Top 14 Interesting Tourist Things To Do In Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda, a captivating East African nation that has transformed itself into one of the continent’s most extraordinary destinations. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda offers a remarkable blend of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, rich cultural experiences, and a inspiring story of resilience and renewal. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, culture lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable African experience, Rwanda delivers beyond expectations.

Why Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda stands out among African destinations for numerous compelling reasons. This small, landlocked country boasts exceptional biodiversity, from endangered mountain gorillas in misty volcanic mountains to savanna wildlife roaming golden plains. Beyond nature, Rwanda’s clean, safe cities, efficient infrastructure, and genuine hospitality create a welcoming environment for travelers. The nation’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades has earned it a reputation as one of Africa’s safest and most organized countries, making it ideal for first-time visitors to the continent.

In this article, we will show you 14 of the most interesting things to do in Rwanda on safari holiday that you should add to your bucket list.

Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda’s crown jewel experience takes you into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Standing meters away from these gentle giants, observing their human-like interactions and soulful eyes, creates one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. Home to approximately one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Rwanda offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Chimpanzee Tracking: Venture into the ancient Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, to track habituated chimpanzee troops. Watch these intelligent primates swing through the canopy, communicate with complex vocalizations, and display remarkably human behaviors. Nyungwe also harbors 12 other primate species, making it a paradise for primate enthusiasts.

Classic Safari Adventures: Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda delivers authentic African safari experiences with lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos (completing the Big Five), giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. The park’s diverse ecosystems—from wetlands and lakes to savanna plains—create spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly during morning and evening game drives.

Birding Paradise: With over 700 bird species recorded nationwide, Rwanda thrills birdwatchers. Nyungwe Forest hosts numerous Albertine Rift endemics, while Akagera’s wetlands attract spectacular waterbirds. The rare shoebill stork can be spotted in Akagera’s swamps, offering photographers a coveted sighting.

Adventure Activities

Canopy Walkway: Experience Nyungwe Forest from a completely different perspective on East Africa’s only canopy walkway. Suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, this 160-meter walkway offers thrilling views of the forest canopy, distant mountains, and opportunities to spot primates and birds at eye level.

Hiking and Trekking: Rwanda’s mountainous terrain creates exceptional hiking opportunities. Trek to Dian Fossey’s grave and research center in Volcanoes National Park, summit Mount Bisoke with its stunning crater lake, or explore the numerous trails through Nyungwe’s pristine rainforest. The Congo-Nile Trail offers multi-day hiking and cycling adventures along Lake Kivu’s scenic shores.

Water Sports on Lake Kivu: Rwanda’s largest lake provides the perfect setting for relaxation and water activities. Kayak along the shoreline, take boat trips to explore islands, swim in bilharzia-free waters, or simply relax on sandy beaches while watching spectacular sunsets over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cycling Adventures: Rwanda’s hills challenge cycling enthusiasts while rewarding them with spectacular scenery. The Congo-Nile Trail offers one of Africa’s best cycling routes, while guided cycling tours through rural villages provide authentic cultural immersion.

Cultural Experiences

Kigali City Tours: Rwanda’s capital seamlessly blends modernity with history. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand the country’s tragic past and inspiring recovery. Explore vibrant local markets like Kimironko, sample Rwandan cuisine in trendy restaurants, and experience the city’s burgeoning arts scene in galleries and craft centers.

Traditional Village Experiences: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park offers authentic insights into traditional Rwandan life. Watch traditional Intore dance performances, learn about ancient hunting techniques, try your hand at traditional crafts, and hear stories from reformed poachers turned conservationists.

Community Tourism: Engage with local communities through homestays, coffee plantation tours, and cooperative visits. Learn about Rwanda’s coffee-to-cup journey, participate in traditional cooking classes, or visit women’s cooperatives producing beautiful handicrafts.

Rwandan Cuisine: Discover East African flavors through Rwanda’s cuisine. Try isombe (cassava leaves with peanuts), brochettes (grilled meat skewers), ubugari (cassava or maize meal), and fresh tilapia from Lake Kivu. Don’t miss sampling Rwandan coffee and tea, both renowned for their exceptional quality.

Historical and Memorial Sites

Genocide Memorials: Understanding Rwanda’s 1994 genocide against the Tutsi is essential to appreciating the nation’s remarkable journey. Thoughtfully designed memorial sites throughout the country honor victims while educating visitors about prevention and reconciliation. These sobering but important visits provide context for Rwanda’s present achievements.

King’s Palace Museum: Located in Nyanza, this beautifully reconstructed traditional royal palace offers insights into Rwanda’s monarchy and pre-colonial history. The site includes traditionally crafted buildings and Inyambo cattle, bred for their impressive horns and participation in royal ceremonies.

Practical Information for Visitors

Rwanda’s compact size makes it possible to experience multiple attractions within a single trip. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major African and Middle Eastern hubs. The country’s excellent road network facilitates easy travel between destinations, with most major attractions accessible within 2-5 hours from Kigali.

The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer the best weather for gorilla trekking and general touring, though Rwanda’s mild climate makes year-round travel feasible. English, French, and Kinyarwanda are official languages, with English widely spoken in tourism areas.

Rwanda requires visas for most nationalities, easily obtained online or on arrival. The country’s strong emphasis on cleanliness is evident everywhere—plastic bags are banned, and monthly community cleaning days (Umuganda) reflect the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Planning Your Rwanda Adventure

Whether you have three days or three weeks, Rwanda offers incredible experiences. A typical first-time itinerary might include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a safari in Akagera, relaxation at Lake Kivu, and cultural experiences in Kigali. Primate enthusiasts might combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, while adventure seekers could focus on hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Rwanda’s tourism infrastructure continually improves, with accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Hiring a vehicle provides maximum flexibility for exploring, while organized tours offer hassle-free experiences with expert guides.

Experience the Transformation

Rwanda represents modern Africa at its finest—a nation that has overcome unimaginable tragedy to become a beacon of hope, conservation, and sustainable development. Beyond the remarkable wildlife and stunning scenery, you’ll discover warm hospitality, efficient services, and inspiring stories of resilience and renewal.

Come discover why Rwanda has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. From locking eyes with mountain gorillas to watching elephants at sunset, from learning difficult history to celebrating cultural richness, Rwanda offers transformative experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Start planning your Rwanda adventure today and prepare to be amazed by the Land of a Thousand Hills. Contact us by sending an email to [email protected] or calling us on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.