The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Rwanda. So if you are in Rwanda, I recommend visiting the following:
- Nyungwe Forest, Rusizi, Rwanda
- Musanze Caves, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
- Lake Ruhondo, Northern Province, Rwanda
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro, Rwanda
- Lake Ihema, Savanna, Rwanda
- Mount Karisimbi, Nyabihu, Rwanda
- Mount Bisoke, Albertine Rift, Rwanda
- Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
- Akagera National Park, Eastern Province, Rwanda
1. Nyungwe Forest, Rusizi
Nyungwe Forest National Park covers an area of 1,000 km². It is a region of incredible biodiversity, including rainforests, bamboo groves, grasslands, swamps and marshes. Primates are the main attraction of the national park, with up to 13 known species, including the familiar chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, which can be visited with a park guide. It’s also a bird lover’s paradise.
2. Musanze Caves, Ruhengeri
Located in the heart of the Volcanoes National Park, it is the most visited tourist attraction in the region (around 50 in total). In the past, it served as a refuge during the wars that ravaged the area and during the 1994 genocide, with corridors, paths, stairs and cobblestone floors built to facilitate the movement of the rice paddy. Helmets, jackets, gloves and boots are available at the entrance. They move slowly underground through lush vegetation under the gaze of hundreds of bats clinging to the wet rocks.
3. Lake Ruhondo, Northern Province
The lake offers breathtaking scenery. A walk through the village to the top of the hill offers views of both lakes and five volcanoes on a clear day. The walk takes an hour and a half. Afterwards, take a hike or boat ride on one of the lakes to explore the nearby islands or even go fishing with the local fishermen.
4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro
The lush tropical slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are not only home to gorillas as the name suggests. Its three volcanoes and surrounding landscape are home to impressive birdlife and other wildlife, such as golden monkeys, golden cats, leopards, duikers and hieroglyphic antelope. Visitors to the park can enjoy gorilla tracking, hiking trails, mountaineering, bird watching and cultural encounters with the people of Batois.
5. Lake Ihema, Savanna
Lake Ihema is the largest and most representative lake in Akagera. A park with lakes and wetlands. At the jetty, you can see one of Africa’s most beautiful birds, the black-crowned crane. Take a boat ride to see large herds of hippos. The shores of the lake are very beautiful with palm trees and palms. Occasionally there is also a chance to see caiman scurrying across the water.
6. Mount Karisimbi, Nyabihu
Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in the Virunga Range at 4,507m. The hike usually takes two days and is a real adventure. Hike through tropical forests and camp for the night, as trekkers can stay in rustic huts in the middle of the mountains enjoying breathtaking views of Rwanda and the Congo.
7. Mount Bisoke, Albertine Rift
Mount Bisoke, an extinct volcano in north-western Rwanda, has a spectacular crater lake at its summit. This is one of Rwanda’s most famous hikes and takes a full day in the morning. The volcano borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, making the lake an international body of water. Swimming is not allowed, but the scenery is reason enough to do this long day hike.
8. Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri
It is home to rare mountain gorillas and protects the mountainous regions of this range, which is home to a rich mountain ecosystem. This is why many tourists choose this place to enjoy the natural wonders of Africa. You can visit one of the four groups of these animals that are used to humans, but only 32 people a day will be surrounded by these mammals for an hour. You can also visit the Golden Monkeys, climb the Visoke Volcano and the Kalimbisi Volcano. There are also guided tours to caves and lakes.
9. Akagera National Park, Eastern Province
The park is home to a wide variety of species, including the Big 5, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, giraffe, large herds of buffalo and zebra, rhino and various antelope. Lake Shakani offers catch-and-release sport fishing, and the surrounding villages offer cultural experiences ranging from farm tours to traditional banana-making sessions. There are also many options that are easier to access and offer a more luxurious stay.
If you loved this article or found it useful, don’t forget to visit and subscribe to my social media for more useful content. Follow us on Google My Business, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook or Reddit and subscribe to our receive our free website content.