Attractions In Rwanda
Nestled within East-Central Africa, Rwanda is a small fascinating country with dream-like landscapes, picture-perfect rainforests and savannah grasslands, spectacular Lakes, breathtaking mountains and hills, as well as jaw-dropping traditional architecture that will blow your mind.
From easy-on-the-eye villages to phenomenal Cities, from the lush and dense rainforests to the most breathtaking savannah grasslands, Rwanda has the consummate ingredients to inebriate your senses. Therefore, here is the list of the top attractions in Rwanda, including the popular suspects like Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks as well as the hidden unexplored ones like Lake Muhazi and tea plantations. Make it a must to include some of these places to your itinerary and lose yourself in the experiences that offer for a Rwanda safari of a lifetime.
Kigali City
The Capital of numerous Genocide Memorial sites and Museum, the home of colorful and cleanest streets in Africa, Kigali is a City steeped in rich culture as well as splendour. A leisurely stroll down the City’s spectacular wide tree-lined boulevards and tranquil squares is one of the ideal ways to let the magic of Kigali grow on you.
This City is strategically situated within the heart of Rwanda and stretches across numerous hills and Valleys, boasting of breathtaking road links to the rest of the country. Being a relatively new City, it was started as an administrative outpost in 1907 before being granted its City status following the country’s Independence in 1962.
The Museums and Cathedrals are stunning architectural marvels as well as must-visit for Art and history lovers. Don’t forget to taste some of Rwanda’s famous cuisines at the Kigali Cultural Village and aromatic coffee at any of the numerous Cafes. The beautiful Lake Nyarutarama is within the City’s close proximity and is also surrounded by an 18-hole golf course where you can always stop by for relaxation while relishing the sights and sounds of bird species.
Your trip to Kigali City isn’t complete with a tour of the magnificent Kigali Genocide Memorial Site where memory of over one million Rwandans who died during the 1994 Genocide is honored through peace-building as well as education. This site is characterized by three permanent exhibitions as well as burial gardens that serve as strong educational tool for travellers in addition to paying tribute to the victims.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This 1000-square kilometer Protected Area is found within the south-western part of the country and surprisingly stands out as one of the oldest surviving montane forests in the African Continent.
Nyungwe Forest National Park teems with diverse wildlife species that include 75 mammal species. Of these mammals, 13 are primate species that include the endangered chimpanzees, Angolan Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Patas monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, blue monkeys, to mention but a few.
Birders will marvel at the 320 bird species that include forest and 29 Albertine Rift endemic like the Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, red-collared babblers, Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu ground thrush and many others. Butterflies (totaling to 120 species), about 1000 plant species are also found in the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Visitors to this incredible Forest National Park are treated to unmatched chimpanzee trekking experiences, Angolan colobus monkey tracking, thrilling bird watching tours, guided forest walks with opportunities of seeing the forest elephants, mongoose, forest buffaloes, leopards, serval cats, sitatunga, otters, giant forest hogs as well as unique tree species as well as other breathtaking natural features such as waterfalls. Unforgettable and photographic experiences are relished when undertaking the thrilling canopy walk, guided walks through tea plantations or cycling and hiking along the Congo-Nile.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located at the far north-western side of Rwanda and is known for being an outstanding ecosystem protecting the steep slopes of Virunga Mountains range. This Protected Area is also a stronghold for the endangered Mountain Gorillas occupying the diverse montane ecosystem (rainforest, swamp, bamboo, open grassland and heath).
Being one of the oldest Parks in Africa, it came into existence in 1925 and was named after the extraordinary chain of dormant Volcanoes that form part of the extensive Virunga Mountains range including Mount Karisimbi, the highest at 4507 meters above sea level, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga. Just a stone throw from this Park are Buhanga Eco Park and Musanze Caves, amazing tourist hot spots worth exploring during Rwanda safaris.
