Visitors to Rwanda frequently place gorilla trekking at the top of their list of things to do while there. The mystery of getting up close to animals that share 99 percent of our DNA is captivating to tourists from all over the world, and Rwanda is the perfect place to do it. The country has made important conservation progress in order to protect the creatures.
The chance to see these gentle giants is just the beginning of Rwanda's many attractions. The 1994 genocide in Rwanda left the country in ruins, but it has recently made tremendous strides to change into a serene, welcoming location with a multitude of things to do.
Nature lovers can go on safari at Akagera National Park and take a canopy walk to see Nyungwe Forest from above. If you're interested in culture, head over to Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum to check out the fascinating exhibits on regional customs and beliefs. The royal cows (and the singers that sang to them) at the King's Palace Museum should not be missed.
Get the most out of your trip with our list of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.
1, the National Park of Volcanoes
Unquestionably, going gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the best thing to do in Rwanda. A growing number of critically endangered mountain gorillas reside in this Rwandan national park, which borders both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experts estimate that there are currently over 600 gorillas in the park, a significant increase from the 240–250 that were there in 1981.
To see one of the 18 mountain gorilla families that are habituated to humans, you must spend $1,500 for one of the few daily trekking permits that are still available. The simplest way to do so is by using a reliable tour operator, who can also arrange transportation from Kigali to the park's administrative center.
The hike, which often lasts four to eight hours, takes place amid intriguing bamboo woods, wild meadows, and swampy terrain. With the aid of park employee guides, one of the habituated gorilla families will ultimately be reached. You will spend an hour observing the animals as they eat, tend to their young, and interact with each other.
In Rwanda, searching for gorillas is typically regarded as a risk-free hobby. The majority of gorillas are indifferent in people' presence. Armed guides who use a variety of clicking noises to communicate with the gorillas safeguard tourists from any dangers, creating an amazing experience.
Porters are available at the start of the treks in Volcanoes National Park. Because they can carry your luggage and prevent you from slipping on the muddy walkways, hiring one for the day is useful.
Do you want to learn more about gorillas in the mountains? After your journey, go to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby town of Musanze. Mountain gorillas and the work of Dian Fossey, an environmentalist whose efforts to protect gorillas were made famous by the 1988 dramatization of Gorillas in the Mist, are the subject of a small but well-stocked museum there.
2. memorial to the Kigali Genocide
It's hard to imagine that more than 800,000 people were killed in a horrible genocide in Rwanda less than 20 years ago, which lasted barely 100 days. Although the country has come a long way since the horrible disaster, the effects of this recent history will still be felt now and in decades to come.
Tourists can find out more about this horrific event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The unsettling museum investigates the circumstances leading up to the 1994 genocide and graphically portrays the horrors through exhibits of pictures, relics, and information. Stained-glass windows in the main exhibit hall, which is flanked by gloomy sculptures, cast an upbeat glow in the space.
The museum also features a permanent exhibit that examines the history of international genocide and efforts by the international community to intervene, including background information on the Rwandan genocide.
The exhibit also includes a moving Children's Room that pays tribute to the smallest genocide victims. It preserves their memory by using huge pictures of the children, some of whom were still infants when they passed away, and private details about the departed, such as their nicknames and preferred books.
Being a responsible traveler in Rwanda requires visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, despite the fact that it is difficult. Allow yourself some time to process what happened and observe a moment of silence in honor of the 250,000 victims interred in the memorial's Gardens of Reflection.
3. is Nyungwe Forest National Park.
One of the most important locations for forest protection in all of Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 different kinds of mammals.
The bulk of tourists visit this rainforest to see the chimpanzees, who park rangers have socialized and educated to interact with people. This wildlife experience is just as incredible even though it is less expensive than going gorilla trekking.
In Nyungwe, there are more things to do except observe the primates. The park also houses the only canopy walk in East Africa, which can be reached by a 90-minute climb from the Uwinka Visitor Center. You can get a breathtaking view of the distant mountains and treetops by crossing a 91-meSecond memorial to the Kigali Genocide
It's hard to imagine that more than 800,000 people were killed in a horrible genocide in Rwanda less than 20 years ago, which lasted barely 100 days. Although the country has come a long way since the horrible disaster, the effects of this recent history will still be felt now and in decades to come.
Tourists can find out more about this horrific event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The unsettling museum investigates the circumstances leading up to the 1994 genocide and graphically portrays the horrors through exhibits of pictures, relics, and information. Stained-glass windows in the main exhibit hall, which is flanked by gloomy sculptures, cast an upbeat glow in the space.
The museum also features a permanent exhibit that examines the history of international genocide and efforts by the international community to intervene, including background information on the Rwandan genocide.
The exhibit also includes a moving Children's Room that pays tribute to the smallest genocide victims. It preserves their memory by using huge pictures of the children, some of whom were still infants when they passed away, and private details about the departed, such as their nicknames and preferred books.
Being a responsible traveler in Rwanda requires visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, despite the fact that it is difficult. Allow yourself some time to process what happened and observe a moment of silence in honor of the 250,000 victims interred in the memorial's Gardens of Reflection.
4. is the King's Palace Museum.
If seeing the King's Palace Museum isn't enough to convince you of the passionate conservation efforts made by Rwandans, nothing will. The inyambo (holy cows) and their ridiculously large horns are the attraction of the exhibit. One of the eight national museums in Rwanda. The Rwandan custom of traditional singers yelling out poems during the daytime lulls the cows into a peaceful state.
Just as fascinating as the four-legged creatures in the back is the museum itself. It exhibits a reproduction of a royal hut, a fresh milk house, and a king's palace from the fifteenth century, all of which have thatched roofs.
