Top things to do in Rwanda

Written by: Humphrey N. Ndara, Local Expert

Is Rwanda good for tourists?

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes and hospitable people make the country one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the world. Within its mountains, rainforest and expansive plains live a diverse population of wildlife, most notably the rare mountain gorilla. There’s many diverse things to do in Rwanda, from spotting mountain gorillas on treks with responsible tour operators whilst staying in luxury lodges and eating locally-harvested food. This relatively small African nation has numerous other tourist attractions as well, including fascinating museums and breathtaking parks.

What is Rwanda famous for?

Aside from the genocide that devastated the country in 1994, when almost a million people, mostly Tutsis, were killed by the Hutu majority, the resilient country of Rwanda is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas. About 350 of these primates wander the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park, with ten gorilla families living there for responsible tourists to view – respectfully, and from a distance with a reputable tour operator.

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the drier period from June to September, when you’ve got a greater chance of spotting mountain gorillas. But Rwanda has so much more to see than these great apes. From its gorgeous capital city of Kigali to its spectacular national parks, rich with biodiversity, and onto its plethora of fascinating museums which overflow with Rwandan culture, visitors will have plenty of things to see and do here. 

What are the top things to do in Rwanda?

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

There is no question that the top activity in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park. Experts estimate that there are about 350 gorillas in the park which tourists can visit. Depending on where the gorilla groups are located, the trekking experience lasts between four and eight hours, an hour of which is spent observing the creatures and the rest hiking to and from. Armed guides keep trekkers safe from potential dangers, and porters are available for hire at the base of the trails.

Visiting The Kigali Genocide Memorial

Just two decades ago, Rwanda was ravaged by a dreadful genocide that left almost one million people dead in 100 days. The country has come a long way from the carnage, but the impact of this relatively recent history has left a scar. The Kigali Genocide Memorial explores this terrible time in the history of Rwanda, outlining the timeline that led to the 1994 massacre and bringing the experience to life through facts, photographs, and sculptures. 

Chimp Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a broad range of biodiversity but most visitors come here to track chimpanzees, which costs a fraction of what gorilla trekking costs, yet it is no less thrilling. The national park is also home to the only canopy walk in East Africa – a suspension bridge which hangs above the lush rainforest.

Tour Huye’s Ethnographic Museum

One of Africa’s finest collections of artifacts is housed in Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum, just south of Kigali in Huye. Belgium gifted the museum to the city in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s independence. Seven galleries display a vast collection of pre-colonial items including traditional garments, musical instruments, and ancient farming tools.

Go on a Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Just two and a half hours-drive from Kigali is Akagera National Park, successfully managed by the African Parks group since 2010. Akagera is a remarkable triumph for conservation and wildlife as it has rebounded from near devastation after the Rwandan genocide. The park now has all of the Big Five while the terrain offers savannah plains, wetlands, and lakes. Since African Parks assumed management of the park, tourism has dramatically increased. In 2010, 8,000 people visited the park. This number rose to 44,000 by 2018, allowing Akagera to become almost entirely self-sustaining.

Journey to the King’s Palace Museum

The King’s Palace Museum sits on a hilltop about two miles southwest of Nyanza, the former seat of Rwanda’s monarchy. The traditional ancient palace of the Mwami has been carefully reconstructed, along with a cluster of other buildings beside the newer Western-style palace built for Mwami Rudahigwa Mutara III, the former king, in 1932. The newer palace is a typical colonial-era building with its spacious rooms and wide balcony and several original pieces of furniture throughout. English and French-speaking guides are available to relate the history and traditions of the royal court.

Visit “Hotel Rwanda”

Just 20 minutes from the airport in Kigali stands a local landmark, the four-star Hotel des Mille Collines. The inspiration for the 2004 Academy Award nominated film Hotel Rwanda, the hotel has rebounded from the 1994 Rwandan genocide to become one of Kigali’s most popular spots. 

Set on a hill, the hotel offers a peaceful escape from the busy downtown streets with stunning views of the city. It is worth an overnight stay or even just a visit to the restaurant for dinner to help give perspective to the famous tale which recounts the efforts of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina to save his family and others while hiding out at the hotel during the genocide.