rwandan tourist attractions

• 20 Unmissable Attractions In Rwanda

20 Unmissable Attractions in Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda ! Home to vibrant city life, mountain gorillas , and breathtaking vistas, there are many places to explore and activities to do. Here are 20 unmissable attractions for your trip to the land of a thousand hills.

Volcanoes national park.

Located in northwest Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to the Virunga Mountain range, mountain gorillas, beautiful volcanoes, golden monkeys, and excellent views.

Karisoke Research Center

Rwanda’s largest lake, located in the west of the country, is stunning. Gisenyi and Kibuye, two of the largest towns on the lake, have plentiful guesthouses, restaurants, and activities.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is one of the most remote locations in Rwanda. A fairly untouched rainforest, the park holds chimpanzees, hundreds of bird species, colobus monkeys, and many hiking trails. Endless tea fields are located right outside the park gates.

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known as the Twin Lakes, sit just a few kilometers outside the town of Musanze. Known for their volcanic views and ideal for weekend trips, the twin lakes are undoubtedly one of Rwanda’s most beautiful attractions.

Akagera National Park

Home to Africa’s Big Five (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), Akagera National Park’s sweeping views, plentiful wildlife, and easy access render this spot one of the best parks in the area.

Sorwathe Tea Plantation

Halfway between Kigali and Musanze, the Sorwathe Tea Plantation offers lunch, tea tastings, fantastic views, and a tea production tour.

Lake Muhazi

Lake Muhazi, located less than 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Kigali, is one of the city’s best options for a day trip. Small restaurants and cafés line the calm shores, and sunsets over Muhazi are unforgettable.

1. Ethnographic Museum

2. City views at the Ubumwe Grande Hotel

One of Kigali’s best views can be found at the top of the Ubumwe Grande Hotel . Open all day, visitors and residents alike flock to the hotel’s bar for a spectacular snapshot of Kigali from above.

Ubumwe Grande Hotel, 1306 KN 67, Kigali, Rwanda, +250 783 744 755

View from the Ubumwe Grande Hotel | © Courtesy of Joli Tropisme

3. Inema Arts Center

Art Gallery

4. Kigali Genocide Memorial

5. Kimironko Market

6. Repub Lounge

Restaurant, African, Vegetarian

Sample traditional Rwandan food in an upmarket setting with fantastic views. Located in the Kimihurura neighbourhood, Repub Lounge is known as one of Kigali’s best restaurants.

7. Kigali Convention Centre

One of Kigali’s most iconic buildings, and an architectural feat, the Convention Centre was completed in 2016. Check it out at night when it displays the colours of Rwanda’s flag.

Kigali Convention Centre, KN 5, Kigali, Rwanda , +250 786 738 663

Kigali Convention Center | © GovernmentZA / Flickr

8. Inzora Rooftop Cafe

Cafe, Vegetarian, Coffee

9. Presidential Palace Museum

Museum, Art Gallery

10. Hôtel des Mille Collines

Hôtel des Mille Collines, featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda , is still in its original location in the Kiyovu neighbourhood. Nowadays people visit to hang by the pool, watch live music, and enjoy brunch.

11. Kigali Heights

Shopping Mall

12. Baso Patissier

Cafe, Patisserie, Dessert, Vegetarian

Kigali’s newest bakery, Baso Patissier , has the best eclairs in town. Though their vanilla eclair reigns supreme, don’t hesitate to check out their other dessert offerings.

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Must-see attractions in Rwanda

Kigali Genocide Memorial

In the span of 100 days, an estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically butchered by the Interahamwe army. This memorial honours…

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, which runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas. Comprising five volcanoes,…

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa…

Ethnographic Museum

This outstanding museum was given to the city as a gift from Belgium in 1989 to commemorate 25 years of independence. While the building itself is…

Murambi Genocide Memorial

Nyamagabe (formerly called Gikongoro) and the satellite town of Murambi was the site of one of the most unforgettable horrors of the 1994 genocide…

Akagera National Park

Akagera is Rwanda's answer to the savannah parks of Kenya and Tanzania, and is utterly different in landscape to anywhere else in the country. Prior to…

King's Palace Museum – Rukari

Situated on a hill 2km southwest of town, this fascinating museum is less about ancient history and more about royal residences. The displays centre on a…

Rubona Peninsula

Roughly 6km south of town (about RFr1000 by moto-taxi), along a lovely lakeshore road, the Rubona Peninsula is Lake Kivu at its finest. Hills rise steeply…

Nkotsi Village

Nkotsi village (also known as Muko) is a small village 7km southwest of Musanze. It's home to the Red Rocks camping and hostel, which, through the Hands…

Gorilla Guardians Village

While most of the focus of Volcanoes National Park falls squarely onto the animals, this 'cultural village' puts the spotlight back onto the people…

Ntarama Church

Some of the most horrific massacres during the genocide took place inside the sanctums of churches throughout Rwanda, including inside Ntarama church,…

Nyamata Church

Nyamata church, about 30km south of Kigali, is a deeply disturbing genocide memorial where some 50,000 people died. Today the skulls and bones along with…

National Arts Gallery – Rwesero

Rwanda's most prestigious art museum is housed inside what was meant to be King Mutara III Rudahigwa's new palace (he died before the building was…

Gisenyi Public Beach

The strip of sand beneath the main town is a justifiably popular place to take a dip. That said, some travellers imagining Caribbean sands are…

Musanze Caves

These four caves, 2km from the town centre along the road to Gisenyi, were created when different lava flows joined to create the Albertine Rift Valley…

Inema Arts Center

Opened in 2012, the privately run Inema Arts Center is a collective of 10 resident artists and guests. It's quickly established itself as the foremost…

Pfunda Tea Estate

During the rainy season, at the height of production, the Pfunda Tea Factory processes up to 90 tonnes of tea from the surrounding plantations daily…

Rusumo Falls

At Rusumo, right between the Rwandan and Tanzanian border posts, the gorgeous Rusumo Falls are the largest waterfalls in Rwanda and a good side trip from…

Museum of Natural History

Kigali's best museum has exhibits on Rwanda’s natural wonders and is housed in the 1907 residence of explorer Richard Kandt, reputed to be the first…

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International – Karisoke Research Centre

Right in the centre of Musanze, this high-quality research centre features an exhibit that comprises interpretive panels about mountain gorillas and the…

Église St Pierre

While a good number of memorials in Rwanda are stark reminders of the past atrocities, the genocide memorial church of St Pierre is a beautiful, calm and…

Nyanza Genocide Memorial

Located in Kicukiro, a suburb southeast of the city centre towards the airport, there is little to see at this memorial other than the tiled tops of four…

Hotel des Mille Collines

The inspiration for the film Hotel Rwanda, this still-functioning luxury hotel was owned by the Belgian airline Sabena in 1994. At the time of the…

Bisesero Genocide Memorial

About 30km southeast from Kibuye, the small village of Bisesero is home to stunning scenery and a stirring genocide memorial.

Camp Kigali Memorial

The 10 stone columns you find here mark the spot where 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers were murdered on the first day of the genocide. Originally deployed to…

Presidential Palace Museum

This former presidential palace on the eastern outskirts of the city has few exhibits, but it’s interesting to explore, with ‘secret’ rooms and an odd…

National University of Rwanda

Rwanda’s finest institution of learning suffered terribly during the 1994 genocide, though today it has turned towards the future with hope and optimism…

Museum of the Environment

This smart museum on Kibuye's lake shore has educational displays about energy sources and the environmental impact of different types of fuel sources. It…

Main Market

If you have half an hour to spare, make a beeline for the main market, which lies right in the centre of town. It's small but atmospheric. Alongside fresh…

Huye is home to Rwanda’s largest cathedral, which was constructed in the 1930s to commemorate the life of Princess Astrid. The red-brick building is still…

Les Chutes de Ndaba

About 25km from Kibuye along the road to Kigali, keep an eye out for this 100m-high waterfall. Buses usually slow down and helpful locals are quick to…

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Home » Travel Guides » Rwanda » 15 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda

15 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda

Scarred by arguably the most brutal genocide of the post-war period, and beset by political tumult for much of the 20th century, Rwanda is nothing like the country it once was. Today, despite some claims of human rights abuses and low-key corruption, the nation remains a beacon of hope for many of the other Central African nations trying to shed a painful past. Stable government and regular democratic elections are the name of the game, while cities like Kigali and Huye have awoken to become centers of culture and art and even nightlife. Economic wealth is being generated by sustainable industries like coffee growing, alongside not-so-sustainable ones like mineral mining.

And Rwanda has also realized another of its great money makers: that gorgeous backcountry. This ranges from the montane reserves of the chimp-dotted Nyungwe Forest to the verdant hills and pretty banks around Lake Kivu – and it rarely fails to impress!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Rwanda :

Since the dark days of the Rwandan genocide, the city of Kigali really has done a U-turn.

Where once marauding gangs and death patrols roamed, today there are bustling markets and spice-scented street stalls.

The ramshackle barrios now ooze the energy of day-to-day bustle, while the appearance of shimmering steel skyscrapers on the horizon is just another sign of the flow of foreign investment in these parts.

There are a couple of things you simply need to see: the moving Genocide Memorial and the grand presidential palace.

Apart from that, it’s just a case of taking in the newfound national confidence, shopping Rwandan handicrafts in the bazaars, and sinking cold ones in the raucous nightclubs.

Huye was once known as Butare, and most locals still call it that today.

But whatever its moniker may change to, there’s no altering this one’s prestigious history.

Huye is the home of the National University and the National Institute of Scientific Research, along with countless other revered learning centers.

That makes it something like Rwanda’s answer to English Oxford, or Massachusetts’ Cambridge.

It also makes it a place rich with cultural attractions.

Visitors can hear tales of the old Tutsi monarchs at the National Museum of Rwanda; they can eat alongside erudite students, and they can delve into the stalls and handicraft emporiums of Huye Market.

3. Volcanos National Park

While most African hinterlands away from the Great Rift Valley are forced to compete with the likes of Kruger and Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, when it comes to the wild, mist-topped backcountry of Rwanda’s Volcanos National Park, all bets are off! Yep, this truly breathtaking conservation area – contiguous with Virunga across the border – is topped by the once-smoking calderas of mighty mounts like Karisimbi and serrated Sabyinyo.

All around these craggy volcanic peaks, visitors discover lush montane forests and thick groves of African redwoods.

And within those there’s another treasure: the uber-rare mountain gorilla!

Kibuye juts its way into the blue-brown waters of Lake Kivu in a series of curved headlands and steep-sided bays.

Surely one of the most handsome towns in all of Rwanda, it’s surrounded by high hills that come dressed in wisps of mist by morning and offering sweeping views of the lake waters and the islands by afternoon.

Between the streets, there are some earthy little eco lodges on the shores, along with one interesting Catholic church, and a memorial to the Rwandan genocide.

There’s also a smattering of empty beaches around the center, and oodles of boats available for tours away from the banks.

5. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the same savannah and riparian swamp mosaic you’d expect to find in the super-famous game parks of the East African Rift.

That’s because its 1,200 square kilometers of land abut right up to the border with Tanzania, giving rise to roaming herds of giraffes, antelopes, jackals and more.

Safaris are slowly becoming popular, with outfitters now organizing game drives and game walks from the smattering of lodges that exist.

And the environments are beautiful too, with the meanders of the Kagera River giving way to shimmering Lake Shakani, oodles of papyrus swamps and protected birding areas aplenty.

The gateway to that great speck of blue that is Lake Kivu, sitting amidst the verdant hills and mountains of the Albertine Rift Valley, Gisenyi is a place where the African jungles cascade down grassy hills in sporadic bouts of palm trees and exotic cassiyas.

They fall to meet the muddied waters of the lake, where flitting insects and boatman flies cause ripples on the surface.

Although shared with larger Goma across the border with DRC to the west, the banks of the lake are the real draw.

They are peppered with bamboo built shacks and eco lodges – perfect for those eager to immerse themselves and escape in the Rwandan wilderness.

There was once a time when Rwandan royalty trod the dusty lanes and roadways of far-flung Nyanza; when ancestral monarchs wandered under the great bulbous domes of the adobe and thatched ancient King’s Palace.

One of the last capitals of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Rwanda, this spot in the southern reaches of the country is steeped in history and tradition.

Come and trace the story of the nation’s onetime leaders, unravel sobering and moving episodes of the Rwandan Genocide, and tour the museum collections that lurk in the old court rooms.

Nyanza is also the home of the Rwesero Art Museum; perhaps the most prestigious and rich in the country.

8. Nyungwe Forest National Park

There are few protected forests that can boast the same kind of superlatives as Rwanda’s mystical Nyungwe Forest National Park.

For starters, this vast area of more than 940 square kilometers is the single largest enclave of montane forest remaining in this corner of the continent.

What’s more, the thick canopies of mahoganies and clambering jungle vines hide one of the most diverse arrays of simian life in the world.

There are chimpanzees and rare golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and big baboons all swinging through the boughs here!

9. Lake Kivu

While Lake Kivu is hardly a single destination, it’s worth a special mention on its own simply because of the sheer wealth of attractions and activities it offers travelers to Rwanda from its place on the extreme western border of the country.

Covering a vast area of more than 2,700 square kilometers, it ranges from Gisenyi in the north to the multicultural island of Ishwa in the south.

Along the way, visitors will be able to spot rustic fishing villages on stilts, clusters of trademark catamaran skiffs on the water, a speckling of pretty tropical islands, and perhaps even the more modern outlines of industrious natural gas extractors above the lake.

Gisuma is Rwanda’s coffee king.

Set amidst the foothills and sylvan valleys that rise to the Nyungwe Forest, the town is just a small speck on the map.

But, thanks to its tasty beans and potent caffeine-infused brews, it’s risen to become well-known by baristas and coffee enthusiasts the world over.

Today, the industry is headed by the ethical Gisuma co-operative organization, which has increased the take-home pay of local growers in the region by as much as 45% since it began.

