Two of the most interesting countries in Africa to visit are the land-locked nations of Rwanda and Burundi. The local people belong to one of two tribal groupings: Hutu or Tutsi. Both are easily identified by size — the Tutsi tend to be tall and thin, while the Hutu are normally considerably shorter. Visitors should note that these groups don’t particularly like each other, so it’s best to avoid discussing the recent genocidal wars that tore both countries apart in the 1990s.
Today, relative peace and harmony exist, and the economy has returned to normal, making both countries safe to visit.
Both countries are largely rural, with most inhabitants living in small villages. Governed by Belgium during the colonial era, many older buildings still exhibit a European architectural style. While there are few monuments to the early days of African exploration, the very south of Burundi features a memorial dedicated to two great European explorers — Burton and Speke.
Explore the beauty and history of Rwanda and Burundi with this detailed and informative map!
