In 1994, the world was shocked by Rwanda's genocidal tribal wars, which resulted in the loss of almost a million lives, while also decimating the country's economy and natural resources. Almost 25 years later, travel expert Peter Greenberg joins Rwanda's President Paul Kagame in filmmaker John Feist’s PBS-aired travelogue filmed in Africa's "land of 1,000 hills," now transformed into a modern and prosperous land of adventure tourism. After Kagame describes the war, his role as a guerilla leader, efforts to reconstruct the country, and his hopes for the future, the two men explore the country's numerous attractions, including encounters with the rare and endangered mountain gorillas, jet-skiing on Lake Kivu, and motorbiking to visit tea plantations, waterfalls, and safari territories. Wildlife also suffered badly in the recent war, but the country now emphasizes the economic values of tourism over poaching, including observing wildlife from a long suspension bridge or ziplining high over jungle canopies. At a colorful urban market, one can shop while a street vendor custom-designs a ready-made shirt. To sample Rwanda's artistic heritage, the pair visit an exhibit of native art at a modern Rwanda public library. Rwanda: The Royal Tour consistently offers unusual sights, including rare longhorn cows grazing at Kagame's country estate (where Greenberg joins the president in a game of tennis). A fascinating look at a once deeply-torn African country, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
Rwanda: The Royal Tour
(2018) 55 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0485-8. Volume 33, Issue 6
Rwanda: The Royal Tour
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