Is Rwanda worth visiting? Rwanda is an incredible country that's more than worth your while. It has beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, a vibrant capital city, and more. There's so much to do in the country that narrowing the list down isn't easy; for example, you can visit gorillas in Rwanda, which is an experience you won't forget anytime soon.
This article will discuss the best places to visit in Rwanda.
10 Things to Do in Rwanda
Let’s get down to 10 good reasons to visit Rwanda:
1. Go Gorilla Trekking
On your list of things to do in Rwanda, the iconic mountain gorillas should be at the top. Thanks to the work of conservationists such as Dian Fossey, the population of mountain gorillas has grown. Visit gorillas in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park for a sight that has captivated tourists for many years.
During a Rwanda gorilla tour, you’ll trek through the forests of the national park, where you’ll find these wonderful primates in their natural habitats. The best time to visit Rwanda and see the gorillas is during the dry seasons. The families of gorillas are most visible then and if you're lucky, you'll see their young ones playing while their parents keep a close watch. The heartwarming scenes of the gorillas bonding together are one of the best reasons to visit Rwanda.
2. Visit the Incredible National Parks of Rwanda
If there’s anything that makes Rwanda worth visiting, it’s got to be the country’s incredible national parks. These are some of the best parks in Rwanda:
Volcanoes National Park
This national park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, including Bisoke, the only active volcano in the park. This park has diverse habitats that house 178 bird species, forest elephants, spotted hyenas, buffalos, bushbucks, golden monkeys, and, of course, mountain gorillas.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest national park is covered in grasslands, swamps, bogs, and rainforests. It has the oldest and largest montane forest in Africa. The park has over 1000 plant species, 275 bird species, as well as 13 primate species. One of the highlights for people visiting Rwanda the park is chimpanzee tracking.
Akagera National Park
Thanks to its system of lakes, Akagera national park is the largest protected wetlands in East and Central Africa. You can see the big 5 African game animals while visiting the park, as well as zebras, impalas, crocodiles, hippos, elands, bushbucks, and over 425 bird species.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Founded in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura national park comprises the Gishwati and Mukura forests. It’s home to 400 bird species. Here you'll find chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s, and Blue Monkeys. This is one of the places to visit in Rwanda if you're into ecotourism.
3. Be One with the Primates
While mountain gorillas are one of the best reasons to visit Rwanda, the country has so much more to offer in terms of primates. Primate tracking is an adventure on its own as you trek through natural forests to catch glimpses of these close animal relatives of ours.
You can find chimpanzees in Nyungwe and observe their sometimes human-like behaviour; watch golden monkeys eat fruit and scamper through bamboo trees in Volcanoes Park; hike through forests to see large groups of black and white colobus monkeys.
4. Hike and trek through the bush
Nyungwe Forest has canopy walks built for hikers on the lookout for chimpanzees. You'll walk past tall trees, waterfalls, and endless green scenery along the way.
Hike alongside the majestic Nile and Congo rivers. Trek up the mountains in Volcanoes park, including the snowcapped Karisimbi. When it comes to hiking and trekking, you'll never run out of things to do in Rwanda.
5. Explore Rwanda's history
In 1994, an estimated 800,000 people died in one of the worst genocides in the world. Since then, Rwanda has worked hard to heal all wounds and commemorate this dark period in its history. You will find memorials of the victims throughout the country.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Center was founded at a site where 259,000 victims have been buried. Visitors are given a history lesson on the events that occurred there. The exhibits are powerful and difficult to see, but they are meant to display the poignant story of Rwanda.
6. Explore the food scene
One of the best things to do in Rwanda is to try out the country's food. There are staples such as umutsima (a cassava and corn dish), isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach), sambaza (small fish), and urwagwa (fermented banana beer). You can easily find a blend of traditional food with modern culinary practices at most luxury hotels and restaurants in Rwanda.
7. Paddle on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a deep lake that offers tourists a great beach holiday but the real treat are the Singing Fishermen and their wooden fishing boats. They’re local men who sing songs to synchronise their paddles as they fish in the sparkling waters of the lake. Watching them work is rewarding, but you can also take kayaks out into the lake for a fun afternoon.
8. Relaxing beach holidays
Lake Kivu doesn't just have the perfect water to spend an afternoon kayaking in. It also has an incredible beach. You can explore the lake in boats, visit the lakeside towns, walk around sightseeing, and swim in the safe waters before coming to the tranquil beach to relax.
9. Kigali, the friendly capital of Rwanda
Visit Kigali, Rwanda's capital city, considered one of the friendliest African cities. Go to Kandt House Museum for natural and historical exhibits. Plan a trip to Inema Art Center and Ivuka Arta Center to watch Rwandan artists work their crafts. Buy traditional arts and crafts from Capalaki Handicrafts Cooperative. And if you’re wondering if is it safe to visit Rwanda, the answer is YE,S and it's very apparent in the capital.
10. Experience true cultural immersion
Immerse yourself in the three cultures of Rwanda (the Tutsi, the Hutu, and Twa). Visit indigenous villages near national parks like the Ibyiwacu Village outside of Volcanoes Park. You'll be greeted by villagers playing traditional drums and performing traditional dances.
You can stay overnight in these villages and watch as the people go about their day hunting, weaving baskets, and more. Visiting Rwanda will be like taking a step back in time.
Interesting Facts About Rwanda
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Over 60% of parliament members are women.
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On the last Saturday of every month, people nationwide participate in mandatory. community work, like cutting grass and collecting trash.
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Rwanda is the second most densely populated country in Africa.
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There's a car-free day every month where people walk, skate, run, bike, etc., instead of driving cars.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the months of June, July, August, and September. These are the dry months and are perfect for mountain gorilla trekking. The wet months of March, April, May, and November are for chimpanzee tracking. The parks are usually less crowded.
We’re now sure that “Is Rwanda worth visiting?” is no longer a question you’re asking yourself. As you can see, visiting Rwanda will be a rewarding experience. There are so many places to visit, like Rwanda's capital, and so much to do, like trekking with gorillas and eating local cuisine to hiking through the African bush in hopes of seeing chimpanzees along the way. There's just so much to do in this country!