Things To Do in Rwanda, Places, Attractions & Activities

Unique Things To Do in Rwanda While On Self Drive Tour, According to Experts. Discovering The Unmissable Places, Attractions & Activities in Rwanda

Among the many activities to do in Rwanda, gorilla trekking is at the top of practically every traveler’s list. Tourists from all over the world flock to Rwanda for the unique opportunity to get close to animals that share 99 percent of human DNA. The country’s conservation efforts have allowed for significant progress toward protecting the animals.

Rwanda offers much more than just the chance to witness these peaceful giants. The 1994 Rwandan genocide devastated the country, but in the years since then, Rwanda has made remarkable strides toward rebuilding itself as a safe, friendly destination.

Akagera National Park offers safaris, and the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk provides visitors with breathtaking views of the forest below. Check out the fascinating displays on traditional habits and beliefs at the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda if you have an interest in culture. Visit the King’s Palace Museum to see the royal cows and listen to the singers who perform for them.

Take advantage of your time in Rwanda by seeing some of the places on our recommended itinerary.

Things to do in Rwanda (Attractions & Activities)

Spot the Big 5 in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s best-kept secrets, and it’s where you can go on a safari in search of the Big Five animals. The park’s 1,200 square kilometers provide a broad variety of habitats for animals. These include savannahs, lakes, and wetlands.

Akagera is today a renowned tourist destination in Africa thanks to the reintroduction of lions and the successful conservation of elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and buffalo.

Participate on a game drive or a guided tour to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, roaming the park’s expansive landscapes. Camping opportunities are also available in the park, allowing visitors to truly feel at one with nature.

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Endless Hiking Opportunities

Rwanda is a fantastic destination for hikers. Along the northern boundary are the Virunga Mountains, a volcanic range that is also a part of the Albertine Rift. Day hikes up mountains like Bisoke and Muhabura, as well as exploring the verdant landscapes and unique flora and fauna of the country’s various national parks, are popular activities for tourists.

The critically endangered mountain gorillas are only one of the many amazing species that may be seen on a day trip to Virunga National Park. The trail winds far and wide across varied landscapes, from thick bamboo groves to the brink of a breathtaking crater lake at the mountain’s peak.

You can rest your weary legs along the crater lake’s edge. The lake’s serene beauty, combined with the surrounding vegetation and hazy sky, creates a mystical setting.

But Mount Bisoke isn’t the only place to go hiking in Rwanda.

The country is rich in beautiful landscapes that are perfect for hikers of all skill levels, including rolling hills, mountain ranges, and picturesque paths.

Hiking opportunities abound in the tropical rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is also home to a wide variety of species. You could lose track of the number of bird species you see when exploring the pathways through the deep woodland.

Trek with Golden Monkeys

Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an amazing opportunity to trek with golden monkeys. The fact that these curious monkeys are critically endangered and found only in the Albertine Rift adds to the uniqueness of the encounter.

On a golden monkey hike, you’ll travel through verdant bamboo groves, where the primates thrive.

Keep in mind, nevertheless, that responsible tourism is essential on these hikes in order to have as little negative effect as possible on the monkeys.

Guidelines and regulations are tightly maintained, including keeping a safe distance, avoiding feeding the monkeys, and limiting group sizes. Following these guidelines will help ensure the survival of rare animals and plants, as well as the preservation of their natural habitats.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Immerse Yourself in Kigali’s Vibrant Cultural Scene

The cultural heart of Rwanda beats in the city that serves as its capital. The city provides a wealth of options for experiencing local culture, from classical ballet to cutting-edge visual art.

Consider going to a show including traditional dance. Traditional dances come to life with brightly colored costumes, pounding drums, and spirited performances.

Dance groups often perform for the public at community events, festivals, and other community gatherings.

Gorilla Trekking and Conservation Efforts

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a must for everyone visiting the country. In order to locate the families of mountain gorillas, you will be led by trained trackers and park rangers on a hike through the park’s verdant vegetation and up to higher elevations.

Watching the infant gorillas connect with their caregivers and engage in playful behavior is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

There will be guided tours and informative exhibits available for those interested in Dian Fossey’s legacy and the ongoing conservation initiatives. By visiting the locations where these incredible animals live, the book “Gorillas in the Mist” comes to life.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s 🇷🇼 Volcanoes National Park

Go Bird Watching in Nyungwe National Park

If you’re a birdwatcher, Rwanda is one of the top destinations in all of Africa.

