Given that Rwanda is a small, landlocked country, there are many activities to do while you are there. The surface area of Rwanda in East Africa is 26,338 square kilometers. Rwanda has neighbors in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda. Regrettably, Rwanda is also recognized for having gone through one of the most violent genocides in recent memory. Stunning highlands, volcanoes, mountain gorillas, and lovely people are among of the country’s most well-known natural features. Following the genocide, the government of President Kagame faced the difficult task of uniting the citizens of the nation for restoration, healing, and reconciliation. Rwanda is now viewed as a model for how other African countries may successfully organize their populace, fight corruption, and develop effective systems while having few resources.
One of the most remarkable achievements of the current administration is the growth of the tourist sector in Rwanda. In terms of scenic beauty, wonderful weather, endless hills, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and animals, Rwanda has a lot to offer tourists. The government has invested a lot of time and money in promoting tourism. The nation’s national parks are overseen by committed and patriotic individuals, and the best hotels and roads are used for travel. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world to travel to, and its capital Kigali is known as being the cleanest in all of Africa. The people of Rwanda are friendly and inviting, and the nation is known for its delicious regional cuisine.
Let’s investigate the top destinations in Rwanda.
National Park of Volcanoes for Gorilla Trekking
The Volcanoes National Park is without a doubt the most well-liked area for wildlife preservation in Rwanda. Each year, hundreds of foreign visitors come to the park to see the mountain gorillas in addition to taking part in other well-liked park activities. One of the 10 habituated gorilla groups in the park can only be tracked by eight people each day. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park begins at 7 a.m. with a briefing from the park headquarters in Kinigi. Visitors are then brought outside to follow one of the gorilla groups while surrounded by armed Guides. Going on a gorilla climb is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in Africa. Because it involves encountering species that are comparable to us. A gorilla permit costs $1500 per person in Rwanda.
Seeing the Tomb of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey was one of the top primatologists of the 20th century. She was a pioneer in gorilla studies and conservation and was supported by the National Geographic. Fossey studied mountain gorilla behavior in-depth for 18 years and gained a wealth of knowledge about them, including how to acclimatize them. Gorilla trekking and habituation as we know them today would not be possible without her discoveries. Fossey began to focus more on gorilla conservation as time went on in an effort to protect the primates from extensive poaching and shift her focus away from gorilla research. As a result, she made a lot of enemies, and one morning her body was found in her chamber (1985). As of yet, no one has been identified as her killer.
After tracking gorillas, many visitors choose to memorialize her by going to her grave on the slopes of two volcanoes, Karisimbi and Bisoke, and visiting her former research center. Fitness level is needed due to the required mountain hiking to get to the tomb. You should also be prepared to deal with muddy trails, especially during the wet season. The cost of each permit for the Dian Fossey Hike is $80.
One advantage of doing the Dian Fossey hike is the free opportunity to encounter a troop of mountain gorillas. After seeing her grave and the former Karisoke Center in Musanze, you can go to the new Karisoke Research Center there. At these locations, where the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is also located, she is still working.
Genocide Memorial in Kigali
Before visiting one of Rwanda’s well-known national parks, you should certainly pay a visit to the Genocide Memorial Center in the country’s capital city of Kigali. The museum houses almost 250,000 of the dead victims of the Interahamwe’s heinous massacre (Hutu extremists). The facility is divided into three sections: one for adults, one for those who lost loved ones in genocides, and one for those who perished in worldwide genocides.
By visiting the site, you can learn a lot about what happened before, during, and after the genocide in 1994. You can watch brevity films about the sad event or listen to what the local Guides have to say. Even if it could be distressing, the main objective of the exhibits is to inform the public—particularly the next generation—about the horrors of genocides in order to prevent their recurrence.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
The Nyungwe forest, one of Africa’s oldest afro-montane forests, is located in Rwanda. This forest, which is found in the country’s South Western area, is home to 13 different species of primates, including chimpanzees. The Nyungwe Forest still provides some habitat for the Angola Colobus and Golden Monkeys. More than 15 different paths are available for visitors to choose from as they stroll through the woodland. You can go chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe forest or take the highly popular canopy walk if nature treks aren’t your thing. Regardless of the precise activity you choose, you will be rewarded with amazing views of birds (310 species), primates (13 species), butterflies (120 species), flora (over 1,000 species), amphibians (32 species), and reptiles (38 species).
