Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Most Rwanda safari tours include an adventure to see the endangered Mountain gorillas, which are among the prominent tourist attractions in Rwanda.
With an average weight of more than 180kg, gorillas are the largest animals on our planet. These giant and cool great apes live in elevations greater than 8,000 feet above sea level.
Just like human beings, Gorillas also live in a family and each gorilla family is headed by a dominant male called a Silverback gorilla.
The best way to see Rwanda’s Mountain gorillas is by going for gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park.
A permit to track Gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes park costs $1500 and this thrill is best done during the dry months.
Note that globally, Mountain gorillas are only found in 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2.Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzees are also wonderful things to see in Rwanda putting aside Gorillas. Within this country, the land of a thousand hills, chimpanzees dwell in Nyungwe National Park- one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent.
The chimps are very smart apes that have 98-99% human DNA and scientists have caught chimpanzees using tools the same way people do. Most of the behaviors of Chimpanzees are almost similar to those of humans.
Tourists interested in encountering chimpanzees in Rwanda should go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and this adventure costs $150 for international visitors.
Among Rwanda’s national parks, chimpanzees are only spotted in Nyungwe park.
The Game Animals in Akagera National Park
Though Rwanda is a small country, it holds most of the Big game animals in Africa! Therefore game animals are also among the outstanding Rwanda tourist attractions.
Game animals in Rwanda include; Lions, Cape Buffalos, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, Topis, Elands, Hippos, Crocodiles, Bushbucks Waterbucks among many others.
A Game drive offers the best game viewing experience in Rwanda but, travelers can also go on a Lake Ihema boat cruise or game walks.
Among all the national parks in Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the only destination to spot savannah-dwelling game animals. During the wildlife viewing adventure, lucky travellers can spot predators Lions mostly putting down their prey!
Other rainforest national parks where you can spot game animals in Rwanda, especially primates include; Nyungwe forest park, & Volcanoes National Park. Golden Monkeys only dwell in Volcanoes NP.
The Beautiful Bird Species in Rwanda
Birds are also among the popular attractions in Rwanda especially for avian lovers. About 703 bird species have been recorded in Rwanda including 29 Albertine Rift endemic bird species such as Kivu Ground thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Neumann’s warbler, Blue-headed sunbird, and Dusky crimsonwing, among others.
The other amazing bird species of Rwanda; are the African fish eagle, Woodland kingfisher, Palm-nut vulture, Blue-headed coucal, Cinnamon-chested bee, Speckled mousebird, African Openbill, Pink baked pelican, etc.
Nyungwe forest is the best place to spot forest bird species in Rwanda however, Akagera park is known for savannah birds. In the mystical bamboo forests of Volcanoes NP, you’ll spot Virunga mountain species. Ihema Lake and Kivu are ideal for water birds in Rwanda.
Lucky visitors can spot the rare Shoebill stork in the marches & wetlands of Akagera park.
Note that, Rwanda offers the best experience for montane birding tours in Africa!
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also among the wonderful things to see in Rwanda Africa. Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is one of a kind in East Africa offering the best forest canopy walking experience in Africa!
This thrilling adventure was introduced in Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills to diversify its tourism industry.
It’s a 70m high canopy bridge offering impressive views of Nyungwe Forest and beyond, ideal for photography. Exploring this suspension bridge above the Nyungwe forest canopy usually takes around 2 hours.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
Living out Kigali Genocide Memorial Center while discussing the tourist attractions in Rwanda is a big mess! Tourists on Rwanda tours can only miss this feature in Kigali City only if they must.
A visit to this genocide memorial site allows you to delve into the history of the Rwanda genocide of 1994 where over 800,000 people died in only 100 days.
There are 3 sections to explore in Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, all hold numerous displays of victims who lost their lives. Some displays are emotional, some visitors end up shading tears!
During your visit, expect to see the precolonial Rwanda. You’ll see different ways of how people were killed with machetes heartlessly.
Thousands of skulls and bones of the victims are still kept within this memorial site.
This area was gazetted to educate people about genocide, preach love for one another as well as decompaining segregation.
King’s Palace Museum
Rwanda was previously governed by kings, the most recent of whom was King Rudahigwa Mutara III, who was succeeded by King Musinga Yuhi V. The kingdoms were abolished as a result of conflicts with the Belgian colonizers and a lack of recognition by all ethnic groups. This palace in Nyanza is the only structure that remains.
