Magnificent Things to See in Rwanda (Rwanda Tourist Attractions for Visitors on Rwanda Safaris)
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Seeing the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda, is a part of the majority of safari itineraries.
Gorillas are the largest mammals on Earth, weighing about 180 kg on average. These enormous, chilly great apes inhabit altitudes above 8,000 feet above sea level.
Like people, gorillas live in habituated gorilla families, and the dominant male, known as a silverback gorilla, is in charge of each family.
Gorilla trekking trips in Volcanoes NP are the greatest way to experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, with about 3 to 6 hours spent hiking the verdant rainforest to observe gorillas for one hour.
The greatest time to experience the excitement of tracking gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes Park is during the dry months, and a permit costs $1500.
It should be noted that only three nations in the world are home to mountain gorillas: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and they offer gorilla trekking opportunities to responsible tourist companies and their travellers with the guidance of park rangers.
Nyungwe Forest National Park Chimpanzees
Apart from gorillas, chimpanzees are also amazing sights or top tourist attractions in Rwanda to behold in Rwanda. Chimpanzees live in Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent, which is located within this nation known as the “land of a thousand hills.”
Scientists have captured chimpanzees using equipment just like humans use, and they are extremely intelligent primates with 98–99% human DNA. The majority of chimpanzee behaviors are nearly identical to human activities.
Travelers who want to see chimpanzees in Rwanda should go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest; this experience costs $150 for visitors from other countries. Chimpanzees can only be seen in Nyungwe Park, one of Rwanda’s national parks.
Game Animals in Akagera National Park
Despite its modest size, Rwanda is home to the majority of Africa’s big game creatures! As a result, one of the most notable and top tourist attractions in Rwanda is game animals.
Lions, Cape Buffalos, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, Topis, Elands, Hippos, Crocodiles, Bushbucks, and Waterbucks are just a few of the game creatures found in Rwanda.
The greatest way to see wildlife in Rwanda is to go on a game drive, but visitors can also take a boat trip on Lake Ihema or go on a game walk.
The only game park in Rwanda where one can see game animals that live in savannahs is Akagera National Park.
Lucky tourists can see lions, which are carnivores, taking down their prey during the wildlife viewing excursion!
Volcanoes NP and Nyungwe Forest Park are two other verdant rainforest national parks in Rwanda where you can see game animals, particularly monkeys, which are top tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Only Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, which can be spotted on a golden monkey tracking safari.
Rwanda’s Gorgeous Bird Species found in National Parks
In Rwanda, birds are also popular tourist attractions in Rwanda, particularly for those who enjoy birds.
Rwanda is home to about 703 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the Blue-headed Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Neumann’s Warbler.
The African fish eagle, woodland kingfisher, palm-nut vulture, blue-headed coucal, cinnamon-chested bee, speckled mousebird, African Openbill, pink baked pelican, and others are among Rwanda’s other magnificent bird species.
Although Akagera Park is famed for its savannah birds, Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s top attraction for forest bird species.
Virunga mountain species can be found in Volcanoes National Park’s ethereal or mystical bamboo forests and wild meadows. Rwanda’s Kivu and Ihema Lake are perfect for water birds.
The endangered Shoebill stork can be seen in Akagera Park’s marshes and marches by fortunate visitors.
Keep in mind that Rwanda provides Africa’s greatest experience for montane birding expeditions!
The Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest
One of the amazing sights or tourist attractions to see in Rwanda, Africa, is the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk is the best forest canopy walking experience in Africa and is unique in East Africa!
To diversify its tourism economy, Rwanda, often known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, introduced this exhilarating activity.
This 70-meter-tall canopy bridge is perfect for photography and offers breathtaking views of Nyungwe Forest and beyond.
It typically takes two hours to explore this suspension bridge above the Nyungwe forest canopy.
Gisozi Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali
It’s a complete jumble to discuss Rwanda’s tourism attractions while living out Kigali Genocide Memorial Center!
Only if absolutely necessary may visitors on Rwandan tours overlook this feature in Kigali City.
You can learn more about the history of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which claimed over 800,000 lives in just 100 days, by visiting this genocide memorial site.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is divided into three areas, each of which has a large number of exhibits of the people who perished. Some exhibits are so moving that some viewers end up wiping their eyes!
You can anticipate seeing precolonial Rwanda when you’re there. You will witness various instances of people being brutally murdered with machetes. This haunting museum dives into the dark history of the country and still houses thousands of the victims’ skulls and bones.
This space was gazetted to preach love for one another, educate people about genocide, and discourage segregation.
Museum of the King’s Palace
Conflicts with the Belgian colonists and a lack of recognition by all ethnic or tribal groups led to the dissolution of the kingdoms that had previously ruled Rwanda, the most recent of which was King Rudahigwa Mutara III, who was followed by King Musinga Yuhi V.