Park National Akagera
When mountain gorillas are the focus, it is easy to forget that Rwanda is great for game drives and traditional wildlife safaris. Akagera is the only savannah park in Rwanda, covering an area of 1,085 square kilometers. Despite the fact that the park was established in 1934, the 1994 genocide resulted in a significant wildlife loss. For thousands of evacuated individuals wishing for sanctuary in neighboring countries, the park acted as a path of escape. Many survivors of the genocide made the decision to settle in various parts of the park, which led to unrestrained poaching and encroachments.
When the African Parks Network and the government joined together to maintain the park, the number of animals increased and extinct species were reintroduced. In Akagera National Park, you’ll find swamps, savannah plains, woodlands, lakes, rivers, and terraced hills. The Big 5 animals—lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards—as well as other activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural encounters, and mountain climbing are now present there. This offers visitors the possibility to go on a comprehensive Rwandan wildlife safari.
At Akagera, you might also witness olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, hyenas, leopards, and hippos, to name a few. In addition to routine game drives, Akagera is an excellent spot for birdwatching, nature treks, and sport fishing in Lake Shakani. A popular afternoon boat cruise along Lake Ihema rewards tourists with breathtaking views as well as encounters with crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, and aquatic birds.
Tracking the Golden Monkey
Rwanda is one of the last remaining safe havens for golden monkeys. These magnificent monkeys can be found in the Kahuzi Biega National Park and the Virunga Mountains in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Golden monkeys must adhere to severe protection standards since they are considered endangered. People are the biggest threat to eagles, despite the fact that they are their natural prey. Due of their lovely gold coats and entertaining personality, golden monkeys are well-liked by tourists. A briefing is held at 7:30 am to start the tracking day for the Rwandan Golden Monkey. It is easier than going gorilla trekking because of the monkeys’ restricted foraging zone in the bush. Golden monkey licenses in Rwanda cost $100.
Birdwatching
It’s a terrific site to go bird watching because Rwanda is home to over 640 different bird species, including 30 that are native to the country. There are planned birding activities at the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and the vicinity of Lake Kivu. Other sites to go birdwatching in Kigali include the suburbs, several minor waterbodies, wetlands/swamps, marshlands, and agricultural plantations. The species that are specific to the Albertine Rift and the Virunga ranges are the main ones to watch out for. The beautiful Shoebill stork can also be seen in the wetlands and marshes of Akagera.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
One of the best canopy walk trails may be found in Nyungwe Forest, which also offers chimpanzee trekking and animal hikes. This activity was established in 2010 in an effort to diversify the nation’s tourism sector. The 50-meter-high canopy walkway offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest and its inhabitants. It takes considerable confidence to finish the trek, which veers left and right as one moves from one location to another. You must be warned in advance if you are terrified of heights.
performances of local dances
One of the quickest ways to understand the culture and traditions of the people of Rwanda is to attend a performance by one of the Intore Dance Troupes. Evening dance performances are scheduled at all renowned hotels for guests to take in as they wind down and end the day. The Intore Dance’s performance quality can be judged by the performer’s zeal, vigor, and grace. The dancing may be interrupted by Kinyarwanda folktales or other narratives. Observers are always requested to participate at some point.
Korean Market
One of the simplest ways to understand the way of life of the inhabitants is to visit the major central market of a new location. Everyone shops in Kimironko Market for reasonably priced, fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables. Customers can select from a wide range of items by visiting the various stalls and choosing what best appeals to them. The market has expanded to include high-end used items, including suits, handbags, shoes, and garments. If you’re looking for reasonably priced, high-quality local fabrics like Kitenge, Kimironko is the place to go.
