11 Key places to visit in Rwanda
Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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. What are some key places to visit in this beautiful country?
Key Places to visit in Rwanda
1. Volcanoes National Park
The top key place to visit in Rwanda is the Volcanos national park famously known for Gorilla trekking. While the bulk of Gorillas in East Africa are in the Bwindi Impenetrable national park, in neighboring Uganda, Experts estimate that there are about 350 gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park which tourists can visit.
Armed guides keep trekkers safe from potential dangers, and porters are available for hire at the starting point of the trails. 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 the location of the Gorillas.
2. Kigali Genocide memorial
Another key place to visit in Rwanda is definitely the Genocide Memorial in Kigali which was set up in 2004 in memory of 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi. It’s located on the Hillside of Gisozi 10 minutes’ drive from the center of town.
It’s a site where their memory is preserved and where people from all walks of life can honor their humanity and learn about what happened. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the challenges this experience raises for our lives and communities today.
7th April of every year, marks the beginning of 100days of mourning for the victims of the Genocide. Here are a few things to know before you plan and book your appointment.
3. Hotel des Milles Collines (pronounced in French as ‘otel de mil kolin’) meaning hotel of a thousand Hills.
The hotel was made more famous in the movie “Hotel Rwanda” which tells the story of how over 1,200 Tutsis and some Hutus were saved from the genocidal forces waiting beyond it’s walls. Located just 20 minutes from the airport in Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines has become a key place to visit in Rwanda.
This four-star hotel stands as a local landmark and inspiration for the 2004 Academy Award nominated film ‘Hotel Rwanda’. 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 its manager Mr. Paul Rusesabagina to save his family and others while hiding out at the hotel from the interahamwe Militia during the Genocide.
4. Nyungwe Forest National park
Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a broad range of biodiversity but the biggest attraction is the chimpanzees. The national park is a key place to visit due to the presence of the chimpanzees. Although many primate seekers tend to flock towards the Gorillas, the chimpanzees are no less a disappointment.
Spend time watching this primates and learn about how they live, eat, play sleep and so on. You will be beautifully thrilled.
5. Canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National park
In Nyungwe forest national park, you can enjoy a rewarding hike but why not ‘hike in the air’ so to speak on the bridge suspended 200 feet above the park’s ancient treetops? The canopy walkway is a 60-90 minute walk .
Tune your ears to beautiful songs of birds, you just might hear your perfect song!. Enjoy spectacular views of awesome umbrella trees, blooming orchids and lush greenery and the amazing sunset and wildlife.
6. Mt. Bisoke, Mt Muhabira and The Virunga Mountains
For hiking seekers, Rwanda offers an endless hiking options. The country is blessed with rolling hills, mountain ranges, and scenic trails that cater to hikers of all levels. It’s no wonder the country is called land of a thousand hills! Conquer mountains such as Bisoke and Muhabura.
The Virunga Mountains, a volcanic chain and branch of the Albertine Rift, run roughly along the northern border. Take a day trip to The Viruga National park and witness first- hand rare biodiversity, birds and the endangered mountain gorillas.
7. Akagera National Park
No safari to Africa is complete without a wildlife bush safari. Akegera National park is definitely one of the key places to visit in Rwanda. The park is just two and a half hours-drive from Kigali. Akagera is a remarkable triumph for conservation and wildlife as it has rebounded from near devastation after the Rwandan genocide. See all of the Big Five and plenty of other animal species.
8. The King’s Palace Museum
Two miles southwest of Nyanza, the former seat of Rwanda’s monarchy is now the King’s Palace Museum. The traditional ancient palace of the king (Mwami) Rudahigwa Mutara III who reigned in 1932, has been carefully reconstructed to preserve the Rwandan Heritage but also attracts many visitors as one of the key places to visit in Rwanda.
Get yourself an English or French-speaking guide to take you around and to relate to you the interesting history and traditions of the royal court.
While at the king’s palace museum – See the royal cow singers and learn about the Inyambo – the special breeds of sacred cows with horns as large as elephant tusks. The cows served important roles during royal ceremonies until Rwanda ended its monarchy in 1961. Come and watch the singers use music to keep the cows calm. This is a ritual only unique to Rwanda.
9. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the key places to visit in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Take a boat and enjoy the scenery from an aquatic angle. The best time to take a boat trip on the lake is at sunrise or sunset. The view will leave you completely wowed.
10. Huye’s Ethnographic Museum
Located south of Kigali city, Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum, a key place to visit in Rwanda. The museum was gifted by Belgium in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s independence. On display here are pre-colonial items including musical instruments, ancient farming tools and traditional garments.
11. Kigali and it’s vibrant culture
Rwanda’s as a whole but especially the capital Kigali is bustling with cultural energy. Rwanda has one of the most beautiful and graceful yet energetic traditional dances in the world. Beautiful colorful dancers, costumes, rhythmic drumming, and energetic movements bring traditional dances to life.
From traditional dances to contemporary art, Kigali city affords great opportunities to infuse yourself in the local culture. Visit cultural centers even in the local community to witness this majestic culture.
Conclusion
From Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park, to Canopy walks in Nyungwe, to being entertained by royal cow singers at the kings palace museum and beautiful cultural roots, you will not leave Rwanda empty handed or empty hearted. As you experience the key places to visit in Rwanda, you will carry with you cherished memories of this beautiful land and it’s people.
You will no doubt learn lessons on peace and be astounded by the resilience of the Rwandan people and ongoing efforts to protect and sustain its remarkable beauty.
Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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. What are some key places to visit in this beautiful country?
Key Places to visit in Rwanda
1. Volcanoes National Park
The top key place to visit in Rwanda is the Volcanos national park famously known for Gorilla trekking. While the bulk of Gorillas in East Africa are in the Bwindi Impenetrable national park, in neighboring Uganda, Experts estimate that there are about 350 gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park which tourists can visit.
Armed guides keep trekkers safe from potential dangers, and porters are available for hire at the starting point of the trails. 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 the location of the Gorillas.
2. Kigali Genocide memorial
Another key place to visit in Rwanda is definitely the Genocide Memorial in Kigali which was set up in 2004 in memory of 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi. It’s located on the Hillside of Gisozi 10 minutes’ drive from the center of town.
It’s a site where their memory is preserved and where people from all walks of life can honor their humanity and learn about what happened. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the challenges this experience raises for our lives and communities today.
7th April of every year, marks the beginning of 100days of mourning for the victims of the Genocide. Here are a few things to know before you plan and book your appointment.
3. Hotel des Milles Collines (pronounced in French as ‘otel de mil kolin’) meaning hotel of a thousand Hills.
The hotel was made more famous in the movie “Hotel Rwanda” which tells the story of how over 1,200 Tutsis and some Hutus were saved from the genocidal forces waiting beyond it’s walls. Located just 20 minutes from the airport in Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines has become a key place to visit in Rwanda.
This four-star hotel stands as a local landmark and inspiration for the 2004 Academy Award nominated film ‘Hotel Rwanda’. 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 its manager Mr. Paul Rusesabagina to save his family and others while hiding out at the hotel from the interahamwe Militia during the Genocide.
4. Nyungwe Forest National park
Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a broad range of biodiversity but the biggest attraction is the chimpanzees. The national park is a key place to visit due to the presence of the chimpanzees. Although many primate seekers tend to flock towards the Gorillas, the chimpanzees are no less a disappointment.
Spend time watching this primates and learn about how they live, eat, play sleep and so on. You will be beautifully thrilled.
5. Canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National park
In Nyungwe forest national park, you can enjoy a rewarding hike but why not ‘hike in the air’ so to speak on the bridge suspended 200 feet above the park’s ancient treetops? The canopy walkway is a 60-90 minute walk .
Tune your ears to beautiful songs of birds, you just might hear your perfect song!. Enjoy spectacular views of awesome umbrella trees, blooming orchids and lush greenery and the amazing sunset and wildlife.
6. Mt. Bisoke, Mt Muhabira and The Virunga Mountains
For hiking seekers, Rwanda offers an endless hiking options. The country is blessed with rolling hills, mountain ranges, and scenic trails that cater to hikers of all levels. It’s no wonder the country is called land of a thousand hills! Conquer mountains such as Bisoke and Muhabura.
The Virunga Mountains, a volcanic chain and branch of the Albertine Rift, run roughly along the northern border. Take a day trip to The Viruga National park and witness first- hand rare biodiversity, birds and the endangered mountain gorillas.
7. Akagera National Park
No safari to Africa is complete without a wildlife bush safari. Akegera National park is definitely one of the key places to visit in Rwanda. The park is just two and a half hours-drive from Kigali. Akagera is a remarkable triumph for conservation and wildlife as it has rebounded from near devastation after the Rwandan genocide. See all of the Big Five and plenty of other animal species.
8. The King’s Palace Museum
Two miles southwest of Nyanza, the former seat of Rwanda’s monarchy is now the King’s Palace Museum. The traditional ancient palace of the king (Mwami) Rudahigwa Mutara III who reigned in 1932, has been carefully reconstructed to preserve the Rwandan Heritage but also attracts many visitors as one of the key places to visit in Rwanda.
Get yourself an English or French-speaking guide to take you around and to relate to you the interesting history and traditions of the royal court.
While at the king’s palace museum – See the royal cow singers and learn about the Inyambo – the special breeds of sacred cows with horns as large as elephant tusks. The cows served important roles during royal ceremonies until Rwanda ended its monarchy in 1961. Come and watch the singers use music to keep the cows calm. This is a ritual only unique to Rwanda.
9. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the key places to visit in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Take a boat and enjoy the scenery from an aquatic angle. The best time to take a boat trip on the lake is at sunrise or sunset. The view will leave you completely wowed.
10. Huye’s Ethnographic Museum
Located south of Kigali city, Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum, a key place to visit in Rwanda. The museum was gifted by Belgium in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwanda’s independence. On display here are pre-colonial items including musical instruments, ancient farming tools and traditional garments.
11. Kigali and it’s vibrant culture
Rwanda’s as a whole but especially the capital Kigali is bustling with cultural energy. Rwanda has one of the most beautiful and graceful yet energetic traditional dances in the world. Beautiful colorful dancers, costumes, rhythmic drumming, and energetic movements bring traditional dances to life.
From traditional dances to contemporary art, Kigali city affords great opportunities to infuse yourself in the local culture. Visit cultural centers even in the local community to witness this majestic culture.
Conclusion
From Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park, to Canopy walks in Nyungwe, to being entertained by royal cow singers at the kings palace museum and beautiful cultural roots, you will not leave Rwanda empty handed or empty hearted. As you experience the key places to visit in Rwanda, you will carry with you cherished memories of this beautiful land and it’s people.
You will no doubt learn lessons on peace and be astounded by the resilience of the Rwandan people and ongoing efforts to protect and sustain its remarkable beauty.