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza has been transformed into a significant cultural hub in Rwanda. Rwanda King’s Palace is an ideal site for tourists who are interested in learning about Rwanda’s history. The Belgian government assisted in the construction of the palace during the tenure of King Rudahigwa Mutara III. On your visit, expect to explore his colonial-style home built in the mid 20th century as well as the royal hut.
Travelers on Rwanda tours can visit the King’s Palace Museum en-route while driving southwards in Rwanda to explore Nyungwe Forest National Park. This site held ethnological and archeological artifacts and information for more than two centuries ago. Regrettably, numerous of them were either stolen or damaged during the 1994 genocide.
King Mutara and his wife Rosalie Gicanda, who were killed during the genocide, are interred on a hill close to the Museum.
Murambi Genocide Memorial Site
This is just similar to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site. Within Murambi Memorial Center, thousands of people were brutally slayed with machetes in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Murambi used to be a technical school that taught pupils various skills.
The fact that many Tutsis were killed in the area and those who managed to escape the following day is absurd, but it happened when the Tutsis sought refuge in a nearby church. A bishop tricked them into going to Murambi Technical School, saying there was help from the Belgian government. When they got there, it broke their hearts to realize there was no one to help.
Lake Kivu
Covering 2,700km2 land area, Lake Kivu is the biggest lake in Rwanda, 6th in Africa spreading along the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most of the travelers on Rwanda safaris enjoy exploring Lake Kivu- (an emerald green oasis) due to its beautiful islands, shorelines, and even resorts that over a serene stay. Since there are no Hippos and Crocodiles in this lake, it’s possible to swim, watch, and undertake canoe rides as you enjoy the lively waterfront of this lake.
Travelers interested in Mountain biking or nature walks can explore the Congo Nile Trail. This trail is a beautiful track taking you through the amazing countryside of Rwanda and offers you incredible views of the Virunga Mountains, and gorgeous views of Lake Kivu.
Amazing Religious Sites in Rwanda
Religious sites are also wonderful tourist attractions in Rwanda ideal for travelers with interests in exploring religious aspects.
Among the holy places in Rwanda to explore include; Our Lady of Kibeho, which is connected to Rwanda genocide centers. This secondary school had 3 girls who had visions foretelling the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The vision was one year before the genocide.
Other places of worship in Rwanda to explore are; the Cathedral of St. Michael, Byumba Cathedral, Byumba Nyabugogo Mosque, Butare Catholic Cathedral, and, Nyamata Church, to mention but a few.
Dian Fossey Tombs
The tomb of Dian Fossey is a historical tourism attraction in Rwanda for travelers on gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park.
When thinking about the 20th century’s top primatologists, Dian Fossey should be considered. Using grants from National Geographic, she spearheaded efforts to study and protect gorillas.
Over 18 years, Dian Fossey studied Mountain gorillas, their habits, and how to acclimate them to humans.
Our current understanding of gorilla trekking and habituation could not have been feasible without her research.
In her efforts to save gorillas from the jaws of poachers, Fossey eventually shifted her attention from study to Mountain gorilla conservation. Because of this, she got many enemies and eventually attacked and killed in her cabin with machetes in 1985. Even now, no one knows who killed her.
Most travelers visit her former research center- “Karisoke Research Center” and her tomb after tracking gorillas. All these sites are along the slopes of Mount Karisimbi & Bisoke within Volcanoes National Park.
The hike to explore Dian Fossey Tomb costs $75 and you should put on jungle boots. Lucky visitors can meet any of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes NP.
Mountain Kigali
Mountain Kigali is a must not miss feature among the tourist attractions in Kigali Rwanda. An adventure to the summit of Kigali Hill- (one of the highest points in this country) gives you scenic views of Kigali city.
The hiking route to the summit of this hill is also lovely.
Beautiful Tea Plantations Around Nyungwe National Park
The vast amazing tea plantations mostly those around Nyungwe Forest National Park have turned into popular tourist attractions in Rwanda.
Often, Tea plantation tours in Rwanda are made by visitors interested in learning about the cultivation and processing of tea. On the adventure, you can see the whole process from picking, sorting, washing, drying, and processing. A number of travelers join the workers while picking tea for a great experience.
In most cases, at the end of this excursion, visitors will sample the African tea. It’s easy to add this thrill to Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest.
Note that, Rwanda is among the top African countries in exporting tea abroad.