Art Center Inema
This art center was started by two brothers in order to support and promote local artists. The Center offers some of the best contemporary artisan products in the country. Some of the top artists in the country and outside have exhibitions on display. The institute hosts workshops and training sessions for budding artists, especially those who are less fortunate, such orphans. Typically, visitors are given a tour of the buildings as they peruse the several galleries for mementos of their time there. There is also an Intore cultural group from the area performing dances.
You can order the Inema Art Centre’s artwork online while you wait for delivery. After seeing Inema, you might wish to stop by the Ivuka Arts Centre to learn more about their charitable endeavors and peruse their extra collection of artwork.
Museum at State House
The State House Museum is now housed in the former presidential mansion. Habyarimana was the most recent leader of it. Habyarimana’s plane crashed inside the palace grounds after receiving gunfire. When the presidential plane was shot down, a genocide that had been planned but not fully carried out began. In order to learn more about the causes of the genocide and President Habyarimana’s lifestyle there, tourists can now tour the palace. Inside the compound, you can still see the plane’s wreckage.
Offer to assist with Umuganda
Two elements that contribute to the outstanding cleanliness of the capital Kigali are the monthly “umuganda” and a government prohibition on careless disposal of plastic bags. Umuganda, or community service, is obligatory of all citizens of the country. The final Saturday of every month is when it is organized, and the president attends. Each community forms organized committees to pick what to work on each month. One can be asked to fix any broken public facilities, pick up any rubbish on the streets, or trim any overgrown grass or plants. Everyone gathers after work to discuss any other problems that might be endangering the area. Umuganda has given the people of Rwanda a sense of unity and patriotism that is vital but currently lacking in many African countries. As a volunteer, you can help maintain a road, a house, a school, or a medical center.
Museum at King’s Palace
King Rudahigwa Mutara III and King Musinga Yuhi V were Rwanda’s last two rulers. The kingdoms were abolished as a result of conflicts with Belgian invaders and a lack of support from all tribe groups. There is currently only the Nyanza palace. For visitors who are interested in learning more about the history of the country, the palace has been turned into a museum. The palace was built with support from the Belgian government while King Rudahigwa Mutara III was in power. If you are in Rwanda’s southern region or on your way to Nyungwe National Park, make sure to stop at the museum.
Data and objects at the Museum go back more than 200 years. Unfortunately, many of these were removed or destroyed in 1994 during the genocide. King Mutara and his wife Rosalie Gicanda, who perished in the genocide, are buried on a hill close to the museum.
Mount Rwanda
Do you want to know where to go to get the best views of Kigali? There is only one place to begin: Mount Kigali. Not technically a mountain, but is a prominent hill with one of the highest points in the country. As you get to the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views of the city. Along the way to the top of the hill, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. While on Mount Kigali’s peak, visitors can also stop by the recreational amenities, which include bars and eateries.
The Mille Collines Hotel
This five-star hotel gained notoriety thanks to the 2004 movie “Hotel Rwanda.” The film is based on the true story of a hotel manager who, when the 1994 genocide was taking place, hid more than 1200 people in hotel rooms. In addition to its role in the Holocaust, the illustrious hotel is a favorite among guests for the superior amenities it offers. It has a restaurant, a fitness center, 112 elegant rooms, and more. Visit the hotel and add your name to the list of visitors of the most known hotel in Rwanda.
Dairy bars
The Banyarwanda have a long history of raising cattle. Their cattle has long horns, similar to those in Ankole (Uganda). Fresh milk is frequently consumed in Rwanda for breakfast, and some people even assert that this is the reason the nation has so many gorgeous ladies. There are milk bars all around the country. The milk is provided by cow farms in suburban and rural parts of cities. Kigali Milk Bar is an excellent choice for individuals who want their milk hot or fresh.
Convention Center in Kigali
The Center is one of Kigali’s most well-known buildings. Although it has a beautiful design, the fact that important conferences and meetings are typically conducted there is what makes it famous. In addition to the meeting space, the property also includes a 5-star hotel with the name of Radisson Blue and two big shopping centers. You may shop, eat lunch, and take pictures at the Kigali Convention Center. The Center becomes a unique nocturnal structure unmatched by any other in the country.
