Day 4: Freedom & Belonging
Akagera National Park
Friday, April 15th, 2026
Our day began long before sunrise.
After returning late from dinner the evening before, we hold only a few hours to rest before gathering in the hotel lobby at 4am for our journey to Akagera National Park. Despite the early wake-up call, there was an undeniable sense of excitement among the group.
As we departed the hotel, I noticed that much of Rwanda, was already beginning to wake up. As we traveled through the city and countryside, I was fascined by the people and communities we passed. The drive to Akagera National Park took us through numerous villages and rural communities, providing a glimpse into everyday life. Along the roads, I watched people riding bicycles loaded with bananas, polutry, and other goods, transporting items to local markets or back to their families.
One of the observations that stayed with me most was seeing children on their way to school. Some appeared incredibly young, perhaps only three or four years old, yet they walked confidently alongside older children as they made their way. Similar to a comparison between New York and Georgia. Residing in Georgia, most children arrive to school by bus or car. What stood out to me was not simply the mode of transportation, but the sense of responsibility, independence, and commitment to education that seemed evident throughout the communities we passed. Education appeared to be woven into the rhythm of daily life, and it was inspiring to witness families and children making that commitment every day.
As the sun continued to rise, the landscape around us became even more breathtaking. Rwanda’s nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills,'“ quickly began to make sense. Rolling green hills stretched endlessly, creating some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever experienced. The air felt fresh, the environment appeared remarkably clean, and there was a peacefulness to the countryside that is difficult to describe.
Along the way, we stopped at a local coffee shop, the cafe was beautifully designed, featuring local artwork and an atmosphere that felt both modern and uniquely Rwandan. It was a short stop, but one that allowed us to appreciate the creativity, coffee, and culture that’s woven into so many places throughout Rwanda.
Long before we reached the national park, the journey itself had already become one of my favorite parts of the day. Watching Rwanda come to life during those early morning hours offered a perspective that no classroom, documentary, or travel guide could fully capture.
It was a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments of travel don’t happen at the destination, but along the road that leads you there.
We continued our journey and arrived at Akagera National Park.
From the moment we entered the park, I was captivated by the landscape. Rolling green hills, open plains, bodies of water, vegetation, trees, blue skys, and perfect weather. Throughout the day, we encountered an incredible variety of wildlife.
We saw African bush elephants moving gracefully, Cape buffalo grazing in the distance, and rhinos roaming freely. We watched Masai giraffes tower above trees, observed zebras moving in groups across open fields, and spotted hippos resting in the water. Baboons observed us from the trees, while antelope, impala, wart holds and countless species of birds appeared within every kilometer.
Each sighting brought a new level of excitement. Just when I though the experience couldn’t get any better, another animal would emerge from the landscape.
What made the experience so remarkable was not simply seeing the animals themselves, but seeming them in their natural habitat. There were no barriers, enclosures, or exhibits. The animals existed as part of the ecosystem they were created to inhabit, moving freely across the land without restriction.
One of my favorite moments came near the end of the safari when we stopped at a designated picnic and observation area. For the first time all day, were were able to step out of the vehicles and fully take in our surroundings.
The scene felt almost unreal.
Giraffes stood nearby while zebras grazed in the distance. Antelope moved through the grasslands while buffalo could be seen further beyond. Everywhere I looked, there was wildlife coexisting within the same landscape. For a moment, it felt as though I had stepped into a nature documentary.
Standing there, surrounded by animals living freely in the environment they were meant to call home, I found myself reflecting on the concept of belonging.
Growing up in the United States, most of my experiences with wildlife had taken place in zoos, aquariums, or controlled environments. While those experiences can be educational, there was something profoundly different about witnessing animals where they naturally belong. There was a sense of authenticity and freedom that simply cannot be replicated.
That realization unexpectedly connected back to some of the thoughts I had been carrying with me throughout this journey.
As someone who spent years wanting to visit Africa and learn more about the continent connected to my ancestry, I found myself thinking about what it means to return to a place that feels connected to a larger story. While my experience and that of the animals around me are obviously different, the idea of of being present in an environment that reflects organ and history resonated with me in a way I had not anticipated.
There was something powerful about standing on African soil, surrounded by landscapes and wildlife that have existed for generations, while reflecting o my own journey to get there.
As the day came to an end and we began the drive back to Kigali, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude of the opportunity to witness such incredible beauty, gratitude for the chance to experience Rwanda beyond the city, and gratitude for moments that challenge me to see the world, and myself, from a different perspective.
Day 4 reminded me of the most meaningful lessons came from simply observing the world around you. And on this day, the world was absolutely breathtaking.