And even if you don’t like the black tipple, the area around Gisuma is beautiful to behold: rolling fields of coffee bushes peaking and dipping with the topography of the mountains all around.

11. Nyagatare

Nestled deep in the granite-carved valleys of Rwanda’s north-eastern provinces, the city of Nyagatare is not only the best gateway for exploring the verdant and biodiverse reaches of the Akagera National Park, but also an interesting little backwater town in its own right.

As many as 100,000 people call it home, breathing life into the ad hoc craft markets and the university campus that pepper the city center.

And then there are the rustic hamlets that dot the hills close by, encompassed by landscapes of croc-spotted rivers and hippo-heavy swamps.

12. Ruhengeri

Visitors to the northern town of Ruhengeri can’t help but look up; up to where the mist-shrouded peaks of the mighty Virunga Mountains raise the horizon; to where great beasts like the mountain gorilla roam the verdant forests.

In fact, those natural draws (namely the Volcanos National Park) are pretty much the main attraction here, and the wealth of safari outfitters and package touts offering gorilla stalking expeditions is testimony to the fact.

That said, Ruhengeri is a decent, charming place on its own.

There are some great guesthouses, lively beer bars, and seriously awesome views from almost everywhere you go!

13. Lake Muhazi

Winding and weaving like an East African snake through the hills of Rwanda’s Eastern Province, the waters of Lake Muhazi have long represented a favorite rest, recuperation and relaxation spot for dwellers of the capital at Kigali.

The banks are spotted with secluded picnic points, and there’s even a popular country club offering volleyball courts, quiet cabanas on the shore, eateries, and bike and boat rentals.

The enchanting towns of Gahini and Rwesero are perfect stopovers for people making their way here, with just a clutch of great homestays to kick-back in before touring the nearby coffee fields and Catholic cathedrals.

14. Kibungo

For a taste of off-the-beaten-track Rwanda, why not make a beeline for the little town of Kibungo.

Set in the east of the country, this provincial capital boasts a collection of higher education institutions (cue a population of term-time students to boot), and the lively stalls and shopping areas of the Kibungo Central Market.

The spot also has a small offering of places to stay, making it a convenient one in which to rest the head on the way through to the Tanzanian border in the south, or to the waters of Lake Muhazi just to the north-west.

15. Gishwati Forest National Park

Sprawled over the hilltops just a short distance from beaches and resorts of Lake Kivu and Gisenyi, the Gishwati Forest National Park is now right on the forefront of Rwandan conservation.

After mass migrations of refugees to the hinterland in the 1990s, during the genocide, the area suffered heavily from deforestation.

Today, evidence of this can be seen in the bare ridges and rolling meadows within.

However, efforts are being made to rejuvenate the wilderness, and there are programs in place to plant thousands of new trees by 2020. Still, there’s no denying the reserve is beautiful, with green highlands and woods that house L’Hoest’s monkeys and chimps!

15 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda:

• Volcanos National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Lake Muhazi
• Gishwati Forest National Park

11 Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kigali

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Kigali deserves more space in a tourist's itinerary than a one-night stopover bookending the ultimate adventure: trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park . Over the last two decades, Rwanda's lush, hilly capital has developed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination, teeming with art, culture, and cuisine. Plus, the attractive urban center is one of the cleanest and safest cities in all of Africa .

No matter how much time you have to spend in Kigali, you should plan to devote at least a couple of hours to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The haunting museum explains the events that fueled the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and gives some essential context for the subsequent decades of peace and development in the country.

Then, explore Kigali's charming neighborhoods and attractions. Sip bold, sustainable java at Question Coffee Cafe. Shop for locally made souvenirs at the Nyamirambo Women's Center. Lose yourself in contemporary artwork at the Rwanda Art Museum.

As you plan your trip to Rwanda , don't miss out on everything the country's largest city has to offer. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top things to do in Kigali.

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial

2. inema arts center, 3. rwanda art museum, 4. kimironko market, 5. nyamirambo women's center, 6. amahoro stadium, 7. question coffee cafe, 8. hôtel des mille collines, 9. camp kigali memorial, 10. niyo arts gallery, 11. mount kigali, map of things to do & places to visit in kigali.

You can't begin to appreciate everything Rwanda has become until you understand the reasons behind the devastating Rwandan genocide–a conflict that killed some 800,000 people, most of whom were members of the Tutsi ethnic minority, in just 100 days. The Kigali Genocide Memorial sheds light on the historical events that led to the genocide and horrifying realities Rwandans faced in 1994.

Prepare yourself: A visit to the memorial (where 250,000 victims are interred) is emotionally demanding but gives tourists a foundation with which to comprehend this complex country. You'll start by watching a short documentary film about the Rwandan genocide before making your way through three permanent exhibitions, filled with artifacts, timelines, historical information, and photographs.

The main exhibit focuses on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and moderate Hutus. It explains how colonization affected Rwandan society and created divisions that previously didn't exist between Hutus and Tutsis. Then, through displays of powerful photographs, artifacts, and audio-visual displays on dark, circular halls, the exhibit unveils the events that sparked the genocide, what happened during those 100 brutal days, heart-wrenching stories of survival, and feats of rescue from locals and outsiders alike. Sculptures and stained-glass windows pepper the moving space, making it feel sacred.

You'll eventually make your way through the Children's Room , which displays a gallery of life-size portraits of the youngest victims of the genocide, some of whom were infants. It keeps the memory of the children alive through details about their favorite toys, sports, foods, songs, and more. The museum concludes with an exhibit on other genocides and massacres around the world , putting the Rwandan genocide into context and examining potential strategies for prevention and intervention.

After your visit, head outside to pay your respects to the victims in the Gardens of Reflection. The park-like setting offers the right atmosphere for quiet contemplation on everything you just saw.

Address: KG 14 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.kgm.rw/

Founded by a pair of brothers (both self-taught painters) on a mission to "tap the untapped potential of art in Rwanda," the Inema Arts Center has become the place to visit to see contemporary art in Kigali since its founding in 2012. The building's exteriors are decked out in colorful murals that make it impossible to miss.

Inema Arts Center devotes its interiors to gallery space for 10 artists in residence . Tourists may see modern takes on traditional African crafts, abstract and expressive portraits, mixed-media works depicting scenes of African life, and some of the best artwork in Rwanda, depending on which mix of artists are on display during their visit.

The invitation to come admire the work comes with no obligation to make a purchase, but should you wish to take something home, the center can help arrange shipping.

In addition to visual art, the Inema Arts Center also hosts weekly dance performances, art-inspired yoga classes, gallery tours, and concerts . Get in touch with the center directly to learn about things to do during your visit.

Address: KG 563 Street, Kacyiru Kigali

Official site: https://www.inemaartcenter.com/

The Inema Arts Center isn't the only place to experience art in Kigali. Tourists can also check out the Rwanda Art Museum, an institution housed in the former Presidential Palace on the outskirts of Kigali. It's one of the country's eight national museums.

Opened in May 2018, the Rwanda Art Museum is the only contemporary art museum in Rwanda. It showcases the breadth of local creativity, as well as works from international artists. The sprawling space displays more than 100 works of art, including ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and experimental pieces made in a variety of mediums.

Interestingly, the grounds of the museum also contain the debris from the presidential jet that crashed on April 6, 1994. Pieces from the Falcon 50 aircraft jolt up from the grass like pinnacles.

Address: KK 106 Street, Kigali

Kimironko Market, Kigali's largest and busiest market, makes for an incredible afternoon of sightseeing. Hundreds of vendors have set up shop in the massive warehouse complex, hustling everything from bed sheets and carved masks to a cornucopia of produce sourced from all over East Africa. You'll walk single file through tight pathways, ducking beneath hanging t-shirts and negotiating space with women carrying large baskets on their heads.

If there's one thing you must take home from this market, it's bespoke clothing. Shopkeepers here will help you choose vibrant, patterned fabrics from thousands of options on offer. Then, you'll select from different styles of garments–anything from tank tops and wide-legged pants to leggings and dresses–before getting measured and handing the order off to one of the on-site tailors.

In about an hour, you'll have custom, made-to-measure clothes to wear on the rest of your adventures around Kigali (and a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home!). Make sure you try them on before leaving the market, just in case you need adjustments

It's natural to want to capture this exciting slice of Kigali life in photos. However, many shopkeepers here are camera shy and prefer not to be photographed. Use discretion when taking snapshots, and always ask permission before photographing people.

Address: 194 St. Kg., Kigali

If you want to shop for truly heartwarming souvenirs, swing by the Nyamirambo Women's Center. The women-founded organization was launched in late 2007 in an effort to address gender inequality and empower women.

In addition to offering free education and vocational training, it employs women at fair wages to fill its intimate boutique with ethically-made goods . Tourists can pick up beautifully printed tote bags, hand-woven baskets in every shape and size, patterned place mats, crocheted rugs, beaded jewelry, and local-inspired fashions.

If some of the best shopping in the area isn't enough of a draw, here's another reason why visiting the Nyamiramo Women's Center is one of the best things to do in Kigali: its community immersions. The group offers fascinating walks through Nyamirambo with guides who were either born in the neighborhood or live here now, taking travelers through local hair salons, mosques, tailors, and agricultural businesses.

The center also invites tourists to participate in traditional cooking classes and basket-weaving workshops. The experiences will give you an insider's view of Rwandan culture.

Address: KN 7 Ave., Kigali

Official site: http://www.nwc-umutima.org/

Amahoro Stadium is the best place to see sports and entertainment in Rwanda. Sitting in the stands with up to 25,000 excited spectators watching Rayon Sports Football Club and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club take on opponents is an unforgettable experience, thrusting tourists into the heart of Rwanda's fervor for soccer.

The stadium also hosts rugby matches, live performances, marathons, and other events. Check the events listings in the local newspapers, or ask your hotel concierge about what's coming up during your stay.

Amahoro, which means "peace," is more than a sports center, though–it's a historical site. Around 12,000 people sought refuge at the stadium for weeks during the Rwandan genocide, trying to survive with little more than the clothes on their back under the open sky. The stadium pays homage to this important piece of history with events of remembrance around the anniversary of the genocide.

In March 2022, a 24-month renovation project kicked off at the stadium. It will eventually bring the attraction's capacity to a whopping 45,000 people, so expect even bigger crowds in the future.

Address: KG 17 Ave., Rukiri II, Kigali

Coffee is a critical part of the Rwandan economy, bringing tens of millions of dollars into the country each year. But despite growing some of the finest beans in the world, Rwanda doesn't have much of a local coffee culture. It exports nearly all of its coffee.

Question Coffee is working to change that. It works directly with farmers to source the country's best beans, improve the growing and roasting techniques and supporting local growers.

Tourists can get a taste of this made-in-Rwanda product (and even take some beans home) at Question Coffee Cafe in Gishushu . Baristas serve a variety of speciality espresso beverages, pour-over coffee, and caffeinated drinks infused with unexpected ingredients, like tree tomato.

Looking for a deeper immersion into Rwanda's coffee culture? Check out Question's roasting and cupping classes and cooperative tours , which will explain the entire process, from bean to brew.

Address: KG 8 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.questioncoffee.com/

One of the most famous sites in Kigali–and perhaps even in all of Rwanda–is Hôtel des Mille Collines . Located in the Central Business District , the hotel sheltered hundreds of people during the Rwandan genocide. They hid in groups of up to 10 in unnumbered rooms and relied on the pool for drinking water. Tourists may already be familiar with the story from the 2004 fictional film, Hotel Rwanda .

The still-functioning luxury hotel is now one of the best places to stay in Kigali. But even if you choose to book a room elsewhere, you can still experience a piece of this unique place at the hotel's weekly Culture Night , held every Friday. It celebrates Rwandan culture with live music and dance performances , as well as meals made with nearly all local ingredients .

Hot tip: Want to see an incredible view of Kigali? Head to the appropriately named Le Panorama Restaurant , on the fourth floor of Hôtel des Mille Collines, and prepare to have your breath taken away.

Address: 2 KN 6 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.millecollines.rw/

Just steps away from the Kigali Serena Hotel and the Kigali Marriott Hotel , the Camp Kigali Memorial is a quiet, sacred space where 10 Belgian soldiers became some of the earliest victims of the Rwandan genocide. They had been sent by General Dallaire to guard the residence of moderate Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana. Presidential Guard soldiers captured the Belgians, seized their weapons, and brought them to this spot in Kigali, where they were murdered.

Now, the Camp Kigali Memorial pays tribute to each of these victims with 10 solemn stone pillars, jutting up in a circle from a platform of pebbles. Look closely at the horizontal cuts carved into each column–they represent the age of each soldier. The tops of the pillars are broken, symbolizing the soldiers' brutal end. At the base of each stone, you'll see the initials of each soldier.

Just outside the memorial is a small museum , riddled with bullet holes from this important day.

More than just a dark tourism site , the Camp Kigali Memorial is a sobering space to understand the horrors of what Rwandans went through in 1994. It gives visitors a more intimate understanding of the genocide and a greater appreciation for the eventual unification of all Rwandans.

Address: KN 3 Ave., Kigali

After visiting the Rwanda Art Museum , tourists can see even more works from local creators at Niyo Arts Gallery. It offers creative space for 17 artists in residence, who have expertise in everything from oil painting and graffiti art to Rwandan drumming and dancing . Tourists can see vibrant works displayed in rooms throughout the gallery, catch occasional performances, and enjoy meet and greets with the artists.

More than just an art center, Niyo is also an organization on a mission to fight global poverty. It donates a portion of its proceeds to local orphanages.

Address: KG 572 Street, Kigali

No matter where you are in the city, you can probably see its main natural attraction: Mount Kigali. Tourists can hike this gentle slope in an hour or two from near the Nyamirambo Stadium (follow the signs for Fazenda Sengha ) and catch incredible views of the city from a variety of vantage points. The short hike will also take you through a lovely eucalyptus forest, coffee plantation, and a series of rustic neighborhoods.

The trail can be tricky to follow, so it's recommended to hire a guide for your first trip. Consider asking your hotel concierge to connect you with a local expert.