The last surviving building or royal residence in Nyanza is the King’s Palace Museum.
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza has been developed into one of Rwanda’s most important cultural centers and one of the best tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Visitors who want to learn more about Rwanda’s past should visit the Rwanda King’s Palace Museum. During King Rudahigwa Mutara III’s reign, the Belgian government helped build the king’s palace or royal residence.
When you visit, you can expect to see the royal hut and his colonial-style home or house, which was constructed in the middle of the 20th century.
As they drive south through Rwanda to see Nyungwe Forest National Park, tourists on Rwanda tours can stop at the King’s Palace Museum.
For over two centuries, this location contained information and artifacts related to archaeology and ethnology. Unfortunately, many of them were destroyed or taken during the massacre in 1994.
On a hill near the Museum, King Mutara and his wife, Rosalie Gicanda, who perished in the genocide, are buried.
Genocide Memorial Site at Murambi
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Site is a lot like this and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Rwanda.
During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, thousands of people were mercilessly murdered with machetes at the Murambi Memorial Center.
In the past, Murambi was a technical school that taught students a variety of skills.
It is ludicrous that so many Tutsis were slain in the region, and those who survived the next day did so, yet it did happen when the Tutsis sought sanctuary in a nearby church.
By claiming that the Belgian government was providing assistance, a bishop deceived them into attending Murambi Technical School. They were devastated to discover that no one was there to assist them when they arrived.
Kivu Lake
Spreading across the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest in Africa, with a total land area of 2,700 km².
Because of its stunning islands, shorelines, and even resorts that offer a tranquil stay, Lake Kivu—an emerald green oasis—is a popular tourist attraction for most safari tourists visiting Rwanda for a boat cruise or just a tour of this lively waterfront.
There are no crocodiles or hippos in this lake, so you can swim, observe, and go canoeing or on a boat cruise while taking in the vibrant shoreline.
The Congo Nile Trail is open to responsible tourists who want to embark on nature hikes or mountain bike excursions.
This trail is a stunning route that leads through Rwanda’s breathtaking scenery and provides breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains.
Incredible Rwandan Religious Sites
In Rwanda, religious places are also fantastic tourist attractions that are perfect for visitors who want to learn more about religion.
Our Lady of Kibeho, which is associated with Rwandan genocide centers, is one of the sacred sites in Rwanda that should be visited.
Three girls at this secondary school had visions of the Rwandan massacre in 1994. A year prior to the genocide, the vision was made.
To name a few, you should visit the Cathedral of St. Michael, Byumba Cathedral, Byumba Nyabugogo Mosque, Butare Catholic Cathedral, and Nyamata Church, among other sites of worship in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey Grave Tombs
For visitors on gorilla safaris in Volcanoes NP, the mausoleum of Dian Fossey is a historical tourist attraction in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey is regarded as one of the greatest primatologists of the 20th century. She led the charge on gorilla research and conservation using National Geographic money.
Dian Fossey spent eighteen years researching mountain gorillas, their behaviors, and human acculturation.
Her research was essential to our present understanding of habituation and gorilla trekking.
Fossey eventually turned her focus from research to mountain gorilla conservation in an attempt to protect gorillas from poachers.
She gained a lot of enemies as a result, and in 1985, she was attacked and killed in her cottage using machetes. Who killed her is still a mystery.
After tracking gorillas, most tourists visit her tomb and her former study facility, the Karisoke Study Center.
All of these locations are in Volcanoes NP, on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke.
You should wear jungle boots for the $75 hike to explore Dian Fossey’s Tomb. Volcanoes National Park offers tourists the chance to interact with any of the habituated gorilla groups.
Kigali Mountain
One of the must-see Rwanda tourist attractions in Kigali is Mount Kigali. A journey to the top of Kigali Hill, one of the nation’s highest peaks, offers breathtaking views over Kigali city.
It’s also a beautiful hike to the top of this hill to see the Mountain Kigali summit.
Nyungwe National Park’s Gorgeous Tea Plantations
Large, breathtaking tea plantations, primarily in the vicinity of Nyungwe Forest National Park, have become well-liked tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Visitors who want to learn more about the production and processing of tea frequently take tea plantation tours or excursions in Rwanda.
The entire process, including picking, sorting, washing, drying, and processing, is visible during the experience. Many tourists join the staff to select tea, making for a wonderful experience.
Usually, guests will taste the African tea at the conclusion of this trip. Adding this excitement to Rwandan chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest is simple.
Keep in mind that Rwanda is one of the top African nations for exporting tea overseas.
