10 Unique Things to Do in Rwanda | Attractions & Activities

The Best Things to Do in Rwanda

1. Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk: Walk 70 meters above the forest floor on a 160-meter-long bridge for panoramic views of Nyungwe National Park.
2. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Encounter rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a rare experience found only in three countries.
3. Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit: Pay respects and learn about the 1994 genocide at this somber, educational site, which is essential for understanding Rwandan history.
4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe/Cyamudongo: Track habituated chimpanzees in the dense Nyungwe Forest or the smaller Cyamudongo forest.
5. Lake Kivu Kayaking and Singing Fishermen: Kayak on the calm waters of Lake Kivu at sunset, accompanied by the traditional singing of local fishermen.
6. Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund: Visit this state-of-the-art campus near Volcanoes National Park to learn about gorilla conservation and Fossey’s legacy.
7. Coffee/Tea Tour in Huye Mountains: Tour a coffee plantation, learn about harvesting and roasting, or visit the Sorwathe tea plantation to experience the entire tea-making process.
8. Akagera National Park Big Five Safari: Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema or a game drive in Akagera to see lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo.
9. Azizi Life Homestay Experience: Spend a day living with a rural artisan family, participating in daily chores like cooking or crafting to experience authentic Rwandan village life.
10. Banana Beer Making Experience: Participate in the traditional, communal process of fermenting bananas to create a locally cherished alcoholic beverage.

Unique Things to Do in Rwanda

Rwanda offers unique experiences beyond gorilla trekking, including walking the 160m-long Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, tracking chimpanzees in Cyamudongo Forest, and kayaking on Lake Kivu. Visitors can also experience traditional banana beer making, explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, and tour Huye mountain coffee plantations.

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

One of the most well-liked things to do in Rwanda is to trek for gorillas. About half of the world’s mountain gorilla population resides in Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country. Travelers that venture into the verdant woodlands may come face to face with these magnificent animals. You won’t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ritual, is a must-see if you’re ever in Rwanda in July.

2. Visit the Genocide Memorials in Kigali

The tragic history of genocide in Rwanda includes the deaths of between 500,000 and 800,000 individuals in just 100 days during the year 1994. The Genocide Memorials in Kigali are the best places to learn about this tragic period in Rwanda’s history and pay your respects to the victims. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is a sobering and enlightening experience that sheds light on the events that preceded and followed the genocide.

Visiting the Genocide Memorials in Kigali, particularly the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, is a profound and essential experience for understanding Rwanda’s history and its journey toward reconciliation. The memorial serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

3. Explore Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, is a stunning 1,120 km² savannah protected area managed by African Parks. Known for its “Big Five” wildlife (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo), it offers exceptional game drives, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, and over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

When in Rwanda, animal lovers just must go to Akagera National Park, the country’s largest national park. In addition to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos), zebras, giraffes, and hippos can all be seen in this park located in the country’s east. The park’s varied scenery and abundant animals can be experienced by guests on game drives or boat safaris.

4. Experience the Cultural Village of Iby’Iwacu

The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is the best place to experience authentic Rwandan culture. The village near Volcanoes National Park showcases traditional Rwandan culture such as music, dance, and crafts. Milking cows, producing banana beer, and traditional ceramics are just a few of the activities open to tourists.

Rising from the ashes of Rwanda’s notorious poaching culture, the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village is a captivating cultural experience close to Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.

The inhabitants of the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village have found a new purpose in life; they are no longer involved in the poaching of Rwanda’s stunning mountain gorillas. The village also serves as an educational resource for tourists interested in Rwanda’s rich history and culture before the country’s colonisation.

Experience a day in the life of a Rwandan king, learn about traditional medicines and cuisine, participate in traditional dance and music, and participate in a range of local activities, like village walks, during your visit to Iby Iwacu Cultural Village.

You can spend as little as a few hours learning about the local culture or as much as a whole day immersed in it at Iby Iwacu, depending on your schedule.

5. Hike Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke offers an exhilarating hike for anyone with a thirst for adventure. The mountain, which can be found in Volcanoes National Park, is an active volcano that rises to a height of 3,711 meters. The trek is around six hours round way, but the views from the peak, where a crater lake can be found, are well worth the effort.

Hiking Mount Bisoke in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a 6–8 hour, moderately strenuous day hike (approx. 3,711 meters) featuring a stunning emerald-green crater lake at the summit. The hike is popular for its panoramic views and chance to see gorillas, with permits cost around $75.

6. Tour the King’s Palace in Nyanza

The King’s Palace in Nyanza is the best place to learn about Rwanda’s monarchy and traditional culture. This replica depicts the residence of the Rwandan royalty before its abolition in 1962. Travelers interested in the background and traditions of Rwanda’s ruling family can take a tour of the palace.

7. Visit Lake Kivu

Kivu Lake, a stunning freshwater body shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is located right on the international boundary. Tourists can go on boat rides around the lake, lounge on the beaches, or visit the neighboring cities of Gisenyi and Kibuye. Relax and enjoy Rwanda’s stunning scenery in an ideal setting.

Lake Kivu is a 2,700 km² freshwater lake on the Rwanda-DRC border in the Albertine Rift, known for its scenic beauty, tourist activities, and high methane gas concentrations. As one of Africa’s Great Lakes, it features volcanic landscapes, islands, and popular destinations like Gisenyi and Kibuye for boating, kayaking, and relaxation.

8. Shop at the Kimironko Market

Visit the Kimironko Market in Kigali to get a feel for real life in Rwanda. Traders hawk everything from fresh food and spices to linens and handicrafts at this thriving market. It’s a fantastic spot to learn about Rwandan history and pick up some unique keepsakes.

9. Take a City Tour of Kigali

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is a dynamic and contemporary city well worth seeing. Travelers interested in the city’s history and culture, as well as its bustling markets and museums, and exciting nightlife, should take a city tour. Kigali is also well-known for the high quality of its restaurants serving traditional Rwandan fare.

A one-day Kigali city tour highlights Rwanda’s, safe, progressive capital, featuring moving history, vibrant markets, and art. Key stops include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, bustling Kimironko Market, Nyamirambo neighborhood, Inema Arts Centre, and the Kigali Convention Centre, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern architecture.

11. Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest

There are few places in Africa as rich in biodiversity as Nyungwe Forest National Park. Many rare and endemic bird species can be found in the park. Guided birdwatching walks through the woods are available to guests.

Birding in Rwanda offers exceptional opportunities to spot over 700 species, including 29+ Albertine Rift endemics, within a compact area. Prime locations include Nyungwe Forest for montane forest species, Akagera National Park for savanna birds, and Volcanoes National Park for high-altitude specials. Peak birding is from September to May.

Rwanda is an attractive and active nation that has many attractions for tourists. There is something for everyone in Rwanda, regardless of whether they want to see animals, learn about history, or go on an adventure. The top 10 things to do in Rwanda include gorilla trekking, exploring national parks, visiting genocide memorials, and experiencing local culture.