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Romesh travels to Rwanda to discover its unique culture, experience incredible wildlife and find out how the country has healed and rebuilt itself after the 1994 genocide.

Romesh crosses the border from Uganda into Rwanda, a country he feels has been defined by westerners almost entirely by the 1994 genocide. More recently, the British government announced plans to send refugees seeking asylum in the UK to Rwanda.

Rom’s affable guide is performance artist, genocide survivor and peace activist Hippo, who initiates him the cultural significance of sharing milk, puts him to work helping to maintain the pristine streets of the capital, Kigali, and shows him where Rwanda plans to house asylum seekers sent from Britain.

Leaving the busy capital behind, they venture east to a village where they try to create indigenous art. In Akagera, the country's largest national park, they encounter incredible wildlife, including giraffes, impala and lions. After trying to take on the women's national cycling team, the pair head to the National Genocide Memorial Museum to learn more about what happened in 1994.

Romesh is blown away by Rwanda’s unique culture and welcoming people but troubled by reports of alleged human rights abuses, including suppression of dissent and invasive surveillance methods. He and Hippo end their Rwandan adventure via a magical encounter with a family of wild gorillas.

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58 minutes

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Romesh Ranganathan
Director Chris Cottam
Production Manager Lucy Cartledge
Executive Producer Morgan Roberts
Executive Producer Emily Hudd

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