Things to do in Rwanda
Rwanda is the perfect safari destination for travelers planning a short trip before or after a conference or business meeting. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, this land of a thousand hills offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re looking to relax, learn, or explore, Rwanda has something to offer every type of traveler within just a few days.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is among the few places in the world where you can track endangered mountain gorillas. Home to around ten habituated gorilla families, the park offers one of Rwanda’s most exclusive and life-changing experiences.
To track gorillas, you’ll need a permit costing $1,500 per person. Besides gorilla trekking, other activities in the park include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walks, and cultural visits. You might also catch the iconic Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, celebrated annually.
Wildlife Viewing in Akagera National Park
Located on Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park offers classic African safari experiences. Once devastated after the 1994 genocide, the park has been revitalized and is now home to the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat rides, bird watching (over 500 species recorded), and guided nature walks. Primates like baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys can also be spotted.
Lake Kivu Exploration
Lake Kivu, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. Towns like Rusizi and Rubavu along the shoreline provide a peaceful getaway.
Activities include kayaking, cycling, hiking, and scenic boat rides. The drive from Kigali to the lake offers panoramic views of Rwanda’s famed rolling hills. Rubavu is especially popular as a relaxing stop after gorilla trekking.
Visit the Genocide Memorial Sites
Rwanda’s tragic history is respectfully preserved through its memorial sites. Visiting these places offers profound insight into the country’s resilience and journey to peace and unity.
Top Sites to Visit:
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre: Located in the capital, it features mass graves, names of victims, skulls, and a powerful educational center.
Nyamata Memorial Site: Once a church, now a place of remembrance for over 3,000 victims.
Gisozi Memorial Site: Over 300,000 victims buried here, with a library, gallery, and cemetery.
Ntarama Memorial Site: A church where more than 5,000 people were killed, just an hour from Kigali.
Bisesero Memorial Site: Known as the “Hill of Resistance,” where over 30,000 people perished while resisting the genocide.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest is a pristine rainforest teeming with biodiversity. It’s one of Africa’s oldest montane forests and is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and over 300 bird species.
Popular activities here include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, guided nature walks, and the canopy walk a thrilling suspension bridge hanging 50 meters above the forest floor.
The National Museum of Rwanda
Located in Huye district, the National Museum offers a deep dive into Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional lifestyles, historical artifacts, and local political history, guided by knowledgeable locals who bring the past to life.
Explore Kigali – Rwanda’s Modern Capital
If time is tight, Kigali offers plenty to do without leaving the city. Known for its cleanliness, safety, and hospitality, Kigali is the ideal place to relax, shop, and experience Rwandan urban life.
Places of interest include:
Statehouse Museum
Museum of Natural History
Handt House Museum
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
Kigali’s vibrant nightlife, cafes, art galleries, and local markets also provide a perfect taste of modern-day Rwanda.
Explore the Musanze Caves
Located in the Virunga region near Volcanoes National Park, the Musanze caves offer an underground adventure through lava-formed tunnels. These caves stretch for about 2 kilometers and are part of Rwanda’s geological and cultural heritage. A guided hike takes about one to two hours.
Packing List for a Short Safari in Rwanda
To make the most of your trip, pack smart:
Neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Waterproof hiking boots
Day backpack
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Garden gloves (for trekking)
Camera with extra batteries and lenses
Binoculars
Flashlight and thick socks
First aid kit
Toiletries, wet wipes
Raincoat and warm sweater
Sunhat and identification documents
Wildlife or birding field guides
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are ideal for gorilla trekking, nature walks, and wildlife safaris. For bird watching, the wet months (March–May and October–November) are the best, as migratory birds are more active and visible.
Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa. Following the 1994 genocide, the country has invested significantly in security and reconciliation. Today, it boasts low crime rates and a welcoming environment for both locals and international visitors.
Travel Tips:
Avoid revealing or skimpy clothing, especially in rural or conservative areas.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Stay informed on travel advisories and health requirements.
