Nestled in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is a destination that has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” this country offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
After a tumultuous past, Rwanda has transformed into a clean, safe, and forward-thinking nation, making it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences. From thrilling wildlife encounters to immersive cultural experiences and historical sites, Rwanda has something for every kind of traveler.
In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for things to do in Rwanda, highlighting the unique aspects that set this country apart from other African destinations. Get ready to discover the beauty of Rwanda’s rolling hills and the warmth of its people.
Discovering the Land of a Thousand Hills
As you step into Rwanda, you’re immediately enveloped in a world of breathtaking beauty, with lush hills stretching as far as the eye can see. The country’s landscape is characterized by endless rolling hills, tea plantations, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Rwanda has positioned itself as a luxury destination, offering high-end experiences while still catering to various budgets. This balance makes it an attractive destination for a wide range of travelers. The country’s commitment to conservation and sustainability is evident in its nationwide ban on single-use plastics and mandatory monthly cleanup days, showcasing its dedication to preserving the environment.
Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has made significant strides in recovery and development, boasting political stability and safety for tourists. Being a small country, Rwanda allows travelers to experience diverse landscapes and activities without excessive travel time. You can explore volcanic mountains, trek with mountain gorillas, or relax on the shores of pristine lakes, all within a relatively short distance.
| Aspect | Description | Benefit to Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Endless rolling hills, tea plantations, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and lakes | Diverse natural beauty to explore |
| Destination Status | Luxury destination with options for various budgets | Caters to a wide range of travelers |
| Conservation Efforts | Nationwide ban on single-use plastics and monthly cleanup days | Preserves the environment for future generations |
| History and Stability | Recovery and development since the 1994 genocide, political stability | Safe for tourists |
Rwandan culture is also worth exploring, with its unique aspects including the strong role of women in society and government. This cultural richness adds another layer to the Rwanda experience, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
As you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you’re taking a step into a significant chapter of Rwanda’s history. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, during which over one million people were killed in just 100 days. Established not only to honor the victims but also to educate visitors about the devastating effects of hatred and the importance of promoting peace, the memorial is a deeply moving and significant site.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as both a museum and a final resting place for 250,000 victims. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll gain insight into the events leading up to the genocide, the atrocities themselves, and the aftermath. The memorial’s educational role is crucial, teaching visitors about the dangers of hatred and the value of peace and reconciliation.
Visitors can expect to see poignant exhibits and serene gardens that provide a space for reflection. Professional guides are available to offer context and answer questions, enhancing your understanding of this significant site. While visiting the memorial can be emotionally challenging, it’s an essential step in understanding Rwanda’s past and its journey towards healing and peace.
Trek with Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek with majestic mountain gorillas. This park is one of only three places in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The gorilla trekking experience is a thrilling adventure that begins with an early morning briefing. You’ll then trek through the forest, accompanied by guides, until you find a gorilla family. The hour spent observing these gentle giants is truly magical.
Gorilla Trekking Tips and Preparation
To make the most of your gorilla trekking experience, it’s essential to be prepared. You don’t need to be super fit, but be prepared for muddy and slippery terrain. Wearing a face mask is mandatory to protect the gorillas from human diseases. Consider hiring porters to assist you during the trek.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is $1500 per person for a permit, which supports conservation efforts. In comparison, permits cost $800 in Uganda and $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. Visiting during the low season (March to November) can offer a 30% discount when combined with other park visits.
Observing gorillas in their natural habitat is not only exhilarating but also a conservation success story. The revenue generated from tourism has contributed to the increase in mountain gorilla numbers. Making eye contact with these gentle giants is a profound experience you’ll never forget.
Explore the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus
As a tribute to Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking research, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus stands as a premier location for gorilla conservation. This place was gifted by Portia de Rossi to her wife, Ellen DeGeneres, as a 60th birthday present, honoring Ellen’s childhood hero. The campus features a replica of Fossey’s mountain cabin, where she conducted her pivotal research and was tragically murdered.
Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits that narrate Fossey’s story and her pioneering work with gorillas in the 1960s. The campus continues Fossey’s legacy through ongoing research and conservation efforts, protecting mountain gorillas. Educational programs are also available, enhancing visitors’ understanding of the challenges and successes in gorilla conservation.