Akagera aviation for a tour by helicopter
Helicopter trips are offered in Kigali by Akagera Aviation for individuals who would want to see the city and its surroundings from the air. Depending on the itinerary, a helicopter trip can cost anywhere between $500 and $4500. No matter whatever route you take, you will undoubtedly be treated to breath-taking vistas of Rwanda’s 1,000 hills and the imposing Virunga volcanoes. For stunning views of the enormous forest and the vast Virunga hills that extend all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nyungwe National Park can also be visited by helicopter trips. All flights start and end in Kigali.
Nature walks, bird watching, and primate tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwat-Mukura is the newest national park in Rwanda. It was formed by joining the Gishwati and Mukura forests. The park, which is close to Lake Kivu, is an excellent illustration of Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Both during and after the genocide, refugees encroached on forested areas, significantly degrading the landscape. The government, with help from collaborators like the World Bank, has regenerated the two forests’ whole topography by replanting trees and shifting encroachers to different locations. In the park, visitors can go on nature walks, see birds, and look for primates like chimpanzees or L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Tea and coffee plantations
Rwanda exports some of the greatest tea and coffee in Africa. Although the quality of coffee has won several awards internationally, the nation’s top export is tea. The cultivation of coffee and tea is aided by the nation’s plentiful volcanic soils, high altitude, and pleasant temperature. Visitors can schedule tours of coffee and tea estates to learn more about the two cash crops’ cultivation and processing. Visitors can observe the planting, harvesting, selection, cleaning, drying, and transformation of the produce into finished commodities suited for human consumption during the tours. The last activity on every tour should be drinking locally brewed coffee, also known as African tea, which is coffee or tea combined with milk and various tastes. Contact Dav Safaris if you’re interested in joining one of their excursions.
Caves in Musanze
These ancient caverns are located in the Musanze region, outside Volcanoes National Park. The caves were ultimately opened to visitors in 2013 following renovations that included building staircases and paved trails/paths. The 2 km long caves, which were created by lava flows some 60 million years ago, and the East African Rift Valley both emerged at the same time. There are around 32 entrances, with the main entrance being about 10 kilometers wide. Fans of geology and adventure alike enjoy exploring the Musanze caverns. The bat-filled caverns were once used as a hiding place by the Batwa pygmies and other nearby tribal groups.
Mount Karisimbi hike
Mount Karisimbi is one of the tallest mountains in Africa. It stands over 4,500 meters tall and is located in Volcanoes National Park. The greater Virunga mountain ranges in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are comprised of eight volcanoes, including the peak in question. The Mount Karisimbi walk takes two days. Despite being challenging, the climb rewards travelers with breathtaking views of the Virunga mountains, the lava-emitting Nyiragongo volcano, and national parks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Karisimbi climbs are sometimes combined with hikes to observe gorillas and golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park.
Alp Bisoke
Despite being Rwanda’s tallest volcano, Mount Bisoke only rises 3,711 meters. It is the most well-known of all the volcanoes due to its simplicity of ascent. It only takes one day to travel to the summit and back. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to explore a huge crater and take in views of the volcanoes National Park and other Virunga volcanoes. If you’re lucky, a gorilla or a troop of golden monkeys may be present as you climb the mountain’s lower slopes.
Kivu Lake
As the largest body of water in Rwanda, Lake Kivu spans more than 2,700 square kilometers. This lake, which is the sixth largest in Africa, may be found as far south as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visitors delight in exploring the lake because of its beautiful islands, resorts, and shorelines. On Lake Kivu, you can enjoy swimming, birding, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, and other water sports. A mountain bike or on foot, riders may now tour Rwanda’s countryside thanks to the Congo Nile trail, which was built across the lake’s shore. There are no hippos or crocodiles in Lake Kivu.