11 Best places to visit in Rwanda

Discover the best places to visit in Rwanda , often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"! The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa , known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also because of its notorious history regarding the horrific genocide only 20 years ago (1994).

When I visited Rwanda , I really felt the country came back stronger, doing everything in its power to put the natural beauty of Rwanda back on the map. Recognizing their turbulent past, they’ve built a new stronger foundation where every Rwandan citizen strives to be at peace with one another. They also work closely together to keep their country clean. It’s literally the cleanest country I’ve seen in Africa !  

Among tourists, Rwanda is best known for its endangered gorillas in Volcanoes National Park . However, with 4 national parks, 2 UNESCO sites and cultural heritage, there is much more to see in Rwanda than mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours . It's a beautiful green destination with breathtaking views and wonderful wildlife (including the Big Five ) that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Rwanda even has its own airline RwandAir , so spread your wings and explore these 11 best places to visit in Rwanda :

Since most people fly to the bustling capital city of Kigali , why not start with Kigali as one of the best places to visit in Rwanda ? Kigali is the cleanest city in all of Africa , and something you'll notice as soon as you get out of the airport.

As a responsible traveler , one of the most important things to do in Kigali is visiting the Genocide Memorial to learn everything from Rwanda ’s past; a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide.

The memorial is located in the Gisozi neighborhood and includes a museum, mass graves, and a research center. It’s an emotional visit and impossible to not shed a tear when you enter the the children’s room dedicated to the young victims of the genocide. In this room, you can read very personal details like what these children wanted to become when they grow up, favorite books, and things to do. Realizing that this only happened two decades ago and that similar horrific things are still happening in other parts of our planet, is hard to imagine.

Other interesting things to do in Kigali is visiting the Kigali City Tower that offers panoramic views over the city, viewing local artworks at the Inema Art Center or visit the traditional Caplaki Crafts Village where you can learn about the traditional Rwandan culture, buy handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy traditional dance performances. The Kimironko Market is another tip when you like to buy locally made souvenirs.

There are also some really good restaurants and bars to enjoy the nightlife in Kigali's City Center . We for example had dinner in Atelier Du Vin , a delightful place to have a generous taste of wine paired with delicious food and great views over the city.

Where to stay in Kigali?

There are several options of hotels in Kigali. We stayed for example in the Kigali M-hotel , a 4-star business hotel in the Center of Kigali, located on a hill with views over the city, including an outdoor swimming pool. Another great place to stay is the Kigali Serena Hotel with a lovely extensive breakfast-buffet and a huge tropical looking swimming pool.

Four Points Kigali is also an option and apart from these well-known hotel brands, you can also find several budget options and cozy Bed & Breakfasts to stay in Kigali city.

2. Umusambi Village Conservancy

Umusambi Village Conservancy is Rwanda ’s first wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve, home to disabled Grey-crowned cranes that are rescued from illegal wildlife trade and captivity. The Grey-Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and has a prominent place on Uganda 's flag.

In Umusambi Village in Rwanda , they give these beautiful cranes that are unable to return into the wild a second chance to enjoy nature again in a restored 21-hectare wetland area .

Visitors can enjoy several walking trails, while also learning about Umusambi's conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the natural environment. I only had a short walk, but I would love to visit again to explore more of the wetland.

The sanctuary is run by the non-profit Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) raising awareness for conservation issues. One of their goals is to engage and educate local communities and improve livelihoods.

You can also make a donation to Umusambi Village and RWCA , to help secure the future of vulnerable wildlife and their environment in Rwanda .

3. Volcanoes National Park

One of the most popular activities in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park . The country is home to over half of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Although the number of gorillas is slowly rising due to conservation efforts, they are still endangered and need 24/7 protection. That makes it a privilege we are able to go on guided treks to see these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

The trekking can be challenging, but the experience of seeing a gorilla up close is truly unforgettable.

Volcanoes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. Enough reasons to be listed as one of the best places to see in Rwanda.

Like to go on a Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ? Obtain your gorilla permit at 1500 USD in advance as there are limited spots on the daily gorilla treks. Tracking these gorillas usually takes around 4-6 hours of which you spend a maximum of one hour with a habituated Gorilla family. In my case, we tracked the Kwitonda Gorilla family ; a family of 17 mountain gorillas, including a baby gorilla, living on the Gahinga mountain in Volcanoes National Park .

Visiting these endangered great apes means you’re making a difference in protecting and preserving their vulnerable lives.

Gorilla Fact: Did you know there are currently only 1060 gorillas left in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

But aren't these Gorilla permits super expensive? Yes, I agree that 1500 USD for a Rwanda trekking permit is high. But have you ever thought about how hard and risky it must be to protect one of our closest relatives on earth for 24 hours a day, 7 days in a week? Without all these rangers and organizations conserving our gorillas, it wouldn't be possible for us to see these mountain gorillas in the wild as they would have been extinct. Buying a gorilla trekking permit is honestly a wonderful way to give back to nature for what nature has given to us.

A way of giving back to the community is hiring a local porter who will help you carry your bag or steady you during the hike.

  RELATED: my Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

Musanze is a small town nearby Volcanoes National Park . The town is a perfect base for your gorilla trekking safari . If you are up for a cultural experience, you can also visit the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.  Here, you will learn more about the traditional way of life of local Rwandans and enjoy their traditional dance performances.

Where to stay in Musanze or Kinigi?

A good affordable place to stay in Musanze, is the Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge ; a boutique hotel in Kinigi. Most of the tourists staying there, are participating in a gorilla trekking experience. They also have a small poolside to relax after your gorilla trek. The nice thing about Tiloreza is that they also reach out to the community to support both environmental and educational efforts.

Another amazing place to stay is at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest .

5. Akagera National Park

Managed by African Parks, Akagera National Park is located just 2,5 - 3 hours from Kigali in the eastern part of Rwanda and is known for its savannah plains, wetlands, and lakes boasting diverse wildlife. It’s one of Central Africa ’s largest protected wetlands and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

Popular things to do in Akagera are guided game drives or self-drives with stunning mountain views as backdrop, in search of lions , leopards, herds of elephants, zebras, antelopes and towers of giraffes, as well as boat trips to spot hippos, crocodiles, and many colorful birds.

Akagera borders Tanzania , benefitting from the wildlife roaming freely between these two East African countries. The national park is becoming more popular to do a full-day game drive . Despite it’s the only national park in Rwanda where you can find the Big Five , it’s still rare to spot a rhino or lion . Some of the lodges in Akagera also offer walking safaris .

  Akagera Safari Tip:  Planning to do a self-drive in Akagera with your own car? Self-driving in Akagara is possible, but consider hiring a guide at the visitor center to increase your chances of finding certain animals. You can also book a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal animals. Night drives are only operated by the park’s vehicles.

The park has 5 swamp-fringed lakes that get their water supply from the Kagera River, flowing through the Eastern boundary of the national park to Uganda through Tanzania before emptying into Lake Victoria.

Birdwatching lovers should visit Lake Shakani (400 bird species) and Lake Ihema (155 bird species), located in the southern section of Akagera National Park. At Lake Shakani, you can camp near the lake and take part in sports fishing. Lake Ihema is the biggest lake inside the park and popular for its boat safaris or sunset boat cruises.

Keep an eye out on the prehistoric and vulnerable-classified Shoebill stork that loves the papyrus-filled swamp-areas. According to BirdLife International , there are only 3.300 - 5.300 mature individuals left in the wild, and populations are on the decline.

Want to experience Akagera from a bird's-eye view? Another memorable safari activity is a hot-air balloon safari in Akagera National Park.

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti (Tanzania)

Where to stay in Akagera National Park?

I had a memorable stay in Akagera Game Lodge by Mantis , located inside the Akagera National Park. A beautiful lodge at the lake where you can watch a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

We had a lovely outdoor dinner and after dinner we sat by the fire for a sundowner drink.

Another option in Akagera is the Akagera Transit Lodge , only 1 km from Akagera National Park.

6. Nyungwe Forest

When in Rwanda, you can’t miss out on Nyungwe National Park . Most tourists visit the rainforest for chimpanzee trekking , but it isn’t the only reason why Nyungwe Forest is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda.

Apart from tracking chimpanzees, you are able to spot Rwanda’s national animal, the rare Golden Monkey , and other primate species such as gray-cheeked mangabeys and baboons.

  RELATED: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

It’s an important conservation area in Africa with a special biodiversity of plant species, mammals, and over 300 species of birds. It’s one of the biggest montane forests remaining in Eastern Africa and visitors can take part in guided treks, canopy walks, and bird-watching tours.

Canopy Tour

The adventurous soul can opt for a canopy walk of 160 meter including a 90-meter-long suspension bridge with fantastic views over the rainforest on a height of 70 meters.

The first canopy walk is divided into 3 sections, where the first bridge is 45 meters long, the second suspension bridge is 90 meters long and the third is 25 meters long. I always love these canopy adventures. Read also about the Malolotja Canopy Tour in Eswatini .

To get to the starting point of the canopy walk, you first have a short 1 to 1,5 hours hike along the Igishigishigi Trail from the Uwinkla Visitor Center. If you’re not a fan of heights, there are various other hiking trails to choose from.

While tackling the suspension bridge, I was also lucky to see a chimpanzee nest high up in the trees and the Great Blue Turaco ; a lovely blue-colored bird with a yellow beak. It’s the largest species of Turaco. I also spotted this incredible bird in the Magombe swamp in Uganda , protected by the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary near Kibale National Park.

It's worth noting that Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Definitely one of the must-visits when exploring Rwanda's land of a thousand hills!

7. Lake Kivu

Because of its natural beauty,  Lake Kivu is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the western part of Rwanda. The lake lies on the border of Rwanda and DRC. Visitors can go on boat trips to the many islands in Rwanda’s largest lake , go fishing or hike one of the trails around the lake to enjoy its emerald-green beauty.

You can even join water sport activities on the crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking with local fishermen entertaining you along the way. I also highly recommend visiting one of the nearby fishing villages on the shores of Lake Kivu.

The 2700 m2 pristine lake is also a perfect oasis to give yourself a bit of rest and unwind.

Where to stay at Lake Kivu?

Great places to stay at Lake Kivu are the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel , located in the northern part of Lake Kivu in the resort town of Rubavu or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel in Muhari, a mere 1 km from Kamembe International Airport in the South West of Rwanda, where you can have your breakfast with stunning views over Lake Kivu.

Another great option to stay is Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel . I didn’t sleep there myself, but it was our lunch spot for the day with the best panoramic views of the emerald-green Lake Kivu I’ve seen. It was also the first hotel that served authentic Rwandan cuisine , and it was delicious!

Formerly known as the heart of Rwanda, Nyanza has to be part of your Rwanda itinerary because of the historical Royal Palace and Ruins of Nyanza , which was home to the kings of the Kingdom of Rwanda. The King's Palace Museum is one of Rwanda’s six national museums and tells the history of the monarchy and the traditional culture of Rwanda. One of the main attractions within the museum is a beehive-shaped replica of the King’s Palace in the 15th century.

Another cultural attraction are the sacred long-horned cows, known as Inyambo cattle. The cattle keepers sing to the Inyambo by belting poems - a unique ritual in Rwanda.

At the museum, you can also find King’s Mutara III Rudahigwa’s Palace ; a colonial building blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture. The Royal Palace of Rwanda is a must-see tourist attraction in the southern province of Rwanda to get a rich insight into Rwanda’s culture and post way of life.

Very close to the King’s Palace in Nyanza you can find the Ethnographic Museum , previously referred to as Rwanda’s National Museum. It’s a great way to combine these two museum-visits. In the Ethnographic Museum in Huye you can find one of Africa ’s finest ethnographic collections that give a rich insight into Rwandan culture. For example items used in hunting, agriculture, pottery, woodwork, weaving, traditional clothing, and more. You can also visit an on side craft center. Together with the Royal Palace Museum, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda .

10. RedRocks Initiative

Red Rocks Rwanda is an intercultural exchange center where the community comes first! They believe in responsible tourism that serves local Rwandans, providing them with opportunities and empowerment by sharing their unique culture. Red Rocks offers several tours, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities in their cultural centre situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and amazing views of Volcanoes National Park .

All community activities work on improving the community with focus on benefitting the quality of life of community people, something I really like! And for tourists like us, it means you will get involved in original humanistic traditional communities. The campsite at Red Rocks, even offers you the opportunity to stay for a longer period en become part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda .

Examples of Cultural Tours and Eco-Tourism are making banana beer (Kwenga ibitoki), sewing and bracelet lessons, basket weaving, honey harvesting experience of the bees they keep, village biking tours, community homestead walking tour, herbal medicinal plants visit experience, community tree planting, drumming and traditional dance, storytelling with dinner around the campfire and much more.

The Red Rocks site is very colorful with paintings everywhere and has a laidback vibe. It's an wonderful place where cultural tourism leads to community development; something you want to be part of as a responsible traveler !

11. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the newest national parks in the country and home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates. This 34 km2 national park in the western part of Rwanda is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails preserving one of the few remaining montane rainforests in Central Africa .

Gishwati Forest is open for tourists who want to book a guided monkey and chimpanzee tracking tour to spot various primates, including the Golden Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest and approximately 20 chimpanzees. With over 230 bird species within the rainforest, this 4th national park of Rwanda is a great place to visit for bird and nature lovers.

Although Rwanda is a small country, there are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Rwanda that offer adventurous and unique things to do. It isn't named 'land of a thousand hills' for nothing. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours , a Rwandan-based tour company that offers various safari packages.

To sum it all up, I listed the  11 best places to see in the Republic of Rwanda below:

• Umusambi Village
• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest
• Red Rocks Initiative
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park

On safari in Rwanda

I hope this article made you excited to go on safari in Rwanda , the land of a thousand hills. Still doubting if Rwanda is worth visiting or if it is safe in Rwanda? I also wrote a complete Rwanda Travel Guide , including the best time to visit Rwanda, travel requirements to Rwanda, and other things to know before you travel to Rwanda.

Curious about other places for safari in Africa ? Check out my Africa Travel Guide !