Jungle walks to see the endangered mountain gorillas, listening to the calls of over 180 bird species in the Park, tracking the frisky golden monkeys, mountain biking, Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes, hiking Dian Fossey Tomb, undertaking guided forest walks and visits to Gorilla Guardian Village are some of the must-do activities for Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Guardian’s Village
At a short distance from Volcanoes National Park is the outstanding Gorilla Guardian’s Village, a learning center for Rwanda’s rich cultures and traditions. This Village is a not-for-profit center managed by reformed poachers to provide travellers with the opportunity of trying hands at the country’s most popular art, crafts as well as traditional activities.
While here, visitors learn how to weave and carry baskets on their heads like it is done by Rwandan women, grind millet with heavy stones, shoot a bow and arrow, brew local beer with ripe banana and prepare local cuisines with the assistance of local women. Don’t miss out on the dance performances by Intore Dance Troupe.
Lake Kivu
Sprawled within the western part of Rwanda is the immaculate Lake Kivu, part of the Great Rift Valley in Africa and is flanked by breathtaking mountains. It is marked by deep emerald green waters that extend for over 1042 square miles. With this size, it is Rwanda’s largest and Africa’s 6th largest Lake covering districts of Karongi and Rubavu (or Gisenyi). For travellers interested in exploring the shores of this Lake can take part in the 227-kilometer Congo-Nile Trail where jaw-dropping landscapes are relished to the southern ends of the Lake in Rusizi. Here, mountain biking as well as guided walks/hiking are enjoyed.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a relatively warm as well as low-lying area within the Eastern part of Rwanda and borders Tanzania. It is marked by varying ecosystems and habitats that include tranquil Lakes, savannah, wetlands, and woodlands.
This Protected Area is the only savannah Park in Rwanda and perfect place to see the big five animals, following the partnership between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks to transform this destination a World-class place for experiencing wildlife safaris.
Be prepared to see Burchell’s zebras, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, Rhinos, warthogs, hartebeests, leopards, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, lions, blue monkeys, Topis, Hippos, Kobs, bushbucks, Roan antelopes, Oribis, to mention but a few.
Birding enthusiasts are treated to the plethora of bird species, totaling to 490 that include the African fish eagles, pelicans, grey-crowned cranes, pied and malachite kingfishers, and many others. A boat cruise on Lake Ihema is one of the must-do activities of Akagera Park where sights of Nile crocodiles as well as Hippos are common. However, other adventures such as bird watching, Helicopter tours, picnics and camping, walking safaris, cultural tours are undertaken.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Being the country’s fourth and newest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park came into existence in 2016 and is comprised of two separate natural forests that include the bigger Gishwati and small Mukura forest. These two forests are nestled on the ridge that separates the Congo and Nile water catchment, and with the adjacent buffer zones extend for about 34 square kilometers.
Here, 60 tree species, about 6 primate species (20 chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoests monkeys) as well as about 230 bird species are sighted. Of the things you can do during your visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, expect Chimpanzee trekking tours, birding tours, forest walks and cultural tours among others.
King’s Palace Museum, Nyanza
If you are interested in exploring Rwanda beyond the usual conservation stories and wildlife encounters, then you would consider visiting the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza district. This is one of the eight National Museums in the country, with the star attraction being the “Inyambo” or sacred cows with their overwhelmingly huge horns. For your visit to the site, you will be amazed by the traditional poems centered on these cows as well as the unique creatures at the Museum.
This site mainly displays the replica of Rwanda King’s Palace during the 15th Century with grass-thatched roofs, fresh milk hut, Royal hut and others, allowing visitors to relish the Colonial-style homes that were once used as residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
Ethnographic Museum
Ethnographic Museum features one of the top collections of ethnographic as well as archeological symbols of the African Continent. It is situated in Huye district, at approximately 80 miles south of the Capital and was opened as a present by the Belgium Government in 1989, in remembrance of the country’s Independence.
This Museum features 7 galleries that allow visitors to go back in time into the country’s pre-colonial times. Here, a wide range of symbols in form of woven baskets, traditional garments from local materials such as animal skin, traditional musical drums dating back to the Colonial times, musical instruments as well as ancient farming tools among others.
Gisakura Tea Estate
This Tea estate is another remarkable tourist attraction in Rwanda and is close to Gisenyi Town. It is managed by the local people and offers visitors the chance to take part in tea picking (in local baskets), processing and manufacturing until packaging.