Discover the best things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda is known for being the enchanting land of a thousand hills and the land to come up close to animals like gorillas. In this article, we'll guide you through the best things to do in Rwanda and all you need to know about attractions that make Rwanda a hidden gem in the heart of Africa. Ready for Rwanda? Then let’s dive into what to do in Rwanda. 

Before traveling to Rwanda make sure you comply with all Rwanda entry requirements. One of the main entry requirements is having an approved Rwanda visa. You can get it fully online,without going to any embassy or consulate.

What to do in Rwanda

Although Rwanda is a very rich African country when it comes to exploring and discovering, there are some activities that stand out for most visitors. Here is our recommended list of what to do in Rwanda:

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Going on a gorilla trekking Rwanda experience is one of the main things to do in Rwanda. There are different parks to see gorillas up close, but the one that is the most important one is the Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda's three national parks. This park is located in Rwanda's northwestern region and includes five Virunga chain mountains: Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga.

Before engaging in a gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, tourists must get a gorilla permit prior to the actual date of trekking. A gorilla permit in Rwanda can be purchased from a travel agent or tour operator or directly from the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali. It usually costs around $1500 per person. For the gorilla trekking activity, distinct groups of people receive special rates based on their interests. 

One of our Rwanda travel tips when it comes to go gorilla trekking is to pack ankle boots that are waterproof and with a good grip like some hiking or walking shoes. Remember you must be prepared for muddy terrain.

Akagera National Park Safari

Rwanda is the land of animals. It gives the perfect opportunity to discover a lot of types of animals, not only gorillas. In Rwanda you can also go on a Safari at Akagera National Park Safari.

In less than 3 hours from Kigali to the east, you will see gorillas, giraffes, lions, elephants, antelopes, zebras, different bird species, and rhinos. Thanks to its 1,140-square-kilometer expanse, it is Central Africa's largest protected wetland.

The most remarkable thing about Akagera National Park is that you can see some of the Big Five: Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, and Rhinos.

Kigali, the capital of the country 

Kigali is one of the major cities in Rwanda and the capital of the country. It is also the most populated city with more than 700,000 inhabitants. 

In Kigali you should definitely see the Inema Arts Centre. There you will be able to see an art gallery full of international and Rwandan paintings, sculptures, and other creative forms. Additionally, the center regularly hosts events and exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of art in Rwanda and beyond. In Inema Arts Centre you will also see spaces where local artists work and create art and dance performances from a resident Intore cultural group. 

Another interesting activity in Kigali is seeing the Nyamirambo neighborhood, one of the most lively neighborhoods in Kigali. There you can join the Nyamirambo Walking tour,  enjoy a lively stroll, especially throughout the colorful Car Free Zone, try the street food and get yourself involved in  parties, and dancing. One of the most remarkable things to do in the Nyamirambo neighborhood is to visit the Women's Centre. There you will learn how to weave a basket or cook traditional Rwandan dishes.  

Another important thing to do in Kigali is to explore East Africa’s first craft distillery, 1000 Hills. There you can try rum, gin, vodka and whiskey and Rwanda-specific drinks like coffee and macadamia nut. 

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Kigali’s Genocide Memorial is worth mentioning on its own. No visit to Rwanda is completed without a visit to Kihali’s Genocide memorial. It provides an informative look at the country's tragic history, specifically the genocide where more than 800,000 people died in just 100 days. It also showcases the efforts towards reconciliation.

Rwanda is primarily composed of two ethnic groups: the Hutu majority (85%) and the Tutsi minority (14%).  The Genocide began when President Habyarimana, a Hutu, was killed  in 1994 and extremist Hutus blamed the Tutsis for this. Then mass killings of Tutsi began.

The Museum holds the remains of 250,000 people murdered by the Interahamwe (Hutu extremists). Through halls of photographs, artifacts and informative stories, the museum explains the genocide. It also includes an exhibit on the youngest victims of the genocide where it explains these children’s stories and a section of other genocides in other parts of the world. 

State House Museum 

The State House Museum, once the official presidential palace, holds historical significance as the former residence of President Habyarimana, whose assassination marked the beginning of the genocide. 