Going on safari for the first time? Read about what to expect on a game drive and what to pack for a safari in Africa , including a downloadable safari packing guide .

Helpful article to plan your Rwanda safari?

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10 Breathtaking Tourist Attractions to Visit When in Rwanda

Welcome to the land of a thousand hills! Rwanda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in East Africa. From its natural beauty and enchanting landscapes to its rich cultural history and vibrant city life, Rwanda has something for everyone. So pack your bags, put on your adventurer’s hat and join us as we explore 10 breathtaking tourist attractions that you must visit when in Rwanda. Get ready to be swept off your feet by this magical country filled with wonder around every corner!

Introduction to Rwanda

Rwanda, located in Central Africa , is a landlocked country with a population of over 12 million people. The country has a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and savannas. Rwanda is home to several endangered species of animals, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and rhinos.

Rwanda is a popular tourist destination for its unique culture and natural beauty. The country’s capital city, Kigali, is home to several museums and historical sites. Visitors can also enjoy Rwandan cuisine, which features fresh produce and traditional dishes.

Rwanda is an excellent destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. There are several national parks and reserves that offer hiking, biking, and bird watching opportunities. For those looking for a more adrenaline-filled vacation, Rwanda also offers white-water rafting and mountain climbing.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is known for its beautiful scenery and nature. The country has a population of over 12 million people. The official language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, but French and English are also spoken.

Rwanda is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Rwanda:

• Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can see these gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Lake Kivu : Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda. It is located in the west of the country and it borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and clear waters.
• Nyungwe Forest : Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest forests in Africa. It covers an area of over 970 square kilometers and it is home to many different species of animals and plants.
• Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda near the border with Tanzania. The park is known for its savannah landscape and wildlife such as lions, elephants, and leopards.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is Rwanda’s premier tourist destination. The park’s spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and abundance of activities make it a must-see for any visitor to Rwanda.

The park is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including 200 types of trees, and 225 species of birds. Nyungwe is also a great place to see primates in their natural habitat; there are 13 different types of primates that can be found in the park, including chimpanzees and monkeys.

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Nyungwe; there are several trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views along the way. For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity, mountain biking and canopy walks are also available.

Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is an incredible place that should not be missed on any trip to this beautiful country.

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions to offer. One of the most popular places to visit is Volcanoes National Park . This national park is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can see these amazing animals up close by taking part in a gorilla trekking tour.Volcanoes National Park is also a great place for bird watching, as there are over 180 species of birds that have been recorded in the park. There are also many hiking trails available, allowing visitors to explore the stunning landscapes of the park.

Typically known for being one of the African Great Lakes, Lake Kivu is located between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is approximately 2750 square kilometers and is approximately 480 meters deep. Lake Kivu is home to many fish including the endemic species of cichlid. Visitors can go fishing, swimming, or boating while enjoying the picturesque views.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s oldest national park, established in 1934. The park is situated in the northeast of the country, on the border with Tanzania. The park covers an area of 1,122 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, antelope, elephants, and hippos. Akagera National Park is a beautiful place to visit and offers a great opportunity to see some of Rwanda’s wildlife up close.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is located in North-Western Rwanda, between the Virunga National Park to the north and the Volcanoes National Park to the south. The park covers an area of 33 square kilometers and was created in 2015.

The park is home to a variety of African wildlife including chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, and buffalos. There are also plenty of hiking and bird watching opportunities.

Cultural tours of Kigali and Butare

Kigali and Butare are two of Rwanda’s most popular tourist destinations. They offer a wealth of cultural experiences, from traditional Rwandan dance and music to visits to ancient sites and museums.

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda and is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. The city’s genocide memorial is a must-see for visitors, as it commemorates the tragedy of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people. Other popular tourist sites in Kigali include the Presidential Palace Museum, which tells the story of Rwanda’s post-genocide history, and the Ntarama Church, which was the site of a mass killing during the genocide.

Butare is Rwanda’s second largest city and is known for its many universities and colleges. The city is also home to the National Museum of Rwanda, which houses an extensive collection of Rwandan art and artifacts. Other popular tourist destinations in Butare include the Rwesero Arts Center, where you can see traditional Rwandan dance performances, and the Musee de I’Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire, which contains a large collection of African art.

The Girinka Project

The Girinka Project is an agricultural development project in Rwanda that aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The project provides free cows to participating families, in order to provide them with a source of income and draught power. The project has been successful in reducing poverty and improving food security in Rwanda.

Traditional music and dance performances

Traditional music and dance performances: Rwanda is home to a number of traditional music and dance styles that are performed on special occasions and during popular festivals. These performances are a great way to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, and they’re also a lot of fun to watch! Some of the most popular traditional dances in Rwanda include the ingando (a ceremonial dance performed by women), the imigongo (a group dance performed by men), and the intore (a solo dance performed by men). If you’re lucky enough to witness one of these performances, you’ll definitely be impressed by the skill and energy of the dancers!

Visiting the nearby islands

Rwanda is an East African country located on the equator. The Rwandan landscape is home to a variety of breathtaking tourist attractions, including several islands located off the coast of the country. These islands offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Rwanda.

The beaches on these islands are some of the most beautiful in all of Africa. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and explore the coral reefs that surround the islands. There are also several hiking trails located on the islands, which offer stunning views of the Rwandan coastline.

In addition to their natural beauty, these islands also offer a unique cultural experience. Visitors can learn about the traditional way of life for the people who live on these islands. They can also visit historic sites and see how the islanders have adapted to modern life.

Rwanda offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences and breathtaking tourist attractions to explore. From its captivating landscape, charming culture, fascinating wildlife, and incredible historical sights, there’s something for everyone. The combination of unique cuisine and the warm hospitality found throughout the country truly make Rwanda an exceptional travel destination. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing getaway, this remarkable nation has it all! So don’t wait any longer – book your next vacation now and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime in beautiful Rwanda.

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Rwanda tourism and travel guide: things to see, attractions and national parks

Disclosure: I was a guest of Bisate lodge and Thousand Hills Africa. All opinions are always truthful and my own.

Tourism in Rwanda is booming and will continue to do so as more and more savvy travelers share the country’s tourist attractions, experience gorilla trekking and explore the national parks. So will the world discover this unexplored gem of Africa.

You saw it here first and I promise that you will hear more about Rwanda’s tourism in the next few years as the country’s many tourist attractions become known to the world.

Rwanda tourism today

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and I could not find a better way to describe this tiny landlocked country in East Africa made of rolling hills, mountains, lakes and valleys.

Sadly, most people will associate the country with the tragic 1994 genocide, but Rwanda has come a long way since that historical event that changed it all. It has been rebuilt with the best foundations in place to become a tourism magnet for those in search of a more exclusive and intimate experience.

Rwanda is safe, one of the safest countries in Africa in fact, stable thanks to Paul Kagame’s leadership, it is clean since plastic bags were banned in 2008, and it is well-run without the corruption woes that have stalled the rest of Africa.

Things work as they are intended to, service is improving every day, the infrastructure is solid and well maintained and the country has managed to revive the disappearing wildlife population, including the Big Five in Akagera National Park, to give tourists reasons to stay longer after their gorilla safari. You can go chimpanzee or gorilla trekking and hike to your heart’s content, including to the top of 4,500m volcanoes.

While Rwanda was not a popular tourism destination when I was working in East Africa in the mid 2000s, the country has focused on boosting the industry with a low impact high value strategy appealing to the most discerning travelers with luxury lodges, low numbers and high prices. The results of this bet for value over quantity have started to pay off and the country has received lots of positive press for its efforts and a steady increase in tourism numbers.

Today, Rwanda stands as one of the most successful tourism strategies in the continent and is set to become a true contender for safari goers who want something smaller and more exclusive than Kenya’s or Tanzania’s well-oiled safari machines.

I have written a few articles about travel in Rwanda since my 10 day trip, but in this article I want to focus on travel in Rwanda as a whole including the best things to see , its national parks and the best tourist attractions so you can plan the trip that is suitable to your preferences.

What makes Rwanda a very manageable and convenient country to travel in is how great the infrastructure is and how close all the main tourist attractions are, all of which are located within one and five hours from Kigali , the vast majority within a three hour drive. Check this map of Rwanda to see where the most important tourist sites in Rwanda are.

Now let’s look at the best tourist attractions in Rwanda and the main points of interest.

Travel in Rwanda: best things to see and do

Rwanda is a manageable country with drivable roads in great state and tourist sights and activities within easy reach. If you are efficient and plan your itinerary well, you could pretty much see everything there is to see in the country in a relatively comfortable way in about 10 days and have some down time plus a quick visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo active volcano if you can spare two weeks. This makes for a wonderful trip and a real immersion into Rwandan culture.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

No doubt the majority of the tourists coming to Rwanda do so with the intention of going on a gorilla safari. Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families ready to welcome tourists and issues 96 permits every day. That is the highest number of any country where mountain gorillas live.

While seeing any wild animal in its habitat can never be guaranteed, you are 99% sure to see gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the DRC. If you are undecided about what country to go on a gorilla trek, check out my exhaustive guide comparing the three countries .

I also wrote a very exhaustive guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda where you will find all the details but, in a nutshell, gorilla safaris in Rwanda take place at the Volcanoes National Park. This is on the border with the DRC and Uganda, in the northwestern side of the country, just 3h drive from Kigali . The experience will stay with you forever.

However, this is not a cheap experience . Gorilla permits in Rwanda were doubled in price in 2017 and now cost $1,500, much more than the $400 and $600 respectively in the DRC and Uganda. However, that also comes with a range of exclusive premium accommodation options and great infrastructure.

While most people will make it a once in a lifetime journey and trek with the gorillas twice, on two consecutive days, I have always only gone once, and, given the cost, I would suggest that. However, if money is not an issue and you have the time, going twice ensures you have a memorable experience. Not because you may not see the gorillas but because you will be able to visit two of the families. The weather can be different everyday and their location too, so the trekking part could vary a lot from one day to the next.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the eastern side of the country on the border with Tanzania and around 2,5h drive from Kigali. What makes the park unique is its incredibly diverse landscapes and habitats and the fact that it is the only Big Five park in Rwanda .

Instead of the usual plains of the African savannah you will see in one of Kenya’s many conservancies , the landscapes of Akagera are undulating and hilly, just like the rest of Rwanda, and they are also made of swamps, lakes and wetlands. These types of landscapes are very unique in Africa and I have not seen them anywhere else.

Akagera National Park used to be a Big Five safari park until the 90s when internal refugees escaped the genocide and settled in the park, encroaching on the park and its wildlife. Animal populations suffered, the size of the park more than halved and the majority of the large predators disappeared.

With the help of African Parks , an organisation focused on the preservation and conservation of wildlife and national parks across Africa funded by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation , Akagera managed to successfully reintroduce lions and rhinos back into the park in 2015 and 2017 respectively and eradicate poaching. Today, the park is 75% self-financed and on a path to full independence if tourism numbers continue to grow.

Today there are several lions, black rhino, two large herds of elephants, leopards, buffalo, eland, hyena, zebra, giraffes and hippos among other animals. Akagera is also an incredible destination for birding with almost 500 species.

The park has two permanent lodges managed by African Parks, the charming Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge . It also has various camping sites, a simpler mobile tented lodge called Karenge Bush Camp only available during the high season and Magashi, a new luxury lodge run by Wilderness Safaris opening at the end of 2018 in the northeastern side of the park in an exclusive area overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.

While at Akagera National Park you can join a boat safari which will take you around the lake in the southern end of the park. From the comfort of a boat you will be able to spot many of the birds that live in the smaller lake islands and see the funny hippos. You can also go on behind the scenes tours to understand what it is like to work in the park, follow the ranges in their daily walks along the park’s fence or even go fishing.

Visit Kigali

Most people skip African capitals in favor of the parks, lakes and mountains. While this may be a wise decision in Kenya or Tanzania where safety could be a concern for many visitors, Kigali is safe and has a lot to offer. For at least a couple of days. It is a safe and vibrant capital and a booming art and culture undercurrent is bringing back sophistication that blends old and new .

One of the most important things to do in Kigali is visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial . This a must see for any tourist traveling in Rwanda as it helps explain a lot about the history of the country and sets the scene for how far Rwanda has come. I highly recommend spending at least a couple of hours there before heading out to the rest of the country’s sights.

Aside from the Genocide Memorial Kigali has a few interesting cultural experiences to try, like cooking classes, neighbourhood walks or city tours, all of which I have detailed in my Things to do in Kigali post .

Lastly, Kigali has a few art centers, local designers and markets where you can learn more about the local culture or even do some souvenir or fashion and accessories shopping. Why not have a drink or dinner at the world famous Hotel des Milles Collines, the real Hotel Rwanda?

Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it lays 58% in the DRC. The towns of Gisenyi and Goma, on the lake’s northern shore are also the main land border crossing point between Rwanda and the DRC.

What makes the lake unique is its safety . Lake Kivu is devoid of any mosquitoes or other disease carrying insects, it has no crocodiles and no hippos. It is filled with methane gas reserves extracted by both countries but they are far below the surface so the risk of an outburst is minimal.

Lake Kivu is the preferred escape for Rwandans who come here for the closest version of a beach getaway there is in the country. Some parts of the lake shores, especially in the north around Gisenyi, are sandy and look like a beach and the sighting of water makes you feel a bit like being in a holiday resort destination.

Around the lake near Gisenyi you can visit the tea plantations, the coffee plantations, the hilly scenic mountains or get wet and go on a kayak tour on the water. You can also take a local boat and visit some of the lake’s islands or join in for Sunday church. In the evening, watch for the local fishermen who set out at 5pm to work the night shift in their triple dugout canoes. And don’t forget to order some of the small delicious fried fish from the lake that resembles sardines.

If you are feeling active, you can undertake the 227 km trail that runs from Gisenyi to Kamembe along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu on a bike or maybe organise a volcano trek up Nyiragongo in the DRC, an active volcano with the cone at 3,500m above sea level.