National Museums in Rwanda Africa
The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda holds numerous museums but, tourists on Rwanda safari holidays normally explore;
Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum- The National Museum of Rwanda
The Ethnographic Museum is among the top tourist attractions in Rwanda for visitors interested in cultural and historical tours in this country.
Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum holds unique interesting displays and this makes it to be one of the best ethnographic museums in Africa. It was gifted to this country by the king of Belgium in the 1980s.
In the ethnographic gallery, you can learn about Rwandan culture all in one place. There are displays of traditional clothing, tools used for hunting, cooking, and food preparation, as well as rooms with information about the history, vibrant culture, and beliefs of the Rwandan people.
Guests in this robust museum will see how Rwandan culture changed from before and after it was colonized.
Presidential Palace Museum
The Presidential Palace is a great Rwanda tourist attraction worth visiting for all travellers on African safaris in Rwanda.
This historical site is the former presidential palace. Here once lived the late Juvenal Habyarimana, whose assassination sparked the Rwandan genocide. Taking a tour of the president’s palace will give you insight into Habyarimana’s life, from his worship palace- where he allegedly performed witchcraft- to his secret gun cabinet and, most interestingly, the chance to see a section of the plane that was shot down, the exact moment that led to his downfall.
Other Museums in Rwanda;
- Rwanda Art Museum. On your visit to this site, you’ll see various artifacts of the different tribal groups of Rwanda.
- Kandt House Museum
- Museum of Environment along Lake Kivu shores
Gorilla Guardians Village- Former Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
If you are looking for lovely cultural attractions in Rwanda, Ibyiwacu Cultural Village should never miss on your bucket list! This traditional village in Musanze District borders Volcanoes National Park therefore, it can be easily visited after gorilla trekking tours or golden monkey adventures. It’s a great place to explore the rich Rwandan culture.
Today, this area is called the Gorilla Guardian Village most of the former poachers to gorillas live here. After great sensitization, these natives have a common goal of conserving wildlife and Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
These are the activities for tourists visiting Ibyiwacu Cultural Village- the Gorilla guardians village;
- Undertake a guided community walk as you learn day to day lives of the local people
- Taste look foods
- Participate in basket weaving
- Learn how to make a local banana brewery and taste it
- Enjoy traditional dance and drama. It’s okay to take part
- Visit a traditional healer and learn about different natural herbs
- Explore the king’s hurt
Musanze Caves
Musanze Caves are also among the amazing things to see in Rwanda. These wonderful caves are found in Musanze District just outside Volcanoes National Park.
These ancient caves were open for tourists in 2013. Staircases and paved trails were constructed to ease their exploration.
It’s believed that this cave was formed about 60 million years ago around the time during the formation of the East African Rift Valley. Musanze Cave is around 2km long and it’s a great site for travelers interested in geology research.
People from the surrounding indigenous communities, including the Batwa pygmies, used to use these cave tunnels as a place of refuge.
Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park
Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke are beautiful misty mountains in Volcanoes Nationals Park. These volcanoes have turned into great tourist attractions in Rwanda due to their being great sites for mountain hiking tours in Rwanda.
Mount Bisoke is commonly hiked. It’s about 3,711m above sea level and it’s capped with a spectacular crater lake. Mount Karisimbi is the tallest mountain within Virunga massifs with over 4,507m elevation.
Travelers interested in Rwanda hiking tours can also do gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking on their vacation. Just book your Rwanda trip with a reputable tour operator.
The Twin Lakes
The beauty of the Twin Lakes in Rwanda (Lake Ruhondo & Lake Burera) is unmatched by any lakes in Rwanda or the East African region. Lake Ruhondo & Lake Burera were named Twin Lakes due to their being near each other at the base of Mount Muhabura.
In most cases, tourists explore Twin Lakes in the evening after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The views of the landscape around these lakes are breathtaking and ideal for photography, a great place for honeymooners. Nature walk expeditions, bird watching and canoeing are possible on this tour.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center
The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a non-profit center located in the heart of Kigali city. It was created to teach women the skills they need to make their own jobs or get hired.
Women at this site learn how to use local fabrics as well as nice clothes. These women also make things for home decorations, pretty beads, and other gifts.
The women group of Nyamirambo also can offer a guided nature walk to tourists who wish to have walks to explore the neighborhood.
During your visit, make sure you buy something to support this hard working women group.
Kigali Convention Center
Kigali Convention Center is one of the most popular buildings in Kigali city. People know it for the fact that most of the big conferences are held there, not because of its breathtaking architecture.
