10 Places You Must Visit in Rwanda

If you find yourself in Rwanda, know that it’s a small country that doesn’t take much time to cross, but there is still a lot of activities that you can do. These are some of the best things to do when in Rwanda:

Kigali: Kigali is an impressive city with its cosmopolitan cuisine and cafes, the sidewalks and the super cool arts and design scene.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre: The Centre is the most popular attraction in Kigali which helps to explain the Rwanda you see today while addressing the dark past. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 is one of the bloodiest mass acts of violence in modern history with an estimated 1-2 million people losing their lives in a span of 100 days.
Hôtel des Mille Collines: This was the inspiration for the Hotel Rwanda, and also a place of refuge for nearly 1300 people during the genocide, this hotel is now a place to ‘see and be seen’ in Kigali.
Chimp Trekking in the National Park: Chimpanzee trekking is a must-do when in Rwanda considering that they’re only found in central and west Africa and sadly, their numbers are decreasing. The trek starts at 5 am from the visitor’s centre just outside the park where you pick up your guide and begin your journey.
Kibuye: The best activity here is to take a boat around the several islands for about 4-5 hours, stopping and swimming, hiking through the guava trees and watching the bats, and marvelling in awe at the beautiful lake.
Gisenyi: It’s worth stopping by Gisenyi as it is a popular activity with its coffee plantation tours, but it’s also the jumping off point for those who are interested in heading into the Democratic Republic of Congo to see the gorillas and volcanoes there.
Park National de Volcans: This park has some of the most beautiful landscape in Rwanda and is the spot you’ll head to if you go gorilla trekking.
Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s safari destination, with lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and many other animals including over 500 bird species. It shares a border with Tanzania.
Mt. Bisoke: If you love hiking and have the time, take a day trek up to Mt. Bisoke to see a volcano crater filled in with water. There is a little fee for the experience, which requires a guide.
Lake Kivu: If you just want to watch the sunsets or sunrise to taking a little boat tour, Lake Kivu is the place to do that with its relaxing and beautiful scenery.