Top 10 Things to Do in Rwanda

When it comes to travel and adventure, Rwanda offers an amazing array of activities for tourists. Despite its small size, Rwanda is located in East Africa, right at the heart of the continent, just below the equator. The country boasts a treasure trove of biodiversity, with mountains and thousands of hills dominating the center, west, and north, while the east consists of savannahs, plains, and swamps. This variety of landscapes offers numerous beautiful attractions and fascinating activities for any adventure safari. Rwanda’s well-protected national parks are rich in diverse attractions and activities, ranging from the popular Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking, and Chimpanzee Trekking to Birding and Wildlife Viewing (including the Big 5 Mammals). Here are the top 10 things to do in Rwanda that will make your safari unforgettable.

Encounter Mountain Gorillas in Their Jungle

Rwanda’s main tourist attraction is the chance to encounter Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. About 400 Mountain Gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda, part of the Virunga Volcanoes. With 12 habituated Gorilla families available for tourists, this is a must-do activity. The adventure starts at the park headquarters with a briefing on Gorilla Tracking rules. Trekkers, limited to eight per group, venture into the dense jungle vegetation, navigating steep and often muddy slopes in search of these majestic creatures. Tracking can take from one to eight hours, with an hour spent observing the Gorillas once they are found. The Gorilla Trekking permit costs $1500 per person per trek. This unique and life-changing experience should be at the top of your list of things to do in Rwanda.

 Visit Genocide Memorial Sites

Rwanda’s history includes the tragic 1994 Genocide, during which over 250,000 people were killed in approximately 100 days. The country has since made significant strides in healing and reconciliation. Eight main memorial sites have been built across Rwanda to commemorate the victims. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds, the final resting place for many victims, also serves to educate visitors about the atrocities and the importance of peace and reconciliation. The museum features testimonials, photographs, artifacts, and information about the genocide, offering a sobering yet essential historical lesson.

Observe Chimpanzees in the Wild

Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda is home to approximately 500 Chimpanzees. Observing these lively and mobile apes in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience. Early morning is the best time for tracking, with expert guides leading tourists through deep forest trails. The park is also rich in biodiversity, featuring 1068 plant species, 13 primate species, 85 mammal species, over 300 bird species (29 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift), and 248 orchid species. A visit to Nyungwe National Park offers a comprehensive and satisfying wildlife experience.

Game Drive for the Big 5 in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, located in northeastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, has recovered well since the 1994 Genocide and is now a prime destination for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big 5: Elephants, Buffaloes, Eastern Black Rhinoceros, Leopards, and Lions. Visitors can enjoy game drives through the park’s savannah plains, experiencing the diverse wildlife and bird species. Spending time in Akagera offers a unique adventure, providing a serene and captivating safari experience.

Hike a Volcano

The Virunga Volcanic Mountains, a chain of eight volcanoes in East Africa, are shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Five of these volcanoes are within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This park is just a two-hour drive from Kigali and offers opportunities for hiking through dramatic landscapes. Popular hikes include a one-day trek to Mount Bisoke’s Crater Lake and a two-day hike to Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak. Hiking in this region provides thrilling moments and stunning scenery.

 Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

Dian Fossey, the American scientist famous for her work with Mountain Gorillas, is buried at the Karisoke Research Base in Volcanoes National Park. Fossey’s efforts to protect Gorillas from poaching made a significant impact, though she was tragically murdered in her cabin. The hike to her grave, located at an altitude of around 3000 meters, takes about 4-5 hours. This trek is a highly recommended activity, offering beautiful forest scenery and a glimpse into the legacy of a remarkable conservationist.

Relax at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes and Rwanda’s largest water body, is located in the west of the country. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, Lake Kivu has deep emerald green waters and covers an area of 2700 km². The northern shore town of Rubavu, also known as Gisenyi, is a popular resort beach where tourists can unwind after trekking and hiking adventures. Activities include relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming in the cool waters, and engaging in water sports like kayaking. The town also marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail, offering cyclists and trekkers a glimpse into Rwandan rural life.

Explore Rwandan Culture at Butare Museum

Rwandan culture can be explored through its historical leadership and rural traditional lifestyle. In the southern province, Nyanza town houses the King’s Palace Museum, showcasing the leadership and lifestyle of Rwanda’s kings. The Ethnographic Museum in Butare, considered the cultural and intellectual hub of Rwanda, contains the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa. Seven galleries display historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artifacts, offering visitors a rich insight into Rwandan culture.

Take a Tea or Coffee Plantation Tour

Rwanda is known for its high-quality tea and coffee. The country’s strategic location beneath the equator, high altitudes, and rich volcanic soils make it ideal for growing these crops. Tourists can visit tea and coffee plantations, learning about the growing and production processes from harvesting to drying and tasting. These tours are community-based projects, with all profits benefiting the local population. This experience provides a deep appreciation of Rwanda’s agricultural heritage.

Kigali City Tour

Lastly, a tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is a must. Known as the Cleanest City in Africa, Kigali has transformed into a vibrant city blending tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore markets, art galleries, museums, and memorial centers. Nightlife and hikes at Mount Kigali, offering scenic views of the city, add to the experience. A Kigali city tour ensures a comprehensive understanding of Rwanda’s culture and history, rounding out an unforgettable safari adventure.

These top 10 activities showcase the beauty, history, and culture of Rwanda, offering tourists a diverse and enriching experience. Whether trekking through jungles, learning about the past, observing wildlife, or enjoying the serene landscapes, Rwanda promises unforgettable memories.