6 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda
A family of Mantled Guereza monkeys in Rwanda.
A country that offers breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences that range from bird-watching safaris to gorilla trekking, the top six must-see places to visit in Rwanda can capture your imagination.
Spend time visiting museums and mountains, walk trails through montane forests, and trek in search of cheeky chimpanzees and mighty gorillas. Take a trip on Lake Kiva and marvel at the beauty of the Virunga Mountains.
Whether you plan to stay in Rwanda for a short visit or are eager to embark on a journey that explores the grandeur of different national parks, planning your must-see list of places in Rwanda can immerse you in the natural and cultural beauty of the country.
1. Discover the Historic Capital of Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda.
Discover the history and culture of Kigali through walking tours and guided visits that will showcase the distinctive ambiance that spans the mountain ridges, colorful valleys, and flowering trees.
Enjoy the remarkable cosmopolitan atmosphere, with soaring skyscrapers, luxury accommodations, and culinary options that reveal the traditions of local communities in distinctive neighborhoods and rural areas. Charismatic and eccentric, Kigali is a destination that inspires and delights visitors from around the world.
Highlights: Kigali Genocide Memorial | Inema Arts Center | Rwanda Art Museum | Kimironko Market
2. Explore the Stunning Volcanic Virunga Mountains
View of Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo in Rwanda.
The Virunga mountain range in Rwanda lies in the Great Rift Valley, more specifically the Albertine Rift. Derived from the local Kinyarwanda word meaning volcano, this impressive chain of dormant volcanoes is separated by Lake Edward and Lake Kivu, whose waters add a majestic shimmer to the landscape as you adventure through the breathtaking jungle terrain.
The Virunga Massif serves as a dramatic backdrop to the Volcanoes National park and offers an array of activities and adventures set among tree ferns and forests, where you may hear monkey hollering or linger to view the serene lakeshores.
Highlights: Hiking Mount Karisimbi | Mount Gahinga | Bird Watching | Golden Monkey Trekking | Scenic Sightseeing Visits from Volcanoes National Park
3. Veer Off the Beaten Path in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The most notable and popular national park in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park offers an experience lined with intrigue, beauty, adventure, and incredible memories.
Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Virunga Mountains, the landscape of the park comprises a diverse ecosystem that includes montane forests, open grasslands, and swamps.
Home to the lowland gorillas, stepping through the lush terrain as the sun peeks through a bamboo canopy will allow you to bask in the scents and sounds of your surroundings, which combine to create a truly special experience.
Highlights: Gorilla Trekking | Golden Monkey Sighting | Bird Watching | Hiking and Walking Trails | Wildlife Spotting | Amazing Views of the Virungas
4. Embrace the Breathtaking Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda.
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, the Nyungwe National Park seems like a wonderland once inside, with several trails inviting you to explore, a swing bridge suspended above the trees, and the chance to lose yourself in a world of lush green and gold colors.
Situated on the western border of the Great Rift Valley between Lake Tanganyika to Lake Albert, every inch teems with botanical gems that capture the spectacular flora and fauna, while mountains and lakes add to Nyungwe’s overall natural beauty and allure.
Highlights: Bird Watching | Chimpanzee Trekking | Canopy Walkway | Butterfly Haven | Kitabi Village and Banda Cultural Villages | Hiking
5. Set Off on a Stunning Safari at Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
Discover an east-Rwandan gem in Akagera National Park. Dotted with lakes and papyrus swamps that cover almost a third of the park, it stands as one of East Africa’s most protected wetlands.
Boastful mountains create a perfectly dramatic backdrop, with scenic sights from the Akagera River to montane forests and savannas surrounded by ever-changing habitats as you move from one location to another.
Highlights: Wildlife Spotting | Prolific Birdlife | Gorgeous scenery | Canoe on Lake Ihema | Local Community Cultural Tours
6. Capture the Lovely Scenery of Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwada.
Lake Kivu lies on the border between the Congo and Rwanda, and on the Albertine Rift, and is one of the deepest lakes in the world.
Free of hippos and crocodiles, the inviting waters of Lake Kivu stretch 55 miles long and 30 miles wide to create a welcoming ambiance in which you can see many visitors relaxing after a day of exploration in the forests and mountains of Rwanda.
Local communities live near the shoreline and offer a welcoming wave to guests as they fish and frolic under a Rwandan sun.
Highlights: Kayaking and Canoeing |Swimming | Fishing | Walks along the Shoreline | Cultural Interactions | Nearby Coffee Tours
Book for the Best Places in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Adventure and awe await you in Rwanda, with exceptional cultural experiences and places to inspire the perfect trekking excursion.
You can also embrace history, art, and culture for the perfect Rwanda experience. A broader adventure can take you deep into the jungle in search of more dynamic wildlife or around protected parks to create fascinating memories.
To find out more, take a look at our Best Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Safari Tours. When you are ready to book, speak with a Zicasso Travel Specialist or call our team at 1-888-265-9707 to start planning your custom trip.
