Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, situated in East Africa, has gained its nickname because of the chain of mountains covered with greenery. Tourists seek adventure to quench their wanderlust spirit, urging them to explore new horizons. The destination offers you diverse experiences that add new chapters to your Rwanda vacation. You can partake in numerous activities that will help you raise the bar of your excitement and thrill. Visit Rwanda’s tourist attractions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, the Ethnographic Museum, and more, to experience Rwanda’s wilderness. Scroll down below to learn about some of the unique things to do in Rwanda to make your holiday memorable and filled with thrill and fun.
13 Best Things to Do in Rwanda
Rwanda is an amazing destination that is filled with wildlife and nature. Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Rwanda to make your holiday unforgettable.
Peek into the History of Kigali Genocide Memorial
Explore the exhibitions displayed at the Kigali Genocide Memorial that will offer you details on the 1994 genocide that shaped the history of Rwanda. There, you can pay your respect to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. You can take a tour with a guide who will help you learn about the different places of the memorial sites, or you can opt for an audio-visual tour of the site. You can also pay a visit to the garden where mass graves of over 250,000 victims are placed.
Explore Volcanoes National Park
Located alongside the Virunga Mountains is the Volcanoes National Park, which has eight ancient volcanoes that are shared by the boundaries of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. You enjoy exploring the park and can also witness gorillas there. In order to enjoy gorilla trekking, you need a permit and a guide, who will offer you a high-end tourism experience. You can also enjoy the mesmerising panorama surrounding you while hiking, and you can also spot golden monkeys in the trees.
Spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park
Step into the wilderness of Akagera National Park, located in Rwanda’s eastern province. Spread over an area of 1100 square kilometres, this park offers you stunning natural beauty along with diverse wildlife. You can also take a thrilling safari with a guide who will help you spot the wildlife. The park also offers the option for lodging and to feel the tranquillity of the forests, along with the sounds of the wild. You can also visit Lake Ihema, where you can take a boat ride and also spot crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
Witness the Exhibits at the Ethnographic Museum
Stop by the Ethnographic Museum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rwanda, which houses numerous exhibits depicting the rich traditions, culture and history of the country. As photography is prohibited inside the museum, it urges the visitors to see the wide collection of artefacts in person. You will get a closer look at the traditional lifestyle by seeing their household items, tools, clothing and more. It is also one of the six museums that constitute the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. It is up to you whether you choose a guided tour or take a self-guided tour.
Learn about Rwandan Traditions and Culture at Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Located close to Volcanoes National Park, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is another tourist destination in Rwanda, where you can immerse yourself in an interactive experience of traditional Rwandan culture. Learn about the daily lifestyle, engage with the locals, know about the brewing process of traditional banana beer and much more. You will also get fascinated after meeting the traditional healers and get to know about the use of various herbs that are used for healing patients and curing different ailments.
Immerse in the Royal History of the King’s Palace
Confused about where to go in Rwanda? Attain a glimpse of the royal history by visiting the King’s Palace, which offers you a view of both a traditional reconstructed palace and the modern palace, where the last king lived. Explore the rooms, artefacts and the royal crown jewels. While exploring the royal sites, you can obtain an idea about the lifestyle of the King and how the King’s court lived.
Set on a Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
Walk into the unspoiled charm of the largest remaining tract of forest and one of the best places in Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park, located on the southwest side of the country. Embrace the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the national park and spot wild animals like chimpanzees and other primate species. It also attracts hikers with the Isumo Trail, which offers stunning scenery and a waterfall. If you wish to take your thrill up a notch, then set out on the treetop canopy walkway, which is 70 meters above the ground and 160 meters in length.
Enjoy the Beauty of Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Get captivated by the unparalleled beauty of one of the best places in Rwanda, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Surrounded by green hills, these two lakes are separated by only one kilometre of land in between, which is known as a birder’s paradise and also an ideal place for you to stay after completing your gorilla trek. Here you can indulge in a number of activities to make your vacation more memorable, such as boating, canoeing and kayaking.
Go Hiking at Rwanda’s Scenic Trails
Among some of the unique things to do in Rwanda is hiking. There is no shortage of hiking trails in Rwanda, which satisfy the expectations of every level of hiker. However, it is recommended to hire guides for some challenging hiking trails for your own safety. However, one needs to be physically and mentally prepared if they are planning on setting out on hikes like Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, or Mount Bisoke. Enjoy the natural beauty and stunning scenery on your way to your destination.
Stay Overnight at Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Make sure to stay overnight at the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, as only 12 people per night are allowed on the premises, who can gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy the local meals, interact with the local community and learn about plant medicine. There you can spot 20 chimpanzees and other primate species. There are various activities you can partake in at Gishwati-Mukura National Park, such as birdwatching, guided nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, hiking to waterfalls, or cycling along the Congo Nile Trail.
Uncover the Mystery of Lake Kivu
Stop by Lake Kivu, the biggest lake in Rwanda, which shares its waters with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This lake is a means of generating electricity for Rwanda because of the methane presence in the deep waters. You can also enjoy boating in the lake, witnessing the picturesque scenery surrounding you. However, it is a tectonic lake that sits right above the East African Rift System, pointing to the continuous activity happening beneath the lake.
Learn Traditional Rwandan Beekeeping
Another enjoyable activity that the visitors who participate in is learning the traditional methods and styles used for beekeeping in Rwanda. You will get to wear raincoats as your safety gear to avoid the stings of the bees. You will find that the beekeepers use hollow barks or wooden logs to create bee hives to gain beeswax and honey. One will get hands-on experience that will help them understand both the traditional and modern beekeeping practices, as well as a glimpse into the rural livelihood of Rwanda.
Set on a Hiking Adventure at the Congo Nile Trail
Ready for a challenge? Then set out either cycling or hiking on the Congo Nile Trail, which runs alongside Lake Kivu. It is a unique thing to do in Rwanda that will consume time and will offer you a bag of experiences. This trail is 160 miles long and has both paved and dirt roads that pass through villages, tea/coffee plantations and forests. During this long route, you can also indulge in different activities, stay at local guesthouses and also learn about the daily lifestyle of the local community.
Conclusion
Are you ready to head to Rwanda to take part in various activities, explore popular places, and learn about its history and culture? So start packing your bags, as you are about to enjoy one of the best vacations of your life amidst natural beauty and wilderness, serving as a digital detox from the daily chores of your bustling city life.
Planning your entire journey can be a bit of a hassle; that’s where we come in. Check out our travel packages to Rwanda, covering your flights, travel accommodations and more. You can either select from our pre-designed packages or tailor a new one. Connect with our travel expert to customise your travel itinerary based on your travel preferences and needs.
