Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda : Rwanda often refereed to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills, is a country that has transformed itself over the years into a prime tourist destination in Africa. Rwanda shares borders with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. The country is known for beautiful hills, volcanoes, mountain gorillas, handsome people but sadly for also enduring one of the worst genocides in recent history. After the genocide, the government of Kagame embarked on the difficult task of healing the nation, reconciliation and bringing people together to rebuild their country. are you’re thinking about traveling to Rwanda, be sure ton check out Rwanda’s must-see spots like Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Butare (Huye), The Kings’ Palace Museum, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, Gisenyi Beach and Kigali each. Each of these tourist destinations offers unique things for visitors to explore and experience on a Rwanda safari adventure. They are available for visitor exploration all year round, and visitors have the freedom to visit any of their preferred destinations.
Here are 8 of the top tourist attractions you should consider when visiting Rwanda.
- Volcanoes National Park
Home to the majestic Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most famous national parks. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park was gazetted back in 1925 and sits on a land area of 160 sq. km. The park not only host the mountains gorillas, but also offers visitors with then chance to encounter with the endangered golden monkeys. It is well-known for gorilla trekking adventures, where visitors can hike through lush forests to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is awe-inspiring as you come face-to-face with these gentle giants, and it contributes to conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures. The park is also rich in biodiversity, featuring various species of birds and other wildlife. While on your wildlife safari, you’ll also have the chance to sight different colorful species such as Dusky turtle dove, Grauer’s rush warblers, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Blue-spotted wood dove mentioned but few.
Besides the mentioned attractions above, Volcanoes National Park is also most popular for its breathtakingly stunning Virunga Volcanoes like Mount Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. A trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers nature enthusiasts a variety of exciting activities, such as trekking to see mountain gorillas, tracking golden monkeys, birdwatching, and hiking up volcanoes, among other adventures.
- Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and offers a stunning backdrop for relaxation and recreation. The lake is bordered by towns such as Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu, each offering beautiful beaches and opportunities for water activities like kayaking, boat rides, birding, fishing tours, swimming, Island tours, and more. Birding tours on Lake Kivu allow you to search for birds such as speckled pigeons, Ashy flycatchers, yellow-throated greenbul, Hadada Ibis, Yellow-billed stork, white-faced whistling duck, Chin-spot batis, and more.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the Genocide in 1994 against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It offers a powerful experience for visitors, promoting reconciliation and building peace through education. It serves as both a burial site and a museum, educating visitors about the tragic events that took place. The genocide holds the remains of about 250,000 people who were brutally murdered by the Interahamwe (Hutu extremists). The memorial is a place of reflection and remembrance, offering insights into the resilience of the Rwandan people. Visiting this museum will help you understand the events leading to and after the genocide.
- Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park should be a must-visit destination in Rwanda in 2025. Akagera is the only savanna safari park in Rwanda and offers a lifetime opportunity for you to experience the best of the Big 5 game safari. Akagera National Park is just a 2.5 hour’s drive from the heart of Kigali capital city of Rwanda. This stunning national park is the only national park in Rwanda where you can embark on big 5 game safari. It is home to diverse wildlife, leopards, rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. The park features beautiful lakes and wetlands, making it a fantastic place for game drives to see the Big 5 game, bird watching/birding, nature walks, hot air balloon tours, and boat safaris.
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
For travelers looking to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture, the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village provides an authentic experience. Iby’Iwacu village is found in Volcanoes National Park in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze district, Northern Province of Rwanda. We always tailor trips with cultural experience to volcanoes national park for you to have an incredible time, visiting the Iby’Iwacu people, you will share with local people home and heritage treasures including lifestyles, activities, artifacts, dances and ways of living of local people. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village showcases the ways of life, traditional practices and dances to Visitors.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest is one of the oldest afro-montane forests in Africa. Nyungwe is lying in the Southern Province of Rwanda and was gazetted in 2004. It covers an area of about 970 sq. km. This forest is found in the South Western part of the country and is home to 13 species of primates such as chimpanzees. Nyungwe forest is one of the last strongholds of the Angola Colobus and Golden Monkeys. The park is also home to over 300 bird species, with the most notable includes red-collared babblers, Albertine owlet, Rockefeller’s sunbird, mountain masked apalis, Kivu ground thrush among others. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes on well-marked trails, canopy walks high above the forest floor, and breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape.
- Kigali City
Kigali city is a top destination to consider when planning a Rwanda safari. As the capital of Rwanda, it often serves as the starting or ending point for many safari adventures in Rwanda. Taking a city tour in Kigali is a must and expect to explore iconic sites like the Kigali genocide memorial, Kigali Convention Centre, Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko market, and others.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda. the park covers an area of about 34 sq. km, making it the smallest national park in Rwanda. This stunning park is made up of the Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves and is the newest national park in Rwanda. It is well-known for its unique species that are found only in the Albertine Rift.
The park is home to more than 20 chimpanzees, as well as baboons, l’hoest monkeys. It also boast a variety of interesting bird species, including dusky crimson wing, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Albertine boubou, Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, Archer’s robin-chat, Blue-headed sunbird, and others.