During your experience at the campus, you can explore the replica of Fossey’s cabin, complete with her original belongings and research materials. For those interested in delving deeper, Fossey’s book “Gorillas in the Mist” or the film adaptation are recommended. After your visit, you can support conservation efforts by purchasing gorilla-themed souvenirs at the gift shop, making your trip even more meaningful.
Track Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a thrilling opportunity to track chimpanzees in one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. With over 1,000 plant species and 300+ bird species, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The chimpanzee tracking experience is a heart-pumping adventure that differs significantly from gorilla trekking. Chimpanzees are agile and fast, swinging through trees or knuckle-walking on the ground, making it an exhilarating experience for visitors.
To track chimpanzees, visitors must obtain a permit, which costs US$250 per person, including a $100 park entry fee and a $150 tracking permit. Due to the limited number of permits available, with only 8 visitors allowed per chimpanzee community per day, it’s essential to book ahead, especially during peak season.
Apart from chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is home to other primates, including colobus monkeys and owl-faced monkeys. The park also features a canopy walkway, the only one in East Africa, offering a unique perspective of the forest from 60 meters above the ground. For those who enjoy hiking, various trails are available, allowing visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty.
With the guidance of an experienced guide, visitors can navigate the forest and enjoy an unforgettable encounter with chimpanzees in their natural habitat within this beautiful national park.
Go on Safari in Akagera National Park
Experience the untamed beauty of Akagera National Park on a thrilling safari adventure. Located in eastern Rwanda, near the Tanzanian border, Akagera is a three-hour drive from Kigali. Since the 1994 genocide, the park has undergone a remarkable revival and is now home to the ‘Big Five,’ along with giraffes, zebras, and over 490 bird species.
Wildlife You Can Spot
Akagera National Park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, thanks to its varied ecosystems, from open savannah to wetlands and lakes. The park is now home to the ‘Big Five’: elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions, and rhinos. You can also spot giraffes, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Safari Options and Experiences
The park offers various safari options to suit different preferences. You can opt for a self-drive experience with an entrance fee of US$100 per person or enhance your adventure with a guided game drive, led by knowledgeable rangers, starting at an additional US$25. For a unique experience, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds.
Akagera National Park also offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more affordable camping sites, allowing you to stay within or near the park. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight stay, Akagera has something to offer every kind of traveler.
Relax on the Shores of Lake Kivu
With its stunning emerald waters and terraced hills, Lake Kivu is the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate. As one of Africa’s Great Lakes, spanning 2,700 square kilometers along Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, it offers a serene getaway.
The lake’s picturesque surroundings make it an ideal location for various water activities. You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or swimming in designated safe areas. For a more leisurely experience, take a boat tour to explore the lake’s islands.
Water Activities and Boat Tours
Experience the thrill of water activities on Lake Kivu. From kayaking and paddleboarding to boat tours, there’s something for everyone. You can explore the lake’s islands, enjoy fishing, or simply cruise around, taking in the breathtaking views.
Best Lakeside Towns to Visit
The three main towns along Lake Kivu’s shoreline are Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye), and Rusizi (Cyangugu). Each town has its unique attractions and vibes, offering a range of experiences from relaxation to adventure. Be sure to visit these towns to enjoy the local cuisine, including fresh tilapia and sambaza, specialties of Lake Kivu.
Whether you spend a day or several days by the lake, Lake Kivu is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its natural beauty, combined with the variety of activities available, makes it a must-visit destination in Rwanda.
Experience Rwanda’s Best Things to Do for Culture Lovers
Rwanda’s cultural landscape is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, colonial history, and contemporary innovations. As a culture enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the country’s rich heritage through its museums, historical sites, and traditional practices.
Visit the King’s Palace Museum
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza is a must-visit cultural site, featuring a replica of a 15th-century Rwandan king’s palace. You can explore the traditional beehive-shaped royal residence and the colonial-era palace of King Mutara III Rudahigwa. The complex is also home to a herd of sacred Inyambo cattle.
Explore the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum near Butare (Huye) houses one of Africa’s finest collections of traditional artifacts, including tools, crafts, and clothing from pre-colonial Rwanda. This museum provides valuable insights into Rwanda’s complex history and traditional social structures.