Mount Karisimbi

Rwanda is “The Land of a Thousand Hills” and so there are a lot of mountains. It is also located on the edge between the Albertine Rift and the Congo Basin making it an incredibly active volcanic area. There are seven volcanoes in Rwanda, most of which are inactive and can be climbed. Perhaps the toughest, tallest and most amazing of them is Mount Karisimbi .

Mount Karisimbi is located on the border between the DRC and Rwanda in the Volcanoes National Park and it is 4,507m tall. This is also gorilla habitat and so a climb may even come across some of the wild or habituated gorilla families or some golden monkeys.

Karisimbi is also near the location for Dian Fossey’s grave and original Karisoke research center so the climb can stop on the way to visit them.

The trek involves a strenuous walk in steep and slippery slopes and an overnight at the shelter at 3,700m. The summit will be reached the next day. The top is often covered in hail and ice, hence its name which means “white shell” in Kinyarwanda.

Gishwati Forest Reserve

Gishwati was once one of the largest parks in Rwanda but deforestation caused by farming, tea plantations and uncontrolled logging took a toll on the park which was reduced to a shadow of its former self. The forest had 28,000 hectares in the 1970s and 600 hectares in 2005. Today, after years of conservation efforts, the Gishwati Forest Reserve is 1,484 hectares and is ready to welcome tourists again.

In 2007, the Rwandan President pledged to the Clinton Foundation to help with the launch of a program to correct the dramatic deforestation, restore the ecosystem and create a National Conservation Park where chimpanzees could be reintroduced. The pledge was launched with the help of the Great Ape Trust of Iowa/ Earthpark who co-sponsors and manages the programme.

Gishwati is expected to open in 2018 as a destination to track chimpanzees connected to the more established Nyungwe Forest via a wildlife corridor. This should be the catalyst for a wave of ecotourism coming to impoverished communities and inject much needed investment and income.

Gishwati Forest Reserve can be easily reached from Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu in about an hour’s drive. There are no accommodation options in the park area for now but Gisenyi is very near. In the future, a Wilderness Safaris lodge, the Gishwati Lodge, is set to open.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Rwanda about 5h drive from Kigali near the border with Burundi. The park is the preferred destination of choice for those looking to see chimpanzees in the wild in Rwanda or go hiking and it contains 20% of Africa’s primates split into 13 different species.

While seeing chimpanzees is less guaranteed than seeing gorillas, for one they move really fast and don’t quite sit down to play and eat as much as gorillas do, there is a 50/50 chance of spotting them in Nyungwe. If you don’t see the chimpanzees, you may be able to see the endemic Ruwenzori Colobus monkey.

Apart from seeing the chimps in the wild, Nyungwe is also known for its incredible forested area and its canopy walk, right above the trees. Hiking trails abound and this is another major draw to the park as are the tea plantations. Birders will have a great time looking for the many species of birds.

Within the park there are few accommodation options the most premium of which is the One&Only Nyungwe House opening in 2018 followed by the Nyungwe Forest Lodge .

Perfect itineraries in Rwanda

Historically, visitors have come to Rwanda purely for the gorilla trekking. While this is a fantastic place to do so, Rwanda has so much more to offer and there are plenty of reasons why you should stay longer than just the three nights to see the gorillas. Tourism in Rwanda offers the pure Big Five safari experience, lakeside exploration, hiking, chimpanzees and culture . Let me give you a few ideas for your Rwanda itinerary below.

Rwanda tourism – Itinerary for 3 days in Rwanda

If you only have three days in Rwanda you should focus on the gorillas, unless you have already seen them and are not interested in repeating the experience. I would organise the schedule for three days like this:

• Day 1 : Arrival in Rwanda early morning as most flights land at that time unless you came from Addis Ababa in which case you may land at night. Regardless, you will probably have a full day. Start at the Kigali Genocide Memorial , have lunch at Haven or at Afrika Bite and then drive to Bisate Lodge or your choice of accommodation at the Volcanoes National Park . En route, stop at the Gorilla Fund Research Center for a visit and get to know more about the gorillas . You will reach your lodge in the evening and maybe have time to see the sunset. If you want to truly make the most of your day and you land early enough, you can also book a half day Go Kigali tour , have lunch and then visit the Genocide Memorial before heading out to the park. You will not have time to see the research center but you can also do that on the second or third day.
• Day 2 : Your second day should be focused on getting your gorilla trekking in . You will get up really early, probably before 6am, and the drive to the park and trek to the gorillas. Read this for details on what gorilla trekking entails in Rwanda. On your way back to the lodge don’t miss the chance to do some shopping at the park’s main shopping area . Your afternoon will probably be free in which case I recommend a visit to the local village , planting a tree if you are staying at Bisate Lodge, or a bit of hiking in the area.
• Day 3 : If you really want to get the most out of this short trip, get up early again and go find the golden monkeys, the other endemic species to grace the Volcanoes National Park. These funny monkeys are quite cute and although you will have to get up equally as early as for the gorillas, you will not have to trek as much as they tend to the near the park’s entrance. After lunch, you will have to drive back to Kigali already. If your flight is late at night, stop at the Kigali Cultural Village or Inzuki for some shopping, at the 1000 Hills Distillery for a drink and a bite. For a more refined experience take on your last night, book dinner at the Panorama restaurant in Hotel des Milles Collines for stunning citylight views.

Rwanda Tourism – Itinerary for 5 days in Rwanda

If you can spare a bit longer in Rwanda and have five days, you can combine Kigali with the gorilla trekking and a safari at Akagera National Park or you could also combine Rwanda with the DRC and climb Nyiragongo.

Option 1: Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Akagera

If you want to see the Big Five , Akagera is a great addition to a gorilla trek. Here’s how you can organise five very efficient days in Rwanda to see gorillas and lions.

The first three days in Rwanda should be as indicated above, Kigali and then Volcanoes National Park. But on the 3rd day your journey will be different.

• Day 1 : Arrival in Kigali, exploration and drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2 : Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking
• Day 3 : Since the drive from Volcanoes National Park to Akagera is long, you may want to see the golden monkeys and they head out to Kigali. To get to Akagera you need to drive back to the capital and then drive 2,5h to Akagera. Lunch can be taken in Kigali at any of the options mentioned in my Things to do in Kigali post. You will reach Akagera in time for a night drive or bonfire drinks. Stay at either Wilderness Safaris new lodge in the north of the park or the Ruzizi Tented Lodge in the south.
• Day 4 : Go out for a whole day of game drives in search of all the wildlife that inhabits Akagera. If you are lucky you may spot one of the two large herds of elephants or the elusive lions. Stop for viewpoints along the way to take in the beauty of the park and the many swamps, lakes and hills.
• Day 5 : Get up for a boat ride on the lake to spot the hippos and all the birds that live in Akagera. After the one hour tour, join the park’s rangers for the two hour “walk the line” excursion following them on their daily routine to keep poachers out and wildlife in. After lunch you can drive back to Kigali and, like with the three day itinerary, either stop for shopping or for a distillery tour and end at Hotel des Milles Collines.

Option 2: Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Nyiragongo

If you want a truly active holiday with more than just sitting in a car, consider organising a volcano climb up Nyiragongo in the DRC. To get there, you will need to have your visa and trip organised in advance and cross the border on foot through Gisenyi-Goma.

As with the previous option, your first three days will be spent in Kigali and trekking gorillas while your last two will be truly special.

• Day 3 : Since you are heading out to Gisenyi which is only 1,5h away, you have some time in the morning to go see the golden monkeys . Have lunch and drive towards Gisenyi stopping at the Gorilla Fund Research Center on the way if you didn’t have time on your first day. When you get to Gisenyi, consider organising sunset kayaking tour with Kingfisher Journeys . The tour takes you around the lake and you can see the fishermen as they leave the shore for their nightly fishing. The boats used are quite interesting and as they sing and row and the sun sets the image is quite mesmerising. Sleep at the Serena Lodge.
• Day 4 : You will have to get up early to cross the border into Goma and be greeted by your local tour guide. All volcano hiking starts at around 8,30am from the park headquarters. Be prepared for all weather, rain and shine, and from 35 Celsius to freezing temperatures. You should make sure you have organised proper equipment ahead of time and that your food and porters are all taken care of. The Serena Lake Kivu has packages including the volcano hike and all the organisation. You will need a visa for the DRC as well which you need to settle ahead of time too. The hike to the volcano is tough and the altitude will make it even harder so make sure you are prepared for it. You will sleep in very basic accommodation at the top.
• Day 5 : Come down from the volcano top and cross back into Rwanda . I bet you will want a rest, so chill by the pool and relax those sore legs until check out when you will drive the 2,5h back to Kigali. Same formula as for the previous itineraries of shopping, tours, restaurants apply.

Rwanda Tourism – 9 days in Rwanda

If you can spend an entire week in Rwanda including both weekends, then you have a winning formula for a complete tour of the country . Here you can combine various destinations and either do a more relaxed version of the abovementioned destinations, Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Nyiragongo-Akagera or add in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

In all of the below options, the first three days remain the same.

Option 1: Relaxed Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Nyiragongo-Akagera

If you are not interested in Nyungwe and prefer not to rush too much, this is a good way to have the best trip in Rwanda, add in some DRC volcano highlights and still relax.

• Day 3 : The area around Volcanoes National Park is stunning and it is likely that you will only ever go see the gorillas once in your life so a lot of people prefer to go gorilla trekking twice. If you were to choose for a more relaxed Rwandan trip, I would suggest spending more time in the Volcanoes National Park simply taking it all in . I wish I had three nights in Bisate instead of one and I am sure that all the other high-end accommodation options are fabulous and a perfect place to truly disconnect, read a book, have a glass of wine by the fireplace and get lost in the flowing mist.
• Day 4 : Leave Volcanoes National Park and drive to Gisenyi to get ready for your volcano trek. Like in the previous itinerary options, you could stop at the Gorilla Fund Research Center and also have a sunset kayaking tour .
• Day 5 : Get up early and cross the border into the DRC where your guide will wait for you to help you get it all sorted for the volcano climb . As mentioned before, get all the necessary clothing and equipment and the help of a porter. You will sleep at the top.
• Day 6 : Come down from Nyiragongo and return to your hotel for rest. If you feel like checking out the local scene, Lakeside Restaurant is a good choice. You can also go on a tour of the tea factory (not on Mondays) or check out the coffee plantation on an island.
• Day 7 : Drive back to Kigali and on to Akagera National Park. Stop in Kigali for lunch and reach Akagera in time for a night drive.
• Day 8 : All day game drive in Akagera National Park with the help of one of the park rangers (except if you are staying at Wilderness Safaris Lodge in the park).
• Day 9 : Get up for the boat ride on the park’s lake and then drive back to Kigali for the last few hours in Rwanda shopping, eating, drinking and being merry.

Option 2: Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Nyiragongo-Akagera-Nyungwe Forest

This itinerary is only for those who are really keen to get as much in as possible in a week of travel.

• Day 3 : Since we are on a mission, we get up early to see the golden monkeys then drive to Gisenyi , stopping at the Gorilla Fund Research Center and making it back in time for sunset kayaking. Sleep well at night as the next day is long and arduous.
• Day 4 : Cross into Goma and make it to the top of Nyiragongo volcano if you can. Sleep at the top and see the lava in the dark.
• Day 5 : Return down to Gisenyi and drive to Nyungwe Forest for your chimpanzee tracking . Your day will be spent almost all en route. Sleep at your chosen lodge, Nyungwe Lodge is the best at the moment.
• Day 6 : Go on a chimpanzee trekking expedition and hope for the best. If you are lucky you may find them in the wild. In the afternoon you can join the canopy walk , this 2h hike take you to the bottom of a canopy that is 50m above the ground and 90m long. The views from above are spectacular.
• Day 7 : Drive to Akagera from Nyungwe and arrive for an afternoon or night game drive. You will spend most of the day driving but will for sure have time to fit in some safari drive .
• Day 8 : Full day game drive in Akagera, you could also join any of Akagera’s activities like walking the fence with the rangers.
• Day 9 : Get up for a boat ride in the park’s lakes and then a final game drive in the morning until your journey back to Kigali, shopping, food, drinks and the whole shebang.

Option 3: Relaxed Kigali-Volcanoes National Park-Akagera-Nyungwe Forest

If you don’t like rushing and you don’t want to climb the volcano in the DRC because of safety concerns or because you don’t want to kill yourself up a terribly harsh climb, you can also do the rest in a more relaxed manner . I would probably favour this version of the itinerary.

• Day 1 : Arrival in Kigali, exploration and drive to Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 2 : Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking.
• Day 3 : You have another chance to see the gorillas and then also participate in some local activities. You could also head towards Gisenyi and go on a kayaking tour or a visit of the tea factory or the coffee plantation.
• Day 4 : You could go see the golden monkeys today before driving to Kigali and Akagera. Lunch in Kigali en route and arrival in Akagera in time for an afternoon and even night game drive.
• Day 5 : Go on a full day game drive in Akagera. Take it easy, stop for the views and to watch the wildlife go about their daily chores. Giraffes and zebra don’t seem to be scared of human and car presence so take advantage and grab a pair of binoculars to simply observe them.
• Day 6 : Go on a morning boat ride before leaving Akagera. Drive from Akagera to Nyungwe and arrive there after lunch. Watch the sunset or if you are on time and willing to go out, join a canopy hike .
• Day 7 : Go chimpanzee trekking in the forest and maybe even on afternoon trail hikes.
• Day 8 : Go out again search of the elusive chimpanzees . Although there are 60 habituated chimps in Nyungwe, they are not guaranteed sightings as they move fast and often. More hiking, waterfall treks and other nature related activities for the afternoon, or perhaps a visit to the tea estate . You can also go on birding expeditions or simply relax.
• Day 9 : The drive back to Kigali is long so you can have a late breakfast and then head back with the usual shopping, eating, drinking options in the capital.

How to get to Rwanda – Direct flights and connections to Kigali

Lack of direct flights from major international airports stalled travel to Rwanda in the past but that has changed in recent years, especially since the relaunch of Rwandair which now has direct flights to many international airports.

