The Best Things to Do in Rwanda.

The Best Things to Do in Rwanda.

The Best Things to Do in Rwanda. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Track endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains on a guided, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

• Explore Kigali – Discover one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals, with great food, culture, museums, and nightlife.
• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial – Learn about Rwanda’s history and pay your respects at this powerful and educational memorial site.
• Experience Rwandan Culture – Visit cultural villages, museums, and community projects to gain insight into traditional life and customs.
• Safari in Akagera National Park – Spot the Big Five and other wildlife on game drives in Rwanda’s only savannah national park.
• Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park – See chimpanzees, walk the treetop canopy, and hike through ancient rainforest.
• Relax at Lake Kivu – Unwind by the lakeshore with kayaking, cycling, boat trips, or simply enjoying the views.
• Hike Rwanda’s Volcanoes – Take on Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi for challenging hikes and spectacular crater views.
• Cycle or Hike the Congo Nile Trail – Follow scenic routes along Lake Kivu through villages, plantations, and rolling hills.
• Attend Kwita Izina – Join Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony celebrating conservation and community.

Go Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking tops the list of unforgettable things to do in Rwanda, and Wild Planet can help you experience it responsibly and seamlessly. You’ll find the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, set within the dramatic Virunga Mountains in northern Rwanda, right on the border with Uganda and the DRC.

To trek gorillas in Rwanda, you must join a guided hike and secure a permit, which currently costs $1,500. While it’s a significant investment, Rwanda focuses on high-end, low-impact tourism—and the experience is absolutely worth it if your budget allows.

I went gorilla trekking in Rwanda back in 2009, when permits cost $500, and it remains one of the most powerful wildlife encounters of my life. While you’re in the area, visit Dian Fossey’s grave and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a world-class research and education centre continuing Fossey’s vital conservation work.

Also nearby, stop by the Azizi Life Gorillas Gift Shop. I love their handcrafted products, and they also offer excellent cultural workshops that support local communities.

Explore Rwanda’s Capital, Kigali

Kigali is one of my favourite cities in Africa and an absolute must-visit. Wild Planet often includes Kigali experiences in itineraries because the city offers so much—cultural encounters, scenic hikes, shopping, social enterprises, guided walking tours, buzzing nightlife, and fantastic restaurants.

People often call Kigali the “Singapore of Africa” thanks to its incredible cleanliness. This comes largely from Umuganda, a nationwide community clean-up held on the last Saturday of every month from 8am to 11am, when the entire country comes together to care for its surroundings.

Kigali also feels exceptionally safe compared to many cities around the world, making it a welcoming and comfortable place for travellers.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace Museum

To dive deeper into Rwanda’s history, culture, and traditions, head to the Ethnographic Museum (formerly the National Museum of Rwanda) in Butare, east of Nyungwe Forest.

Photography isn’t allowed inside, which makes visiting in person even more rewarding. The museum forms part of the six museums managed by the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. You’ll pay an entrance fee, but discounts apply if you visit multiple museums.

Most museums open from 9am–5pm, except on Umuganda days when they open from 12pm. They also close on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and 7 April to commemorate the 1994 genocide.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is an essential and deeply moving experience. Wild Planet strongly encourages travellers to include this visit to better understand Rwanda’s past and honour the victims of the 1994 genocide.

The memorial explains the events leading up to the genocide, what happened during it, and how Rwanda has rebuilt itself since. Be prepared—it’s emotionally intense. The children’s room, in particular, is heartbreaking, and you may encounter survivors paying their respects.

The memorial opens daily from 8am–5pm (last entry at 4pm), except during Umuganda and Christmas/New Year. Entry is free, with donations encouraged. Audio guides cost $20 per person, and private guided tours are available for $100 per group.

Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians)

Near Volcanoes National Park, close to Musanze, you’ll find the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. While it’s touristy, it’s also fun, informative, and meaningful.

The village employs former poachers and offers visitors hands-on insight into traditional Rwandan culture. Tourism or poaching? The choice is easy—and this initiative helps keep gorillas safe.

I loved my visit, especially the mock wedding ceremony and the traditional healer, who was absolutely hilarious.