Rwandan National Museums in Africa
Although Rwanda has many museums, visitors on safari vacations typically experience the Land of a ThousandHills.;
The National Museum of Rwanda: An Ethnographic Museum in Rwanda
For tourists interested in cultural and historical tours in Rwanda, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s ethnographic museum is among the greatest in Africa because of its distinctive and fascinating exhibits. In the 1980s, the Belgian king gave it to this nation as a gift.
You may learn about Rwandan culture in one location at the ethnographic museum gallery where ethnological and archeological artifacts are found.
In addition to rooms with information about the history, vibrant culture, and beliefs of the Rwandan people, there are displays of traditional customs, traditional attire, hunting, cooking, food preparation instruments, and ethnological and archeological artifacts.
Visitors can observe how Rwandan culture evolved both before and after colonization in this robust museum, Rwanda’s ethnographic museum.
Museum of the Presidential Palace
All visitors on African safaris in Rwanda should make time to see the Presidential Palace Museum, a fantastic tourist attraction in Rwanda.
The former presidential palace is located at this historical monument. The late Juvenal Habyarimana, whose murder precipitated the genocide in Rwanda, once resided here. You can learn more about Habyarimana’s life by taking a tour of the presidential palace museum.
You can see his secret gun cabinet, his worship palace, where he is said to have practiced witchcraft, and—most intriguing of all—the part of the plane that was shot down, the precise moment that brought him to ruin.
Here are More Rwandan Museums;
- The Rwanda Art Museum. You will witness a variety of items from Rwanda’s numerous tribal groups items when you visit this location.
- Museum of Kandt House
- The Museum of Environment on the beaches of Lake Kivu
Former Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: Gorilla Guardians Village
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is a must-see if you’re searching for beautiful cultural sites in Rwanda.
After gorilla trekking excursions or golden monkey adventures, it is easy to explore this traditional community in Musanze District, which borders Volcanoes National Park. It’s a fantastic location to learn about Rwandan culture.
The majority of the former gorilla poachers now reside in what is known as the Gorilla Guardian Village.
Following extensive indoctrination, these indigenous people share the objective of protecting Volcanoes National Park’s animals and gorillas.
Tourists visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, can engage in these activities.
- Go on a guided community stroll to learn about the daily lives of the locals.
- Foods’ taste and appearance
- Take part in weaving baskets.
- Discover how to create and sample a local banana brewery.
- Take pleasure in traditional theater and dance. It’s acceptable to participate.
- Learn about various natural herbs by visiting a traditional healer.
- Examine the king’s suffering.
Caves of Musanze
Among Rwanda’s breathtaking sights are the Musanze Caves. Located in Musanze District, just outside Volcanoes National Park, are these amazing caves.
In 2013, visitors were able to explore these historic caves. To make their investigation easier, paved trails and staircases were built.
This cave is thought to have developed some 60 million years ago, during the period when the East African Rift Valley was forming.
About two kilometers long, Musanze Cave is a fantastic attraction for tourists interested in geology studies.
These cave tunnels were once a haven for members of the nearby indigenous groups, such as the Batwa pygmies.
Volcanoes National Park’s Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke
Volcanoes National Park is home to the stunning misty mountains of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke. Because they are excellent locations for Rwandan mountain climbing trips, these volcanoes have become popular tourist attractions.
Hiking Mount Bisoke is popular. With a breathtaking crater lake at its summit, it rises roughly 3,711 meters above sea level. With an elevation of more than 4,507 meters, Mount Karisimbi is the highest mountain in the Virunga massif.
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking are additional options for tourists interested in Rwanda hiking trips. Simply reserve your vacation to Rwanda with a trustworthy travel agency.
The Twin Lakes
No other lake in Rwanda or East Africa can compare to the beauty of the Twin Lakes (Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera). Because Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera are close to one another at the foot of Mount Muhabura, they were given the names Twin Lakes.
Following their gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, travelers typically spend the evening exploring Twin Lakes. A wonderful location for honeymooners, the scenery surrounding these lakes is stunning and perfect for photography. This tour offers kayaking, bird watching, and nature walk expeditions.
Center for Women Nyamirambo
In the middle of Kigali city lies a non-profit organization called the Nyamirambo Women’s Center. It was designed to provide women the skills they need to seek jobs or start their own businesses.
In addition to wearing good clothes, women at this location learn how to use local fabrics. These women also create lovely beads, presents, and home décor items.
For those who want to take walks to explore the area, the Nyamirambo women’s organization can also provide a guided nature walk.
Make sure to purchase something to help this dedicated women’s organization while you’re there like famous crafts as souvenirs.
Convention Center in Kigali
The Kigali Convention Center is among the city’s most well-known structures. Not because of its stunning architecture, but because it hosts the majority of major conferences, people are familiar with it.