The easiest way to get to Rwanda is by flight either via the Middle East or Europe . There are direct flights to Kigali from Dubai and Doha, London, Brussels and Istanbul and also from Johannesburg. If you are coming from the US, there are connecting flights with affordable Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa or Kenya Airways from Nairobi. Regional flights from Entebbe in Uganda and Bujumbura in Burundi are available several times a day. You can also arrive by road from Goma in the DRC.

Best time to visit Rwanda

I am a huge fan of visiting destinations at the best time. I have had enough bad experiences that I never want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and weather plays a massive role in how well a trip that is largely focused on being outdoors and in nature turns out.

The best months to visit Rwanda are the dry summer months between June and August . It rains pretty much for the rest of the year making the peak travel season in Rwanda really short.

No doubt the country is packed full of tourists during those months and if you do not book well ahead you will not be able to get any gorilla permits or accommodation (remember the high end low impact tourism strategy?).

See the graph below made by The World Bank with historical rainfall and temperature data from 1991 to 2015.

During the rest of the year, Rwanda is also accessible but you will have a lot of issues. For one, the gorilla trekking experience can be very different when it is pouring down , you have mud up to your knees and are soaked to the bone. You also won’t be able to take photographs, unless you have a waterproof camera, and the gorillas will be harder to find because they will seek shelter. This happened on the day before my trek and the poor guests who had gone out came back really disappointed.

In Akagera the rain can close off parts of the park, as we noted since I was there at the beginning of May, a month before the high season started. It drizzled one afternoon and it was hard to get past some of the muddy puddles. Wildlife is also harder to spot in the rainy season across parks in Africa because animals don’t have to come to the waterholes or water resources to drink and can hide under the tall grass. Kigali is always relatively rainy and a bit of rain won’t dampen your day, but when thinking of nature, you are better off choosing the right months to visit Rwanda.

If you are looking to travel during the shoulder months when there are practically no tourists and the costs of lodging are more affordable, consider February, May and September which welcome half the rain as other months and will enjoy more affordable rates and even last minute gorilla permits. I traveled in May and was incredibly lucky as the rain always happened at times when it did not affect our trip like during the night, the early morning, the driving, etc.

Other things to consider when planning a trip to Rwanda

Rwanda completely shattered my expectation by being completely different from other countries in Africa I traveled to, and I have been to more than 20. So here are a few things you should consider before planning your trip or packing your bags.

Plastic ban

Rwanda implemented a plastic ban in 2008 and any plastics you may carry will be searched for and confiscated upon arrival at the airport. This is a fantastic initiative but make sure you do not have anything which required to be stored in plastic as they will be taken away.

Visa to Rwanda

Visa to Rwanda can be obtained at the border, upon arrival , for many nationalities. They cost $30 which is less than what you pay in other East African countries, and if you are traveling across a few of them you can consider applying for an East African visa which will cost you far less than getting all the individual ones.

Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc rather than the Shilling like the rest of the East African countries, borrowing from its Belgian past. If you need to bring foreign currency, the US Dollar does better than the Euro although both can be exchanged. US Dollars are also accepted for tips at lodges.

Consider bringing enough cash to leave tips for the guide, the staff at every lodge and the porters. These are expected .

While there are ATMs across the country, it may not be easy to withdraw money in some of the parks. Porters usually cost $10 plus whatever tip you may want to add. Tips for guides and park rangers at the Volcanoes National Park are adequate at $15 each and you should leave around $15-20 per person a day at the lodges for the staff to split. A similar amount is acceptable for your guide although if he or she did something special or went beyond his or her duties you could consider leaving more.

Health and vaccinations

Traveling to Rwanda requires at least malaria tablets and Yellow Fever certificate which may be requested when you enter the country but, most importantly, could be essential to get back to where you came from. Other recommendable vaccinations include Typhoid Fever and Hepatitis A and B. Consult with your doctor for the specific requirements.

How to plan a trip to Rwanda

While you could try to organise some of the activities in Rwanda independently, using a local tour operator is a much more convenient way to do so.

I always prefer to use local tour operators and travel agencies whenever I travel in Africa because I want my money to go 100% back to the communities and not to remain in Europe or the US. Finding reputable and well-established local companies can often be tough but in Rwanda you are sure to use a local company if you reach out to Thousand Hills Africa .

They organised my trip on a  semi-sponsored basis and are the official ground handler for Bisate Lodge and Wilderness Safaris so you know they are endorsed by the best. What is more, the owners, Jacqui and Manzi, are Rwandan and the drivers and entire team are too. Our driver had been in tourism for decades and decided to return to Rwanda from Uganda after the genocide. This is also the case for some other members of the team.

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
• Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing .
• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
• Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
• Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
• Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda are some of the common features in the Country that attract many travellers to flock Rwanda for Tourism. Some of these include National Parks, Physical Features, Towns and many more as described below:

1: NATIONAL PARKS

National Parks in Rwanda are some of the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda since they are the most visited places in the country. Rwanda is one of the countries in East Africa that is blessed with a number of natural resource like the wildlife that can be seen in protected areas like game reserves, sanctuaries, forests among other areas. However some of the protected areas which can catch your eyes are the national parks where a variety of animal, bird and plant species can be seen not leaving behind  the landforms like lakes, rivers, mountains among others which will make your experience memorable and because of this, the country’s national parks qualify to be part of the top 10 tourist attractions in Rwanda.

• Volcanoes National Park:  Looking for an adventure-filled fun trip in Rwanda then you should not miss Volcanoes national park where the Rwanda gorilla tours are carried out in the country. While visiting volcanoes national park , you will have a chance to see different attractions in the park including the Rwanda gorilla families that are usually found on the different slopes of the Virunga Mountains that are found within the park. Apart from Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park , you can also opt for other activities like golden monkey trekking , birding, and Virunga Mountains hike among other activities. 

• Akagera national park:  Akagera national park is the only national park in Rwanda where the big five animals can be seen. The park is a home to all the big five that is the lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and the elephant and a number of other animal species that can be seen during the game drive in the park where a number of animals can be seen grazing in the plains like the giraffe, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions. It is home to several antelopes like bushbucks, Topis, Oribi, water-buck, roan antelope and duiker, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, impala, the Cape eland among other animals. Other activities you can participate in to make your trip in the country memorable include a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing can be carried out in the park, and community walks among other activities to make your Rwanda tour worthy of repeated visits.
• Nyungwe national park:  For your ultimate safari experience, Nyungwe national park should be among your to-do list while in Rwanda. The park is known for its numerous numbers of chimpanzees that can be seen jumping from the different tree branches. At the park, you can go to different trails that can lead you to different activities for instance the igishigishigi trail where you can find the canopy walkway , Muzimu trail where you can have a beautiful view of Lake Kivu , the Isumo waterfalls trail where you can do Isumo waterfalls hike and see the falls among other trails, birding in the park is another interesting activity that can be carried out with the presence of over 350 bird species. Other attractions in the park include other primates like a Silver monkey, Golden monkey, Owl-faced monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, Vervet monkey among others making your tour to the park interesting.

2: GENOCIDE MEMORIAL SITES

The 1994 Rwanda genocide brought a lot of pain to the Rwandans and the world at large when brothers killed one another because of the need for one group of people having the need to be supreme over the others and also the need to wipe away the Tutsi group of people from the history of Rwanda. It should be noted that the 1994 Rwanda genocide started after the then president juvenile Habyarimana’s aeroplane was shot which led to his death and also the president of Burundi who was Hutus and the suspect were the Tutsis under the Rwanda patriotic front. And from that day the mass slaughter of the Tutsis, moderate Hutus and the twas started and it should be noted that over 800000-1000000 were killed which was a tuff moment for many Rwandans and after the victory of the Rwanda patriotic front and the end of the genocide, today as a way of remembering the lost souls in the genocide, a number of genocide memorial sites were established which can be visited while on your Rwanda genocide tour .

• Kigali genocide memorial site:  Located in Kigali city, the Kigali genocide memorial museum will make you go through roller coasters emotions with the different displays of the victims that lost their lives. Display of the last words of the victims will break your heart once you visit the 3 exhibition area that is to say the large exhibition area which gives an insight of how Rwanda was before the genocide especially during and after colonisation, ho the tensions rose from the different tribal groups because of the need to go into power. After seeing the different displays, you will then move along to see how people were killed, and with the audio sound, you will have the opportunity to hear the voices in the background crying for help which is so heartbreaking.  The children exhibition area is the most hurting one of the exhibition rooms; here you will see how young souls that had dreams were lost in the genocide in the period of months. The young ones had aspirations but they were unable to fulfil them because of the ruthless hearts of the Hutus, pictorials of the victims are seen on the displays and there last words, their dreams which is so heartening. And finally you will have a chance to see the third exhibition area the world genocide history exhibition area where different genocides from different area can be seen which shows that the world needs change and at the end of your trip, love will be spread because the museum focuses on spreading love among one another and to avoid segregation.
• Murambi genocide memorial site:  Just like the Kigali genocide memorial site, Murambi genocide memorial site has a lot of significance in 1994, Rwanda genocide where over thousands of people were killed in the site, before the genocide, the site was a technical school which focused on equipping students with technical skills. It is quite absurd that when the Tutsis came to seek refuge in a nearby church, a bishop tricked them to go to Murambi technical school saying there was help from the Belgian government but once they reached there it broke their hearts that there was no one to help which was a trap they fell into many Tutsis were killed in the area and those that we’re able to escape were killed the following day.  Interested in visiting different genocide memorial sites, to increase your knowledge about the Rwanda genocide, you should carry out the Rwanda genocide memorial tour and visit the different sites.

3: CULTURAL SITES

• Ibyi’wacu cultural village:  Rwanda has a number of attractions that can be seen while on a Rwanda tour but among the attractions, one should not miss out visiting the ibyi’wacu cultural village because you will have a chance to experience the life of an authentic Rwandan without any duplications which makes the experience memorable. The cultural village will perform different songs, dances for you and also give you the opportunity to participate in the different activities like basket weaving, making of local handmade ghee this experience has won many hands of travellers and be sure for your heart to be won with the different authentic activities to participate in.
• King’s palace:  A replica of the traditional king’s palace was constructed to give a feel of the olden times when there were kingdoms in Rwanda. A tour to the king’s palace will give you the opportunity to see how the people of long ago used to live. At the palace, there are many features that can be seen including a woman guide dressed in the umushanana a traditional silk dress for the people that is worn by women in Rwanda that will direct you to the grass thatched house. But the highlight of the trip is the long-horned cattle that can be seen decorated with beads and interesting about the cattle is the keeper who seems to understand them very well because they can be seen listening to them as they follow him as he sings to them which is quite fascinating.
• Ethnographic museum:  The ethnographic museum in Rwanda is one of the tourist attractions that cannot be missed out on a Rwanda tour because of the nice displays that can be seen while you visit it. The museum is one of Africa’s ethnographic museums which was a gift from the king of Belgium in the 1980’s. In the museum you will have a chance to understand the Rwanda culture in one place where you can see  a number of displays like items that were used to hunt, cook, to carry out agriculture, traditional clothing, you can also see the history, culture, cosmology of the Rwandans from the different display rooms. You can choose to visit the ethnographic museum and later on the king’s palace to see the evolution between the Rwanda culture before and after colonisation.
• Presidential palace:  The presidential palace which is another museum in the country should not be missed on your to-do list while on the Rwanda tour , the presidential palace was the home to the late Juvenal Habyarimana the then president of Rwanda whose death led to the outbreak of the Rwanda genocide, the presidential palace tour will give you the chance to have an insight of the life of the president who had a worship palace where he carried out his witchcraft from, he had a secret gun cabinet  and interesting about the palace, you will have the chance to see part of the plane which was shot down that led to his death.

5: FESTIVALS

Rwanda is a vibrant country with a number of activities that can be carried out while on the Rwanda tour, among which will make your trip to the country worth telling to a friend. Among the engaging attractions and activities that can be participated in include the festivals on your trip while in Rwanda and these include the following.

• Kwita Izina:  While on your Rwanda gorilla tours , you should book your tours in order to participate in the interesting Kwita izina festival of conservation of the gorillas in the country. On the festival different high profile people like international musicians, models are invited to be part of the celebrations which all rotate around the naming of new gorillas born in volcanoes national park where gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be carried out. The park is a home to the different Rwanda gorilla families , golden monkeys, and bird species among others. Other festivals that can be participated in include; Kigali up, the Rwanda mini film festival, Centre X Festival etc

6: RELIGIOUS SITES

Faith-based tourists in Rwanda will have a chance to see a number of religious sites in Rwanda while on their Rwanda tour Our lady of Kibeho, which is also connected to the Rwanda genocide memorial sites because of the three girls in the secondary school who received visions that are believed to have been the warnings of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. It is believed that the girls received the visions for a period of a year before the genocide happened to make it one of the sacred places to visit while on a Rwanda tour.  Other religious sites include; Nyamata Church Kigali, Cathedral of St. Michael Kigali, Butare catholic Cathedral Butare, Byumba Cathedral Byumba Nyabugogo Mosque Kigali and so on.

7: RECREATION AREAS

In Rwanda you should not forget to visit the different recreation areas where you can participate in different out day and indoor activities, for instance, the beaches like Gisenyi public beach, lake kivu beach among other beaches, visiting different restaurants where different cuisines like Akabenz (cooked pork), meat skewers with chips, Ibirayi a mixture of goat’s meat and potatoes which will give you an amazing experience while in the country.

8: PLANTATIONS

• Sorwathe tea plantation and Pfandu teas estate:  Located between Kigali and Musanze, you will have the chance to visit the different tea plantations where a number of activities will be carried out like harvesting tea, drying tea, tea tasting among other activities. At the plantations, lunch will be served to ensure that you have an amazing experience at the plantations.
• Huye mountain coffee:  Coffee lovers on a Rwanda tour will have the chance to participate in the coffee-making process where they can go coffee harvesting, roasting and grinding till when they make the final product ready to be tasted. At the plantation, you will tour the plantation which is quite relaxing as you move along the different paths in the plantation.

