- Rwanda, has now been postponed to 22- 25 June 2021.
The 26th CHOGM summit and associated events will be held in Rwanda’s capital Kigali with its theme ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, and Transforming.’ During this year’s Commonwealth meeting, leaders will be discussing ways on how to implement issues that were addressed in the previous 2018 Commonwealth meeting that was held in London.
The 2021 CHOGM meeting comes at the perfect time when Rwanda is positioning herself as a top business and summit hub on the African continent. The country is set to gain a lot of international recognition by hosting the commonwealth meeting this year especially in boosting its financial economy and tourism industry.
Places to visit in Rwanda during the 2021 CHOGM Summit.
It is no secret that Rwanda is truly blessed by Mother Nature. The country’s dazzling crystal lakes, gently flowing rivers and green-terraced landscapes has left many visitors mesmerized by her natural beauty. Here are some of the places to look out for during your visit;
Kigali City: Kigali city is the main point of entry into Rwanda. Some of the interesting places that you can visit while in the city include; Camp Kigali, Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Caplaki craft village, Kimironko market, Umusambi (Crane) Village, and Nyamirambo women’s centre.
Akagera National Park: It is the only savannah national park in Rwanda and the only safari destination in the country where you will be able to see Africa’s Big Five animals which include the lion, Cape buffalo, leopard, Rhino and African savannah elephant. Akagera national park was established in 1934 and covers an area of 1,122 square kilometres. The national park is home to over 8,000 land animals and more than 500 species of birds. The park offers visitors interesting activities such as; guided game drives, boat cruise on lake Ihema, bird watching, sport fishing, camping, nature walks, and cultural encounters to mention but a few. Visitors looking to spend a night or two in the park can seek shelter in the following accommodation facilities like; Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp, and Karenge Bush Camp among others.
Volcanoes National Park: This is the primate capital of Rwanda. With an estimated 300 mountain gorillas, Volcanoes national park is the most visited national park in the country. It is located in the north-eastern part of Rwanda in Ruhengeri. Among some of the activities that you can do during your visit to the park include; gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hike to Dian Fossey gravesite, mountain climbing (Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi), Musanze caves, and Iby’iwacu cultural village. The park has a number of budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation facilities which include; Muhabura safari lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain gorilla view, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi guesthouse and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Situated in the western part of Rwanda in Rusizi, Nyungwe forest national park is one park to reckon with in regards to chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. The national park is part of the renowned Nyungwe forest which is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The park is home to over 322 bird species, 75 species of mammals and about 1,068 plant species. Among some of the key activities offered in Nyungwe national park include; chimpanzee trekking, primate tracking, canopy walk, birding, hiking and touring tea farms like Gisakura tea estate.
Other interesting places to visit during your short stay in Rwanda include Gishwati Mukura national park, Lake Kivu, Gisenyi town and Kibuye town to mention but a few.
Climate and Weather in Rwanda.
Rwanda experiences tropical highland climate with relatively high and persistent rains. The average temperature in Kigali is between 21˚C-22˚C. The country experiences its long dry season between June and mid-September, which is the best time for visitors to explore the national parks especially Akagera national park. Wildlife viewing in the national park is the best during this period as the animals converge around various water pools within the park. The roads in the park are easier to navigate during the dry season in Akagera national park. Rwanda experiences its long rainy season between March to May, short rainy season from October to November and its short dry season from December to February.
Conclusion: The 2021 CHOGM Summit is a great opportunity for you to explore the beautiful scenery in the country and experience Rwanda’s diverse cultures. As a welcome gift, Rwanda is offering citizens of all Commonwealth countries a 30-day free visa upon your arrival in the country.
Book with us a trip to any of the national parks in Rwanda and get to experience the best of Rwanda.