Visitors to Nyungwe National Park can see a variety of birds, including the Rwenzori turaco, Albertine owlet, and great blue turaco.

If you want to make the most of your time in the park, hiring a local guide or signing up for a bird-watching excursion is highly recommended.

Remember that bringing plastic bags into Rwanda is illegal and will result in a fine owing to the harm they cause to wildlife and the environment.

Birding In Rwanda

Explore Local Designers’ Workshops

Those curious about Rwanda’s fashion and design scenes can get a glimpse of the country’s creative sector by visiting local designers’ studios. There is a group of designers in the country who successfully merge classic methods with contemporary aesthetics. Working with local designers is a great way to show your support for the industry and take a bit of Rwandan style and craftsmanship home with you.

Take a Boat Trip on Lake Kivu

One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu is both stunning and entertaining.

Sunrise and sunset are the perfect times to take a boat out on the lake so that you can see the beautiful countryside from a new angle.

You can also enjoy the peace of the lake by participating in water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

Lake Kivu is a great place to do scuba diving or snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous. Underwater methane gas fields and submerged coffee plantations are just two of the many fascinating and one-of-a-kind dive locations available.

Boat Ride on Lake Kivu

Horse Ride through Rwanda’s Picturesque Landscapes

Try going on a horseback ride around the countryside of Rwanda for a unique perspective on the country’s scenery. Seeing the region from a horse’s saddle offers a unique perspective on the rolling hills, verdant tea fields, and quaint rural communities.

Reflect on the Rwandan Genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial

While visiting Rwanda, it’s crucial to not only take in the country’s stunning landscapes and abundant animals, but also to learn about its recent past and honor those who perished in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. A somber yet important site, the Kigali Genocide Memorial sheds light on a tragic period in Rwanda’s history.

The memorial was built as a place of reflection and education in memory of the victims. Stories of the genocide are told through exhibitions, photographs, and personal testimonies, illuminating the crimes committed and the continuing impact on the local people. It is a wonderful spot for reflection, education, and the promotion of harmony and cooperation.

A Survivor’s Story as a Guide at Rwanda’s Genocide Memorial | Short Film Showcase

Take an Immersive Walking Tour

You’ll get to know the locals and gain insight into their daily lives as your tour group visits less touristy areas, landmarks, and markets. Interesting anecdotes and new insights into the country’s history and culture can be gleaned from knowledgeable guides.

Every excursion is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Rwanda’s cities and towns, from the bustling markets of Kimironko to the charming residences of Nyamirambo. It’s possible that you’ll meet local craftspeople, sample regional specialties, and see examples of artisanal handiwork in action.

Discover the Capital’s Last Independent Milk Bars

Those in search of a nostalgic treat and a window into Rwanda’s past should definitely check out the city’s remaining local milk bars. “Parlours,” as these milk bars are known in Rwanda, have played an important role in the country’s history and culture. People used to congregate in these places to chat over a cup of tea or a milk-based drink.

Some of these classic milk bars have persisted in the face of competition from more up-to-date eateries. Visiting one of these milk bars is comparable to traveling back in time. The freshly brewed tea or milk combined with the antique furnishings and the ambiance creates an exceptional setting.

KIGALI – RWANDA: Discover The Cleanest City In Africa

Embark on a Train Track Exploration Journey

Explore abandoned train tracks for a trip that combines history, the great outdoors, and a dash of nostalgia. Rwanda’s railroad tracks, a relic of the country’s colonial past, provide a means to see the country’s scenery and meet its people outside of the typical tourist hotspots.

These excursions typically include bicycle or foot travel over the deserted rail lines that cut through gorgeous scenery and distant settlements. You’ll learn to appreciate the country of Rwanda’s many scenery as you travel its routes.

Final Thoughts on Unusual Things to do in Rwanda

When you leave Rwanda, you’ll take with you not only wonderful memories of its natural attractions, but also a newfound respect for the country’s cultural wealth, wildlife variety, and conservation initiatives.

Rwanda is a fantastic vacation spot for those in search of both distinctive and spectacular experiences, as it provides the ideal combination of adventure, culture, and conservation.