Visitors can also see the colonial-style house that functioned as King Mutara III Rudahigwa's palace in the middle of the 20th century. The interior design, which incorporates European-style furniture with patterns from Rwanda (some of which belonged to the monarch), is particularly striking.
5. Acagera National Park
An African holiday would be lacking without a game drive. Visitors can fulfill their wish to go on safari at Akagera National Park in less than 2.5 hours from Kigali.
Following the genocide in Rwanda, the fauna of Akagera, which is managed by the African Parks organization, has miraculously recovered from nearly extinction. The 1,140 square kilometer area, one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands, currently hosts all of the Big Five mammals. Antelope and birds in large numbers are also present.
At Akagera, you'll need a lot of luck if you want to see a lion or a rhino because conservationists are still working to boost their populations. However, you won't have any trouble spotting zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes on a self-drive safari.
The wildlife that lives here as well as the landscape itself are stunning. Savannah grasslands give way to wetlands and lakes in a stunning transformation in the scenery.
Hire a knowledgeable tour guide from the park's visitor center. Since they are insiders, they are aware of where to find the animals.
6. Lake Kivu.
After all of your outdoor activities, you'll be ready to relax, and Lake Kivu in Rwanda is the ideal place to do so. The 2,700 square kilometer largest lake in Rwanda is ringed by hazy mountains.
View it all from Rubavu, a vacation town on the northernmost tip of Lake Kivu. It has a bustling waterfront in addition to a lovely beach and lovely facilities (such the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel). You'll feel refreshed after a few days in this serene village.
You might be able to get even closer to the scenery with Kingfisher Journeys. The tour company can arrange incredible multi-day paddling excursions as well as beautiful kayak outings at sunset on Lake Kivu with singing fisherman.
7. Museum of Ethnology
The Huye neighborhood is home to the Rwandan Ethnographic Museum, which boasts one of the continent's best collections of ethnological and archaeological artifacts. About 130 kilometers south of Kigali is where it is located. Belgium donated the museum to the city in 1989 to mark the 25th anniversary of Rwanda's independence.
The Ethnographic Museum's seven displays take visitors back to Rwanda before its colonization. On show will be a spectacular collection of woven baskets, traditional garments made of animal hides and braided grass, spears, arrows, musical instruments from many centuries ago, and outmoded farming tools.
The construction of a true royal house is visible to visitors. The display also includes live handmade demonstrations.
8. Gorilla Defense Village.
In addition to being an excellent area to see gorillas, the Gorilla Guardians Village in Volcanoes National Park is also a fantastic place to learn about Rwandan culture. The ex-poachers who administer the non-profit cultural village provide tourists the chance to partake in some of Rwanda's most well-known arts and crafts.
You'll discover how to use an arrow, create your own baskets, and grind grains with a big stone, much like Rwandan women do. The entertaining tour guides give the impression that this is a huge celebration.
It is worthwhile to remain for the interracial dancing performances at Gorilla Guardians Village. The traditional dancers performed to the beat of rhythmic drumming while donning long straw wigs and skirts. And before you know it, you'll be dancing with them.
9. Get to know Kigali.
Many visitors simply spend one night in Kigali before heading gorilla trekking, forsaking the city's thriving culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and tourism options. At the beginning or end of your trip, think about staying here for at least a couple of days.
Stock up on unique apparel made from swirlingly patterned textiles at Kimironko Market, the biggest market in Kigali, and take in the lively atmosphere. The warehouse is like a maze, with surprises around every corner.
Then, to find out more about Kigali's creative community, go to the Inema Arts Center, a gallery that showcases the works of up to 10 resident local artists. Enter the former Presidential Palace to find the Rwanda Art Museum. It displays some of Rwanda's and the region's top contemporary works of art. There is additional evidence of the presidential plane's disaster in 1994.
When you're ready to refresh, stop into Question Coffee Cafe and sip on a genuine Rwandan coffee. Check out the cafe's specialty menu to see what new caffeinated concoctions the baristas have recently produced. There have been rumors that certain coffee drinks contain unexpected native components, like tree tomatoes.
Last but not least, unwind with a delicious lunch at one of Kigali's best restaurants. Le Panorama Restaurant at the Hôtel des Mille Collines offers breathtaking views of the city as well as a broad menu of regional and international dishes.
For an even more romantic atmosphere, head to Fusion Restaurant in The Retreat's outdoor dining area. It serves mouthwatering appetizers, homemade pastas, and fresh seafood while overlooking a stunning pool.
10. Gishwati Mukura National Park
In the second half of 2020, Gishwati Mukura, Rwanda's fourth national park, officially opened to the public, giving visitors yet more natural area to explore. The national park, which covers 34 square kilometers, protects one of Central Africa's few montane rainforests.
Visitors can access Gishwati, the larger of the park's two woodlands. About 20 eastern chimpanzees, blue and golden monkeys, L'Hoest's, and golden monkeys are among the many primates that call that area home. Guided chimpanzee and monkey tracking excursions offer the best chances to see the tough creatures. You can also participate in a facilitated nature hike along one of three clearly marked trails in the woodland. Bring a pair of binoculars to the woodland so you can closely inspect the more than 230 different bird species that call it home.
11. Nyamata Genocide Memorial
Visit the Nyamata Genocide Memorial if you want to learn more about the Rwandan genocide. There are graves for more than 40,000 people, 10,000 of whom were killed when Hutu militias stormed the church sanctuary after they had locked themselves inside.
Presently, displays of the victims' clothing and ID cards are spread around the church pews. You can also see Tonia Locatelli's grave, an Italian missionary who tried to bring attention to the mass killing of Tutsis, just outside the church's door.
Even though it is not for the faint of heart, visiting the memorial may be a profoundly poignant experience that serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing further genocides.
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