Many a time when people talk about Rwanda, they solely think about the horrific 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that saw up to one million people lose their lives.

It is the ultimate storyline across the world but when millions of people descend onto Rwanda for the upcoming 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) set for January 16-February 7, they will comprehend that there is more to Rwanda than the events that occurred 21 years ago.

While it is an important aspect of our history, it is nonetheless not the only definition of a country that is also known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’.

The undulating hills, beautiful landscape and the green status recently awarded to Rwanda as the greenest country in Africa and third in the world, a beautiful country awaits tourists who will surely embrace this beauty.

Rwanda is also home to the endangered mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes national park in the Northern Province. A visit to Nyungwe national park will also present an opportunity to experience exciting biodiversity in one of the richest rainforests in the world.

Football fans can amidst their busy schedules set aside some time to explore Rwanda and see firsthand the beauty that is this country and like many who have been here, they will carry with them memories that will forever change their perception of a country that has been scarred by ghastly events.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw