Bradt Guides

with Eastern Congo

Publication Date:   05th Sep 2018

£ 17.99

Rwanda Travel Guide – Travel and holiday advice featuring Kigali accommodation and highlights, gorilla tracking and wildlife. Also including guides, tour operators, itineraries, canoe excursions, national parks such as Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera, Lake Kivu, Virunga, Kigali Genocide Memorial, DRC excursions and political history.

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About this book

Now into its seventh edition and written by Philip Briggs, the world’s leading writer of guidebooks to Africa, Bradt’s Rwanda has been the go-to guide for visitors to this historical and resurgent ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ for nearly two decades, and it continues to be in a class of its own when it comes to in-depth information on this emerald slice of East Africa. With freshly researched and updated details on developments across the country, Bradt’s Rwanda includes up-to-date maps of rapidly modernising Kigali, information on hiking to the summit of Mount Bisoke and a newly expanded chapter on excursions into the neighbouring DRC. In this new edition are extensive and recently updated maps and natural history information, details of kayak and canoe excursions on Lake Kivu and the Mukungwa River, all you need to know about tracking not only mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park but also lowland gorillas in the Congo, and information about overnight stays on tea plantations at Sorwathe or Gisovu. Also covered are Nyungwe Forest National Park, where a wealth of endemic birds and primates inhabit the largest surviving montane forest in East Africa; Nyanza, where the hilltop Rukari Palace Museum marks the site of the old mwami’s (king’s) palace; and the National/Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, the top cultural site in Rwanda’s second city, Huye (Butare). Coverage of nearby cities and national parks in the neighbouring DRC has been expanded since last edition, providing all the necessary information to take an excursion into Rwanda’s enormous and poorly understood neighbour. Rwanda continues to change and develop at an unprecedented pace, and there’s hardly a more accessible part of Africa to be found anywhere on the continent. It’s no less intriguing for the convenience, however, and Rwanda’s superlative natural attractions seem to improve by the day, with growing animal populations and an on-going rhino reintroduction program in Akagera National Park. Having now gone through nearly 18 years of editions, Bradt’s Rwanda is not only the most in-depth guide available, but also the guide with the longest history in the country itself.

About the Author

AUTHOR Guidebook writer and Africa expert Philip Briggs first backpacked through East Africa in 1986. He first visited Rwanda in 2000 to research the first edition of the Bradt Guide (co-authored with Janice Booth) to this country, which was then re-emerging as a viable ecotourism destination in the wake of the genocide that had torn it apart six years earlier. He has since returned to Rwanda on several occasions to research subsequent updates of the Bradt Guide. Rwanda aside, Philip has written and co-authored more than a dozen Bradt guides to other destinations, among them neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania, and he has contributed to many other books, travel and wildlife magazines. CONTRIBUTER Janice Booth’s career has included stage management, archaeology, compiling puzzle magazines, travelling, editing Bradt guides and co-writing Bradt guides to south and east Devon. Since the first edition of this guide she has lectured and written about Rwanda and led tours there. UPDATER Sean Connolly first travelled to Africa as a student in 2008, and since then has been returning to the continent regularly to research, teach English or simply to soak up the ambiance in Africa’s countless little-visited corners. When he’s not discussing verb tenses, diplomatic recognition or the merits of camel meat, you may find him riding in the back of a grain truck, sampling questionable local delicacies or seeking out a country’s funkiest records. Raised in Chicago, Sean has been poring over maps since before he could read them, and has updated or contributed to the Bradt guides to Somaliland, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, Uruguay and Sierra Leone, along with the 6th edition of Bradt Rwanda. He’s also the author of the first Bradt guide to Senegal.

‘The excellent Bradt Guide to Rwanda includes detailed sections on the national parks.’ The Sunday Telegraph

‘Rwanda is excellent; it captures the mood of the place and gives a positive and accurate account of a fantastic country.’ Art of Travel

‘This guide . gives the prospective visitor real and detailed insights into the country, its people, history, flora and fauna. Even if you end up never going to Rwanda, you will feel you know the place quite intimately by the time you get to the final page.’ Wildside

‘At last, a well-written and dedicated guide to Rwanda.’ Footprints

‘Rwanda is an excellent book that I have recommended to all the visitors who come to Rwanda. This guide presents a clear and balanced overview of events in Rwanda’s recent past.The book also describes the charm and attraction that make this country so different.’ Dr Annette Lanjouw, Director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme

‘Recommended reading’ Conde Nast Traveller magazine

‘Bradt’s Rwanda is the best guidebook on the region.’ Travel Africa

Additional Information

PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Natural history and conservation, History, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Tourist information and services, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and consulates, Getting there and away, Safety What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and events, Shopping, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Becoming involved, Investing in Rwanda Chapter 3 Health Before you go, On the ground, Animals, Useful contacts in Kigali

PART 2 THE GUIDE Chapter 4 Kigali Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Arts and entertainment, Sport, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions further afield Chapter 5 The Road to Huye (Butare) Muhanga (Gitarama), Ruhango, Nyanza Chapter 6 Huye (Butare) Getting there and away, Getting around, Security, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Excursions from Huye Chapter 7 Nyungwe Forest National Park Orientation, Park fees, Natural history, Getting there and away, Where to stay and eat, Trails and activities Chapter 8 Lake Kivu Rusizi (Cyangugu), Karongi (Kibuye), Rubavu (Gisenyi) Chapter 9 Musanze (Ruhengeri) and Surrounds Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Tourist information, Other practicalities, Excursions from Musanze Chapter 10 Volcanoes National Park Wildlife, History, conservation and ecotourism, Getting there and away, Where to stay and eat, Gorilla tracking, Golden monkey tracking, Other hikes, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Chapter 11 Eastern Rwanda The Gicumbi (Byumba) Road, The Nyagatare Road, The Rusumo Road Chapter 12 Akagera National Park Natural history, Getting there and away, Park fees, Where to stay and eat, Activities Chapter 13 Goma and Virunga National Park (DRC) Entrance and border formalities, Security, Goma, Virunga National Park, Bukavu, Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Appendices Language Further info Index

rwanda tourist book

©Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images

Rwanda is known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills) thanks to the endless mountains in this scenically stunning little country. Nowhere are the mountains more majestic than the Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, and hidden among the bamboo forests are some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. For a change of scene, the shores of Lake Kivu conceal some of the best inland beaches on the continent, while Nyungwe Forest National Park protects extensive tracts of montane rainforest, and is home to many primates. Looking for a more metropolitan experience? Kigali, the capital, is one of the loveliest cities in Africa.

Leave the planning to a local expert

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Visitors at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

In the span of 100 days, an estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically butchered by the Interahamwe army. This memorial honours…

rwanda tourist book

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, which runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas. Comprising five volcanoes,…

Wild Eastern Black-and-white Colobus in Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa…

Ethnographic Museum

Ethnographic Museum

This outstanding museum was given to the city as a gift from Belgium in 1989 to commemorate 25 years of independence. While the building itself is…

Murambi Genocide Memorial

Murambi Genocide Memorial

Nyamagabe (formerly called Gikongoro) and the satellite town of Murambi was the site of one of the most unforgettable horrors of the 1994 genocide…

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Akagera National Park

Akagera is Rwanda's answer to the savannah parks of Kenya and Tanzania, and is utterly different in landscape to anywhere else in the country. Prior to…

King's Palace Museum – Rukari

King's Palace Museum – Rukari

Situated on a hill 2km southwest of town, this fascinating museum is less about ancient history and more about royal residences. The displays centre on a…

Rubona Peninsula

Rubona Peninsula

Roughly 6km south of town (about RFr1000 by moto-taxi), along a lovely lakeshore road, the Rubona Peninsula is Lake Kivu at its finest. Hills rise steeply…

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Rwanda at a glance

Capital city.

Kigali (population 1.1 million)

12.6 million

Kinyarwanda, French, English

(GMT+02:00) Windhoek

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type J (Swiss 3-pin)

Learn more about Rwanda

Best time to visit rwanda.

Rwanda has a tropical highland climate, with temperatures being pleasantly warm most of the year. March to May is the wet season, so expect frequent rain and thunderstorms during this period, which can make trekking and other outdoor activities uncomfortable at times.

Culture and customs

Rwanda has a rich, vibrant culture based on traditional dance, crafts song and drumming. History and culture is communicated through the generations with songs, poetry and stories providing links to the past. Visitors to Rwanda should catch a cultural performance of dynamic dance and music to appreciate the heritage and identity that is carried by these songs and dances. There are three main ethnic tribes in Rwanda - Hutu, Tutsi and Twa, each having their similarities and differences. The Twa comprise less than 1% of the population, and are hunter-gatherers, having lived in Rwanda for centuries. The Hutu and Tutsi are not divided by ethnicity but by a social caste system, with the Tutsi traditionally living pastoral lives and being members of the ruling class, and the Hutu traditionally being seen as peasant farmers. This is malleable though, as intermarriage between the two is quite common, so children may have a Hutu father and a Tutsi mother. While this has lead to much division and conflict in the past, Rwanda has more recently enjoyed 15 years of relative harmony, with these ethnic groups living and working alongside each other in peace.  Foreigners and travelers will find most Rwandans live simple lives, devoid of modern conveniences and perhaps it is because of this that Rwandans are known for being friendly, genuine and very accommodating to visitors. Homestays in particular provide valuable insights into the culture of Rwanda.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.  Rwandan food typically consists of simple meals made from locally grown produce. Sweet potato, corn, peas, beans and cassava feature heavily, and are usually fried or cooked in a stew. Spices and seasonings aren’t common in Rwandan cooking, so food may be a little bland for some – but just right for others who prefer their food less spicy.

Things to try in Rwanda

1. Fresh fruit

Bananas, avocados, mangoes and papaya are plentiful in Rwanda and are a cheap, fresh snack when bought from markets and street carts.

2. Frites-banane (fried plantains)

Fried Plantains are a delicious snack and found just about everywhere in Rwanda.

Barbecued beef, goat and chicken are available at roadside street stalls in the larger cities.

Beer is popular with the men of Rwanda (women rarely drink). Primus, Mutzig and Amstel are the main beers available in Rwanda, as well as locally brewed banana beer.

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with Uganda , Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda is a densely populated, landlocked nation. Covered in grassland, mountains and rolling hills, most people in Rwanda live in villages surrounded by farmland. Plantations of cash crops like coffee and tea are common, but small subsistence farming is the main source of income for most Rwandans living in rural areas. 

The dense jungles and national parks of Rwanda house many species of animal including gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees and prolific birdlife. Unlike many other African bodies of water, freshwater Lake Kivu is free from crocodiles and hippos, so it’s a great spot for swimming, fishing and other recreational activities.

History and government

Early history.

The original inhabitants of Rwanda, the Twa, lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle for centuries before the arrival of the Hutu people. Then the Tutsi brought with them a feudal system of land ownership and society. In 1890 Germany took control of Rwanda, and ruled until 1916 when the Belgians overpowered the German forces during World War I. Under Belgian rule, clashes between the Tutsi and the Hutu were frequent and a precursor to the violence of the 1990s. Independence was granted in 1962, and the Hutu majority came into power. Because of this, Tutsi people were marginalized, with less access to education and employment opportunities. This imbalance created simmering tensions within Rwanda, culminating in armed conflict and displacement of people.

Recent history

In 1994, Rwanda erupted into civil war following the death of the president in a plane crash (the plane was shot by a missile while trying to land in Kigali). Months of bloodshed ensued - it's estimated that close to a million people were killed within a period of 90 days. Millions of Rwandans fled into neighboring Uganda and Tanzania to escape the violence, murder and looting that had taken over their country. Due to the loss of life and infrastructure caused by the genocide of 1994, many Rwandans today live in poverty. Despite this, Rwanda is currently rising out of hard times to move into the future with increased prosperity and improved living conditions. The economy is slowly improving due to a flourishing tourism industry and a new government that has invested in education and infrastructure

Top 10 experiences of Rwanda

1. gorillas in the mist.

Trekking through the steamy jungle is well worth it once you set eyes upon a family of silverback gorillas. Watch them interact and play and marvel at how similar they are to humans. Watching these rare creatures is utterly captivating and engrossing – you won’t want to leave.

2. National treasures

Stop in at the Butare National Museum, considered one of the best museums in East Africa. Featuring tribal art, traditional housing, musical instruments and other artefacts, this museum offers visitors a great grounding in Rwandan history and culture.

3. Moving memorial

Be touched by the spirit of the Rwandan people when visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This place is dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the genocide of 1994, and provides a peaceful space for survivors to mourn and ultimately heal.

4. Chill out lakeside

Experience the serenity and beauty of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing walk on the shores or heading out on a boat, Lake Kivu provides a pocket of aquatic splendor in a landlocked country.

5. Monkey magic

Have fun finding chimps, baboons and monkeys in the trees of the Nyungwe National Park. The dense rainforest terrain offers the perfect environment for these amazing creatures to live in.

6. Home sweet home

Experience true Rwandan hospitality while spending time with a local family on a homestay. Enjoy home cooking and new friendships – something you just can’t get when staying at a hotel.

7. To market

Strolling through the markets of Kigali is a great way to get acquainted with this up-and-coming city. Buy some trinkets or fresh produce, chat with locals and watch market-life in action.

8. Beach bliss

The small town of Gisenyi is home to unspoilt beaches where you won't have to fight for a spot to laze on them. Enjoy the isolation and make the most of the space in this pocket of paradise.

9. Small town charm

Known as the gateway town to the gorillas, Ruhengeri offers a change of pace to the crowds of Kigali. Be touched by the warmth and sincerity of the local people while staying in this town of about 80,000 people.

10. Feel the beat

Soak up a bit of nightlife by getting your groove on to African and Western pop music in one of Kigali’s busy nightspots. New Cadillac and Republika Lounge are popular with both locals and expats, so why not see how the city comes to life after dark.

Rwanda’s markets are filled with bright delights, from fresh fruit and vegetables to vibrant fabrics. Souvenir-wise, the best picks are handicrafts and artwork by local artists. Woven baskets, colorful fabric bags, interesting jewelry, wood carvings and terracotta pots all make great mementos of your trip or gifts for friends back home. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and Events in Rwanda

With the majority of Rwandans being Christian, Christmas is an important time for most. Rwandans typically don’t celebrate Christmas in a commercial way, with most foregoing gift giving and choosing to spend time at church and with family. Church services are usually a formal affair and run for several hours, with locals getting dressed up in their finest attire to attend mass. Time is then spent eating and socializing with family and friends.

Further reading

Rwanda travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Rwanda?

Tipping isn’t expected of you in Rwanda. It's up to the individual whether to tip or not. Rounding up a bill for good service at restaurants is a good idea.

What is the internet access like in Rwanda?

Internet access has recently improved in Rwanda. Travelers will be able to access the internet in large cities like Kigali but expect limited to no access in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Rwanda?

Cell phone coverage is quite good in Rwanda’s larger towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in Rwanda?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Rwanda, except for western-style, flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper as they are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Street snack = 300 RWF Beer at a bar or cafe = 1,000 RWF Meal at a mid-range restaurant = 7,500 RWF

Can I drink the water in Rwanda?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Rwanda. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Rwanda?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Rwanda?

International ATMs are not so common in Rwanda. They can be found in Kigali and other larger towns, but may not accept foreign cards. Be sure to have other modes of payment before entering Rwanda, as relying solely on ATM usage isn’t wise. American dollars or euros can be exchanged easily at the airport, local forex bureaus and at banking institutions in Rwanda’s large cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Rwanda?

  • 1 Jan New Year's Day
  • 2 Jan New Year Holiday
  • 3 Jan New Year Holiday
  • 1 Feb National Heroes' Day
  • 7 Apr Tutsi Genocide Memorial Day
  • 14 Apr Good Friday 
  • 1 May Labour Day
  • 25 Jun Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan
  • 26 Jun Eid al-Fitr / End of Ramadan
  • 1 Jul Independence Day
  • 4 Jul Liberation Day
  • 4 Aug Umuganura / Harvest Thanksgiving
  • 15 Aug Assumption Day
  • 1 Sep Eid al-Adha / Feast of Sacrifice
  • 25 Dec Christmas Day
  • 26 Dec Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Rwanda, click below.

Does my trip to Rwanda support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Rwanda directly support our foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors .

Gorilla Doctors help safeguard wild eastern gorilla populations with life-saving veterinary care. Donations from our trips help them provide routine health monitoring, veterinary visits and clinical interventions for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas. Each animal they treat contributes to the gorilla populations' health, genetic diversity and long-term sustainability.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Do I need a visa to travel to Rwanda

Visas are required by all nationalities and need to be obtained in advance. You must apply for this visa online.  You'll need to apply for an Entry Visa on their website (Services tab, Visa) which should take approx 2-5 days to come through. You must print this Entry Facility out to present at the border. Nationals of Australia, Israel, New Zealand, USA, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden and Singapore are not required to pre-register, however must pay the visa fee upon arrival at the border post. The visa costs approx US$60 payable on the border, with the exception of national from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, USA, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden and Singapore for whom the visa fee is US$30.  If you are asked to provide an address in Rwanda on your visa form, please use the address below - 

Centre Pastoral Notre Dame De Fatima, Avenue de la Nutrition, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Supporting Documents may also be required - the embassy will contact you if they require these

Note: Rwanda is constantly updating its visa information; therefore, we recommend that you check the website carefully for the latest up-to-date information

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Rwanda - Tea plantations in Rwanda

Introducing Rwanda

About rwanda.

  • Images of Rwanda
  • History, language & culture
  • Weather & geography
  • Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

  • Travel to Rwanda
  • Where to stay

While you’re there

  • Things to see & do
  • Shopping & nightlife
  • Food & drink
  • Getting around

Before you go

  • Passport & visa
  • Public Holidays
  • Money & duty free

Book your flights

Rwanda travel guide

Dubbed 'The Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda's lush green landscape, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it, is indeed the country's star attraction. This small, landlocked nation in East Africa has been pulling in an increasing number of in-the-know international tourists over the last decade.

But back in 1994, few would have thought that the country could bounce back from the horrifying Rwanda genocide, where an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were tragically slaughtered by Hutu extremists (an ethnic group indigenous to the region). It was one of the darkest days in modern African history.

But rebound it has. Today, Rwanda is known for its progressive policies just as much as its regretful history. The country is a role model in gender equality (Rwanda's government has had the highest percentage of female members throughout the 21st century) and conservation (notably enforcing a country-wide ban on plastic bags in 2008).

Similarly, the country is a pioneer in ecotourism, with the creation of cycle lanes, wetland regions and sustainable wildlife tours, the standout of which is to see a troop of mountain gorillas in the thick forests of Volcanoes National Park on the country's northern border. In fact, Volcanoes National Park was where Dian Fossey, the world's leading authority on mountain gorillas, spent many years studying the endangered species. In 1983, she published the highly acclaimed Gorillas in the Mist , which was later made into a film.

It's not all about gorillas, though. Nyungwe National Park, in the south of the country, is one of the largest remaining rainforests in Africa and is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, while Akagera National Park, in eastern Rwanda, offers up opportunities to spot rhinos, lions and hippos. And although Rwanda is landlocked, Lake Kivu covers a large portion of its western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering sandy beaches and warm waters for visitors to soak up the coastal vibe.

It's also worth spending a few days in the capital, Kigali. Established in 1907, Kigali has grown exponentially after becoming Rwanda's capital in 1962. The city is colourful and vibrant, with lively markets and bustling restaurants abound. It is also clean and safe. To many visitors, Kigali offers cosmopolitan fun that complements Rwanda's rural attractions.

Indeed, the past of Rwanda may be bleak, but the future certainly looks bright for Rwanda.

26,338 sq km (10,169 sq miles).

12.3 million (2018)

499 per sq km (2018)

President Paul Kagame since 2000.

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente since 2017.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

  • women travellers
  • disabled travellers

LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Rwanda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Rwandan High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Rwanda.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Rwanda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor. As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.

Rwanda’s immigration department has information on visa requirements .

Applying for a visa

You can also apply for a visa from the Rwandan High Commission in London.

You must get a UK Police Certificate before you travel if you’re applying for a resident, business or missionary multiple-entry visa. It usually takes at least 10 working days to process.

Travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Check land border crossing opening hours before you travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu, as they vary.

You may experience immigration difficulties if you do not have residency status and regularly cross between the 2 countries.

Vaccination requirements

To enter Rwanda, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide .   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Rwanda . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Rwanda

Terrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.

To reduce your personal risk:

  • take care when walking at night
  • arrange transport in advance
  • lock car doors when driving
  • do not leave valuables in parked cars
  • avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables

Personal safety in military zones

Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well lit or signposted. You could be arrested and detained if you enter these areas. Take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night.    

Laws and cultural differences

Using cameras in secure areas.

It is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Rwanda, but is frowned on by locals. LGBT+ travellers can experience discrimination and abuse, including from local authorities.

There are no specific anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT+ individuals in Rwanda. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Plastic bag ban

There is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.  

Genocide Memorial Day

The week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is an official week of mourning. 2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi.

National day of community service (Umuganda)

The last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most normal services close from 7am to 11am. Kigali also has a car-free morning from 7am to 10am on the first and third Sunday of the month to promote exercise and reduce car emissions. Other cities in the country may also hold car-free mornings. You should check with the local authorities as these might happen at different times. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Gorilla trekking.

If you plan to travel close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border on a gorilla trek, be aware of the risks that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region and be cautious. Keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and check the local media.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Rwanda, see information on driving abroad .

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service .

After one year of driving, you must have a Rwandan licence. You should:

  • write a letter of application to the Commissioner Traffic and Road Safety
  • attach your existing licence
  • attach a copy of your visa or foreign resident ID card

Driving standards

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are in good condition but can be damaged by landslides during the rainy season. After dark, many roads outside of larger urban centres are unlit and driving standards are poor.   

Shared taxis (mini vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport, but are very vulnerable to accidents.

Building health and safety

Levels of building health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. Buildings and construction sites have collapsed, causing deaths and serious injuries.

Fire safety standards vary and fires in residential and public places are a continuing risk. Poor wiring and sub-standard electrical cables have caused building fires. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

The rainy season runs from February to May and from September to December. April is the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage, including landslides and floods. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in Rwanda. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake . The US Geological Survey has a real-time earthquake map that captures information following significant seismic activity . If there is an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

All border crossings into neighbouring countries are currently open for cross-border travel. However, border crossings into the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ), Uganda and Burundi have been temporarily closed to tourists in recent years. Be aware of the impact that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region.

Rwanda- DRC border

The security situation near Rwanda’s borders with DRC remains unstable. There have been armed attacks in and around Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest Park and Volcanoes National Park. If you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, be aware of the risk of attacks and government security operations. Be cautious and keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and local media.

The eastern part of DRC near the Rwanda border remains unstable, and conflict can happen with little notice. There have been violent clashes on the DRC -Rwanda border in recent years, and armed incursions into south-west Rwanda:

  • on 18 June 2023, 2 people were killed and 6 were injured when suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus on Nyamagabe-Rusizi road, in Nyungwe Forest, Nyamgabe District
  • on 17 June 2023, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda at Gisenyi and fired on civilians and Rwandan security personnel near the border, injuring 2 Rwandan police officers – the soldier was shot dead
  • in 2022, artillery fire from the DRC hit Rwandan territory, close to the border in Kinigi sector of Musanze District in the north-west

These incidents have not affected tourists sites, and the Rwandan government has assured visitors the area is secure. Further incidents cannot be ruled out because of instability in DRC .

Rwanda-Burundi border

The situation in Burundi remains unstable. Tensions along the Rwanda-Burundi border remain high. Both sides have accused the other of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

  • the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide
  • where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Rwanda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Rwanda

Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. If you have a serious accident or illness, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Rwanda where some staff speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Rwanda .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Rwanda

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

  • finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters in Rwanda
  • dealing with a  death in Rwanda
  • being  arrested or imprisoned in Rwanda
  • getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
  • what to do if you’re  in hospital
  • if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to  get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Rwanda and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Kigali or the British Embassy Office in Bujumbura, Burundi .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The  Overseas Business Risk service  offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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One of Africa's last-known tourist destinations, tiny Rwanda gets a fraction of the visitors of neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania -- but not for long. Tucked just below Uganda, it sits on the Albertine Rift which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas. This makes it one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. And unlike many other African countries, you can drive across it in a matter of hours. The result? A host of exceptional wildlife experiences within very close proximity.

Many people know about mountain gorillas, and Rwanda is one of the best places to see them. But there's also the Akagera National Park, home to all the big five. And Nyungwe Forest, a unique ecosystem where you can spot chimps, trek to waterfalls and cross a 70-metre high walking suspension bridge. Once you've had your fill of adventure, you can relax on the shores of spectacular Lake Kivu. It's one of Africa's most picturesque lakes with hardly a tourist around. For now.

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Rwanda (Bradt Travel Guide)

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Janice Booth

Rwanda (Bradt Travel Guide) Paperback – March 19, 2013

Rwanda is the world's premier gorilla-tracking destination and was made famous as the setting for the film Gorillas in the Mist . However there is much to see beyond magical encounters with gorillas; Lake Kivu, the mountain-ringed inland sea; the immense Nyungwe Forest National Park with its chimpanzees, monkeys, and rare birds; and the wild savanna of Akagera National Park. Written in an engaging and colorful style this edition is packed with anecdotes of people and places met across the country.

  • Print length 328 pages
  • Language English
  • Publisher Bradt Travel Guides
  • Publication date March 19, 2013
  • ISBN-10 1841624187
  • ISBN-13 978-1841624181
  • See all details

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Editorial Reviews

" Rwanda is excellent; it captures the mood of the place and gives a positive and accurate account of a fantastic country." - Art of Travel "Every now and again you come across a guidebook which goes far above and beyond the humdrum list of exchange rates, visa requirements and one-line descriptions of sights and amenities. This guide is just such a book. It gives the prospective visitor real and detailed insights into the country, its people, history, flora and fauna. Even if you end up never going to Rwanda, you will feel you know the place quite intimately by the time you get to the final page." - Wildside "At last, a well-written and dedicated guide to Rwanda." - Footprints " Rwanda is an excellent book that I have recommended to all the visitors who come to Rwanda and who want to know more than just the superficial accounts from the press. This guide presents a clear and balanced overview of events in Rwanda's recent past, considered by many Rwandans to be one of the fairest representations. The book also describes the charm and attraction that make this country so different." - Dr Annette Lanjouw, Director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme

About the Author

Philip Briggs is a long-standing Bradt author who has written a series of pioneering guides to destinations that were practically uncharted by the travel publishing industry. These included the first dedicated guides to Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Somaliland, Ghana and the previous edition of the guide Rwanda.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virungas is a peerless wildlife experience, and one of Africa’s indisputable travel highlights. It is difficult to describe the simple exhilaration attached to first setting eyes on a wild mountain gorilla. These are enormous animals: the silverbacks weigh about three times as much as the average man, and their bulk is exaggerated by a shaggily luxuriant coat. And yet despite their fearsome size and appearance, gorillas are remarkably peaceable creatures, certainly by comparison with most primates – gorilla-tracking would be a considerably more dangerous pursuit if these gentle giants had the temperament of vervet monkeys, say, or baboons (or, for that matter, humans).

More impressive even than the gorillas’ size and bearing is their unfathomable attitude to their daily human visitors, which differs greatly from that of any other wild animal. Anthropomorphic as it might sound, almost everybody who visits the gorillas experiences an almost mystical sense of recognition: we regularly had one of the gorillas break off from chomping on bamboo to study us, its soft brown eyes staring deeply into ours, as if seeking out some sort of connection.

Equally fascinating is the extent to which the gorillas try to interact with their visitors, often approaching them, and occasionally touching one of the guides in apparent recognition and greeting as they walk past. A photographic tripod raised considerable curiosity in several of the youngsters and a couple of the adults – one large female walked up to the tripod, stared ponderously into the lens, then wandered back off evidently satisfied. It is almost as if the gorillas recognise their daily visitors as a troop of fellow apes, but one too passive to pose any threat – often a youngster will put on a chest-beating display as it walks past tourists, safe in the knowledge that they’ll accept its dominance, something it would never do to an adult gorilla.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bradt Travel Guides; 5th edition (March 19, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1841624187
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1841624181
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.882 ounces
  • #20 in Rwanda & Uganda Travel Guides
  • #501 in General Africa Travel Books

About the authors

Janice booth.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Philip Briggs

African travel specialist Philip Briggs has been exploring the highways, byways and backwaters of the world's most challenging and exciting continent since 1986, when he spent several months backpacking on a shoestring from Nairobi to Cape Town. In 1991, he wrote the Bradt Guide to South Africa, the first such guidebook to be published internationally after the release of Nelson Mandela.

Over the rest of the 1990s, Philip wrote a series of pioneering Bradt Guides to destinations that were then - and in some cases still are - otherwise practically uncharted by the travel publishing industry. These included the first dedicated guidebooks to Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Rwanda (co-authored with Janice Booth), all of which are now in their 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th edition.

Philip has visited more than two dozen African countries, and written about most of them, whether it be for guidebook publishers such as AA, APA-Insight, Berlitz, Camerapix, Dorling Kindersley, Frommers, Struik-New Holland and 30 Degrees South, or for specialist travel and wildlife magazines including Africa Birds & Birding, Africa Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Travel Africa and Wanderlust.

He still spends at least four months on the road every year, and spends his rest of the time battering away at a keyboard in the sleepy dorp of Bergville, in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg region of South Africa. He is married to the travel photographer Ariadne Van Zandbergen and lives with three dogs and a cat. When not obssessing over some or other aspect of African history, culture, wildlife or travel, Philip's interests include music, reading and walking.

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Rwanda Travel Guide

Rainforest Nyungwe, Rwanda, Africa, Landscape - Rwanda travel guide

Rwanda: Essential information

From visa to health information, language, currency and more – discover all the essential details from experts in our Rwanda travel guide.

Best known for its wealth of primates, Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and some wonderful hiking spots. There are also beautiful lakes, dense jungles, rich birdlife and remote island communities for you to discover in Rwanda.

Rwanda is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination but before you set out, it is always a good idea to learn more about the country and relevant information on visas, health and safety. To help you better navigate the country, our experts have put together all the details in our Rwanda travel guide.

Enchanting Travels Rwanda Tours Gorillas in the wild - Rwanda travel guide

Visa and entry

Citizens of all countries can get a visa upon arrival without prior application at a fee of USD 30 per person. Please ensure you have USD notes printed in 2013 or later. Depending on the traffic and number of guests arriving at any given moment, the immigration process can take 1 hour or more.

Enchanting Travels Asia Tours Visa Application (3)

Health information

Visitors to East Africa arriving from any country with risk of yellow fever are required to carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is risk of malaria throughout the year so we advise that carry a good mosquito repellent and wear clothes that cover most parts of your body, especially if you are traveling during the rainy months.

Visitors to Rwanda and Uganda who are going gorilla trekking should be aware that gorillas are susceptible to most human diseases. If you are suffering from a contagious disease (especially the flu), you must inform your guide and not join the trek for the safety of these endangered gorillas. A standard trek is a strenuous and can last between one to four hours each way (two to three hours is usual in each direction). Please note that children below 15 years of age are not permitted to go gorilla trekking.

travel guide

Language and religion

The official languages in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French and English. Kinyarwanda is a Bantu language and is spoken widely. Kirundi – spoken in the neighboring country Burundi – and Kinyarwanda, are similar languages and have formed a wider dialect continuum called Rwanda–Rundi. Other languages like Swahili are also spoken in Rwanda. The use of English is most common in larger cities and in popular tourist destinations only. The further you travel into the interiors, the lesser the chances of finding locals who can converse in English.

The majority of Rwandans (about 65%) are Roman Catholic and another 9% are Protestant. Only about 1% of the population is Muslim. About a fourth of Rwandans adhere to indigenous beliefs. Many Rwandans practice both their traditional religion and Christianity at the same time.

Enchanting Travels Rwanda Tours - Rwanda travel guide

Currency and Cards

In Rwanda, US dollars are the most accepted currency in larger cities although smaller shops will only accept local currency. If you are carrying dollar bills, do make sure that they were printed in 2013 or later or you may be refused service. International credit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at most establishments. Amex cards however, are not accepted in most areas.

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Popular Trips to Rwanda

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Highlights Africa: Masai Mara, Gorillas and Cape Town

Be enchanted by some of the most awe-inspiring spectacles on earth on this bespoke Africa safari vacation. Three iconic destinations await you on this trip: the Masai Mara, a vast golden savannah that has inspired classic African safari dreams, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda where you can come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas,…

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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Follow in the footsteps of Dian Fossey. This short trip takes you deep into the heart of gorilla territory – Volcanos National Park, where half the world’s gorilla population lives! With trekking activities, forest walks and plantation visits on offer, there are few better ways to discover the Rwandan wild.

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Kenya and Rwanda: Call of the Wild

Hear the call of the wild in this epic adventure of Kenya and Rwanda. This tour takes you gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and to the wildlife of the Masai Mara and Laikipia. Soak up authentic and contemporary African culture in the cities of Kigali and Nairobi.

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Observe gorillas! Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains protected area, also part of Congo and Rwanda.

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Kibuye is an idyllic lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of the world’s largest inland bodies of water, home to a wide variety of birds and plants.

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Rwanda Travel Guide

Lake Kivu is the largest of fresh water lakes that simmers in the valleys of Rwanda with irregular shores that form numerous inlets and myriad forest-fringed waterfalls.

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Nyungwe Forest National Park is an enormous high-altitude, mountainous tropical rainforest with a canopy that extends across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda.

Rwanda Travel Guide

As Rwanda’s capital and its geographical heart, Kigali is an important business center and port.

Rwanda Travel Guide

Explore a labyrinth of swamps and lakes! To the east of Rwanda lies Akagera National Park – a typical African savannah landscape punctuated with eight lakes.

Best Time To Visit

Rwanda has a pleasant, tropical-highland climate – while it is warm throughout most of country, the high altitude mountains are cool and pleasant with a fair amount of frost. Volcanoes National Park can be particularly wet in the rainy months. Discover the best time to visit from our experts.

Things To Do

From the forests to volcanoes and endangered mountain gorillas, museums that document the country’s tragic past, and indigenous cultures in its remote villages, there are so many things to see and do in Rwanda. Here’s a list of the top highlights that should definitely be part of your tour!

Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilized greatly. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around the country and tourism is on the rise. Enjoy a seamless and stress-free Rwanda vacation with some basic safety guidelines compiled by our team.

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Flying Off The Bookshelf

25 Books Set In + About Rwanda

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This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

rwanda tourist book

Sometimes we read books to escape, but sometimes we read books to learn. And that’s mostly what this list of books about Rwanda is for. Rwanda is a fascinating country with a traumatic history. You probably best know it for the 1994 genocide, where Hutus murdered their Tsutsi neighbors in massive numbers. (If you are unfamiliar with that event, aside from these books I also highly recommend the Frontline documentary Ghosts of Rwanda , which I think I watched in about three different high school classes.)

But of course the history is deeper than just that event. And the culture and geography of Rwanda also offers the stories of mountain gorillas and African folktales. If you want to learn more about Rwanda, then this book list is a great place to start.

Fiction Set in Rwanda

Baking cakes in kigali by gaile parkin.

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In Kigali, Angel’s kitchen becomes the center of her family and community. And for those that gather to eat her cakes and listen to Angel’s wisdom, unexpected events begin to take place and their lives are changed. For fans of warm, big-hearted novels that also deal with serious issues.

A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali by Gil Courtemanche, Translated by Patricia Claxton

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Bernard Valcourt is a foreign journalist at a hotel in Kigali who begins a relationship with hotel waitress Gentille, a Tutsi woman. When the genocide begins, Bernard tries to help Gentille escape. But things don’t go as planned. For fans of contemporary and literary fiction.

Our Lady of the Nile by Scholastique Mukasonga

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Set 15 years before Rwanda’s genocide, this boarding school novel reveals the Hutu and Tutsi tensions as reflected in the lives of young women at the school. There are Hutus learning prejudice, Tutsis trying to find their place in a school where they are discriminated against, and a country heading toward civil war. For fans of literary fiction and boarding school novels.

Small Country by Gaël Faye

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While this novel is technically set in Burundi, Rwanda is an important part of this story. Gabriel is 10 years old and has a happy childhood in Burundi with his Rwandan mother and French father. But soon Burundi, and then Rwanda, erupt in war and unrest and Gabriel’s life is upended. For fans of literary fiction.

Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron

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Jean Patrick Nkuba is determined to be an Olympic runner, and he spends his days running across his country. But he is a Tutsi in a Rwanda that is growing increasingly hostile to his ethnic group, and his dedication to his sport just might save him. For fans of contemporary novels.

In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills by Jennifer Haupt

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This novel begins with the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, when a woman moves to Africa after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and then takes us all the way to post-genocide Rwanda, when another woman travels to Rwanda searching for her father. This novel brings together three women and their history in a country trying to heal. For fans of literary and historical fiction.

Get more book lists! Check out these books set in South Africa!

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Non-Fiction Books About Rwanda

Cockroaches by scholastique mukasonga, translated by jordan stump.

rwanda tourist book

Rwandan-born author Scholastique Mukasonga has become a well-known literary voice when it comes to the genocide. In this brief book she tells not just her family’s story of that event, but delves into her family’s exile in Rwanda in the 1960s. This is for readers who want short and reflective books and don’t mind trauma.

The Barefoot Woman by Scholastique Mukasonga, Translated by Jordan Stump

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Another book from Mukasonga, this short non-fiction title focuses on the life of her mother and the strength to survive she showed during their exile within Rwanda. She tells about life in the exile village, from the way women banded together to how they grew the crops they needed. While it is bookended with mentions of the genocide, this book is good for readers who want to learn more about Rwanda but aren’t sure they can handle the trauma found in the pages of Mukasonga’s Cockroaches .

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

rwanda tourist book

Beginning in 1967, Dian Fossey dedicated her life to studying Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. She founded the Karisoke Research Center and spent her time contacting gorillas groups and working to stop poaching. This is her memoir of her time in Rwanda, and is both a fascinating story of a woman’s dedication and the behavior of gorillas. The fact that this book was written both before Fossey was murdered in 1985 and before the genocide of 1994 lends a bit of foreboding to this reading experience. This book is for fans of animals and books about subjects you didn’t know you wanted to know so much about.

The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil

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Clemantine Wamariya escaped the 1994 genocide with her sister, Claire. But their future afterwards had its own share of hardships: poverty, abuse, and refugee camps. Eventually they made their way to the U.S., and Clemantine went on to find a loving family and graduate from Yale. This is a story about immigration and what it takes to rebuild your life after unthinkable tragedy. For fans of memoirs

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch

rwanda tourist book

In this award winning book, Gourevitch collects stories of the 1994 genocide, both from the victims and the perpetrators. There are chilling accounts, but he also looks into the future, wondering what will become of Rwanda post-genocide and if the nation can find a hopeful future. (And if you read it, it’s important to note it was published in 1999, so Rwanda has now had more than two decades to answer this question.) For fans of non-fiction and real-life accounts of true events.

A Thousand Hills: Rwanda’s Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It by Stephen Kinzer

rwanda tourist book

This book focuses on the life on Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, beginning when he was almost killed with his family in the “practice genocide” of 1959. And while it details his life, it is also an account of Rwanda’s history, the years of tension that led to genocide, and what Rwanda’s future may look like. For fans of biographies and politics.

Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak by Jean Hatzfeld

rwanda tourist book

Several years after the 1994 genocide, Jean Hatzfeld traveled to Rwanda and spent time interviewing Hutus who had participated in the massacres, trying to understand how humanity broke down so fully. Readers describe this book as chilling, and it’s definitely for people who can confront the worst of humanity.

Life Laid Bare: The Survivors in Rwanda Speak by Jean Hatzfeld, Translated by Linda Coverdale

rwanda tourist book

In a follow-up to Machete Season , here Hatzfeld speaks to survivors of the genocide, recounting their horrifying tales. He focuses on one area of Rwanda in-particular, the Bugesera, which was one of the hardest hit with the killings. This book is for you if you want real-life accounts of what living through the genocide was like.

The Antelope’s Strategy: Living in Rwanda After the Genocide by Jean Hatzfeld, Translated by Linda Coverdale

rwanda tourist book

Another book by Hatzfeld, in this one we get stories from both Tutsis and Hutus who are living together side-by-side in a post-genocide Rwanda. Hatzfeld’s interviews with these Rwandans reveal the challenges they face in trying to find reconciliation and whether or not they will be able to move on. (Note that this was released in 2010.) For readers interested in humanity, sociology, and what it takes to live into the future after trauma.

Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Roméo Dallaire

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Before the genocide happened, the UN sent peacekeepers to the country hoping to ease tensions. Despite their efforts, the mission largely failed. Dallaire was the force commander for the UN during the genocide, and in this memoir he conveys what he witnessed, the efforts he made to save people while being denied resources, and his PTSD that resulted from his experience there. For fans of military-related memoirs.

Inside the Hotel Rwanda: The Surprising True Story…and Why It Matters Today by Edouard Kayihura and Kerry Zukus

rwanda tourist book

If you saw the movie Hotel Rwanda , this book is a good example why it’s important to take the history we learn from Hollywood with a grain of salt. Many genocide survivors who were at the famous Hotel des Milles Collines have issues with the way their experience, and the life of the man who ran the hotel, were portrayed. For readers who want to dig deeper into this historical event.

Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr

rwanda tourist book

In 1949, Rosamond Halsey Carr moved to Africa with her husband. When they divorced some years later, she bought a flower plantation in Rwanda and continued living there. In this account of her life and her time in Rwanda we get everything from wildlife encounters, her friendship with Dian Fossey, her experience in the genocide, and the orphanage she ran after the genocide. For fans of autobiography and memoir.

Road Trip Rwanda: A Journey Into the New Heart of Africa by Will Ferguson

rwanda tourist book

Twenty years after the genocide, Will Ferguson travels to Rwanda along with a friend who had escaped the country just before the genocide began. They spend their time traveling across the country, seeing how it has changed since the historic massacres. For fans of travel memoirs.

“A Problem from Hell”: America and the Age of Genocide by Samantha Power

rwanda tourist book

If you want to understand more about genocide and America’s failure to act to stop genocides in other countries, you’ll want to read this book from Samantha Power. Here she focuses on both the genocides in Bosnia and Rwanda and examines where and why America failed to intervene. For fans of political books.

Children’s Books About Rwanda

Sebgugugu the glutton: a bantu tale from rwanda by verna aardema, illustrated by nancy l. clouse.

rwanda tourist book

Finding children’s books about Rwanda is not an easy challenge, but this older book (which, interestingly, came out before the genocide) offers a traditional folktale from Rwanda for kids about a greedy man who won’t listen to his wife. Recommended ages: 5-8 years.

Gorillas – Gentle Giants of the Forest by Joyce Milton, Illustrated by Bryn Barnard

rwanda tourist book

If you want to teach your kids about Rwanda, gorillas are a great kid-friendly place to go. This book shares interesting gorilla facts in text that parents can either read aloud or newly independent readers can read for themselves. Recommended ages: 5-8 years.

Middle Grade and YA Books About Rwanda

Unforgotten -the wild life of dian fossey and her relentless quest to save mountain gorillas by anita silvey.

rwanda tourist book

This National Geographic Kids book explores the life of Dian Fossey and her determination to study and save mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The book includes photographs kids will love and tells the story of her work and connection with the gorillas. Recommended ages: 8-12 years.

Primates -The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, Illustrated by Maris Wicks

rwanda tourist book

While this book isn’t entirely about Rwanda, a good chunk of it, the part following Dian Fossey, is. This graphic novel follows these three famous primatologists as they embark on their research, face challenges, and make important scientific discoveries. Recommended ages: 12-18 years.

Broken Memory: A Novel of Rwanda by Elisabeth Combres

rwanda tourist book

Young adult novels about Rwanda are (like children’s books) a little hard to find. But this one, about a girl who escapes after her mother is killed and must learn to heal from the trauma she has witnessed, might fit the bill if you are looking for a Rwanda book for teenagers. Recommended ages: 13-17 years.

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Home > Rwanda > Rwanda Itinerary Guide

Rwanda Itinerary Guide: Honest Advice for Planning an Awesome Trip

Rwanda itinerary guide cover image of Chris and Kim at Lake Kivu

Where to R wander ?

This Rwanda itinerary guide is one of four Unconventional Route blog posts about Rwanda. The others are Rwanda travel tips , Rwanda's pros and cons , and hiking Mount Bisoke .

Even though Rwanda's a small country, you can't squeeze it all into a single trip. So to help you decide what to include in your Rwanda itinerary and what to leave out, here's our experience.

For each of Rwanda's top tourist regions that we visited during our eight-day trip, we'll share why you might want to add it to your itinerary, why not, and our favorite things to do and see.

Combine our experiences and opinions with advice from your friends who've been before and what other bloggers and guides say. Adjust for your personal preferences, budget, and timeline. And have a Rwand a-full time.

In This Rwanda Itinerary Guide

Why add each of the following areas to your Rwanda itinerary, why not, and what to do, eat, and see at each (based on our limited experience).

Volcanoes National Park

  • Nyungwe National Park

A Better Rwanda Travel Guide than Ours

rwanda tourist book

Bradt's Rwanda travel guide has more and better information than any other out there, our site included.

Read it cover to cover before you go (one of our top travel tips ), and bring it with you.

Quick Disclosure: Ruzizi, Karenge, La Locanda, and Macheo gave us free stays because we asked them (they had good reviews). We told them we'd give them some photos and say we stayed with them on this blog in exchange.

Kigali modern Schokala cafe

Rwanda's capital is by far the country's biggest city but far from a metropolis; it's more of a large-scale suburb.

Why Add It to Your Itinerary?

✓  inevitability.

You're probably flying into and/or out of Kigali's airport and all Rwandan roads go through the capital, so you'd have to try hard to avoid it.

✓  Cosmopolitan Rwanda

Kigali has by far the best and most varied options for shopping, dining, partying, sleeping, and everything-ing in the country.

Nyamirambo Womens center

Why Not Add It to Your Itinerary?

✗  nothing special.

Rwanda's other attractions are more worth your time. Unless you have days to kill, rather than include Kigali in your itinerary, let it fill in the gaps. See and do Kigali's attractions in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings you happen to be passing through.

Things to Do and See We Liked (So You Might Like Them, Too)

The genocide memorial.

The final resting place for 250,000 Rwandans who were murdered during the 1994 genocide. The museum will overwhelm you with poignancy, but it won't overwhelm you with information. We felt the videos and displays are just the right amount of information to understand and feel what happened.

It'll take an hour or two to see all of it. Visits are by donation.

Khana Kazan Restaurant

By our last night in the country, we'd had our fill of Rwandan food, so this Indian restaurant hit the spot. And it hit hard. The food was delicious, the servings were much bigger than expected, and they really mean it when they say, "spicy." For 40k RWF (~40 USD), we stuffed ourselves silly and had two beers each.

Question Coffee

Kim loved the coffee in Rwanda and Question's was unquestionably her favorite. There's only one location in Kigali but you'll get a taste of it at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters if you do any treks there.

Kigali City Tower

We didn't go because of bad weather, but an expat we talked to said that when the weather's nice so is the view.

She pointed out that it emblemizes the country: it looks clean and modern from the outside but inside, where the offices are mostly empty, something's off.

It's free to go up. Don't let the guards tell you otherwise.

Where to Stay

Not where we stayed.

On our first night in Kigali, the hotel we stayed at tried to overcharge us. On our last night, we found baby cockroaches all over the floor and bed frame and had to evacuate to another last-ditch hostel.

Maybe try Step Town Hotel . A lady we met in Nyungwe , who comes regularly to work on her nonprofit, Boundless Peace, told us the manager's fantastic and will give you all the Rwanda travel tips you need ( but check ours, too ). Our fault for not heeding her advice.

Pair of male impalas fight head to head

Akagera National Park

On Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is a game park that, like the rest of the country, is steadily recovering and repopulating after being devastated by the genocide.

If you want to include Akagera in your Rwanda travel itinerary, we highly recommend spending a night or two so you can drive the length of the park from south to north before returning to Kigali.

✓  It's not a zoo

The park may not yet have the same quantity of wild animals but it doesn't have nearly the same quantity of human animals either, so it feels wilder.

Lee, an American pediatric doctor we met at Karenge Camp , comes to Rwanda once or twice a year and never misses Akagera when he does. He prefers the safaris there over all the other game parks he's been to in Africa with his Rwandan friend and guide, Charles Karenzi .

✓  Support the cause

The money you spend at Akagera ($50 US per day park entry + $12 US for your vehicle) crucially supports the rehabilitation and protection of the park and its animals.

Zebra mother and baby in the tall brush.

✗  Fewer animals

For example, seeing elephants in Akagera is a big deal whereas in other parks we've been to in Namibia , South Africa , and Kenya they're abundant.

✗  Time limitations

You need at least two days to comfortably experience Akagera. It takes three hours to get to from Kigali, five hours to drive through from the south gate to the north one, and four hours to get back from. So if you only have a few days in Rwanda, you'll want to prioritize the mountains, jungles, and lakes that make the country unique.

Tip: If you stay for two nights, we recommend staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge in the South for your first night and Karenge Bush Camp in the North.

✗  You need your own car

If you're not renting a car for your Rwanda travels, getting to and around Akagera will be too difficult and expensive.

If you are renting a car, see our Rwanda travel tips post for some advice based on our experience.

Kilala Plain full of animals

Kilala Plain

Kilala Plain is a long way from the south of the park, where the entrance and most hotels are, but is worth it as there's less dense brush so you can spot more animals.

Driving down the hill into Kilala plain was exactly the African safari experience you might imagine. We saw herds of buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, zebra, and buck everywhere. And, unlike in other African game parks, we could actually get out of our car and have a picnic among them!

Imigongo Art Cafe

On the drive between Kigali and Akagera, we stopped for a quick pick-me-up of meatballs, samosas, and banana bread (all 500 RWF each) and freshly made coffee (1,500 RWF).

Wild Nights

A night or two in Akagera is worth it for the animal noises, clear starry nights, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and campfire conversations.

Kim walks into Ruzizi Tented Camp

Ruzizi Tented Camp

Our only disappointment from Ruzizi Tented Camp was that none of the hippos or crocodiles came to graze or relax on the grass in front of our lakeside luxury tent, which apparently occurs frequently. Kim did send me out of bed to investigate some late-night rustling just outside our tent, though.

Ruzizi exceeded our expectations otherwise. Glamping on our own private swathe of lakefront jungle felt adventurous, the fireside dinner on the lakeside dock was delicious, and the sunrise at breakfast was as spectacular as the balls of the vervet monkeys that watched us eat were blue.

Chris reading at Karenge Bush Camp

Karenge Bush Camp

Karenge is on a hill overlooking Kilala plain at the end of a rough road through leopard territory and swarms of tsetse flies (don't worry, they disperse as soon as you park). There are only six two-person sleeping tents and one main dining tent, all of which are made without cement or other permanent construction materials to leave a minimal footprint.

Despite the basic facilities, Karenge Bush Camp is luxurious in its own way. Each tent (and its accompanying shower and toilet) has a pristine view over the plain, the staff go out of their way to make sure you're enjoying yourself, and the dinners are delectable.

Tip : Charge our camera and phone batteries before staying here. The nearest plug is 20 minutes away at the old park entrance building.

Mount bisoke hiking group at Volcanoes National Park

The name, Volcanoes National Park, buries the lede. Sure, there are volcanoes, but this place is all about the gorillas.

Musanze, Rwanda's third or fourth biggest city, is 30 minutes away. Mid and low-budget travelers typically base their visit from there. Those who don't think twice about the $1,500 US fee to hang with gorillas tend to stay in more remote camps closer by.

✓  Gorillas

✓  tourist friendly(-er).

Thanks to all the tourist attention and money the gorillas attract, the area around Musanze and Volcanoes National Park has the most developed tourism infrastructure in Rwanda. That's not saying much, but it is easier to find other things to do, see, and eat here than elsewhere in the country.

Chris drinking free coffee at the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters

✗  Uganda and Congo are less extraordinarily expensive

Gorilla trekking costs a lot more in Rwanda, 1,500 USD, than in neighboring countries. It costs 600 USD in Uganda and 450 USD in Congo.

✗  Not much to see in Musanze

We didn't find much appeal to the busy city of Musanze itself.

Chris and Kim smiling on the Mount Bisoke hike

Mount Bisoke Hike

The hike up Mount Bisoke turned out to be a lot more than we bargained for, in both good ways (gorillas!) and bad (mud and fog!). We don't recommend it to everyone, as we share in our practical guide ( /warning ) to the hike .

Italian Food at La Locanda

The three-course meals (13,000 RWF) we had in our guesthouse's relaxing restaurant, which is open to the public, hit the spot after our hike. Apparently, the pizza's even better, but they only make it when there are ten or more people.

La Paillotte

Despite its name, this restaurant's pretty much the opposite of French. Service is friendly and meals are reasonably fast, surprisingly cheap, and enormously portioned.

Not knowing this, we ordered a 1,500 RWF guacamole salad for a starter. Out came a whole soup bowl full of pure, if slightly too peppery, guac. After devouring it, there was no way we could also finish the 5,000 RWF daily menu of soup, a heaping main course, and dessert.

Nyirangarama Akabanga HQ

Nyirangarama HQ is along the road between Kigali and Musanze. Legend has it that it's on the exact spot where around 1983 a man named Sina Gerard began selling snacks to passersby. His customers particularly enjoyed his hot sauce, so he started selling it on its own. And people didn't stop buying it.

Today, you'll find the eyedropper bottles of his Akabanga hot sauce on nearly every dining table in Rwanda and the highway where he started is now the headquarters of his empire.

Buy some 500 RWF bottles of Akabanga to take home. Or buy some of his Rwandan wine for 8,000 RWF or 14% alcohol banana beer for 1,000 RWF. (But only do so if you're curious because we promise it tastes nasty). Teetotalers can try his Agashya passion fruit juice instead.

La Locana restaurant in Muzanze

Somewhere with lots of warm water and fast laundry

We were grateful to have a strong warm shower and a fireplace waiting for us amidst the peaceful gardens of La Locanda after getting scratched, bruised, and filthy dirty trekking in Volcanoes National Park. They also did our laundry for us in the evening after we returned, so we didn't have to carry muddy gear with us for the rest of our trip.

We were too exhausted to deal with going out for dinner, so it was also a relief to eat at their aforementioned restaurant.

Lake Kivu rainbow

Africa's eighth biggest lake by area and the world's seventeenth biggest by volume , Lake Kivu is landlocked Rwanda's top destination for relaxing by the water.

✓  Rwandan beach life

The cheap plastic beach chairs, beer-branded umbrellas, and palapa at Gisenyi's Tam Tam Beach's grill and the pool and beach chairs at Lake Serena Hotel next door felt like any tropical seaside destination, minus the salt.

✓  Swimming

The water's refreshing and no hippos or crocodiles live in the lake.

✓  Fish

Eat some fresh-from-the-lake fish, catch your own on a night fishing tour with local fishermen, or swim with them in the pleasantly-temperatured waters.

✓  Views

Rwanda's luscious hills are more impressive when they're reflected in the lake below.

Lake Kivu blue monkey

✗  A bit boring

The Lake Kivu area teeters on the fine line between relaxing and boring. Once we did our boat tour with Emmanuel (see below), we had a hard time finding things to do other than chill.

✗  The lake may explode

A cloud of CO2 and methane sit at the bottom of the lake, held down by the massive weight of the water above it. If were to ever squeeze out onto the top in what's called a limnic eruption , it would be the world's deadliest fart, creating a cloud of deadly suffocating gas.

Hiking to the top of Napolean's Hat on Lake Kivu with friends, one of our Rwanda itinerary guide top recommendations.

For 20,000 RWF an hour, you can hire a captain to boat your around to feed monkeys, startle fruit bats, hike hills, spot birds, and swim and chill on the Kivu Lake's islands.

As with any tour, your enjoyment will largely depend on the quality of your guide. For that reason, we recommend reaching out to Emmanuel of Blue Monkey Tours . He's a go-getter who speaks good English and understands the importance of delivering word-of-mouth-worthy service. He can also guide you on the Congo-Nile trail and Mount Kibuye.

Hike the hills

On our last morning in the Lake Kivu area, we didn't know what to do, so we opened Maps.Me, looked around for signs of trails, and picked out one (this one) near Kibuye that looked to take us up to the top of a hill.

While the trail vanished halfway up, we found our way to the top without too much difficulty. The 360-degree view of Kibuye and Kivu from up top was fantastic, walking in the rural countryside and greeting the people there was wonderful, and our swim in the lake afterward, was extra refreshing.

Try the sambaza fish at Lake Kivu as part of your Rwanda itinerary and trip.

Sambaza are sardine-like fish endemic to Lake Kivu. I had them at every opportunity. Kim didn't because she refuses to eat any sort of small fish. Too bad because I bet if she had sampled them the surprisingly un-fishy flavor and lack of bones might have changed her mind.

Sunset drinks

Being on the eastern edge of a big lake you often can't see the other side of makes for magnificent sunsets.

Kibuye's swanky Cormoran Lodge gives you a great vantage point and, aside from the 4,000 RWF coffees, the restaurant is a reasonably good deal for dinner after.

Paradis Malahide

We met our friends here, just south of Gisenyi, after their Congo volcano crater trek . The food didn't impress too much but the location on the lake certainly did.

Sauna and swimming

A hot tip from a Canadian Rwanda resident we met in Nyungwe: Moriah Hill Resort in Kibuye has a Finnish-built sauna. For around 6,000 RWF you can spend as long as you want jumping between it and the lake.

A freshwater version of our adventures in Coron, Philippines , paddling from island to island, would make for a great day for those who, like us, like to stay fit and active while traveling . We missed out on it because we didn't realize it was a possibility until the day we had to leave.

Consider the Congo

Tours of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park depart from the Gisenyi-Goma border.

Our good friend and fellow pretiree , Francisco, did a two-day, one-night hike up Mount Nyiragongo before meeting up with us. By his account, and that of others we read online, the sight of the bubbling lava at night is as much a once-in-a-lifetime experience as gorilla trekking, which you can also do in Congo for cheaper than in Rwanda.

Macheo Eco Lodge in Kibuye Lake Kivu

Macheo Ecolodge

We enjoyed decent food, cold beers, nice views, a quiet vibe, and friendly staff at this tidy little budget hilltop eco-llodge and campsite .

Gisenyi vs. Kibuye

Gisenyi's more developed than Kibuye and more popular with weekending Kigalians, so if you want to party and generally have more action and things to do, Gisenyi's a better bet. It's also a couple of hours closer to Musanze and Volcanos National Park than Kibuye.

Kibuye's smaller for a quieter spot and for those continuing on to Nyungwe. And the road between Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Nyungwe is freshly paved.

Nyungwe forest and tea plantations

Pronounced kneeooong-way , this national park in the southwest of Rwanda is the largest montane forest in East and Central Africa. It's also believed to be one of the oldest in Africa, so evolution has had tons of time to work its diversity-creating wonder.

✓  Beautiful views

The mist evaporating off of Nyungwe's rugged mountain jungles is a show-stopper. Or a drive-stopper. While driving towards and through the park, we parked our car on multiple occasions to take it in. And the sunrise views from Kitabe EcoCenter were the best of our entire Rwanda trip.

✓  Fresh air

The forest filtered air feels extra fresh and invigorating in densely-populated Rwanda, where every last parcel of non-parkland is some type of farm.

Morning mist at Kitabi in Nyungwe Forest

✗  Out of the Way

Adding Nyungwe to your Rwanda itinerary may be a bit of stretch if you're only coming for a short trip to see the gorillas and maybe hang out at the lake a bit. It takes at least four hours to get there from Gisenyi, another hour to drive through, and at least another four hours back to Kigali.

✗  The Expense

The hikes cost 40 USD each and the accommodation is expensive for what you get. For instance, a rustic hut at Kitabi Eco-Center with shared bucket showers and no internet (but an amazing view!) costs close to 50 USD a night. The One&Only 's more luxurious—we pretended to be interested in staying the night to have the chance to check it out—but costs 1,799 USD.

Mountain monkey in Nyungwe Forest

Free Jungle Game Drive

You have no choice but to drive slowly along the 50km paved road that cuts straight through Nyungwe because of the 40km/h speed limit 40km/h, but if you're like us you'll go even slower. That way you have a better chance of spotting some of the forest's 13 species of primate, 275 birds, 85 mammals, 32 amphibians, and 38 reptiles.

Sunrise views at Kitabi Eco Lodge

Sunset and sunrise at Kitabi Ecocenter

The One&Only on one side of Nyungwe National Park may be many levels of luxury above Kitabi Ecocenter on the other, but no matter how much you pay you can't top the views from Kitabi.

Jungle walks and hiking

We decided against squeezing a hike in Nyungwe's 130 kilometers worth of trails into our Rwanda travel itinerary (and squeezing out the 40 USD each to do so). A fellow Canadian we met who lives in the area and comes regularly to explore them told us (politely) that was a bad decision.

Be sure to include the Inyambo cows as part of your Rwanda itinerary

Inyambo Cows

Break up the four-plus hour drive between Nyungwe's eastern entrance and Kigali with a stop at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza and pay 3,000 RWF to hang out with enormously horny Inyambo cows.

Cafe Connexion and Inzozi Nziza

Two more spots to stop at between Nyungwe and Kigali. Both are in Huye (Butare).

Cafe Connexion's goal is to get Rwandans to start consuming the coffee they produce by charging low prices (500 RWF) for high-quality coffee.

Inzozi Nziza was closed when we went by, which is too bad because multiple people raved to us about it.

Kitabi at Nyungwe Forest

Kitabi Ecocenter

Kitabi Ecocenter is a work in progress, but it has the makings of a masterpiece. The staff is fantastic, the traditional huts are unique, the buffet dinners are satisfying, and the social vibe is a welcome change from other lonely corners of the country. And, as already mentioned, the views are incomparable.

The American owner told us the cold bucket showers would change our lives. We tried and we're not convinced.

What's Your Plan?

Leave a comment with any questions we might be able to help you with planning your Rwanda travel itinerary. Don't miss our other three blog posts on Rwanda (links below). And please share your own suggestions, opinions, and experiences for other readers' benefit.

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Need help planning your trip and travel itinerary to Rwanda? Let us help with this in-depth guide to Rwanda.

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6 thoughts on “Rwanda Itinerary Guide: Honest Advice for Planning an Awesome Trip”

Hi there, Since you are experienced travel-bloggers….maybe you can advise me….62 years old and travelling the world for 40 years mostly alone as a female traveler I turned to the " real Africa" just during Covid times…spent 3 months this year traveling Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo…..after some devestating experiences with two local tour operators ( lonely planet rec.) in Rwanda/ Congo….security wise but also moneywise ( lack of professional stuff probably due to covid human ressources shortage in the labour market) … I wonder….is there a website where you get advise how to make sure that your not ordinary travel plans and routes in Rwanda etc. will not turn out an " emotional disaster"….since I don't have the " protection " of economic shared interests…….maybe you know the " website landscape" better than I do… Thank's for replying…

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences, Wieland. It's hard to offer any tips without better understanding what kind of "emotional disasters" you're talking about. What comes to mind first and foremost is talking to fellow travelers on the ground and getting tips and recommendations from them. Warnings, too. They're more reliable than any blog, including mine.

Hi Chris, Thanks for your great blog! I'm staying for a few months in Gisenyi right now and just found your blog. I am very curious to the hike you did near Kibuye, but the website you link there is not working for me. Do you maybe have a working link for me so that I can check out the hike? Thanks!

Hey Laura. Thanks for letting me know of the broken link. Turns out I had the location of the top of the hill saved on my Google Maps, so I've updated the link in the post with it. The path's not on Google Maps, but maybe if you open up another hiking app (Maps.Me, AllTrails, Wikiloc, etc) and look there you'll find it. Enjoy

Hi Chris! Thank you for all this very useful information! We are soon going to Rwanda and still cannot decide whether to visit the Volcanoes National Park (although we wouldn't buy the gorilla permit, so would "just" do the Mount Bisoke hike), or to go to the Nyungwee National Park. We have set that it would only be one of these options since we don't have that much time. We like hikes and have never seen the wildlife that both places offer, so would not know how to prioritize (the distance also doesn't matter much). What would you say was the most worthy to you? Many thanks in advance! Daniela

Hi Daniela! We didn't hike in Nyungwe, so can't give a strong recommendation either way. In the jungle, you rarely see that many animals (nothing close to in a safari), so best to pick whichever hike has the most of everything you want aside from animals and doing that. Then, if you spot some monkeys, exotic birds, or gorillas, that'll be a big bonus.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

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11 Best places to visit in Rwanda

Discover the best places to visit in Rwanda , often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"! The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa , known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also because of its notorious history regarding the horrific genocide only 20 years ago (1994).

When I visited Rwanda, I really felt the country came back stronger, doing everything in its power to put the natural beauty of Rwanda back on the map. Recognizing their turbulent past, they’ve built a new stronger foundation where every Rwandan citizen strives to be at peace with one another. They also work closely together to keep their country clean. It’s literally the cleanest country I’ve seen in Africa!  

Top place to visit in Rwanda including Volcanoes Unesco Site

Among tourists, Rwanda is best known for its endangered gorillas in Volcanoes National Park . However, with 4 national parks, 2 UNESCO sites and cultural heritage, there is much more to see in Rwanda than mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours . It's a beautiful green destination with breathtaking views and wonderful wildlife (including the Big Five ) that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Rwanda even has its own airline RwandAir , so spread your wings and explore these 11 best places to visit in Rwanda :

Kigali is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda

Since most people fly to the bustling capital city of Kigali , why not start with Kigali as one of the best places to visit in Rwanda? Kigali is the cleanest city in all of Africa, and something you'll notice as soon as you get out of the airport.

As a responsible traveler , one of the most important things to do in Kigali is visiting the Genocide Memorial to learn everything from Rwanda’s past; a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Rwanda

The memorial is located in the Gisozi neighborhood and includes a museum, mass graves, and a research center. It’s an emotional visit and impossible to not shed a tear when you enter the the children’s room dedicated to the young victims of the genocide. In this room, you can read very personal details like what these children wanted to become when they grow up, favorite books, and things to do. Realizing that this only happened two decades ago and that similar horrific things are still happening in other parts of our planet, is hard to imagine.

Genocide Memorial in Kigali Rwanda

Other interesting things to do in Kigali is visiting the Kigali City Tower that offers panoramic views over the city, viewing local artworks at the Inema Art Center or visit the traditional Caplaki Crafts Village where you can learn about the traditional Rwandan culture, buy handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy traditional dance performances. The Kimironko Market is another tip when you like to buy locally made souvenirs.

There are also some really good restaurants and bars to enjoy the nightlife in Kigali's City Center . We for example had dinner in Atelier Du Vin , a delightful place to have a generous taste of wine paired with delicious food and great views over the city.

M Hotel Kigali

Where to stay in Kigali?

There are several options of hotels in Kigali. We stayed for example in the Kigali M-hotel , a 4-star business hotel in the Center of Kigali, located on a hill with views over the city, including an outdoor swimming pool. Another great place to stay is the Kigali Serena Hotel with a lovely extensive breakfast-buffet and a huge tropical looking swimming pool.

Kigali Serena Hotel

Four Points Kigali is also an option and apart from these well-known hotel brands, you can also find several budget options and cozy Bed & Breakfasts to stay in Kigali city.

2. Umusambi Village Conservancy

Umusambi Village is a great place to visit in Rwanda

Umusambi Village Conservancy is Rwanda’s first wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve, home to disabled Grey-crowned cranes that are rescued from illegal wildlife trade and captivity. The Grey-Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and has a prominent place on Uganda's flag.

Grey Crowned Crane Umusambi Village

In Umusambi Village in Rwanda, they give these beautiful cranes that are unable to return into the wild a second chance to enjoy nature again in a restored 21-hectare wetland area .

Umusambi Village Rwanda

Visitors can enjoy several walking trails, while also learning about Umusambi's conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the natural environment. I only had a short walk, but I would love to visit again to explore more of the wetland.

The sanctuary is run by the non-profit Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) raising awareness for conservation issues. One of their goals is to engage and educate local communities and improve livelihoods.

Umusambi Village Grey Crowned Crane Conservation

You can also make a donation to Umusambi Village and RWCA , to help secure the future of vulnerable wildlife and their environment in Rwanda.

3. Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

One of the most popular activities in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The country is home to over half of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Although the number of gorillas is slowly rising due to conservation efforts, they are still endangered and need 24/7 protection. That makes it a privilege we are able to go on guided treks to see these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda

The trekking can be challenging, but the experience of seeing a gorilla up close is truly unforgettable.

mountain gorilla tracking Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. Enough reasons to be listed as one of the best places to see in Rwanda.

Mother and Baby Gorilla on Gorilla safari in Rwanda

Like to go on a Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ? Obtain your gorilla permit at 1500 USD in advance as there are limited spots on the daily gorilla treks. Tracking these gorillas usually takes around 4-6 hours of which you spend a maximum of one hour with a habituated Gorilla family. In my case, we tracked the Kwitonda Gorilla family ; a family of 17 mountain gorillas, including a baby gorilla, living on the Gahinga mountain in Volcanoes National Park.

Baby Gorilla Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Visiting these endangered great apes means you’re making a difference in protecting and preserving their vulnerable lives.

Gorilla Fact: Did you know there are currently only 1060 gorillas left in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

But aren't these Gorilla permits super expensive? Yes, I agree that 1500 USD for a Rwanda trekking permit is high. But have you ever thought about how hard and risky it must be to protect one of our closest relatives on earth for 24 hours a day, 7 days in a week? Without all these rangers and organizations conserving our gorillas, it wouldn't be possible for us to see these mountain gorillas in the wild as they would have been extinct. Buying a gorilla trekking permit is honestly a wonderful way to give back to nature for what nature has given to us.

Gorilla Conservation by Rangers in Volcanoes National Park

A way of giving back to the community is hiring a local porter who will help you carry your bag or steady you during the hike.

Hire a porter on Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

  RELATED: my Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

Musanze Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Musanze is a small town nearby Volcanoes National Park. The town is a perfect base for your gorilla trekking safari . If you are up for a cultural experience, you can also visit the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.  Here, you will learn more about the traditional way of life of local Rwandans and enjoy their traditional dance performances.

Where to stay in Musanze or Kinigi?

Where to stay for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

A good affordable place to stay in Musanze, is the Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge ; a boutique hotel in Kinigi. Most of the tourists staying there, are participating in a gorilla trekking experience. They also have a small poolside to relax after your gorilla trek. The nice thing about Tiloreza is that they also reach out to the community to support both environmental and educational efforts.

Another amazing place to stay is at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest .

5. Akagera National Park

Akagera National is a must visit Park for Big Five Game Drives

Managed by African Parks, Akagera National Park is located just 2,5 - 3 hours from Kigali in the eastern part of Rwanda and is known for its savannah plains, wetlands, and lakes boasting diverse wildlife. It’s one of Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

Hippos Akagera National Park

Popular things to do in Akagera are guided game drives or self-drives with stunning mountain views as backdrop, in search of lions, leopards, herds of elephants, zebras, antelopes and towers of giraffes, as well as boat trips to spot hippos, crocodiles, and many colorful birds.

safari in Akagera National Park

Akagera borders Tanzania , benefitting from the wildlife roaming freely between these two East African countries. The national park is becoming more popular to do a full-day game drive . Despite it’s the only national park in Rwanda where you can find the Big Five , it’s still rare to spot a rhino or lion. Some of the lodges in Akagera also offer walking safaris .

Big Five Safari Akagera National Park Rwanda

  Akagera Safari Tip:  Planning to do a self-drive in Akagera with your own car? Self-driving in Akagara is possible, but consider hiring a guide at the visitor center to increase your chances of finding certain animals. You can also book a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal animals. Night drives are only operated by the park’s vehicles.

Birds of Prey in Akagera National Park

The park has 5 swamp-fringed lakes that get their water supply from the Kagera River, flowing through the Eastern boundary of the national park to Uganda through Tanzania before emptying into Lake Victoria.

Lakes and swamp areas in Akagera National Park

Birdwatching lovers should visit Lake Shakani (400 bird species) and Lake Ihema (155 bird species), located in the southern section of Akagera National Park. At Lake Shakani, you can camp near the lake and take part in sports fishing. Lake Ihema is the biggest lake inside the park and popular for its boat safaris or sunset boat cruises.

Giraffe on safari Akagera National Park

Keep an eye out on the prehistoric and vulnerable-classified Shoebill stork that loves the papyrus-filled swamp-areas. According to BirdLife International , there are only 3.300 - 5.300 mature individuals left in the wild, and populations are on the decline.

Crocodiles Akagera National Park Rwanda

Want to experience Akagera from a bird's-eye view? Another memorable safari activity is a hot-air balloon safari in Akagera National Park.

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti (Tanzania)

fish eagles Akagera National Park

Where to stay in Akagera National Park?

Where to stay in Akagera National Park

I had a memorable stay in Akagera Game Lodge by Mantis , located inside the Akagera National Park. A beautiful lodge at the lake where you can watch a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

Lodge inside Akagera National Park Rwanda

We had a lovely outdoor dinner and after dinner we sat by the fire for a sundowner drink.

Another option in Akagera is the Akagera Transit Lodge , only 1 km from Akagera National Park.

6. Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park is a top tourist attraction in Rwanda

When in Rwanda, you can’t miss out on Nyungwe National Park . Most tourists visit the rainforest for chimpanzee trekking , but it isn’t the only reason why Nyungwe Forest is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda.

hiking nyungwe national park rwanda

Apart from tracking chimpanzees, you are able to spot Rwanda’s national animal, the rare Golden Monkey , and other primate species such as gray-cheeked mangabeys and baboons.

  RELATED: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

colorful birds in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

It’s an important conservation area in Africa with a special biodiversity of plant species, mammals, and over 300 species of birds. It’s one of the biggest montane forests remaining in Eastern Africa and visitors can take part in guided treks, canopy walks, and bird-watching tours.

Nyungwe Forest Suspension Bridge

Canopy Tour

The adventurous soul can opt for a canopy walk of 160 meter including a 90-meter-long suspension bridge with fantastic views over the rainforest on a height of 70 meters.

Canopy Walk Nyungwe Rainforest Rwanda

The first canopy walk is divided into 3 sections, where the first bridge is 45 meters long, the second suspension bridge is 90 meters long and the third is 25 meters long. I always love these canopy adventures. Read also about the Malolotja Canopy Tour in Eswatini .

Canopy Walk Nyungwe Forest Rwanda

To get to the starting point of the canopy walk, you first have a short 1 to 1,5 hours hike along the Igishigishigi Trail from the Uwinkla Visitor Center. If you’re not a fan of heights, there are various other hiking trails to choose from.

Chimpanzee trekking Nyungwe Forest Rwanda

While tackling the suspension bridge, I was also lucky to see a chimpanzee nest high up in the trees and the Great Blue Turaco ; a lovely blue-colored bird with a yellow beak. It’s the largest species of Turaco. I also spotted this incredible bird in the Magombe swamp in Uganda, protected by the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary near Kibale National Park.

Birding Nyungwe Forest Rwanda

It's worth noting that Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Definitely one of the must-visits when exploring Rwanda's land of a thousand hills!

7. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu places to visit Rwanda

Because of its natural beauty,  Lake Kivu is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the western part of Rwanda. The lake lies on the border of Rwanda and DRC. Visitors can go on boat trips to the many islands in Rwanda’s largest lake , go fishing or hike one of the trails around the lake to enjoy its emerald-green beauty.

Lake Kivu western Rwanda

You can even join water sport activities on the crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking with local fishermen entertaining you along the way. I also highly recommend visiting one of the nearby fishing villages on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Rural villagers at Lake Kivu Rwanda

The 2700 m2 pristine lake is also a perfect oasis to give yourself a bit of rest and unwind.

Where to stay at Lake Kivu?

Where to stay at Lake Kivu Rwanda

Great places to stay at Lake Kivu are the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel , located in the northern part of Lake Kivu in the resort town of Rubavu or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel in Muhari, a mere 1 km from Kamembe International Airport in the South West of Rwanda, where you can have your breakfast with stunning views over Lake Kivu.

Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Another great option to stay is Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel . I didn’t sleep there myself, but it was our lunch spot for the day with the best panoramic views of the emerald-green Lake Kivu I’ve seen. It was also the first hotel that served authentic Rwandan cuisine , and it was delicious!

Nyanza place to see in Rwanda

Formerly known as the heart of Rwanda, Nyanza has to be part of your Rwanda itinerary because of the historical Royal Palace and Ruins of Nyanza , which was home to the kings of the Kingdom of Rwanda. The King's Palace Museum is one of Rwanda’s six national museums and tells the history of the monarchy and the traditional culture of Rwanda. One of the main attractions within the museum is a beehive-shaped replica of the King’s Palace in the 15th century.

Kings Palace Museum Nyanza

Another cultural attraction are the sacred long-horned cows, known as Inyambo cattle. The cattle keepers sing to the Inyambo by belting poems - a unique ritual in Rwanda.

Inyambo Cattle Kings Palace Museum Nyanza

At the museum, you can also find King’s Mutara III Rudahigwa’s Palace ; a colonial building blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture. The Royal Palace of Rwanda is a must-see tourist attraction in the southern province of Rwanda to get a rich insight into Rwanda’s culture and post way of life.

Nyanza Cultural Experience at the Kings Palace

Very close to the King’s Palace in Nyanza you can find the Ethnographic Museum , previously referred to as Rwanda’s National Museum. It’s a great way to combine these two museum-visits. In the Ethnographic Museum in Huye you can find one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections that give a rich insight into Rwandan culture. For example items used in hunting, agriculture, pottery, woodwork, weaving, traditional clothing, and more. You can also visit an on side craft center. Together with the Royal Palace Museum, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda .

Royal Palace in Nyanza Rwanda

10. RedRocks Initiative

Red Rocks Rwanda is an intercultural exchange center where the community comes first! They believe in responsible tourism that serves local Rwandans, providing them with opportunities and empowerment by sharing their unique culture. Red Rocks offers several tours, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities in their cultural centre situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and amazing views of Volcanoes National Park.

All community activities work on improving the community with focus on benefitting the quality of life of community people, something I really like! And for tourists like us, it means you will get involved in original humanistic traditional communities. The campsite at Red Rocks, even offers you the opportunity to stay for a longer period en become part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda .

Examples of Cultural Tours and Eco-Tourism are making banana beer (Kwenga ibitoki), sewing and bracelet lessons, basket weaving, honey harvesting experience of the bees they keep, village biking tours, community homestead walking tour, herbal medicinal plants visit experience, community tree planting, drumming and traditional dance, storytelling with dinner around the campfire and much more.

The Red Rocks site is very colorful with paintings everywhere and has a laidback vibe. It's an wonderful place where cultural tourism leads to community development; something you want to be part of as a responsible traveler!

11. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the newest national parks in the country and home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates. This 34 km2 national park in the western part of Rwanda is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails preserving one of the few remaining montane rainforests in Central Africa.

Gishwati Landscape Rwanda and Tea Plantations

Gishwati Forest is open for tourists who want to book a guided monkey and chimpanzee tracking tour to spot various primates, including the Golden Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest and approximately 20 chimpanzees. With over 230 bird species within the rainforest, this 4th national park of Rwanda is a great place to visit for bird and nature lovers.

Primates Rainforest Rwanda

Although Rwanda is a small country, there are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Rwanda that offer adventurous and unique things to do. It isn't named 'land of a thousand hills' for nothing. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours , a Rwandan-based tour company that offers various safari packages.

To sum it all up, I listed the  11 best places to see in the Republic of Rwanda below:

  • Umusambi Village
  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Akagera National Park
  • Nyungwe Forest
  • Red Rocks Initiative
  • Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Safari in Rwanda

On safari in Rwanda

I hope this article made you excited to go on safari in Rwanda , the land of a thousand hills. Still doubting if Rwanda is worth visiting or if it is safe in Rwanda? I also wrote a complete Rwanda Travel Guide , including the best time to visit Rwanda, travel requirements to Rwanda, and other things to know before you travel to Rwanda.

silverback on Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Curious about other places for safari in Africa? Check out my Africa Travel Guide !

Going on safari for the first time? Read about what to expect on a game drive and what to pack for a safari in Africa , including a downloadable safari packing guide .

Helpful article to plan your Rwanda safari?

If this article was helpful to plan your Rwanda itinerary, you could help us in return by sharing this article on your social media channels, leaving a comment, or buying us a coffee .

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I’m a NatGeo-published travel and wildlife photographer, and travel blogger on a mission to travel, explore, and capture the world with love and respect for our planet. I’m also a photo safari guide taking travel lovers on photography trips to Africa.I gave up my great position as a Policy Advisor at the government to follow my dreams. As a nature & wildlife enthusiast at heart, I feel at home in the African bush. It makes me feel humble, alive, and free. I understood my place in the world again and the important role we must play in maintaining our natural balance.In this busy world, we live in, I use my photography as an anchor to slow down and mindfully connect to nature, by observing and capturing our natural world from the heart, creating imagery that represents our wild nature & the true essence of life. To me, it's important to inspire others with our love for the natural world & its wildlife so that we can help preserve it for future generations.I believe that travel makes you a better person and enriches your life if you treat 'Mother Earth' and all its inhabitants the way you want to be treated, with love and respect!We hope you're enjoying our free travel tips and photos taken on our planet. If so, please consider supporting our work by buying us a coffee through https://ko-fi.com/ourplanetinmylens

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REMARKABLE RWANDA

Online permits/bookings, discover rwanda.

  • Volcanoes national park
  • Nyungwe national park
  • MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING
  • GOLDEN MONKEYS
  • VISIT OF THE TOMB OF DIAN FOSSEY
  • WALK IN NATURE
  • MUHABURA-GAHINGA
  • BUHANGA ECOLOGICAL PARK (ONE DAY WALK IN NATURE)
  • BUHANGA ECOLOGICAL PARK (PICNIC, INCLUDING CAMPING, FOR A DAY)
  • HIKING IN THE HEART OF THE GAHINGA, MUHABURA, BISOKE AND KARISIMBI VOLCANO CHAINS
  • GUIDED HIKES IN NATURE
  • GUIDED TROPICAL HIKING
  • GUIDED BIRD HIKING
  • GUIDED CANOPY ADVENTURE RIDE
  • GUIDED CONGO-NIL HIKING
  • HIKING-CHIMPANZE WITH GUIDES
  • OTHER PRIMATE HIKES WITH GUIDES

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11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to things to do in Rwanda, nearly every tourist has one activity at the top of their itinerary: gorilla trekking . The mystique of getting up close to creatures who share 99 percent of our DNA captivates travelers from around the world, and there's no better place than Rwanda to do it. The country has made serious strides in conservation to protect the animals.

But the chance to see these gentle giants is just the beginning of what Rwanda has to offer. Left ravaged by the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the country has made an impressive amount of progress in recent decades, becoming a peaceful, welcoming place to visit with plenty of things to do.

Nature lovers can go on safari in Akagera National Park and get a bird's-eye view of Nyungwe Forest from a canopy walk . If you're interested in culture, check out the fascinating exhibits on traditional customs and beliefs at Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum. Don't miss the royal cows (and the singers who croon to them) at the King's Palace Museum.

Make the most of your experience with our list of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

1. Volcanoes National Park

2. kigali genocide memorial, 3. nyungwe forest national park, 4. king's palace museum, 5. akagera national park, 6. lake kivu, 7. ethnographic museum, 8. gorilla guardians village, 9. explore kigali, 10. gishwati mukura national park, 11. nyamata genocide memorial, map of attractions & things to do in rwanda.

A mountain gorilla at Volcanoes National Park

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park . Sharing a border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this national park in Rwanda is home to a growing number of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Experts estimate that there are about 600 gorillas in the park–a significant increase from around 240-250 individuals in 1981.

To visit one of the 18 mountain gorilla families that have been habituated to humans, you'll need to obtain one of the limited number of daily trekking permits for $1,500. The easiest way to do it is through a reputable tour operator, who can also arrange transportation from Kigali to the park headquarters .

The trekking experience typically lasts between four and eight hours, most of which is spent hiking through mystical bamboo forests, wild meadows, and swampy areas. Guides from the national park service will eventually lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. You'll spend an hour observing the creatures as they eat, care for their babies, and interact with one another.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is largely considered a safe activity. The gorillas are mostly apathetic to their human visitors. Armed guides, who use a bunch of clicking sounds to communicate with the gorillas, keep guests safe from potential dangers, making the experience one that you'll never forget.

Porters are available at the base of the trails in Volcanoes National Park. It's worth hiring one for the day–they'll carry your bags and help you avoid slipping down the muddy paths.

Want to learn more about mountain gorillas? After your trekking adventure, head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby town of Musanze. It contains a small, yet robust museum all about mountain gorillas and the work of conservationist Dian Fossey, whose efforts to protect gorillas were made famous by the 1988 drama, Gorillas in the Mist .

Kigali Genocide Memorial

It's hard to imagine that just a couple of decades ago, Rwanda was in the midst of a horrific genocide that would leave more than 800,000 people dead in just 100 days. The country has come a long way from the devastating massacre, but the impact of this relatively recent history has left its mark on the lives of everyday people and generations to come.

Tourists can learn about this horrific event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The haunting museum dives into the timeline that led to the 1994 genocide, bringing the horrors to life through halls of photographs, artifacts, and information. The main exhibit hall wraps around poignant sculptures and features stained-glass windows that cast a hopeful glow on the space.

The museum continues with another permanent exhibit on the history of genocide around the world and intervention efforts from international communities, helping to put the Rwandan genocide into context.

The museum also includes an emotionally charged Children's Room dedicated to the youngest victims of the genocide. It keeps their memory alive through oversize portraits of the children, some of whom were just infants when they were killed, and personal details about the victims, like their nicknames and favorite books.

While heartbreaking, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important part of being a responsible tourist in Rwanda. Give yourself time to contemplate the experience and have a moment of silence for the 250,000 victims interred at this site at the memorial's Gardens of Reflection.

Address: KG 14 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.kgm.rw/

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Kigali

A resting chimpanzee at Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of the most important forest conservation areas in all of Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a spectacular array of biodiversity, including 1,068 plant species, 322 species of birds, and 75 types of mammals.

Most tourists come to this rainforest to track chimpanzees , which have been habituated to humans by park rangers. This animal encounter is a fraction of the cost of gorilla trekking, yet no less memorable.

Hanging out with primates isn't the only thing to do in Nyungwe. The park is also home to the only canopy walk in East Africa , roughly a 90-minute hike from the Uwinka Visitor Center. You'll walk across a 91-meter-long suspension bridge dangling more than 50 meters above the verdant rainforest, getting a dizzying view of the treetops and mountains in the distance.

Got a fear of heights? Skip the canopy tour and instead walk along one of the park's 15 hiking trails for an invigorating adventure that doesn't fight gravity.

Address: KN6, Rusizi

The fresh milk hut at the King's Palace Museum

If the country's impassioned conservation efforts don't convince you that Rwandans have a reverence for animals, a visit to the King's Palace Museum certainly will. The star attraction at the museum (one of Rwanda's eight national museums ) are the inyambo (sacred cows) and their staggeringly large horns. Throughout the day, traditional singers lull the cows into a mellow state by belting poems–a ritual that's unique to Rwanda.

The museum itself is just as interesting as the four-legged creatures out back. It showcases a replica of a king's palace from the 15th century with a thatched roof, royal hut, and fresh milk hut traditionally run by an unmarried woman.

Tourists can also explore the colonial-style home that was once the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in the mid 20th century. The interior design is particularly striking, blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture (some of which was actually owned by the king).

Address: Nyanza Road, Nyanza District, Southern Province

Zebras at Akagera National Park

No trip to Africa is complete without a game drive. Tourists can scratch the itch to go on safari just two-and-a-half hours away from Kigali at Akagera National Park.

Managed by the African Parks organization, Akagera and its biodiversity have made an incredible recovery from near decimation after the Rwandan genocide. The 1,140-square-kilometer expanse (one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands) now boasts all of the Big Five animals, along with an abundance of birds and antelope.

You'll need to have a lot of luck to spot a lion or rhino–conservationists are still working on boosting their populations, and for now, there aren't that many at Akagera. However, you'll have no trouble spotting zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes on a self-drive safari.

The landscape itself is just as spectacular as the animals that live here. You'll see the environment make a glorious shift from savannah plains to wetlands and lakes.

Hire one of the helpful guides at the park visitor center. They have insider's knowledge of where to find the animals.

Official site: https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera

Palm-lined shores of Lake Kivu

After all your outdoor adventures, you'll be ready to kick up your feet–and there's no better place to visit for relaxation in Rwanda than at Lake Kivu. The 2,700-square-kilometer, emerald-green oasis, surrounded by misty mountains, is Rwanda's largest lake.

Soak it all up from Rubavu , a resort town on the northern tip of Lake Kivu. It has a lively waterfront, sandy beach, and stunning resorts (including the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel ). A few days in this peaceful town will leave you restored.

Get even closer to the landscape with Kingfisher Journeys. The tour operator can arrange a stunning sunset kayak trip with singing fisherman on Lake Kivu, as well as multi-day paddling adventures that will leave you in awe.

One of Africa's best collections of ethnological and archeological artifacts can be found in Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum, located about 130 kilometers south of Kigali in the district of Huye. Belgium gifted the museum to the city in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwandan's independence.

The Ethnographic Museum's seven galleries take tourists back in time to precolonial Rwanda. You'll see an impressive collection of woven baskets, traditional garments made from animal hides and woven grass, spears and bows, musical drums from hundreds of years ago, and old farming tools.

Tourists can step inside an authentic royal home and learn how it was constructed. The museum also hosts live handicraft demonstrations.

Address: RN1, Butare

Basket weaving in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park isn't just a place to see gorillas–it's also a prime spot to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture at Gorilla Guardians Village. Run by reformed poachers, the non-profit cultural village gives tourists the chance to try their hand at Rwanda's most famous crafts and activities.

You'll learn how to carry a basket on your head (like the Rwandan women do), weave your own baskets, shoot an arrow, and grind grains with a heavy stone. The enthusiastic guides make the entire experience feel like a big party.

It's worth sticking around for the intore dance recitals at Gorilla Guardians Village. The traditional dancers, decked out with long straw wigs and skirts, put on an exciting show to the beat of rhythmic drumming. You'll be up and dancing with them before you know it.

Address: Kinigi, Musanze

Official site: http://cbtrwanda.org/

Kigali

Many travelers spend only a night in Kigali before gorilla trekking, missing out on the vibrant culture, cuisine, and sightseeing in Rwanda's capital city . Plan to spend at least a few days here at the beginning or end of your trip.

Stock up on bespoke clothes from swirling patterned textiles and experience the energetic atmosphere at Kimironko Market , Kigali's largest marketplace. The warehouse space is like a maze, with surprises around every corner.

Then, check out Kigali's creative scene at Inema Arts Center, a gallery that showcases the works of up to 10 local artists in residence. Make your way to the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace . It displays some of the finest contemporary pieces from Rwanda and nearby regions. You can also see debris from the presidential aircraft that crashed in 1994.

When you're ready to refuel, savor an authentic Rwandan cup of joe at Question Coffee Cafe. Check out the cafe's specials menu to see what experimental caffeinated concoctions the baristas have recently come up with. They're known to infuse some coffee beverages with unexpected local ingredients, like tree tomato.

Finally, wind down with a succulent meal at one of Kigali's great restaurants. Le Panorama Restaurant at Hôtel des Mille Collines offers dazzling views of the city, along with a diverse menu of local and international favorites.

For an even more romantic setting, head to Fusion Restaurant's al fresco dining room at The Retreat hotel. It overlooks a twinkling pool and serves up homemade pastas, flavorful starters, and fresh seafood.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

In late 2020, Rwanda debuted its fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura, giving tourists yet another natural attraction to visit. The 34-square-kilometer national park aims to preserve one of the few remaining Central African montane rainforests .

Tourists can visit Gishwati, the larger of the two forests in the park. It's home to a variety of primates, including golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L'Hoest's, and around 20 eastern chimpanzees. Guided chimp and monkey tracking tours give you the best chance at seeing the feisty creatures. You can also join a guided nature hike on three marked trails in the forest. Pack a pair of binoculars to take a closer look at members of the more than 230 bird species found within the forest.

The Nyamata Genocide Memorial

The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is worth a visit if you want a deeper understanding of the Rwandan genocide. It is the final resting place for more than 40,000 victims, around 10,000 of whom locked themselves in the sanctuary of the site's church, but were killed when Hutu militias forced open the doors.

The victims' clothing and ID cards can now be seen displayed on the church pews. You can also see the grave of Tonia Locatelli, an Italian missionary who tried to get media attention on the systematic killing of the Tutsis, just outside the exit of the church.

While not for the faint of heart, touring the memorial can be a deeply moving experience that serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future genocides.

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Rwanda Tours & Trips

From the trumpeting elephants of Akegera to the grazing gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is full of humbling safari experiences. Uncover the secrets of Kigali's history or combine your tour and travel to the jungles of Uganda for the ultimate gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure !

121 Rwanda tour packages with 52 reviews

5 Days Rwanda Golden monkeys, Big 5 & Big Cats Safari Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

5 Days Rwanda Golden monkeys, Big 5 & Big Cats Safari

Great tour, guide was very knowledgeable and helped a ton! Saw some great sites and animals.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4 Days Rwanda Experience with Golden Monkey Excursion Tour

4 Days Rwanda Experience with Golden Monkey Excursion

I and my friend and I booked for a 3 days Gorilla trekking trip to Rwanda. Yvonne handled our requests professionally and customized a budget suiting us. More importantly we were able to secure Gorilla trekking permits  discounted for African residents in a short period of time and were facilitated with PCR tests required to trek gorillas at a local hospital near the Volcanoes Park. Emmanuel, my driver was outstanding as spending time with him was amazing.Apart from Gorillas, the company was able to organize us village visits whereby we spent time with local communities. Thank you team for organizing, highly appreciated and recommended. Greetings from Cairo

Wild Encounters in Rwanda National Geographic Journeys Tour

Wild Encounters in Rwanda National Geographic Journeys

7 Days Community Based Tourism Tour

7 Days Community Based Tourism

Emanuel ist ein toller Tourguide. Er sorgt sich super um das Wohl der Gäste. Er hat unheimlich viel Wissen über sein Land. Diese Tour zeigt die Entwicklung von Ruanda und das Umgehen mit dem Genozid. Genau so wird auch die Pflanzenwelt und die Tiere nicht außer acht gelassen. Er ermöglicht die Wünsche, die man hat. Ich kann diese Tour nur empfehlen, wenn man wirklich Wissen über Land und Menschen von Ruanda erfahren möchte.

7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps  Trekking Tour Tour

  • Gorilla Trekking

7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Trekking Tour

I deliberately chose an inexpensive tour because my intention was to see animals rather than utilize luxury accommodations. I was not disappointed. The tour promised a number of items and never failed to deliver.

5 days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Tour

5 days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys

10 days Classic Rwanda Safari Tour

10 days Classic Rwanda Safari

Looking for tours beyond just rwanda.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Rwanda.

5 Days/4 Nights  Rwanda Gorilla & Lake Kivu Tour Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

5 Days/4 Nights Rwanda Gorilla & Lake Kivu Tour

Tailor-Made Best Rwanda Tour, Daily Departure & Private Trip Tour

Tailor-Made Best Rwanda Tour, Daily Departure & Private Trip

  • Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

5-Day / 4 Nights Remarkable Rwanda Tour Tour

5-Day / 4 Nights Remarkable Rwanda Tour

Rwanda: the Full Works on a Shoestring Tour

Rwanda: the Full Works on a Shoestring

7-Day One Week Budget Tour in the Splendid Rwanda Tour

7-Day One Week Budget Tour in the Splendid Rwanda

5-Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking Safari Tour

5-Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking Safari

10 Days Experience Rwanda Safari with Gorilla Trekking - Mid Range Option Tour

10 Days Experience Rwanda Safari with Gorilla Trekking - Mid Range Option

10 Days Experience Rwanda Adventure Safari With Gorilla Trekking- Luxury Option Tour

10 Days Experience Rwanda Adventure Safari With Gorilla Trekking- Luxury Option

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  • Deutsch: Ruanda Rundreisen
  • Français: Circuits et voyages au Rwanda
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  • Nederlands: Rwanda Rondreizen

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, Rwanda

From silverbacks to sips of tea: The ultimate 10-day Rwandan adventure

Diverse landscapes, royal roots, wildlife encounters, and luxurious offerings combine in a country that is easily accessible to all who seek an adventure for the ages.

The rolling hills of Rwanda’s four national parks await. From the mountain ridges of Volcanoes to the amber savannah of Akagera National Park; from the blue monkeys of Gishwati Mukura to the lush green hills and rainforests of Nyungwe, travelers will find a country as versatile and diverse as their own spirits of adventure.

Rwanda’s rhythm is palpable. Whether you are walking in the footsteps of giant silverback gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, exploring the wetlands in Akagera or shaking your hips to an African beat in a nightclub in the capital Kigali, you feel it. The underlying pulse of love, community, and connection is infectious and quickly connects you to the people and the place. On this 10-day adventure you can trace the country’s incredible history from its royal roots through its four national parks and into its 21st century cosmopolitan center.

rwanda tourist book

Meet the community and understand the past

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial , where tributes to the victims offer a place to pay your respects. Leave with a better understanding of how far this country has come. Tonight, absorb the early evening views of this modern city from high above it. Snap photos of the rotating colored lights of the Kigali Convention Center and watch as the city’s homes come to life for the evening. Whether it’s a hotel rooftop , or one of the best restaurants in the city, views from up high will whet your appetite for the adventures to come.

Explore the history

rwanda tourist book

The revered cows were the property of the king in the past. Today, at the King’s Palace Museum they still have their own dedicated herder who sings and recites poetry to them daily.

rwanda tourist book

Watch the city streets fade into winding roads and mountain views as your driver takes you south to the Cultural Corridor. It was from here that kings once ruled. Tour the reconstruction of a traditional king’s palace – the thatch homes from which all decisions were made – in Nyanza. Meet the royal cows on site and the herder who sings to them. Then, wander the halls of the simple, modern home of the country’s last king. Continue your drive south to the detailed Ethnographic Museum in Huye for a look at the socio-cultural history of the country. By afternoon, you should be in the green trees of Nyungwe National Park – home to one of the oldest rainforests on the continent. With 374.5 square miles to explore you won’t be able to do it all today, but the easy stroll out to the Canopy Walkway from the Uwinka reception center offers a chance to marvel at the views from 230 feet above the rainforest floor. Listen for the sounds of 13 species of primates and more than 300 types of birds. Sleep tonight knowing you’ll meet some of the noisemakers in the days ahead.

Track the chimps

rwanda tourist book

Make your way to Cyamudongo in the dark with a local park ranger who knows the forest’s deepest secrets. Follow him to the home of the chimps. Watch the animals wake, stretch, and start their day in the forest. Snap your photos while you can. Once they’re on the move, catching up to them among the tall trees and thick brush is a feat of athletic prowess. This once in a lifetime experience deserves your full attention: Remember the feeling of the mud beneath your hiking boots, the pitch of the primate calls echoing through the trees and the moment you locked eyes with a chimp in one of the few places in the world where you still can.

Renew, replenish, recharge

rwanda tourist book

Start with a leisurely breakfast today overlooking tea plantations as far as the eye can see. Note the precision of early morning tea pickers. They choose only the top three leaves of each plant to ensure the best flavors. Develop a new appreciation for the golden liquid in your cup. Spend the morning among black and white colobus monkeys that live in Nyungwe’s trees. You’ll find that they are as curious about you as you are about them. This afternoon, unwind at an outdoor yoga class, try a painting lesson with a local artist, or indulge in a pampering massage using natural products. Or simply return to those tea plantation views with a book and a beverage and do nothing at all.

Take to the trails

rwanda tourist book

Lace up your hiking shoes and head out early to hike along the waterfall trail. Go slow. Listen for the sounds of the Albertine Rift birds sharing your journey. Your guides will point out the medicinal plants and endemic trees that make their home along the trail. Your reward for the hike–the stunning Kamiranzovu waterfall. Enjoy the peaceful setting. Later this morning you’ll start the drive towards Karongi through bustling townships filled with color and music. Views turn serene again after you arrive and the smell of pine trees and eucalyptus fill the air. And this afternoon, you’ll board a small, covered boat to explore the area from the water. Take a spin past Napoleon’s Island (named for its resemblance to the conqueror’s hat) to survey the land from a new perspective. Follow the baritone hum to find the famous singing fishermen on their all-night mission to catch “Isambaza”. The melodies that synchronize their powerful strokes will stay with you long after you’ve left them.

Find new perspectives

Rise and look out at the still waters of the largest swimmable lake in Africa. With no hippos or crocodiles to worry about, a morning dip is an easy decision. Soon, you’ll swap this paradise for another. On route to Musanze, wave to the school kids making their way books in hand, and the ladies balancing woven baskets on their heads. Stop in Gisenyi and join a Kingfisher Journeys kayaking trip along Lake Kivu. Take a lunch break at Paradise Kivu – a farm to table restaurant on the water’s edge where you can stroll through the guava and avocado trees on route to the restaurant high above. This afternoon you’ll gain a better understanding of the conservation efforts and mindsets that have made this beauty possible. Visit with the group of former poachers who now operate social enterprises that aid conservation efforts. The Gorilla Guardians site offers the chance to shoot a bow and arrow, learn about traditional dress and more. When the dancing starts, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to join in.

Visit Volcanoes National Park, the home of the silverback

rwanda tourist book

Part the bushes as your guide has done ahead of you and then catch your breath. The telltale silver hairs running up the back of the gorilla in front of you are a bucket list dream come true. Once endangered, conservation efforts and tourism partnerships have allowed these magnificent creatures to flourish. Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center this afternoon to better understand the efforts and sacrifices that led to your magical moment.

Safari in Akagera National Park

rwanda tourist book

Stretch your legs among the brightly colored shops of Musanze ahead of your next drive. Later this morning you’ll start the leisurely 4.5 hour drive to Akagera National Park . Akagera is Rwanda’s largest national park (433 square miles) and boasts a profusion of wildlife including the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino) that you won’t see in any of the other three national parks. Its savannah plains are dotted with swamps and lakes, as well. And it is that feature that lies at the heart of this evening’s adventure. Take an evening boat ride out to hippo territory. Thousands of the gigantic animals make their home in Lake Ihema. As the sun sets, spot some of the 490 species of birds that call the park home.

Reap the rewards of conservation efforts in Akagera National Park

rwanda tourist book

Akagera National Park’s hundreds of square miles of wetlands, woodlands, savannah and natural lakes are the perfect backdrop for safari seekers. The Big 5 (buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards and rhino) roam here alongside zebra, giraffe, baboons and more.

Make the most of your last day in the park. Set out early and head north towards the Kilala plain in search of the Big 5. Recent conservation efforts re-introduced both the endangered black rhino and lions to the area. Today, young ones can be spotted alongside their mothers in the striking landscape. Be on the lookout for zebra, warthogs, baboons, giraffes, topi and more on the large open plains. Have your camera at the ready but remember to stop and take in the moment too.

Bring the feeling home

rwanda tourist book

Head back to Kigali with a head filled with all of you’ve experienced over the last nine days. See the city with new eyes. Today’s your last chance to collect the mementos that will keep it close to your heart once you are home. Head out to Kimironko Market. Marvel at the colors of everything from beans to bananas. Get measured by the chatty fabric sellers and an hour later you’ll have ready-to-pack fashions to carry home. Be as pleased with the things packed in your bags as the memories you are taking home in your heart. Fly home tonight excited to share all you’ve seen and the news of Rwanda’s bright future.

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  • Africa Tours
  • Rwanda Tours

Rwanda Tours and Holidays 2024/2025

With plenty of green space and towering mountains, Rwanda is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. A trip to its Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must if you want to see its many mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. You can also take a tour of Akagera National Park to see the country’s big cats.

  • Rwanda Travel Guide

28 Trips in Rwanda with 35 Reviews

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek

  • Starts Kigali, Rwanda
  • Ends Kigali, Rwanda

4 Days Rwanda Gorilla trek

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking & Wildlife Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking , Wildlife & Safari 'data-more-tripid='34187'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
  • Transport 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 15-80 yrs
  • Operated in English
  • View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Gorillas Through The Mist - Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-lodge (on Request) Tour

Gorillas Through The Mist - Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-lodge (on Request)

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Getaways and short breaks Wildlife safaris and game drives , Getaways and short breaks & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='36785'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Eco Lodge
  • Transport 4WD Jeep & Flight
  • Age Range 15-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 5,629
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 844
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,785
  • Apr 30 10+ seats left
  • May 01 10+ seats left

Wild Encounters In Rwanda Tour

Wild Encounters in Rwanda

  • Tour Type Small Group Tour
  • Activities Wildlife
  • Transport Boat & 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 12-95 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 6,899
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 1,035
  • Total Price from: US$ 5,864
  • May 26 Only 1 seat left
  • Jun 22 Only 6 seats left

Three Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Three Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

  • Activities Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking & National parks Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking , National parks , Wildlife & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='32300'>+2 more
  • Transport Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 16-79 yrs

Gorillas Through The Mist - Gorilla Mountain View Lodge (on Request) Tour

  • Starts Ruhengeri, Rwanda
  • Ends Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Gorillas Through The Mist - Gorilla Mountain View Lodge (on Request)

  • Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Getaways and short breaks Wildlife safaris and game drives , Getaways and short breaks & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='36778'>+1 more
  • Brochure Price: US$ 5,403
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 810
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,593

Roaming Rwanda, Option A (on Request) Tour

Roaming Rwanda, Option A (on Request)

  • Activities Wildlife safaris and game drives & Art and architecture
  • Transport 4WD Jeep, Boat & Private Vehicle
  • Brochure Price: US$ 22,202
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 3,330
  • Total Price from: US$ 18,872

Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart Of Africa Tour

  • Starts Entebbe, Uganda

Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart of Africa

  • Activities Bicycle tours
  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
  • Age Range 18-95 yrs
  • Jun 02 Only 6 seats left
  • Aug 04 10+ seats left

Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Reverse Tour

  • Ends Nairobi, Kenya

Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Reverse

  • Activities Wildlife & Safari
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Lodge
  • Transport 4WD Jeep, Boat & Ferry
  • Age Range 16-95 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 7,198
  • Special Deal (6%): - US$ 448
  • Total Price from: US$ 6,750
  • Jul 07 Only 8 seats left
  • Aug 02 Only 8 seats left

Gorilla Trek Independent Adventure

Gorilla Trek Independent Adventure

  • Activities Explorer
  • Transport Minibus & Private Vehicle
  • Mar 31 Only 6 seats left
  • Apr 01 Only 6 seats left

Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Tour

  • Starts Nairobi, Kenya

Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping

  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Lodge & Sleeper Bus
  • Transport 4WD Jeep, Boat, Ferry & Overland Vehicle

Rwanda Adventure: 14 Days Tour

Rwanda Adventure: 14 Days

  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & National parks Trekking and Hiking , National parks & Wildlife safaris and game drives 'data-more-tripid='32273'>+1 more
  • Transport 4WD Jeep & Boat
  • Age Range 15-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, French

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Eight Days

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Eight Days

  • Activities Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking & National parks Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking , National parks & Wildlife 'data-more-tripid='32280'>+1 more

Roaming Rwanda, Option B (on Request) Tour

Roaming Rwanda, Option B (on Request)

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Gorillas Through The Mist - Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (on Request) Tour

Gorillas Through The Mist - Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (on Request)

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  • Brochure Price: US$ 5,201
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Rwanda Tour Reviews

Rwanda - tour highlights and travel tips.

A trip to Rwanda mostly revolves around tracking gorillas and other types of apes in national parks. However, you will also find Kigali a desirable place to visit.

Rwanda is a landlocked Central African country that prides on endless hills, jungles and bamboo forests. Also known as “Land of a Thousand Hills”, this charming country is an ideal destination for eco tourism. Tourists come here to track gorillas and other types of apes in national parks. However, you will also find Kigali, the capital city, and Lake Kivu desirable places for a visit when a trip to Rwanda. Finally, Rwanda managed to emerge from its dark past and today, it is one of the safest African countries.

Tour Highlights

  • Spend some time in Kigali, enjoy its relaxed vibe and take a walk along impeccably clean streets. Pay respects to the 1994 victims at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center.
  • Come to Rwanda in July to attend the celebrated Rwanda Film Festival throughout the country.
  • Take a tour of Volcanoes National Park to see protected mountain gorillas. At lower altitudes of the park, you can observe golden monkeys.
  • Discover Nyungwe, a large rainforest inhabited by rare bird, orchid and monkey species. Take a 50-meter high swaying walking path to experience marvelous views and increase chances to see birds and apes.
  • Visit Akagera National Park and see lions, leopards, giraffes and hippos among other wildlife.
  • Go to Butare (Huye) and examine the outstanding ethnographic collection in the National Museum.
  • Unwind on Lake Kivu’s beaches and hills overgrown with pine and eucalyptus trees.

Travel Tips

  • Residents of Rwanda are very hospitable and forthcoming toward tourists. More so, they will impress you with their friendliness.
  • While, Rwanda is a safe country, watch out for overcharging and petty thefts.
  • To withdraw money, you can use ATMs in banks in major towns. Rwanda is a cash-oriented society and credit cards aren’t widely accepted. Some hotels and safari providers accept USD.
  • Internet access is available in most cities, but it tends to be slow and unreliable at times.
  • You should manage well on a Rwanda tour with English and French.
  • Visit a doctor before you go to Rwanda to get medical advice.
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The Scribs and Nibs

My Hill Eco Lodge Musanze

The Ultimate 10-Day Rwanda Itinerary

This ultimate Rwanda itinerary will have you exploring art in the city, jumping on the back of motorcycles, biking more than you thought physically possible with incredible views, seeing the funky Golden Monkeys and boat tripping through Lake Kivu. You’ll need 10 days to do the full Rwanda itinerary but it’s totally worth your vacation days.

Rwanda is known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills). It is a beautiful and safe country to visit. From budget options to high-end luxury hotels, you can have it all here. We visited in July 2022 and this is our exact Rwanda Itinerary for our trip. I’ve added in tips and tricks for what we would have done differently and suggested the best tour guides we found.

Happy travels!

This post contains affiliate links.

Some Rwanda Itinerary Basics

Getting around.

The best way to get around a city or town is by mototaxi . These motos cost around RWF 500- 2,000 each per trip, depending on how far you’ll be going. Drivers in Kigali have meters and you can ask them to use the meters to get the correct price. If you don’t have a local number, ask the driver if they can put in their own number because you’re a visitor. Gals, you may want to wear pants or long dresses to make it easier to get on and off the motorcycles.

Moto taxi rwanda

Buses are frequent even on holidays, from our experience. We exclusively used the company RITCO because it has the biggest bus and seemed the most comfortable and it was always about to leave just as we arrived at a station. As with most of our African adventures, we usually just arrive at a bus station early in the morning and hop on whatever bus is leaving next. Sometimes you may have to wait for a bit, other times you may get lucky. We experienced most buses leaving on the hour or the half-hour.

Rwanda underwent a reclassification of city and region names. You’ll probably come up with both versions as you look at tickets or on Google Map. I’m using the name that was the most common based on our experience in this Rwanda itinerary. Fun fact: all cities, towns, and villages have a sign with the town’s motto as well as the “do’s and don’ts” of society.

rwanda tourist book

Travel light

I highly suggest you travel with just a backpack to make the best use of your time and money in Rwanda. Moto taxis are the best way to get around, and you can’t carry more than a backpack on them. It’ll allow you a lot of flexibility with this Rwanda itinerary. As a serial over-packer, I have a hard time with this myself but every trip I try to cut down a little. Additionally, if you’re following my hotel recommendations, you’ll have laundry facilities included halfway through your journey in Musanze.

Here is my suggestion on what clothing pack :

  • Long hiking leggings (preferably the quick dry material)
  • 2 hiking/active shirts (preferably the quick dry material)
  • 2 lightweight pants (I brought one but I actually needed more pants than dresses because of all the motos)
  • 1 lightweight jacket (only if you get cold like me, I brought a jeans jacket)
  • 1 lightweight rain jacket, collapsible
  • If you’re going to see the gorillas bring gators and hiking boots (as is recommended, but not necessary for the Golden Monkey)
  • Shoes: 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of active shoes

rwanda tourist book

Day 1: Kigali

Read up on my top things to do in Kigali post for more details about the activities in Kigali as well as day trips if you only have time for Kigali.

Check out the Rwanda guide for sim card and cash tips from the airport. Our taxi from the airport to our accommodation was RWF 25,000.

Head to your accommodation or just drop off your luggage. Get brunch at Now Now Rolex for a Ugandan classic egg wrap and then stop next door at Rubia Coffee. Splurge for a Chemex or pour-over coffee for a smooth taste of Rwandan coffee beans.

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Visit Inema and NP Art Center . Located just 5 minutes away from each other, you can visit both art galleries in one go. Then, walk to this strip of shops by Azizi Life Studio with local goods, oils, and clothes.

rwanda tourist book

Take a mototaxi to the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial . This small, free exhibit will give you a background into the peacekeepers that were ambushed and killed in the very building you’ll visit. The exhibit gives a lot of important information about the genocide and the efforts of the peacekeepers in an easy-to-understand format.

rwanda tourist book

Head back to your accommodation for a rest before dinner.

Make a reservation at least a week in advance for Meza Malonga (and note any dietary requirements). Curated by Chef Dieuveil Malonga, this restaurant serves an extraordinary 10-course dinner experience. Using flavors from across the continent, you are bound to try something you’ve never tasted before. Read my review here .

The tasting menu is RWF 80,000 (USD 80) per person, which is incredibly reasonable considering what you’re getting. It’s totally worth it. You can add on a wine pairing as well.

The restaurant operates like a test kitchen so menu items will rotate. Out of the 10 dishes, 1 was kinda like a bread course, 3 like appetizers, 3 like mains, and 2 were desserts. We also had a palate cleanser that made it into my top 5 dishes of the night as it introduced me to a new fruit: the tomato fruit. It is somewhat like a passionfruit with an earthy tomato aftertaste.

The restaurant opens at 7pm and as the dining experience takes 3 hours, so I suggest you make a reservation for 7pm.

rwanda tourist book

Accommodation suggestions

There are plenty of options on where to stay in Kigali, so I won’t give out a full list in this Rwanda itinerary. From business to hidden gems, there is a lot to choose from. We stayed in this Airbnb and really enjoyed the stay. It was easy for motos to find because it is by a major road and the American Ambassador’s Residence. If you want to stay in the historic hotel where Tutsis and Hutus hid during the genocide, stay at Hotel des Mille Collines .

rwanda tourist book

Day 2: Kigali

If traveling around yourself sounds a bit daunting to you, you can go on a tour with a guide who will organize your transfers and take you around the major sites.

Get breakfast at the Kigali Pottery Collections and do some ceramic shopping here. I wish we lived in Kigali just so that I could buy all the plates, bowls, vases, and cups in bulk.  For something different, try “African Coffee,” which is coffee, chocolate, and ginger mixed together. The French press is also excellent. I loved the Spanish omelet; the potatoes here are just so good.

Make sure you have enough luggage space to pack some of the pottery pieces (or plan to come back here on your last day in Rwanda (Day 10). Mugs go for RWF 5,000 but a large pot can cost around RWF 30,000.

rwanda tourist book

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial afterward. The museum is free but there is an option for the RWF 15,000 audio guide. We didn’t use the guide, but I think it will make the experience more insightful. Most of the English and French text on the plaques is in a really small font and people are smushed against each other to read it. The memorial is still used by families today and you’ll probably come across fresh flowers and family members gathered on a weekend.

The memorial is open 8am-5pm (last entrance at 4pm) every day except Christmas and New Year.

rwanda tourist book

Take a moto to Kigali City Market . This multistoried mall is interesting to walk through. Start at the top and then make your way down. From plumbing fixtures and coffee beans, to wedding dresses and a butchery, this mall has it all. There are some touristy shops as well. Just take a lap. Shops here are cash-only for the most part.

Make sure to make it all the way down to the ground level to get a look at the fish and produce section.

Outside the mall, stop at the shops along this street for souvenirs, art, and clothing. I liked this shop for the interesting baskets.

rwanda tourist book

Then head to the flagship store of cool shoe brand Uzuriky and stop in Rwanda Clothing for African fabric clothing with a modern twist. Traveling from South Africa, we have similar brands but it’s nice to support local. Wilhelm bought a pair of sandals from Uzuriky.

Stop at Hôtel des Mille Collines to see the site of inspiration for the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” about a local manager, Paul Rusesabagina, who took over the hotel during the genocide when foreigners left. He helped to hide Tutsi and moderate Hutus on the premises.

rwanda tourist book

Go to dinner at Repub Lounge or Green Corner .

Repub Lounge is a classic spot that serves delicious traditional Rwandan food that kinda caters to foreigners . The coconut fish curry was featured in the New York Times ! I loved the eggplant stew. Try the local beers or get the honey + banana wine. There is also a small shop with baskets, clothes, and souvenirs. Look out on the staircase for lovely artwork pieces as well.

rwanda tourist book

Or visit Green Corner for amazing fish and a truly local experience. Order the food immediately upon arrival—it’ll take some time to get made.

rwanda tourist book

Stop at the Kigali Convention Center on the way back to your accommodation so you can see it all lit up! We had our moto drop us off here and after a walk around the park, we jumped on another moto to take us home.

rwanda tourist book

Day 3: Kigali

If you’re following the full Rwanda Itinerary, you’ll be seeing the Golden Monkeys or gorillas the day after next, you’ll need to get your COVID PCR test today . Do this first thing in the morning. This RBC center is the only place you can get a PCR test for travel or tourist purpose s. It may be that your hotel in Musanze may be able to organize a PCR test upon your arrival but double check with them. You’ll only need a Rapid test (done at pharmacies around town) but only this RBC center is authorized for PCR tests. If you go to another RBC center you’ll be turned away—we went to three other hospitals and RBC centers (wasting 3 hours of our day) before realizing this. They are open on Sunday even though google maps says it’s not.

rwanda tourist book

Grab breakfast at Indabo Cafe . Come here in the morning for a peaceful vibe. You’ll be hidden inside a garden with several chatty birds. Get the veggie benedict, which is on a bed of potatoes. Also, check out the homeware shop on the property.

rwanda tourist book

If you walk down here , you can see this cool building graffiti.

rwanda tourist book

Visit Biryogo free zone for a car-free and alcohol-free afternoon experience in Kigali. Located in the Muslim area Nyamirambo, many of the restaurants aren’t on Google maps. Just plan to walk up and down and ask around for a menu of grills, fish, or rice pilau.

rwanda tourist book

We stopped at Issa coffee for my new favorite drink: tree tomato juice.

Beyond Biryogo free zone, walk just a street away to KN 113 to visit an incredible street filled with murals and activities for kids. If you need a butterfly or angel wing picture, this is your spot. The graffiti looks very new here (in July 20220) and some things like the hopscotch paint was still wet!

rwanda tourist book

Also, see the Onatracom Mosque while you’re here.

Have a light lunch at Al Mann Coffee House if you don’t find anything you like in Biryogo free zone.

rwanda tourist book

Get dinner at Borneo , an Indonesian restaurant with incredible, authentic dishes . Indonesian food is quite hard to find around the world, but this spot is legit. The portions are huge! We even asked for our food to be packed securely and we took our leftovers on the plane with us back to Joburg.

rwanda tourist book

Alternative Tip: If you have an evening flight from Kigali when you leave on Day 10, you should save Borneo for that evening, where they will easily call you a cab. Instead, do dinner the previous night (Day 2) at Green Corner and then go to Repub Lounge today (Day 3). 

This is the last day in Kigali for this Rwanda itinerary.

Day 4: Kigali to Musanze

Wake up early and get a moto to take the bus from Kigali to Musanze (aka Ruhengeri). The main bus stop for the city is called Nyabugogo Taxi Park . We used RITCO as it has the biggest and most comfortable bus we saw. The ticket was RWF 1930 per person , cash only. The bus ride takes about 2.5 hours, depending on if you get stuck behind trucks or not. You’ll be dropped off at the bus station here . This bus will likely continue onto Gisenye so make sure you get off.

rwanda tourist book

Go on the village twin lake bike ride with lunch included with Lava Bike Tours . The experience is amazing and will take up the rest of your day. I barely made it back. Drop off your luggage at your accommodation and then head straight over to their offices. Get in touch with them beforehand to schedule your ride.

Twin Lakes Rwanda Lava Bike Tour

Epic Cycle Tour of the Twin Lakes in Rwanda

I personally was shocked at how many high-end hotels there are in Rwanda. Considering that visiting the gorillas is already an expensive endeavor, the hotels will cost you just as much or more. There are plenty of hotels in the area because of the high number of tourists that come to see the gorillas here. I’m just including the notable options.

Moderate— La Locanda — We had a great 2-night experience here. Veg breakfast and dinner are included as are alcohol and laundry. One night we had a loud guest on the other side of the wall but for the most part, it was a great time. Additionally, the staff is nice and will help organize your activities if you need them.

rwanda tourist book

Luxury— Bisate Lodge — If we wanted to splurge we would have stayed here. It’s built like large bird nests in the forest and is just stunning.

Check out these other hotels for the best of the best: Singita Kwitonda Lodge , Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Governors’ Camp Collection) , and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest .

Out of town— My Hill Ecolodge —This is one of the most beautiful lakeside lodges I’ve ever been to. We visited for lunch while on the Twin Lake bike ride. The lodge is the perfect place to hide away for a couple of days.

rwanda tourist book

Day 5: Golden Monkeys or Gorillas

Today you’ll visit the Golden Monkeys or gorillas . Be sure to book far in advance. In fact, check the dates of the gorilla trek before you buy your plane ticket for this Rwanda itinerary. It will determine everything!

We personally didn’t feel like we had to see the gorillas. For a steep USD 1,500, it just didn’t seem worth it to us to include in our Rwanda itinerary. However, many people say it’s one of the greatest experiences of their lives . You should definitely do it if it’s on your bucket list. Instead, we opted for the charismatic and funky Golden Monkey trek. This only costs USD 100 per person.

Remember that you need a PCR test to see the primates.

Golden Monkey Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

You should be back at your accommodation around 11:30am, or 12:30pm at the latest.

Walk around Musanze and explore this lovely town . Check out my post on all there is to do in Musanze. You can get a second breakfast or lunch at MASHA (Musanze Arts Studio Hub Adventure), visit Inshuti Arts and Culture Center for a beer, or have a second or third cup of coffee at Crema.

Inshuti Art Gallery Musanze

Things to do in Musanze (besides visiting the gorillas)

Day 6: musanze to gisenyi, lake kivu.

This is the start of your Lake Kivu adventure ! The lake is huge and there are a lot of lake activities like fishing and boating. Most of the fishing is for touristy purposes on traditional boats. The popular sambaza (tiny, sardine-like fish) predominate in the lake here.

Gisenyi has a fun, party town reputation and is on the border with DRC. We wanted some hidden gem vibes and booked Paradise Malahide about 5km south. However, there was an issue with our reservation and instead, we were moved to their other property Kivu Paradise. More of a luxury-style lodge, the views of the lake were lovely.

Gisenyi is also the start of the Congo-Nile hiking/biking trail , not for the faint of heart. This insane trail will take you up and down mountains and along the coast. Biking the trail with a guide is the most common option, though there are also hiking options as well. I recommend it for the adventure seekers out there. It was really tough for me to do the trail (even though I only made about 7km of it mostly on the paved section).

Travel to Gisenyi by going to bus station in Musanze . We went straight to the RITCO counter and got a ticket for RWF 1300 . The alternate name of Gisenyi is Rubav, so you might so that on the ticket.

rwanda tourist book

If you’re hungry, have lunch at Migano Cafe (Rubavu) once you reach Gisenyi. I loved the tacos here.

rwanda tourist book

Afternoon/Evening

If you plan to bike along the Congo Nile trail, rent a bike from Go Gisenyi Tours . For USD 60 per person, per day, you can self-bike around the towns. Or, you can start a guided biking adventure for 2 or more nights.

We rented bikes and biked down to Paradise Malahide and then Kivu Paradise.

rwanda tourist book

In the evening, hang out at your accommodation. If you feel like heading back around Paradise Malahide, you can visit several cool bars. I suggest having drinks and dinner at Amaliza Lounge . It’s super classy and takes credit card (at least it did when we visited).

rwanda tourist book

Accommodation in and around Gisenyi

Moderate— Paradise Malahide —This was our intended accommodation, about 5km south of Gisenyi. We had dinner here another night instead and it was so delish. The staff was super nice considering the booking miscommunication. We had a reservation but it wasn’t on their system… Instead, they offered us their higher-end property, Kivu Paradise, for the same price and included some extra transportation free of charge for it. I still would recommend this spot becuase they really did their best to make up for it and the cabins are so cute. Plus, you’d be in the village so there is no need to take motos for dinners.

Moderate— INZU Lodge — These fun tents located on a hill are a fun place to stay for those who want a camping sort of environment. There is just one unit which is a cabin.

Moderate/High-end— Kivu Paradise Resort — This is where we ended up staying. Located overlooking Lake Kivu, ask for a cabin with a lake view. The food was great and the staff was excellent in helping us organize trips. It’s as high-end as you can get in this area though for USD 120 a night, it won’t break the bank.

rwanda tourist book

Day 7: Biking to a Coffee Plantation

Go on a hike or bike ride by yourself or on a tour. It’s safe to hike and bike around the villages. People (especially kids) are friendly. The kids screaming “muzungo (white person) money” started to irk me a lot but I understand I was their entertainment for the day. I’m an odd sight trying to keep my balance on the bike.

rwanda tourist book

We attempted to visit the coffee plantation that we saw on Google Maps here . This is not the correct starting point for the coffee tour. I contacted the Cooprocaki email address I found on the web and never got a response.

You have to bike further to the Lake Kivu coffee washing station at the end of the road for the coffee plantation. We didn’t notify them in advance we were coming but there was someone to show Wilhelm around.

It’s a grueling 20ish km each way from Kivu Paradise and it feels mostly uphill both ways. Even Wilhelm thought it was tough. I managed to go 2km in 1 hour (for me, even that’s slow) and I just couldn’t think I would survive 40 km more. I turned around and hung out at the hotel.

At this point , make sure you keep left to continue on the trail. Keep checking google maps (download the area in advance) because you’ll be able to see if you’re going the wrong way. Most of the trails are on the map.

rwanda tourist book

Wilhelm really enjoyed the coffee tour . There is a 1.5-hour tour or you can request a quick tour. Here you’ll learn about coffee, see the plants, and then roast and grind your own coffee! The tour is USD 30, cash. 

rwanda tourist book

For dinner, chill at your accommodation or visit El Classico for drinks and then Paradise Malahide for dinner. El Classico had a real vibe. People were enjoying the music, having birthday parties, and just having a good time overall. While we were lounging, some boat operators came up to ask if we wanted a sunset cruise . So that’s a nice option if you’re up for it!

rwanda tourist book

If you’re (a little) sick of seafood, Paradise Malahide has a great veggie stew that was a welcome change for me. In a tomato sauce, you’ll get plantains, potatoes, carrots, and more. I really enjoyed it.

rwanda tourist book

Day 8: Gisenyi to Kibuye

Kibuye is a very small village with plenty of hotels and the last stop on this Rwanda itinerary. It caters to tourists and locals who want a calm and relaxing getaway. We were told that Kibuye is popular with honeymooners. It’s clear why this is the case.

Today you’ll head down Lake Kivu nearer to the islands so that you can do a full-day boat tour the next day. Either take a boat , organized by your accommodation, or head back to Gisenyi to catch a bus. The boat ride takes 3 hours and costs USD 100 per person. We were able to pay via card directly to Kivu Paradise.

Traveling by boat was super nice and relaxing; we had the whole boat to ourselves. I definitely recommend this transportation option over the buses.

rwanda tourist book

We only reached Kibuye at 3pm so we just had lunch at Cormoran Lodge and lounged until dinner.

rwanda tourist book

You could also rent a kayak or go on a sunset boat cruise. The hotels will be able to manage this for you.

Dinner was an interesting experience ; we went to the nearby 5-star hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel. You need to make a dinner reservation at least 24 hours in advance, which we hadn’t. The hotel security wouldn’t let us in but after a call to reception to confirm we could enter and get a table for dinner, we were let in. The drinks are insanely expensive here at RWF 15,000 for a cocktail. We got the 4-course “surprise” chef’s tasting menu for USD 50 per person . For a tasting experience, the price was good. We had to wait almost 2 hours to get the food since we must have arrived too early for the kitchen to be operating… However, our plan was to have the sunset view here with drinks—which was very nice. This isn’t a must-do or eat activity but if you want the illusion of high-class dining in Kibuye, come here.

rwanda tourist book

We stayed in Kibuye but I’ll also share some of the hotels we came across as we were boating around. Everything (including lodging) seems more expensive in Kibuye. This was technically our “splurge” stay in comparison to our other lodges throughout the week.

Moderate— Cormoran Lodge — Do you want to stay in a tree house on stilts overlooking the lake? Of course, you do. Be sure to book this lodge early as there are just a few cabins and it fills up—with good reason. If you don’t manage to make a booking here, you can come for lunch (as we did).

rwanda tourist book

Moderate— Inn on the Lake — This was technically our second-choice hotel after Cormoran Lodge. It was very nice but had more of a clean, sleek, European vibe to the hotel than the rustic, cute style we usually go for. The hotel manager was very communicative and efficient.

rwanda tourist book

High-end— Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel — With a gorgeous view over the lake, this 5-star style hotel is perfect to lounge at.

rwanda tourist book

Around Kibuye

Moderate — Kinunu Guest House — This guest house is on the Congo Nile Trail and is also the site of the coffee washing station. It has nice, clean rooms and a restaurant.

rwanda tourist book

Moderate— Kay Sun Hotel Kivu Plage — I just saw this hotel from a distance but it looked really nice. It’s near Kinunu Guest House. Click through to the booking page on the website to get the Kivu options.

Moderate — Rwiza Village —Further south, stay at this lovely modern, African-style lodge. Your boat ride will probably be longer if you stay here since it’s further south and you’ll need to get to Kibuye for the bus back to Kigali.

Day 9: Lake Kivu Boat Ride

Prepare for a day of adventure on Lake Kivu!

One of the best things to do on Lake Kivu is a full-day boat cruise. Do you need a full day? Yes. There are a lot of little islands, and you won’t even have time to see them all. I used Countryside Tours Rwanda from Trip Advisor to help organize my tour. Each island is different. With a guide, you’ll be able to visit each one. Plan for 6 hours or more and start your day at 9am. We started the tour at 10 but would have done better starting at 9am. WhatsApp Countryside Tours Rwanda at +250 790 009 064.

Add on the coffee tour experience at Kinunu Guest House . This is a 1.5-hour tour and tasting of the cooperative owned by a retired senator who wanted to bring jobs into his community. As such, much of the work that theoretically could be done by machines is done by hand.

Lake Kivu Tour Boat Islands

Lake Kivu Tour by Boat

Kinunu Guest House Lake Kivu Coffee Tour

Lake Kivu Coffee Plantation Tour

We managed to squeeze in a quick kayak ride before dinner for USD 30 for the hour, organized by the hotel.

Rwanda header post Kibuye

Day 10: Kigali and fly back home

You’re at the end of the Rwanda Itinerary!

Today you’ll head back to Kigali to catch your flight home.

The bus ride will take almost 4 hours. Go to Karongi bus park station. You will probably have to arrange a moto with your accommodation if you’re not in town. We used RITCO again and the ride was RWF 2780 per person, cash only.

We had an evening flight, so we left around 10am and reached around 3pm. Once again, we got lucky and the bus arrived within 10 minutes of our arrival, at the station. Start at RITCO to ask when the next bus is. If it’s not soon, ask around other bus companies to see what’s leaving next.

In between waiting for our flight, we visited the area around Now Now Rolex again because there are several cafes and shops. We also went back to Kigali Pottery Collections to purchase some items we didn’t want to carry around with us all week.

Then, we went to Borneo for dinner. Our taxi from Borneo to the airport was RWF 20,000.

Check out what to do in Kigali for other suggestions on what to do before your flight leaves.

Extend your Rwanda Itinerary

Do you have time for a longer Rwanda itinerary? Consider some of these ideas:

  • There are so many more cute hotels, restaurants, and shops to visit. Spend another day exploring the city. See the post on what to do in Kigali to get more ideas for your Rwanda itinerary.
  • Spend 2 nights at My Hill Eco Lodge . It’s heavenly.
  • Spend 2 nights with African Homestays Adventures on the island of Lake Burera.

Got any comments about my Rwanda Itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

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Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts

Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts

Welcome to Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts, your professional travel partner with robust experience in planning and efficiently executing gorilla trekking safaris and wildlife tours to Rwanda. We also organise adventurous safari tours to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC and Burundi. East Africa has got plenty to explore including wildlife game drives, bird watching tours, mountain hiking tours, cultural experiences, boat cruise tours, city tours, chimpanzee tracking tours, gorilla trekking tours among many other activities.

At Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts, we have a team of expert tour guides with full knowledge of all tourist destinations we go to and great driving skills to keep you comfortable throughout your safari. We are well poised to get you accommodation at the most strategic safari lodges within all tourist destinations on the country.

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Gishwati - Mukura National Park

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Encounter the very best of uganda wildlife.

3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Uganda National Parks

Uganda has got 10 national parks that are all packed with diverse animal and bird species as well as flora and fauna. From tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to hiking the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, tourists to Uganda have plenty to indulge in while in Uganda. Contact us to book wildlife safaris.

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James Cleverly steps out of the doorway of a BA plane to walk down aircraft steps

Rwanda trips by UK ministers and officials have already cost over £400,000

Figures reveal £413,541 spent on travel since the policy to send asylum seekers there was devised in 2022

  • UK politics – latest updates

Sending ministers and officials to Rwanda has cost the government more than £400,000 before a single deportation flight has taken off, figures show.

Ministers have spent a total of £413,541 on travel in the two years since the policy to send asylum seekers to Kigali started to be developed.

The total, calculated by the Labour party, is based on government transparency releases. It includes trips by senior government officials and a succession of ministers and home secretaries including James Cleverly, Suella Braverman and Priti Patel.

This week it emerged that Cleverly spent £165,561 on chartering a private jet for a one-day trip to sign a new treaty with Rwanda in December. The cost of the flight was published in a transparency document on Thursday.

The shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, said: “Having clearly decided that committing £600m of taxpayers’ money to the Rwandan government for just 300 refugees wasn’t insulting enough, it now emerges that three home secretaries have blown hundreds of thousands of pounds on their various publicity stunts in Rwanda. This government’s enthusiasm for wasting taxpayers’ money knows no bounds.

“Labour would redirect the cash set aside for Rwanda into a cross-border police unit and security partnership to smash the criminal smuggler gangs at source, and introduce a new returns unit to quickly remove those with no right to be here.”

A succession of legal challenges have prevented the Rwanda policy, which would send asylum seekers who arrive in the UK on small boats to the east African country for processing, from being implemented.

The plan was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2022 but is yet to become operational two years later.

The government insists that flights to Rwanda will take off this spring, after a bill intended to overcome legal hurdles to the policy becomes law.

However, ministers have delayed the passage of the bill until after Easter, with the final votes on it expected to take place in mid-April . The government has yet to find an airline to operate the flight.

Asked why he was waiting another three weeks to push the legislation through, Rishi Sunak said his plan to stop Channel crossings “is working”.

“People should not be able to jump the queue, come here illegally, put pressure on local services, undermine our sense of fairness and ultimately put their lives at risk as they are exploited by gangs,” he told broadcasters. “That’s why I am determined to stop the boats. Our plan is working, the numbers last year were down by a third. That’s never happened before, that shows that we are making progress.”

He added that the UK needed Rwanda flights as a “deterrent” to “finish the job”.

Cleverly’s flight to Rwanda in December was to sign a new treaty that established a new appeal body, to be made up of judges with asylum expertise from a range of countries, to hear individual cases.

The flights alone of the home secretary’s 24-hour trip cost more than four times the total cost of Braverman’s last visit in March 2023 . Her trip cost just over £40,000, with flights at £35,041, hotels £4,301, transport £248 and “engagement” £2,056, the Daily Mirror reported last year.

The government said Rwanda’s asylum system would be monitored by an independent committee, whose powers to enforce the treaty would be beefed up. The committee would develop a system to enable relocated people and their lawyers to lodge complaints.

The government was criticised earlier this month for planning to spend £1.8m on each of the first 300 asylum seekers it plans to send to Rwanda. The overall cost of the scheme stands at more than half a billion pounds, according to the figures released to the National Audit Office.

  • Immigration and asylum
  • James Cleverly
  • Suella Braverman
  • Priti Patel

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Flights on This Low-cost Airline Are Now Available to Book on Priceline

Priceline has become the first and only online travel booking site to sell Breeze flights.

rwanda tourist book

Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Low-cost airline Breeze Airways is teaming up with Priceline to sell flights on the online site, making it easier to book tickets.

With the new partnership, Priceline has become the first and only online travel booking site to sell Breeze flights, the airline shared with Travel + Leisure . Previously, the only way to book a flight with the carrier was on its website or through its mobile app.

“We’re excited to work with Priceline, our first-ever OTA partner, to bring Breeze flights to a broader audience,” Lukas Johnson, Breeze’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Now Priceline’s many users have another way to book their next getaway on Breeze.”

Travelers can now book all of Breeze’s 170 routes directly through Priceline, and will soon be able to choose from the airline’s three fare bundles: “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “ Nicest ,” which includes Breeze Ascent complete with perks like checked baggage, in-seat USB and USB-C charging ports, and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Brigit Zimmerman, Priceline’s chief commercial officer, said the new partnership reinforces the company’s “commitment to offering unparalleled travel opportunities and best-in-class deals for our customers.”

Breeze was first created in 2021 by former JetBlue founder David Neeleman and has rapidly expanded since, now flying to 51 cities across 27 different states. The airline also plans to start flying to international destinations in the near future.

Breeze has also committed to using an all-Airbus A220 fleet for its scheduled service by the end of 2024.

For its part, Priceline offers a “VIP” membership program that offers discounts on bookings like hotels and car rentals along with “insider coupons.”

In addition to Breeze, travelers can purchase flights from other airlines directly on Priceline, including from major carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue, as well as low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

Act fast: Book just 1 Southwest ticket and you'll earn a Southwest Companion Pass

Caroline Tanner

To start the week right, Southwest Airlines is offering travelers a complimentary Southwest Companion Pass valid for travel from August through October.

Travelers must book a round-trip flight or two one-way tickets by March 27 and redeem for travel by the end of May to take advantage of this offer.

Deal basics

rwanda tourist book

Airlines : Southwest Routes : Across the Southwest network How to book : Register for the promo directly through the airline and then book travel Travel dates : Travel by May 22 and use the Companion Pass between Aug. 5 and Oct. 2 Book by : Travel must be booked by March 27

To take advantage of this deal, log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account using this link before booking travel as you would normally.

As mentioned above, this deal requires you to book and travel before receiving the Companion Pass for your companion. The pass could be for a friend, family member or random person off the street — wouldn't that be a good reality show?

If you are unfamiliar with how the Companion Pass works, passholders can essentially use it to bring a travel companion to accompany them on flights for nearly free. Holders of the Southwest Companion Pass can use the pass as many times as they want until it expires; this means your companion could come with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. The pass can be used for award tickets as well, allowing you to redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for yourself and bring your companion without using additional points.

When using this pass, travelers can change which companion they use the pass on three times over a calendar year; in the case of this promo, this amounts to four different people over the specified time frame of two months.

Under regular circumstances, you can earn Southwest's Companion Pass by accruing 135,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. This can be expedited by opening one of the five Southwest credit cards with varying sign-up bonuses, as these points count toward the Southwest Companion Pass.

Lastly, remember that Companion Pass fares do not include $5.60 in taxes and fees one-way and are not valid on award bookings with Rapid Rewards points.

Maximize your purchase

To book Southwest flights and earn points toward a Southwest Companion Pass, use:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card : 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases

Bottom line

This is a good deal for frequent Southwest flyers who have not been able to traditionally earn a Southwest Companion Pass and want to try it out. Be sure to book travel by Thursday, March 27.

Related reading:

  • How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
  • Quick Points: Fly with a friend for almost free with the Southwest Companion Pass
  • 15 lessons from 15 years of having the Southwest Companion Pass
  • How to qualify for Southwest Companion Pass with 1 credit card sign-up bonus
  • I vastly overestimated the value of a Southwest Companion Pass

IMAGES

  1. A brand new publication, the Rwanda Tourism Guide 2019-20, is published

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  2. RWANDA BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE by Outlook Publishing

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  3. RWANDA TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: Discover the Land of a Thousand Hills: A

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  4. Visit Rwanda: 2021 Travel Guide for Rwanda, Africa

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  5. Rwanda Tourism Guide 2019-20

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  6. A trip to Rwanda: Travel guide to Rwanda 2023, Planning Your Trip, Tips

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COMMENTS

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    Paperback. $29.99 14 Used from $4.47 4 New from $29.99. Entering its sixth edition, the Bradt guide to Rwanda continues to provide the most comprehensive coverage of any English-language guidebook on the market. Bradt Rwanda has long been the go-to guide for visitors to this historical and resurgent land of a thousand hills, and it continues to ...

  7. PDF Key Tourist Attractions

    Cave tourism There are 52 caves in Northern Province. The most popular is Musanze Cave - the main cave has an entrance the size of a cathedral and is home to a sizeable bat colony Bird watching Rugezi Marsh, located in north west Rwanda near Gicumbi, is Rwanda's only RAMSAR Site and is home to good populations of Grauer's Swamp

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    Rwanda: Essential information. From visa to health information, language, currency and more - discover all the essential details from experts in our Rwanda travel guide. Best known for its wealth of primates, Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and some wonderful hiking spots. There are also beautiful lakes, dense jungles, rich ...

  12. Rwanda Travel Guide (2023) • Safari in the Land of 1000 Hills

    This allows you to apply for a visa before you travel, and you will receive an electronic visa, which you can print and present at the border. The fee for the Rwanda visa is $50 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, and $70 for a multiple entry visa valid for 90 days. Travelers should have a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient ...

  13. 25 Books Set In + About Rwanda

    Small Country by Gaël Faye. While this novel is technically set in Burundi, Rwanda is an important part of this story. Gabriel is 10 years old and has a happy childhood in Burundi with his Rwandan mother and French father. But soon Burundi, and then Rwanda, erupt in war and unrest and Gabriel's life is upended.

  14. Rwanda Itinerary Guide: Honest Advice for Planning an Awesome Trip

    Today, you'll find the eyedropper bottles of his Akabanga hot sauce on nearly every dining table in Rwanda and the highway where he started is now the headquarters of his empire. Buy some 500 RWF bottles of Akabanga to take home. Or buy some of his Rwandan wine for 8,000 RWF or 14% alcohol banana beer for 1,000 RWF.

  15. 11 Best places to visit in Rwanda; Land of 1000 Hills

    Kenya. Travel Essentials. Discover the land of a thousand hills! Find the best places to see and stay in Rwanda featuring Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Umusambi Village, Huye, Nyanza, and more!

  16. Tourism

    Advance booking of tourist permit. Application for tourist permit. Low season discount (Gorilla Trekking) Conference discount (Gorilla Trekking) Application for personalized tourist package. Extend research permit. Application for research Permit. Reschedule advance booking with deposit. Search Application.

  17. 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

    10. Gishwati Mukura National Park. 11. Nyamata Genocide Memorial. Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda. 1. Volcanoes National Park. A mountain gorilla at Volcanoes National Park. Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

  18. 10 Best Rwanda Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Rwanda Tours & Trips. From the trumpeting elephants of Akegera to the grazing gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is full of humbling safari experiences. Uncover the secrets of Kigali's history or combine your tour and travel to the jungles of Uganda for the ultimate gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure !

  19. From silverbacks to sips of tea: The ultimate 10-day Rwandan adventure

    13 min read. Rwanda's rhythm is palpable. Whether you are walking in the footsteps of giant silverback gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, exploring the wetlands in Akagera or shaking your hips ...

  20. 10 Best Rwanda Tours & Trips 2024/2025 (with 35 Reviews)

    15 day bicycle tour to Entebbe, Fort Portal and 9 other destinations traveling through Uganda and Rwanda. Read More. Tour Type Small Group Tour. Activities Bicycle tours. Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort. Transport 4WD Jeep. Age Range 18-95 yrs. Operated in English. days15 From US$ 5,100 View Tour.

  21. Discover Rwanda

    Safe and Seamless Experiences. Rwanda has received the Global Safety and Hygiene Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council. To ensure your health and the well-being of those around you while you are visiting Rwanda, we encourage you to following the guidelines for mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand sanitising and other COVID-19 prevention measures.

  22. The Ultimate 10-Day Rwanda Itinerary

    The Ultimate 10-Day Rwanda Itinerary. By The Scribs & Nibs July 23, 2022. This ultimate Rwanda itinerary will have you exploring art in the city, jumping on the back of motorcycles, biking more than you thought physically possible with incredible views, seeing the funky Golden Monkeys and boat tripping through Lake Kivu.

  23. Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts

    Welcome to Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts, your professional travel partner with robust experience in planning and efficiently executing gorilla trekking safaris and wildlife tours to Rwanda. We also organise adventurous safari tours to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC and Burundi. East Africa has got plenty to explore including wildlife game ...

  24. Rwanda trips by UK ministers and officials have already cost over £

    Figures reveal £413,541 spent on travel since the policy to send asylum seekers there was devised in 2022 Sending ministers and officials to Rwanda has cost the government more than £400,000 ...

  25. Could real estate go the way of the travel industry? Not quite

    Technology has revolutionized how people book travel, buy groceries and manage their everyday finances. Yet, the process of buying a home has withstood many similar changes.

  26. You Can Now Book Breeze Airways Flights on Priceline

    Travelers can now book all of Breeze's 170 routes directly through Priceline, and will soon be able to choose from the airline's three fare bundles: "Nice," "Nicer," and "Nicest ...

  27. Tourism

    Culture & Heritage. Warm and friendly, Rwandans are also respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top. From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.

  28. Act fast: Book just 1 Southwest ticket and you'll earn a Southwest

    SOUTHWEST.COM. Airlines: Southwest Routes: Across the Southwest network How to book: Register for the promo directly through the airline and then book travel Travel dates: Travel by May 22 and use the Companion Pass between Aug. 5 and Oct. 2 Book by: Travel must be booked by March 27. To take advantage of this deal, log into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account using this link before booking ...

  29. Fire extinguished on Carnival Freedom cruise ship after witnesses ...

    Heath Barnes opened his book on the upper decks of the Bahamas-bound Carnival Freedom cruise ship in between bouts of rain. His relaxation was suddenly stolen with the loudest thunder he'd ever ...