Rwanda National Museum
The Ethnographic Museum was built in 1989 and is today renowned as such. The location is located in Butare, a community 80 kilometers from Kigali, the country’s capital. It’s frequently the first stop for tourists who visit Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is possible to learn about Banyarwanda culture at the Museum. The museum’s seven galleries feature artifacts from antiquity as well as pictures, cultural artifacts, ceramics with antiquity dates, musical instruments, traditional clothing, and woodwork. After viewing the gallery’s displays, you can watch Intore dancers amuse visitors.
Congo-Nile Route
The Congo Nile route has just been added as part of the Rwandan government’s expansion of the nation’s tourist attractions. The 140-mile Congo Nile trail can be covered in three different ways: on foot, by bike, or by motorcycle. It can take ten days to walk the entire trail. One of the best cycling routes in East Africa is the Congo Nile Trail. The trail rewards bikers with breath-taking beauty and everything that the Rwandan countryside has to offer, including tiny villages, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe National Park, and gorgeous rolling hills and tea plantations. One would have a better understanding of how the locals live their lives after completing the walk.
Due to the wide variety of hotels and campgrounds, finding a place to stay along the journey is not a problem. Even better, you could carry your own tent and set it up in front of shrines or educational institutions. You can hire a bike and a guide from a tour company.
Local Meat
It is nonetheless crucial to describe Rwandan food even though it might not be one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The popular local food combines the best of what East Africa has to offer. You can also taste grilled meat, Isombe, somboza, akabanga, and a variety of regional brochettes, in addition to the fresh cow’s milk already mentioned. The locals take pleasure in urwagwa, a preferred form of banana beer, after work or on the weekends. All of the posh hotels and restaurants offer regional cuisine, but Repub Lounge is a favorite among visitors who are not from the area.
Ruhondo Lake & Burera Lake
These stunning twin lakes are situated in the Volcanoes National Park. Most tourists to the lake arrive in the late afternoon or early evening after taking part in park activities like gorilla trekking. In the lush atmosphere, birds and a stunning variety of plants reside. Nature exploration, kayaking, birdwatching, camping, and calling on the local fisherman are all possibilities. Honeymooners and couples will find the picturesque setting to be quite peaceful and restorative after the physically demanding activities at the Volcanoes National Park.
Nyamata Temple
If you want to learn more about what occurred prior to, during, and following the genocide in Rwanda, you must visit this church. In the expectation that they would be secure, some 10,000 Tutsis sought shelter in the church, but the merciless Interahamwe killed them all. Before killing everyone inside the church, the Hutu zealots blew open the doors with grenades. Visitors can still see human remains, blood-stained clothing, and bullet holes in the church. About 50,000 people’s remains are located in a mass grave outside the church.
Village of the Gorilla Guard
Previously known as the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, Edwin Sabuhoro, a former warden at the Volcanoes National Park, founded the Center to promote all that is admirable about the Kinyarwanda Culture and to provide former poachers with employment. Visitors are given a tour of the Center before taking in traditional dance performances, learning how to prepare local cuisine, or engaging in a Batwa-style hunt. It’s possible that you’ll get the chance to dress in the period’s royal garb and experience what it was like to be a figurehead.
Club Mamba
Are there any places in Kigali that you want to know about going out in the evening or at night? For middle-class and upper-class Kigalians looking to socialize and have some fun, the Mamba Club is a popular hangout. They organize a range of recreational activities, such as pool, ping-pong, volleyball, foosball, and swimming. The Mamba Club is home to the city’s only bowling alley. Spend a fun-filled evening at Mamba Club with your loved ones, workplace, or friends. Excellent food and beverages are offered at a fully stocked bar.
Center for Women in Nyamirambo
This non-profit institution is located in the Nyamirambo neighborhood. It was created to provide women with the education they need to develop the skills necessary to launch their own enterprises or find well-paying employment. The women at the center are taught how to create high-quality clothing using local textiles. The women also produce wonderful beads, accessories for the home, and other knickknacks. The center also organizes neighborhood walking tours for those who want to meet the locals. When you visit this center, be sure to purchase something to support the women.