9: LANDFORMS

Rwanda is blessed with a number of landforms like mountains including the Virunga Mountains that can be found in Volcanoes national park, mountain Kigali that is found in Kigali city , lakes like Lake Muhazi, Lake Kivu where a number of activities can be carried out like boat cruises, sport fishing, canoeing among others. On the lakes, a number of attractions like water birds, crocodiles can be seen to improve your experience in the park.

10: MAJOR TOWNS 

While in Rwanda, you can visit the different towns/ cities in the country which offer different attractions and activities that are quite engaging and interesting. Among the cities and towns that can be visited in the country include; Kigali city where you can go on a Kigali city tour where you can see a number of attractions like mountain Kigali, Nyamirambo Muslim quarters, Kigali genocide memorial museums among other attractions. Gisenyi town can also be visited where you can visit, Gisenyi public beach, an African art gallery where different art pieces can be seen, you can also be taught art by participating in the art classes for a day that are provided at the gallery and so many others activities.

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Things to do in Rwanda

The Things to do in Rwanda are quiet many given her small size. Rwanda is found in East Africa and covers an area of 26,338 square kilometers. Rwanda shares borders with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. The country is known for beautiful hills, volcanoes, mountain gorillas, handsome people but sadly for also enduring one of the worst genocides in recent history. After the genocide, the government of Kagame embarked on the difficult task of healing the nation, reconciliation and bringing people together to rebuild their country. Rwanda is now considered a benchmark for how other African countries can organize their people, curb corruption and set efficient systems even with few resources.

This article is long and will cover all the major tourist attractions in Rwanda. If you are planning to visit only the capital, you may find the article about the top things to do in Kigali or our 1 day Kigali city tour package more interesting. We also have a comprehensive article about the attractions in Musanze for those who plan on visiting the Volcanoes National Park.

Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

While at the site, you will learn a lot about what transpired before, during and after the 1994 genocide. You can watch short videos about the tragic event or listen to what the resident Guides have to say. The experience can be emotional but the main purpose of the displays is to teach people (especially the young generation) about the horrors of genocides so that it never happens anywhere else again.

Without her findings, what we now know as gorilla trekking and habituation would not be possible. As time went on, Fossey changed focus from research to gorilla conservation in order to protect the primates from extensive poaching. This won her many enemies leading to her death in 1985. Her killers have never been identified to this day.

Game drive in Akagera National Park: With all talk focused on mountain gorillas, it is easy to forget that Rwanda is also excellent for game drives and standard wildlife safaris. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park covering an area of 1,085 square kilometers. It was established in 1934 but the park lost a significant number of wildlife during the 1994 genocide. Thousands of fleeing citizens used the park as an escape route to seek safety in neighboring countries. When the genocide ended, many chose to settle in parts of the park leading to uncontrolled poaching and encroachments.

Additional Information about activities to do in Rwanda

You may be required to have a Visa before entering Rwanda through the airport or border crossings. Visas can be got online or once you arrive in the country. A Rwanda visa costs $50 and is valid for 30 days. If you are planning to visit the other countries in East Africa, you might want to read about the East Africa tourist Visa .

All the hotel staff and park Guides will be hoping for some tip from you as an international traveler. It is not compulsory but it may win you small favors and friends. Tip shouldn’t go beyond $15 for the company drivers, park and hotel staff.

The telephone networks and internet connectivity in Rwanda is excellent and rated as among the best in Africa. You can expect to get internet and make international calls from almost every part of the country.

Visitors to Rwanda may be required to show proof that they have had a yellow fever vaccination shot whenever their is a disease outbreak. You may also be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A negative COVID Test result is a requirement to see gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys as I write this article. Before traveling solo to Rwanda , ensure that you visit your doctor for any medical advice. Do not forget to travel with any of your prescribed medicines.

The best time to visit Rwanda is between June to August and also December to early February. These months have less rain and favored by tourists going on a Rwanda safari. National parks and activities continue regardless of whether it is a dry or wet season. In fact, if you want to get the best accommodation rates or avoid the crowds, better visit during the low seasons.

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Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

Did you know Rwanda is one of the most thrilling adventure countries in the world? We know that all the adventurers, explorers, and travelers reading this will be interested to know the extremely amazing Tourist Attractions in Rwanda that can trigger their minds to think about their next adventure here in Rwanda.

Rwanda is a patchwork quilt of many different landscapes and uncounted hills thus its globally known name “Land of a Thousand Hills”. Landlocked, but beautiful and diverse with fascinating cultures, unique history, Bio-Diversity, people, thrilling National Parks, and adventure sights that have been around since ancient times or the country’s founding.

Discover various Tourist Attractions in Rwanda as the country is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in East Africa and Africa at large. Rwanda Eco offers exotic combinations of so many natural wonders that we will truly spoil you!

The Tourist Attractions in Rwanda vary from intriguing wildlife, stunning scenery, and colorful inhabitants, to Hiking Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park , or understanding the Dark Tourism associated with some of the national parks. Experience calm and developing cities, such as Kigali – the Cleanest City in Africa, or beaches on its largest watershed Lake Kivu , and many more Rwanda tourist attractions that you should not miss!

From the remarkable national parks to iconic Memorials/Museums representing peace and harmony from the country’s dark experience these now popular and highly marketed Rwanda tourist attractions cannot be missed.

Volcanoes National Park

With just a 2 hour drive from Kigali is Volcanoes National Park Located in northwestern Rwanda bordering Virunga National Park in DR. Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountain Range and home to the World’s Endangered Mountain Gorillas, 5 of the 8 beautiful Virunga Volcanoes , the rare Golden monkeys , and numerous bird species.

The park has a historic connection to the American primatologist Diane Fossey whose graveyard is in between Mount Karisimbi & Mount Bisoke. This is the site of the original Karisoke Research Center where she would do her Gorilla studies.

Without a doubt, the number one thing you can enjoy in Volcanoes National Park is Gorilla Trekking as there are twelve habituated Mountain Gorilla Groups that tourists encounter. Apart from visiting the Gorillas, there are Volcano Hikes, the Diane Fossey Tomb Hike , Bird Watching, Golden Monkey Trekking , and other after-trekking activities such as Cave Exploration specifically the Musanze Caves , Cultural encounters around the park like visiting the Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village , visiting Lake Kivu for a Boat Ride/Canoe Ride, Musanze City Tour and many other thrilling activities of your interests.

Lake Kivu is one of the most popular Tourist Attractions in Rwanda and the biggest watershed in Rwanda. Different resort towns with treasured beaches, such as Gisenyi and Kibuye surround Lake Kivu. These resort towns have plentiful guesthouses/hotels, restaurants, and waterside sandy spacious grounds for visitors who wish to have a little rest and relaxation.

Whether your pleasure is found in sunbathing on the sand or swimming in the water, visiting different islands on the lake in a Boat or Canoe, or undertaking water sports activities like Kayaking – Lake Kivu is a perfect place in Rwanda to unwind. Hiking some of the steep hills as you interact with the local community, Picnicking, Coffee & Tea Plantation Tours and Cycling on the Congo Nile Trail are just a few of the other activities available when paying a visit to Rwanda’s Lake Kivu .

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Hidden in its remoteness in southwestern Rwanda at the border of Burundi to the south and Lake Kivu & DR. Congo to the west, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best preserved and oldest mountain rainforests. It’s a vast area of mountain rainforest that is home to many primate species of Chimpanzees, Owl-Faced and Colobus Monkeys, hundreds of bird species, some mammals, numerous hiking trails for nature lovers, beautiful Waterfalls, and an extraordinary Canopy Walk way not found in any other of the national parks in Rwanda.

Find various Tea plantations located outside the park gates that surround thus adding to its spectacular arrays of biodiversity. Hanging out in Nyungwe Forest National Park while undertaking the many activities offered there will not only give you incredible joy but will leave you with total satisfaction for adventure, nature, and great memories.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds

A place of remembrance and learning! This Genocide Memorial site is located in Kigali city the capital of Rwanda in Gisozi just a ten-minute drive from the center of the town. Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds commemorates and acts as the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi.

The museum features exhibitions with archives of video testimonies from Genocide survivors and rescuers, perpetrator testimonies from court proceedings, footage from annual remembrance ceremonies (Kwibuka), archival photographs of the fallen victims hung on walls, colonial documents, identification records, maps, foreign serials, and propaganda publications.

Visit the Museum for educational, personal, or research purposes to learn detailed information about this horrific incident through events and historical implications of the Genocide in East Africa.

Akagera National Park

Located in Eastern Rwanda hugging the border with Tanzania (another country well worth a visit), is a hidden game park characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah. Home to the Big 5 Animals in Rwanda such as Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalo, and Eastern Black Rhinoceros. Akagera National Park also offers visitors the opportunity for Wildlife viewing second to none.

Game drives in Akagera National Park are known for the opportunity for wildlife spotting such as the common Antelope species, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, some primates, different bird species, and many more across varied terrains far in its wilderness.

Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy the vast expanses of native plants and native animals during guided walks & drives, self-guided drives, or opt for a thrilling viewing experience by a boat cruise along Lake Ihema where you can watch as many Hippos and Crocodiles.

King’s Palace Museum

A visit to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the country’s museums the King’s Palace Museum. The museum is strategically located in Nyanza Town along the road to Nyungwe National Park , just a two-hour drive from Kigali city. Aside from discovering memorial sites in Kigali and outside the city areas, a visit to this museum is an interesting Tourist Attraction in Rwanda that will give you an insight into the deep culture and colonial & traditional rulership of the kings of Rwanda.

The star attraction showcased at the Museum is the Inyambo (sacred cows) and their staggeringly large curved horns. There is a replica of a King’s Palace  from the 15th century with a thatched roof, royal hut, fresh milk hut, and locally made beer hut traditionally run by an unmarried virgin girl and boy respectively. The colonial-style home that was once the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in the mid-20th century features portraits of the different reigning kings and queens. The interior design is particularly striking, blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture (some of which were owned by the king).

Your visit will be spiced up with traditional performances of traditional singers lulling the Inyambo Cows into a mellow state through poems – a ritual that’s unique to the country of Rwanda alone. The King’s Palace Museum is one of the top Tourist Attractions in Rwanda.

Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum formerly known as the National Museum of Rwanda is located in Butare (Huye Town) and was built with the help of the Belgian Government in 1989. It is a good source of information on the cultural history of the country and the region. The museum is one of the eight museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda which houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections.

The Ethnographic Museum has seven galleries that display historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artifacts accompanied by visual aids, giving visitors a rich insight into the culture of Rwandans. Your en-route visit to this museum as you’re heading to or from Nyungwe National Park will be a wonderful spice to your safari.

Kigali City

Kigali City is well known as the Cleanest City in Africa and has thus quickly transformed into a vibrant and exciting city with a mix of both tradition and modernity. The city offers a lot of markets to visit, Art Galleries, Museums, and Memorial centers. At night, meander to fascinating places to keep you out of your hotel room before or after your national park safari.  Explore this exciting yet calm city as you take time to indulge in the vibrant cultures, cuisines, and fascinating sceneries that Rwanda’s Capital City has to offer.

Check out tailor-made fabrics from swirling patterned textiles and experience the energetic atmosphere as you interact with local vendors about how they go about their daily business. Undertake bargaining power tactics to win a favored price for all your shopping items at  Kimironko Market , the largest marketplace with anything you may need around every corner .

There are many art craft shops if you are interested in artifacts such as Inema Arts Center , and Rwanda Art Museum  at the former  Presidential Palace to get creative scenes of local arts made by the local artists. Get to see the remains of debris from the presidential aircraft that crashed in 1994 at the former Presidential palace.

Even though Kigali is a small city it has a lot to offer including its beautiful green sceneries that you can access on a simple, one-hour hike to Mount Kigali. Get the whole of Kigali’s scenic views from the top and on your hike, meander around Nyamirambo, or visit Nyamirambo Women’s Center for an insight into the traditional view of Rwandans with unique tastes and preferences.

Check out some of the museums such as the Campaign against Genocide Museum to know how Rwanda has been able to overcome its dark past. Visit Camp Kigali Memorial where 10 Belgian soldiers were killed, Kandt House Museum, or the most common Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds. Also When you’re ready to refuel, savor an authentic Rwandan cup of Coffee. Rwanda has various majestic and beautiful hotels i.e. Radisson Blue Hotel and many more.

Buhanga Eco Park

Just a short drive from Volcanoes National Park is a hidden treasure packed with a great deal of biological and cultural significance. The park consists of ancient sacred sites that were used for the coronation rituals of Rwandan Kings. Buhanga Eco Park features unique attractions with the history of the kings in Rwanda.

There are many important sites found outside the national park such as the Small Ditch surrounded by lava stone and flowery thicket, where the king’s helpers (Abiru) would pick herbs for the king to shower as part of the Coronation. A Dark Cave surrounded by huge boulders is where the king was wheeled in a Royal traditional Carriage straight from his palace with no stopovers till he took a bath with the herbs and spring-water mixture.

See a Conference Podium Comprised of hard, well-cut lava rocks and chairs on the edge where the king would be carried after bathing to receive kingship instruments, blessings, and protection from the gods. As you walk through you will be able to see a Small Spring containing dark water, this is where the King’s bathwater was collected.

Get to see and hear the myth about the Three in One Tree and Curse Tree with exciting histories about them. Your visit to this park will be spiced up by the amazing trails made entirely from cut lava stones, tall majestic trees, numerous plant species, beautiful & colorful butterflies plus various bird species singing with sweet melodies in the air.

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are the Twin Lakes in Rwanda located within the Musanze district at the base of Mount Muhabura, a walk away from the Volcanoes National Park. The lakes lay at a surface area of 2800 hectares and were formed as a result of a Volcanic Eruption with its glacier layers blocking River Nyabarongo that was flowing towards Northern Rwanda.