The structure houses many large commercial malls and a five-star Radisson Blue hotel in addition to the convention center. You can go shopping, take pictures, or have lunch at the Kigali Convention Center.
When it becomes dark, this Center is the best building in Kigali city.
Collines Hotel des Mille
One of the most amazing tourist attractions in Rwanda, Africa, is the Hotel des Mille Collines. After the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda,” which was based on a true incident, this five-star hotel gained a lot of popularity!
During the 1994 genocide, a hotel manager concealed around 1,200 people in the rooms. Because the hotel also housed officials, he was able to get away with this for a while.
In addition to its significant role during the genocide, visitors like this upscale hotel for its excellent service. It features 112 upscale rooms, a restaurant, a fitness facility, and a swimming pool.
Visit this hotel during your safari trip in Rwanda to put your name on the list of guests who have stayed at the country’s most well-known lodging establishment.
Additional Rwandan Tourist Attractions That Travelers on Rwanda Safari Tours Should See
Fantastic Galleries of African Art in Rwanda. You may find some of Africa’s most famous crafts here. Eg at The Rwanda Art Museum, African Art Gallery
- Rwanda’s major towns, including the capital city of Kigali
- The nightclubs in Kigali city
- Milk bars
- Incredible cuisine in Rwanda
- Kimironko Market and other open local marketplaces
- Nyamirambo women’s center
- Festivals in Rwanda that bring in international musicians
The only places in Rwanda to go game driving and do sport fishing are Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani in Akagera Park. In Rwanda, Gisenyi Public Beach is a well-known sandy beach.
When Is the Best Time to See Tourist Attractions in Rwanda?
Travelers on African safari trips can visit Rwanda’s tourism sites at any time of year, but the best experiences are during the dry months. The dry months in Rwanda are December through February and June through September.
The gorilla and chimpanzee viewing routes are dry during the aforementioned months, making hiking them simple.
Additionally, game viewing trips are offered in Akagera National Park during this period because it is easier to identify animals due to the short grasses.
Rain won’t bother you when you travel to Rwanda during the dry season. For example, you can explore local marketplaces, eateries, and African art galleries like the Inema Arts Center, which is one of the largest in Rwanda.
In this country, March through May and even October through November are considered the rainy seasons.
Consult a reputable tour operator on the most optimal time to visit Rwanda for safari holidays and let him arrange transportation, book lodgings and itineraries for you.
FAQs from Travelers on Travelers Traveling to Rwanda, Africa to See Tourist Attractions
- 1. Can Travelers on African Tours Enjoy Rwanda?
Rwanda is a fantastic vacation destination for travelers wishing to go on safari tours in Africa because of its many tourist attractions.
The African safari big five, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other game species are among the sights to behold in Rwanda. You will be astounded by the long-horned cattle in Nyanza as you will be here.
- In Rwanda, Africa, what is the most well-known thing? What Makes Rwanda So Well-Known?
Rwanda is mostly known for its Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking excursions. Chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, cultural interactions, and game-viewing excursions in Akagera National Park are other activities available to visitors to this stunning East African nation.
- Why Do Travelers Go to Rwanda?
To monitor gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, many tourists travel to Rwanda. Gorillas are the largest apes on the planet, and no wildlife viewing experience compares to the excitement of seeing these gentle giants in the lush jungle.
- Is It Safe to Take a Safari Vacation in Rwanda?
Safaris in Rwanda are safe for tourists. In any park you visit, such as Volcanoes National Park, park rangers will accompany you on gorilla trekking expeditions.
As they look for gorillas, these armed staff members make sure visitors are safe in the forest.
Additionally, you should exercise caution as a responsible traveler! Steer clear of nighttime strolls and solo club visits.
You will get behavior guidelines for Rwanda’s national parks while you are still at the park headquarters.
During your time in Rwanda, your reputable tour operator is in charge of making travel, lodging, and food arrangements.
- What Are Rwanda’s Three Dark Tourism Attractions?
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Site is the primary attraction for dark tourism in Rwanda. Among other genocide monuments, the presidential palace and Nyamata church are additional dark tourism attractions in Rwanda.
- In Rwanda, how many days are required?
Although a one-day visit of Rwanda is feasible, a minimum of five days should be spent in the country.
Gorillas, chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, genocide memorial sites, religious sites, the ethnographic museum, and the King’s Palace Museum are just a few of the well-known tourist attractions in Rwanda that can be visited during these days to experience the vibrant culture and history of Rwanda.
Contact us with any questions you may have regarding Rwanda tourist attractions! All of your questions concerning safari excursions in Rwanda can be answered by our safari professional.
The best tourist attractions in Rwanda that you should not miss are covered in this travel blog. Look over them and decide which ones to visit.