Today, the museum serves as an educational hub, providing insights into the events leading up to the tragic genocide and offering a glimpse into the life of President Habyarimana. You can also see different cultural practices like jewelry, hairstyles and traditional dresses. There are bedrooms, bathrooms,a chapel, a gym, a hairdressing salon, sauna, a gun room, swimming pool, barbecue area and a structure where there was an aquarium. 

The compound also preserves the wreckage of the plane that played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Rwandan history. No photos are allowed in the compound.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of the biggest lakes in Rwanda and it is located to the west of Rwanda, sharing its shores with the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu. These areas have become popular destinations because they offer stunning lake views.

Lake Kivu is the perfect spot to relax, and escape from the stress of cities. It is one of the main things to do in Rwanda since it offers activities that cater to all tourists. You can enjoy boat tours on the lake, explore the charming lakeside towns, and relax at resorts along the shoreline. 

Mount Bisoke

If you are a nature lover and enjoy hiking, you should consider trekking to the top of Mount Bisoke. The journey, through two major hiking trails, offers stunning views of nature and a crater lake and mountain gorillas, and reaching the top is a rewarding adventure.

Mount Bisoke is one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains range of the albertine Rift. Mount Bisoke can be climbed in a day and the Rwanda development board offers day excursions to it. The climb is steep, but can be walked without major issues. 

What to do in Rwanda: more sites to see

Nyungwe Forest National Park 

Another important thing to do in Rwanda is visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's most important forest conservation regions. 

It is home to a variety of distinct biodiversity, including 1,068 plant species, 32 species of amphibians, 322 bird species, 13 primate species, 75 mammal species, 38 species of reptiles and ancient trees. Nyungwe Forest stands as one of the few remaining bastions for the preservation of the Angola Colobus and Golden Monkeys.

The park boasts over 15 trails, providing ample opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. If hiking isn't your preference, you can opt for chimpanzee tracking, a primary activity that draws the majority of visitors to this rainforest.

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

You can get real close and learn about Rwandan traditions and customs by visiting the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. You will meet real local people, taste their culture and learn about their beliefs, dances,  music, and craftsmanship.

Iby’Iwacu village is located around Volcanoes National Park Rwanda in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze district, Northern Province.You can fully discover the village by taking a guided community walk to see everyday chores of local people and a culture guide to see the king’s house replica, listening to stories about traditional medicina, enjoy different types of dances, having lunch or dinner with local people and attending a banana brewery process and have a taste of banana beer. 

King’s Palace Museum 

If you want to see more animals than just gorillas, you should see the Inyambo, a special breed of sacred cows with horns as large as elephant tusks outside the King’s Palace Museum, a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence in Nyanza town.

The cows served important roles during royal ceremonies until Rwanda’s monarchy ended in 1961, but the Rwanda Agriculture Board carries on the tradition of breeding the inyambo today. 

In the museum you can see how singers use music to keep the cows calm, a ritual in Rwanda. You can also see other cultural things in the museum and learn about the country’s past (there are artifacts dating back to 200 years ago).

Canopy walkway

Visiting the Canopy Walkway is another key activity to experience in Rwanda. In Nyungwe Forest, you can traverse a suspended bridge located approximately 200 feet (60 meters) above the park.

The Canopy Walkway was introduced in 2010, providing an aerial view of the forest and its inhabitants. You can traverse it on a 60-90 minute walk from the Uwinka Visitor Center along the Igishigishigi Trail. It's important to note that the walkway sways from side to side as you move between points, so if you're afraid of heights, you might want to consider avoiding it.

Umuganda 

One of the last things to do in Rwanda that we are going to mention is volunteering to participate in Umuganda. Umuganda is a community service which is compulsory for all citizens between the ages 18-65 and takes place once a month (every last Saturday of the month). Those who are required to participate in Umuganda and fail to do so, can be fined 5,000 Francs (less than $6). 

Committees from each neighborhood decide on what to work each month. Activities to do can involve cleaning up a road, repairing a school and prune bushes.