The two lakes offer tourists a beautiful view of the landscape, Wetland habitat, Water birds, Virunga Volcanoes , local communities, and magnificent attractions in the neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

You can enjoy a Boat Ride on the fresh waters of Rwanda Twin Lakes or a Canoe Ride rewarding you with a breath of fresh air spectacular views of the green vegetation and some little birds on the water shores with no worries of dangerous water animals like crocodiles as the waters are free thus assurance for your safety.

Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village

The Ibyi’wacu Cultural Village is one of the great Tourist Attractions in Rwanda located around Volcanoes National Park in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze district. This is a pure Rwandan cultural tour by ex-poachers who are now conservationists for Wildlife in this park.

A visit to this Cultural Village, which is now called Gorilla Guardians Village, gives you a rare opportunity to interact with the local people in their Environment to share a taste of Rwandan culture, beliefs, and traditions. Heritage experiences include partaking in traditional lifestyles, and activities, viewing artifacts, and the unique traditional ways of living of Rwandan local people. Your visit will not only be a showcase but also enjoy moments with lots of traditional songs and dance performances that you can also engage in for satisfaction and fun.

Congo Nile Trail

For cycling and hiking lovers, the Congo Nile Trail is a long 227-kilometer hiking trail around Lake Kivu that pushes you to beautiful sceneries of landscapes, rolling hills, and tea, and coffee plantations. Indulge in deep encounters with the local communities, take in stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes as well as lakeside towns, and have an opportunity to forget about usual life and just explore.

Nyamata and Ntarama Memorial Sites

Located in the Bugesera region, approximately 35km from Kigali City or about an hour’s drive south of Kigali, are two memorial sites among Rwanda’s six National Genocide Memorial Sites. These sites were former churches and are believed to have been the very first places where the horrific incidences of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide started.

Mass graves are situated behind this former church at Nyamata Parish, containing 45,308 genocide victims. The number of victims includes those who were killed inside the church, as well as others who were exhumed from surrounding areas.

Also at the Ntarama Memorial Site , human remains, clothing, and artifacts belonging to over 5,000 people who lost their lives and were killed at the church remain on display at all times. For those interested in dark tourism here is your place to get a deeper insight about Rwanda’s past dark experience.

Coffee & Tea Plantations

Rwanda all over the globe is as well known for its best quality Tea and finest Coffee. The country’s Tea is recognized as its number one export and its Coffee has won international competitions. There are numerous Tea and Coffee Plantations all over the country, especially in the North and Western provinces.

At the ends of Nyungwe National Park various Tea plantations surround the park on large acres of rolling slopes. Tourists undertake these plantation tours after or before their park activities which usually makes their safaris a real adventure in Rwanda.

The Tourist Attractions in Rwanda list can be endless when it comes to adventure and exploration in Rwanda as the country is diverse and rich in attractions thus you can reach out to us at Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris for more information and more interesting discoveries can make your travel to Rwanda a real natural wonder.

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Major Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

Rwanda is blessed with diverse landscapes and uncountable hills, earning it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills” throughout the world. Landlocked but stunning and varied, with intriguing cultures, a singular history, biodiversity, people, action-packed, exhilarating National Parks, and excellent adventure destinations that have been around since the country’s founding, Explore the many tourist attractions in Rwanda, one of the most fascinating and varied nations in Africa, featuring unique mixes of so many natural treasures that will leave you utterly bewildered! Rwanda offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including fascinating wildlife, breathtaking scenery, vibrant locals, hiking volcanoes, dark tourism due to the country’s troubled past, peaceful, developing cities like Kigali, Africa’s cleanest city, beaches on Lake Kivu , the country’s largest watershed, and many more that will help you choose which home travel destinations are worth seeing. Here are some of the major tourist attractions in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park

Drive time to the Volcanoes National Park is two hours, covering 116 kilometres via breathtaking highlands from Kigali. The gorilla trekking experience is the park’s high point. Visitors can spend an entire hour with the mountain gorillas, witnessing them play, eat, and marvel at their incredible size. One of just four parks in the world home to mountain gorillas, who are severely endangered, is Volcanoes National Park. The park’s verdant bamboo forests offer a striking backdrop for visitors hoping to have one of their most unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of the best tourist destinations in Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park . Chimpanzee trekking is one of the park’s most well-known attractions. Because the chimps are rushing around, the experience is different from gorilla trekking in that sightings are more irregular and hurried. at addition, tourists can experience the thrilling tree-to-eye view of Nyungwe Forest by going on the canopy walk while they’re at the park. This is a good spot in Nyungwe Forest to see birds. Additionally, tourists may explore how tea is harvested and even sample the speciality by visiting the Gisovu and Gisakura Tea Factories.

Akagera National Park

A well-known African wildlife safari site is Akagera National Park . Numerous wild animals, like as lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, buffalos, antelopes, and hippos, can be seen in the park. In Rwanda, it’s a well-liked location for seeing baboons, crocodiles, and other primates. In addition to game drives, picturesque boat rides on Lake Ihema, sport fishing, bird watching tours, and escorted nature walks led by knowledgeable local guides, visitors to Akagera National Park can enjoy other animal viewing opportunities.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

The Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali, the country’s capital, is definitely something you should see before leaving the city and visiting any of Rwanda’s well-known national parks. The remains of over 250,000 persons who were ruthlessly slaughtered by the Interahamwe (Hutu fanatics) are kept in Rwanda’s Museum Tourism activities. The centre is set up in three sections: one for adults, one for children died in the genocide, and a third for learning about genocides that have happened around the globe. You will discover a great deal about events leading up to, including, and including the 1994 genocide while visiting the site. You can listen to what the local guides have to say or see brief movies on the sad incident. Although visiting the exhibits can be an emotional experience, its primary goal is to educate people especially the next generation about the atrocities of genocides and ensure that they never occur again.

Kimironko Market

A easy method to get a sense of the lifestyle that people lead in a new place is to visit their primary market. Everyone shops at Kimironko Market for inexpensive fresh produce, meat, and fruits. A wide variety of items are on offer. Simply visiting the many stalls, customers pick what they desire. An expansion of the market focuses on high-quality used suits, purses, shoes, and clothing. Kimironko is the place to go if you’re looking for good local fabrics or Kitenge at a reasonable price.

Hotel des Mille Collines

The 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda” brought fame to this five-star establishment. Based on a true incident, the film tells the tale of a hotel manager who, during the 1994 genocide, concealed over 1200 individuals in hotel rooms. The hotel also accommodated diplomats, so for a while he was able to pull this off. In addition to its significance during the genocide, visitors like the upscale hotel for the high calibre of services it provides. It features 112 opulent rooms, a restaurant, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. When you check into the hotel, you can add yourself to the list of people who have seen Rwanda’s most renowned hotel.

Musanze Caves

These historic caves are located outside of Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze area. 2013 saw the caves reopened to the public following restoration work that included the construction of paved walkways and staircases. The about two-kilometer-long Musanze caves were created by lava flows some 60 million years ago, with the formation of the East African Rift Valley. The main entrance is roughly 10 kilometres wide, and there are about 32 more entrances. The Musanze caves are a well-liked destination for adventure and geology enthusiasts. The Batwa pygmies and other local tribal groups used to hide out in the bat-filled caverns.

Rwanda’s largest body of water is Lake Kivu, which spans more than 2,700 square kilometres in surface area. It stretches all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is the sixth largest lake in Africa. Because of the lake’s stunning islands, resorts, and shorelines, visitors love exploring it. Swimming, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and other water sports are all great at Lake Kivu. Bikers have the opportunity to explore the Rwandan countryside on a mountain bike or on foot thanks to the Congo Nile route, which was constructed along the lake’s edge. Lake Kivu is devoid of crocodiles and hippos.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Located in Kigali’s Nyamirambo area is this non-profit organisation. It was established to give women the training they need to start their own businesses or find profitable employment. The women at the centre receive instruction on how to make fine garments out of regional textiles. The women also make lovely beads, trinkets for the home, and other goods. For those interested in learning more about the lifestyle of the locals, the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre also arranges walking tours across the neighbourhood. Make sure you buy something to help the women when you visit this institution.

Gorilla Guardians Village

The Centre, formerly known as the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, was established by Edwin Sabuhoro, a former Volcanoes National Park warden, to highlight the best aspects of Kinyarwanda culture and to provide repentant poachers jobs. Before starting to observe traditional dances, visitors are given a tour around the centre. Visitors to the Gorilla Guardians village can also pick up skills in cooking regional cuisine and hunting like the Batwa people. You might be asked to don traditional royal attire and get a taste of what it was like to lead a culture.

The King’s Palace Museum

The Museum at King’s Palace Nyanza is a beautifully constructed thatched house designed to resemble a beehive. Formerly, Nyanza served as Rwanda’s beating heart. Oral tradition states that it was also the site of disputes and power struggles. Before, King Rudahigwa Mutara III, who was succeeded by King Musinga Yuhi V, was the most recent monarch to reign Rwanda. Conflicts with Belgian invaders and the non-recognition of all tribal groupings led to the eventual dissolution of the kingdoms. Ancestors of the king’s herd, a few long-horned Inyambo cattle still exist. Their keepers, who carefully tend to them and sing to them in order to preserve a special custom, take good care of them. These beautiful cows were used extensively in kingly ceremonies. They were trained to follow the movements of a trainer in a stately march while listening to tunes and wearing pricey jewellery. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Huye Ethnographic Museum. It is the home of antiquities that date back more than 200 years and one of Africa’s top anthropological collections.

Coffee & Tea Plantations

Rwanda has many tea and coffee plantations spread throughout the country, particularly in the northern and western provinces. At the edges of Nyungwe Forest National Park , numerous tea plantations encircle the park on vast expanses of rolling slopes. Rwanda is also well-known throughout the world for producing the best tea and coffee, with tea being the nation’s top export and coffee winning international competitions. These plantation tours are taken by visitors either before or after their park activities, which usually turns their safaris into an authentic Rwandan encounter.

You can contact Visit and Tour Rwanda for more information about the major tourist attractions in Rwanda and more fascinating discoveries that can make your trip to Rwanda a true natural wonder. The list of tourist attractions in Rwanda is virtually limitless when it comes to adventure and exploration in the country because it is diverse and rich in attractions.

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Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

• Post author: admin
• Post published: May 2, 2023
• Post category: Rwanda Safari Guide / Travel Tips

7 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Rwanda; Top Sights

If you’re planning to Visit Rwanda , all blogs will point you to these top-rated Tourist Attractions in Rwanda , from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Rwanda is a beautiful country in East Africa with a rich wildlife, history and culture. It has 4 national parks, several museums, lakes, forests and many other attractions, here are the Top 7 Most Popular Destinations in Rwanda.

The 7 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Rwanda;

Volcanoes national park.

The Volcanoes National Park is located 116 km from Kigali, and it’s a 2-hour drive through the beautiful mountains. The highlight of the park is the gorilla trekking adventure. Tourists can spend a full hour with the mountain gorillas as they observe gorillas feeding, playing and how amazing their size is.

Volcanoes national park is one of 4 parks in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. The park’s lush bamboo forests provide a dramatic setting for travelers who want to experience one of the most memorable wildlife experiences.

Mountain Gorilla trekking is all what Volcanoes can offer, the park is also known to be one of the few homes to another endangered primates’ specie, the golden monkeys. Visitors can enjoy golden monkey trekking just like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes.

Other activities that makes Volcanoes national park a prime Tourist Attractions in Rwanda are; Dian Fossey tombs hike, Iby’iwachu cultural experience, nature walks, bird watching and mountain climbing.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is another top-rated Tourist Attractions in Rwanda. The park is popular for chimpanzee trekking experiences. The experience differs from gorilla trekking, as the chimps are running around, so the sightings are a bit more sporadic and rushed.

While in the park, visitors can also try the canopy walk, which gives an exhilarating tree-to-eye view of Nyungwe Forest . This is a vantage point for bird watching in Nyungwe Forest.

Visitors can also visit The Gisovu and Gisakura Tea Factories and discover how the tea is harvested and even taste the specialty.

3. Kigali Genocide Memorial.

If you ever wanted to learn about the dark history of Rwanda, the Kigali Genocide Memorial is the place to visit. The museum combines both the history of Rwanda – the 1994 Rwandan Genocide as well the vibrant culture of the country. This is where the skulls and bones of over 250,000 victims were laid.

The museum is all horror, as visitors are being guided around, they also get the chance to learn about the efforts in place to promote reconciliation and healing of the country today. You will never appreciate Rwanda tourism if you don’t visit Kigali Genocide Memorial – history and culture should always be part of any itinerary.

4.  Lake Kivu.

Ever heard of the African Great Lakes, lake Kivu is one of them and is the largest lake in Rwanda shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Besides the beautiful scenery around lake Kivu , it is among the largest freshwater lakes on the continent and is the biggest source of fish in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu is a superlative place for boat cruise in Rwanda, kayaking adventures and swimming. The birders also call this lake a haven. Visitors can also tour nearby towns such as Gisenyi and Kibuye.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a classic African wildlife safari destination. The park is home to a variety of wild animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, buffalos, antelopes, and hippos. It’s also a popular destination in Rwanda to spot crocodiles, baboons, and other primates.

Visitors to Akagera National Park can enjoy wildlife viewing through game drives, scenic boat ride on Lake Ihema, sport fishing on the lake, or a bird watching tour and guided nature walks with an experienced local guide.

Musanze Caves

Located in the Northern province of Rwanda, the Musanze Caves give tourists a rare look into Rwandan earth and history.

Visitors can take guided tours that explain the history of the caves from their formation to their various uses in history, such as acting as a shelter during ancient history and periods of war.

The Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail is a 227 km trail along Lake Kivu that extends from Rubavu to Rusizi District.

The trail gives stunning views of the Lake Kivu and beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and clear water. Visitors can hike the entire trail, which takes 10 days, or bike it, which takes 5 days. The trip can also be done in sections if visitors do not have time to complete the entire trail.

There are many Tourists Attractions in Rwanda, over 40 but, these 7 receive the most visitors due to their unique experiences and location. You can checkout some of our most popular Rwanda Tourism Packages .

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