Along with the conference hall, the building has a Radisson Blue 5-star hotel and several big shopping malls. The Kigali Convention Center is a great spot to eat lunch, snap pictures, or do some shopping.
There is no better building in Kigali than this Center when it gets dark.
Hotel des Mille Collines
Hotel des Mille Collines can’t be left out among the incredible tourist attractions in Rwanda Africa. This five-star hotel became so popular after the 2004 movie “Hotel Rwanda.” This movie was based on a true story!
There was a hotel manager who hid more than 1,200 people in the hotel rooms during the 1994 genocide. For a while, he was able to get away with this because the hotel also had officials staying there.
Aside from the important part it played during the genocide, tourists love going to this fancy hotel because of the great service it provides. It has a restaurant, an exercise center, a swimming pool, and 112 high-end rooms.
While on your Rwanda safari vacation, visit this hotel and add your name to the list of people who have been to Rwanda’s most popular hotel.
More Tourist Attractions in Rwanda Worth Visiting for Tourists on Rwanda Safari Tours
- Amazing African Art Galleries in Rwanda. Here, you’ll get some of the famous crafts in Africa.
- Rwanda art museum
- Major towns in Rwanda including Kigali capital city
- Night clubs in Kigali
- Milk bars
- Amazing foods in Rwanda
- Open local markets such as Kimironko Market
- Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani in Akagera park- the only area for game drives and sport fishing in Rwanda
- Gisenyi Public Beach- this is a famous sandy beach in Rwanda.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda Tourist Attractions?
Tourist attractions in Rwanda can be explored year-round for tourists on African safari tours but, keep in mind that, dry months offer the best experience. Rwanda’s dry months run from June-September as well as December-February.
In the mentioned months, trails to see Gorillas and Chimpanzees are dry thus, easy to hike. Also, game viewing tours in Akagera National Park during this time as the grasses are short, making it easier to spot animals.
When you visit Rwanda during the dry season, rain will not disturb you during Kigali city tours for instance, as you explore local markets, restaurants, and African art galleries such as Inema Arts Center- one of the biggest African art gallery in Rwanda.
The rainy season in this country runs from March to May and even from October to November.
FAQs By Tourists on By Tourists Coming to Explore Tourist Attractions in Rwanda Africa
Is Rwanda Good for Tourists on African Tours?
Numerous tourist attractions in Rwanda make it a wonderful travel destination for tourists planning to undertake safari tours in Africa. Among the things to see in Rwanda include Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, and the African safari big five among other game animals. The long horned cattle in Nyanza will amaze you also in this country.
What Is the Most Famous Thing in Rwanda Africa? : Why Is Rwanda So Famous?
Rwanda is mostly famous for its gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. Tourists exploring this beautiful country in East Africa can also enjoy chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, cultural encounters as well as game-viewing expeditions in Akagera National Park.
Why Do Tourists Visit Rwanda?
Several travelers visit Rwanda to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Gorillas are the biggest apes on earth and the thrill of watching these gentle giants in the verdant rainforest is unmatched to any wildlife viewing adventure.
Is It Safe to Visit Rwanda for Safari Holidays?
Rwanda safaris are safe for travelers. In each park you visit for instance Volcanoes National Park- for gorilla trekking tours, you’ll be escorted by park rangers. These armed personnels ensure that tourists are safe in the woods as they search for gorillas. Also, as a responsible tourist, you should be vigilant! Avoid night walks and going to clubs alone.
While still at the park headquarters, you’ll be guided on how to behave as you explore Rwanda’s national parks. Your tour operator is responsible to arrange transportation, accommodation, and meals during your stay in Rwanda.
What Are 3 Dark Tourism Sites in Rwanda Africa?
The main site for dark tourism in Rwanda is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site. Other tourist attractions in Rwanda for dark tourism include the presidential palace and Nyamata church among other genocide sites.
How Many Days Do You Need in Rwanda?
It’s possible to do a 1 day Rwanda tour but, at least 5 days should be a minimum stay in Rwanda. Within these days you can explore the prominent tourist attractions in Rwanda including Gorillas, Chimps, Lake Kivu, genocide memorial centers, and the King’s Palace, to mention but a few.
For anything about tourist attractions in Rwanda contact us! Our safari specialist is ready to answer all your inquiries about Rwanda safari tours as well. In this travel blog, we have discussed the top tourist attractions in Rwanda that should never miss on your bucket list, go through them and choose the ones to explore on your visit.
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