Experience the Best of Rwanda - Top Activities and Destinations

Rwanda is located in the heart of Africa. The relatively small country offers the unique opportunity to explore diverse wildlife and landscapes in a short time frame.

This beautiful country is also known for its safety and accessibility, making it an excellent destination for travelers. The well-developed roads efficiently connect key areas, facilitating easy exploration between the national parks.

The best way to discover if an activity suits you is to experience it yourself.

What To Expect in This Guide?

I will share my experiences, photos, and tips, covering what to do and what to skip, to help you plan your trip to this unique country. Here’s a map to give you a quick look at what I’ll share.

Recommended Activities in Rwanda

Here, you’ll find only the experiences that I’ve done and resonated with me. That said, the activities highlighted reflect my personal preferences and budget considerations!

1. Niyo Art Center

For anyone visiting Kigali, the Niyo Art Center is a must-see. It’s not only a showcase for local artists to exhibit their talents in various forms like painting, sculpture, dance, or music, but it’s also a cultural hub where artists from all over Africa display their work. Expect to see rich contemporary African art.

The gallery is packed with paintings from the artists hosted there. Some hang on the walls, while others are stacked below the showcased art. If you are an art lover, expect to spend one to two hours. One of the artists was there when I visited, which made my experience even more enjoyable.

The Niyo Art Center isn’t just about the art. 40% of their profits go to an NGO that aids children and single mothers in poverty in Rwanda. Additionally, the center runs free art programs for kids who have a passion for art but lack the resources to pursue it.

It also houses a lovely café with great food and drinks. It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the creative environment.

Details	Information
Entrance Fee	Free Entry
How i got there	Moto-taxi
Duration of my visit	Almost 1 hour, excluding time at their café
Tip	I’ve combined this with Kigali Genocide Memorial due to its close proximity

2. Kigali Genocide Memorial

Visiting the Genocide Memorial is a profound and moving experience. It offers deep insights into the tragic events of the 1994 genocide and serves as a place for reflection and recollection. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to understand more about the people living in this beautiful country.

The museum features detailed narratives, photography, and personal artifacts. These exhibits often document the events leading up to the historical event and how Rwanda has worked towards national unity after the tragedy. Visiting the memorial can be emotionally challenging, but it undoubtedly plays a crucial role in understanding the country of Rwanda.

Details	Information
Entrance Fee	Free Entry
How i got there	Moto-taxi
Duration of my visit	Almost 3 hours, excluding time at their café
Tip	Hiring a tour company for this is unnecessary. I’ve combined this with Niyo Art Center due to its close proximity

3. Hiking in Volcanoes National Park

For the adventurous, hiking in Volcanoes National Park is a must. The hikes leading up to various mountain peaks offer the chance to see breathtaking views and immerse in the ecosystem. While these hikes can be challenging, they are incredibly rewarding, providing a close-up view of the unique landscapes.

During these hikes, you might see buffaloes, forest elephants, birds, and antelopes. That’s why having a guide and a team of rangers with you is mandatory for safety. On lucky days, even the gorillas can be found, as is their territory. However, if you do encounter them, you’re allowed to stay with them for only up to 5 minutes, as this occurs outside of a formal gorilla trekking permit.

The most famous vulcanos to hike are Bisoke and Karisimbi, the ones I did. Bisoke is a one-day hike to a crater lake at a 3.7km altitude. Karisimbi is a two-day hike to the highest point of Rwanda, at 4.5km altitude. These hikes are frequently paired with gorilla trekking trips, typically in the order of Gorilla, Bisoke, and Karisimbi.

Details	Information
Entrance Fee - Bisoke	75 USD for foreigners
Entrance Fee - Karisimbi	400 USD for foreigners
How i got there	Driving from Kigali to Musanze
Nearest City for Accommodation	Musanze offers a variety of hotel options for overnight stays
Recommendation	Renting a 4x4 vehicle is advisable due to poor road conditions at some trailheads. Alternatively, consider hiring a driver at the headquarters if self-driving is not an option
Tip	All activities at Volcanoes National Park start at the headquarters

4. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The highlight of any trip to Rwanda is undoubtedly gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This unique experience allows you to be face-to-face with the endangered silverback gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close and personal.

However, it’s essential to know that permits for this activity can be costly and are often limited in number, requiring advance purchase. Also, since this is a hiking activity, be ready for different types of terrain. The gorillas roam freely in their natural habitat. Hence, the distance you’ll hike depends on where they are and your own fitness level.

I’ve decided to do this experience in Uganda, but the gorillas and the overall experience are similar to what you’d find in Rwanda! If you’re interested in learning more about it and need guidance on where to go for this adventure, check out my detailed guide.

A Comprehensive Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Find out all the essential information for a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife experience!

Details	Information
Entrance Fee - Rwanda	1500 USD for foreigners
Nearest City for Accommodation	Musanze offers a variety of hotel options for overnight stays
Tip	All activities at Volcanoes National Park start at the headquarters

Activities for My Next Time in Rwanda

Here are the experiences I would love to do but missed due to budget, time constraints, or lack of planning.

1. Trail de Akagera

The Trail de Akagera in Akagera National Park offers an exceptional opportunity to hike through Rwanda’s unique savannah landscape for five or seven nights.

I missed out on this trail because it only has 12 set departures a year, specifically in August, September, and October. Unfortunately, that didn’t align with the time I was in Rwanda. It’s definitely on my list for a future visit.

2. Hiking in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It is rich in biodiversity, including a small population of chimpanzees. You can do many trails along with other activities, such as canopy walk and primate trekking.

I didn’t get to do this because organizing it was a hassle. It’s not close enough to Kigali for a day trip, and the tour company prices for the area are pretty steep. I didn’t have the energy to figure out a budget-friendly plan.

3. Congo-Nile Hiking Trail

The Congo-Nile Trail is a famous hiking and biking trail known for its views of Lake Kivu and the hills of Rwanda. It’s a 10-day trek if you’re walking. The trail takes you through traditional villages, offering a chance to get a feel for the local culture and enjoy the natural beauty.

As it’s a journey that requires several days to complete and involves lots of logistics, I chose not to do it this time.

Popular Activities in Rwanda That I’ve Skipped

Having traveled extensively in Africa, I allocate my budget towards unique experiences specific to a region rather than activities widely available elsewhere. This is the case for safaris!

1. Akagera National Park

Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is a classic African savannah landscape. It’s home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and giraffes, making it a fantastic destination for safari. The park also has lakes with hippos and crocodiles, adding to the wildlife experience.

As I’ve done multiple safaris before and in a short time frame, I’ve decided to skip this one! However, I would consider visiting Akagera National Park if I had a company to share the costs.

What to Skip?

I don’t have any specific activities to advise against. However, for budget travelers, self-driving, direct lodge bookings, and purchasing permits independently can save costs. Rwanda’s focus on luxury tourism means tour companies often charge high prices for services you can manage independently.

Some people pay over 150 USD to visit free-entry places like the Genocide Memorial, and it is literally just a “guide” walking beside you when you read the records displayed to everyone. Don’t be afraid to go there on your own. It’s easy to catch a moto-taxi and a great way to experience local life and see how the residents get around the city.