Planning a trip to Rwanda and curious about the top spots to visit? Rwanda, also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a beautiful East African country renowned for its stunning landscapes, mountainous terrain, and gorilla tracking tours. Although small compared to other African nations, it’s one of the safest, making it easy and enjoyable to travel around. Despite its size, Rwanda offers a rich and diverse landscape, making it an excellent destination for first-time visitors to Africa.
Interested in discovering Rwanda? Check out some of the best things to do in Rwanda for travel inspiration.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is a must-visit. This protected area encompasses rainforests and five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It’s famous for being the habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla and the unique golden monkey. Gorilla tracking is the park’s most popular attraction, though it is pricey (at least USD 1500 per day). There are various gorilla tracking tours, from one-day to multi-day options, catering to different budgets. If gorilla tracking isn’t within your budget, consider the more affordable Golden Monkey tracking tours, which cost around USD 100 per person. Besides tracking, you can hike Mount Bisoke, which stands at 3711 meters and features a stunning crater lake at the top. The hike requires a fee of USD 75 per person, including a guide, but the views are worth it. There are also several other guided and unguided hikes available in the park.
Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda, is an ideal starting point for your trip. One of the most significant landmarks here is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, commemorating the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It’s a poignant place to learn about the tragic events and their aftermath. For those who enjoy a good walk and panoramic city views, Mount Kigali offers an accessible hike with beautiful rewards at the top. Don’t miss the vibrant Kimironko Market to experience local life, enjoy street food, and shop for fresh produce. For souvenirs, the Nyamirambo Women’s Center offers unique items and supports education and training for local women, addressing gender inequality and violence.
In eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border lies Akagera National Park, established in 1934. This park is celebrated for its wide range of biodiversity, housing animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and over 400 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park features diverse landscapes, from savannahs to swamps and montane ecosystems. Going on a safari here, whether for a day or multiple days, is one of the top activities in Rwanda.
Nyungwe National Park, in southwest Rwanda, boasts one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Established in 2004, it is home to various primates, including the unique colobus monkeys and the endemic L’Hoest’s monkey, but it’s most famous for its chimpanzees. Tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe is a top activity, complemented by the park’s Canopy Walkway, a high suspension bridge offering breathtaking views. The park features 15 guided hiking trails, well-maintained and rich with flora.
For a cultural dive, visit the King’s Palace Museum, featuring a traditional beehive-shaped royal residence. It displays various household items that belonged to King Mutara III Rudahingwa and is known for the long-horned royal cows, inyambo.
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, offers plenty of activities like birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, boat cruises, and island hopping. With several towns along its shores, it’s worth spending a few days exploring the area. For avid hikers or bikers, the Congo Nile Trek provides a 10-day, 220-km route along Lake Kivu’s eastern shore, with shorter segments available if you’re pressed for time.
Lastly, Butare, also known as Huye, in southern Rwanda, is considered the educational hub of the country. The Ethnographic Museum here is a fantastic place to learn about Rwanda’s culture, history, and traditions, making it one of the top places to visit in Rwanda.