Rwanda of 1884 assigned the territory to Germany as part of German East Africa, marking the beginning of the colonial era. The explorer Gustav Adolf von Götzen was the first European to significantly explore the country in 1894; he crossed from the south-east to Lake Kivu and met the king. The Germans did not significantly alter the social structure of the country, but exerted influence by supporting the king and the existing hierarchy and delegating power to local chiefs. Belgian forces took control of Rwanda and Burundi in 1916, during World War I, beginning a period of more direct colonial rule.
Tourism in Rwanda specialises in teaching others about the landscape and wildlife of Rwanda. Expeditions visit volcanoes, waterfalls and rainforests that are home to many different African animals. Rwanda is home to a huge diverse population of animals including mountain gorillas and the world's largest natural park for hippos - some 20,000 are believed to be there. Although Rwanda is still a developing country, it has quite hotels and its new international interest in tourism is helping economic growth. Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, and tourists are instructed not to bring them to the country. Tourism in Rwanda Tourism in Rwanda is