Attend the Gorilla Naming Ceremony (Kwita Izina)

Every September, Kinigi town hosts Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. Conservationists, locals, and visitors gather to name newly born gorillas using traditional Rwandan customs—essentially a naming ceremony, but for gorillas.

The event often coincides with the dry season and the Red Rocks Cultural Festival, making it a fantastic time to visit Rwanda. The week-long festival celebrates Rwandan heritage and highlights community-led conservation efforts.

Visit the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo & Burera

The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera rank among Rwanda’s most beautiful landscapes. Separated by just 1km of land and surrounded by lush green hills, the area is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Located near Musanze, the lakes make an ideal base after a gorilla trek. You can take boat trips, watch local fishermen, join community walks, and engage with village life. Exploring the twin lakes offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Discover Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in southwest Rwanda, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kigali. Wild Planet often recommends Nyungwe for travellers seeking tranquillity, biodiversity, and immersive nature experiences.

The park is home to chimpanzees, other primates, monkeys, and abundant birdlife. Hiking trails crisscross the forest, including the popular Isumo Trail, which leads to a waterfall. For thrill-seekers, the 160m-long canopy walkway—70m above the forest floor—is unforgettable.

Go on Safari in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers classic safari experiences, where you can spot zebras, impalas, and the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.

You can visit on a day trip from Kigali, but staying a few nights greatly increases your chances of wildlife sightings. The park has a range of campsites and lodges, and going with a local guide or safari company always enhances the experience.

Cycle or Hike the Congo Nile Trail

If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the Congo Nile Trail, which runs alongside Lake Kivu. Despite the name, the trail lies entirely within Rwanda. You can hike, cycle, or even kayak sections of the route.

The trail stretches roughly 160 miles (257km), from Rubavu to Kamembe, passing through forests, villages, tea and coffee plantations, and stunning lake views. I cycled part of the trail in 2018, and it was one of the hardest—and most rewarding—adventures I’ve ever done.

Completing the full trail takes at least five days, but you can break it into shorter sections. I strongly recommend hiring a guide and arranging a support vehicle unless you’re very confident.

Relax at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is my go-to place in Rwanda to slow down and recharge. It’s especially rewarding after a tough hike or long trek.

Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) sits about 3.5 hours from Kigali and attracts both locals and travellers, particularly on weekends. Around the lake, you can cycle, kayak, hike, visit villages, tour coffee and tea plantations, take boat trips, or simply relax with a drink by the water.

Rubavu also serves as the jumping-off point for trips to Virunga National Park in the DRC (currently closed for security reasons). I stayed here before climbing Mount Nyiragongo, home to one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes.

Climb Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke is one of Rwanda’s toughest and most rewarding hikes. This dormant volcano rises to 3,711m and features a stunning crater lake at the summit.

Despite its height, the climb is steep and punishing on the knees. I’ve climbed it twice, and both times tested my limits. On one climb, I even encountered a gorilla crossing the path—an unforgettable moment, and one that didn’t require a gorilla permit!

You must register in advance and hike with a guide. Hiring a porter is highly recommended—I wouldn’t have made it without mine. Bring proper hiking boots, poles, snacks, plenty of water, and warm layers for the chilly summit.

Try Rwandan Food

Rwandan cuisine blends traditional African flavours with French influences. Popular dishes include ugali, sambaza, mizuzu, agatogo, matoke, isombe, brochettes, and grilled tilapia.

You’ll find these dishes throughout the country. In Kigali, I highly recommend Repub Lounge for an authentic and delicious introduction to Rwandan food.

Hike Mount Karisimbi

For the ultimate challenge, climb Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak at 4,507m and the 15th highest in Africa. Although I haven’t climbed it yet, it’s firmly on my future Rwanda list.

The hike usually takes two days and includes an overnight stay before summiting. Located near Mount Bisoke, Karisimbi is an inactive volcano and a serious adventure for experienced hikers looking to push their limits.

For more information or to start planning your journey to Rwanda, consult Wild Planet. Our expert team is on hand to create a tailored itinerary and ensure you experience the very best this remarkable destination has to offer.