Both museums offer a unique glimpse into Rwanda’s cultural heritage and can be combined into a single day trip from Kigali. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts are often available, adding to the cultural experience.
Discover Local Art and Crafts
As you explore Rwanda, you’ll discover a thriving art community that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Rwanda’s contemporary art scene has emerged as part of the country’s cultural renaissance since the genocide, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern styles.
Inema Arts Center and Niyo Arts Gallery
The Inema Arts Center in Kigali, founded by self-taught brothers Emmanuel and Innocent Nkuranga, is a must-visit destination for art lovers. It showcases innovative works by local artists and offers dance performances that reflect Rwanda’s cultural identity. The Niyo Arts Gallery is another notable art space that not only exhibits beautiful paintings and sculptures but also supports underprivileged children through art education programs.
Shopping at Caplaki Crafts Village
For traditional Rwandan handicrafts, visit Caplaki Crafts Village, where you can find intricately woven baskets (agaseke), wooden carvings, and textiles. When shopping for crafts in Kigali, be sure to bargain fairly and identify authentic handmade items. You can also explore other notable art spaces in Kigali, such as the Rwanda Art Museum housed in the former presidential palace, making your visit to Kigali a memorable one.
Experience Rwanda’s Coffee and Tea Culture
Immerse yourself in Rwanda’s thriving coffee and tea industry, where the country’s natural beauty and rich culture come alive. Rwanda has emerged as a producer of world-class coffee and tea, with these industries becoming vital to the country’s economy and international reputation.
Visit Tea Plantations
Walking through Rwanda’s tea plantations is a sensory delight. You’ll see perfectly manicured rows of tea bushes carpeting the hillsides in vibrant green. Interactive tea plantation tours allow you to learn about tea cultivation, try picking leaves, and understand the processing methods that create Rwanda’s distinctive teas. Tea harvesters are paid by the weight of the leaves they pick, making rainy days a bonus as wet leaves are heavier.
Best Coffee Shops in Rwanda
Rwanda’s coffee culture is alive and thriving, with cafés and coffee-washing stations across the country. You can visit top coffee shops like Question Coffee in Kigali, Crema in Musanze, and Kivu Cup in Kibuye to taste locally grown and roasted beans. Coffee farm tours and washing station visits offer a deeper understanding of the journey from cherry to cup and the opportunity to meet the farmers behind Rwanda’s coffee revival.
Explore the Unique Gishwati-Mukura National Park
As Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park provides an opportunity to experience the country’s rich biodiversity. Established in 2015, the park was created to protect two separate forest fragments that were severely depleted after the Rwandan genocide.
The park’s conservation story is one of hope and restoration. Ongoing efforts aim to reconnect these forest islands and create wildlife corridors, allowing for a thriving ecosystem. You can stay at the exclusive Forest of Hope Guest House, which can host only about 12 people at a time, making it one of Rwanda’s most unique experiences.
During your visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you can enjoy guided treks to spot a small population of chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and numerous bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift. The park is also home to around 60 different species of trees, making it a haven for nature lovers.
The park offers various trails for hiking, allowing you to explore the recovering ecosystem. Additionally, community-based tourism initiatives provide a chance to learn about traditional medicine, beekeeping, and local crafts from neighboring communities.
To plan your visit to this national park, it’s essential to arrange your trip in advance, as the park is not as developed for tourism as Rwanda’s other national parks.
Conclusion: Why Rwanda Should Be Your Next Destination
With its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Rwanda is poised to become your next favorite travel destination. This small country offers an incredible diversity of experiences in a relatively compact geographical area, from mountain gorilla encounters to safaris, cultural immersion, and lakeside relaxation.
Rwanda’s transformation from a country devastated by genocide to one of Africa’s safest and cleanest nations is truly remarkable. As you plan your trip, consider the best time to visit and how many days to allocate for a comprehensive experience. While permits and luxury accommodations can be expensive, the quality of experiences and the contribution to conservation and community development justify the cost.
Visiting Rwanda is not just about taking photographs; it’s about experiencing the resilience and vision of this country. As you explore Rwanda, you’ll discover that it’s an ideal destination for both first-time Africa travelers and seasoned safari-goers. So, consider Rwanda for your next adventure and be prepared to be surprised by the many things it has to offer.
