Things to Do in Rwanda

Rwanda has a lot more to offer than gorilla trekking. You can hike through forests, go birdwatching, visit genocide memorials and museums, learn about Rwandan culture, explore Kigali or enjoy outdoor activities around the country. You can also go cycling, relax by Lake Kivu, visit coffee and tea farms, or take educational trips to learn about wildlife conservation and Rwandan history. Since Rwanda is relatively small, you can combine several experiences in one trip.

Wildlife and Nature Experiences

You can go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park or enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park, where you may spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and zebras. You can also take a boat trip on Lake Ihema to see hippos and waterbirds. Near Kigali, Buhanga Eco Park offers nature walks in a forest with cultural and historical importance.

View our  Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

 Birdwatching in Rwanda

Birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Rwanda. You can look for forest birds in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park, or spot waterbirds in Akagera National Park. Other birding locations include the Rugezi and Akanyaru wetlands, wetlands around Kigali and the shores of Lake Kivu. A local guide can help you identify different species and choose suitable birding spots.

Hiking, Walking and Cycling

You can hike Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park, explore rainforest trails in Nyungwe or walk along the Canopy Walkway. You can also visit waterfalls, explore the hills around Kigali or hike and cycle sections of the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu.

Also see: Cycling in Rwanda

 Cultural Experiences and Traditional Rwandan Life

At the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park, you can enjoy traditional dance, music, crafts and cultural demonstrations. In Bigogwe, you can learn about cattle keeping traditions and the importance of cattle in Rwandan culture. The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza offers a look at Rwanda’s royal history. You can also learn about Imigongo art, join cooking classes or visit local coffee and tea farms.

Genocide Memorials, Museums and Historical Sites

You can also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and pay your respects to the victims. Other memorials include Nyamata and Ntarama in Bugesera and Murambi in the Southern Province. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to learn about Rwandan history, culture and traditional ways of life.

Read about the Kigali Genocide Memorial Grounds

 

Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism

You can visit Kibeho in southern Rwanda, an important Catholic pilgrimage destination associated with reported Marian apparitions in the 1980s. Visitors come for prayer, reflection and religious gatherings. You can combine a visit to Kibeho with other cultural and historical sites in the region.

Educational Trips and Learning Experiences

You can organise educational trips to study wildlife conservation in Akagera, Volcanoes or Nyungwe. Museums and memorials offer opportunities to learn about Rwandan history, while coffee washing stations and tea estates introduce visitors to local farming and food production. Community tourism activities can also help visitors understand how tourism supports local livelihoods.

Running and Outdoor Fitness

You can run through Kigali’s hilly neighbourhoods, join local running groups or enjoy scenic routes around Lake Kivu. You can also participate in local running events, take guided nature walks or explore suitable hiking trails.

Lake Kivu and Water Activities

In Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi, you can enjoy kayaking, boat trips, lakeside walks and time at the beach. You can also hike or cycle the Congo Nile Trail, visit coffee-growing communities or learn about traditional fishing on the lake.

Coffee, Tea and Food Experiences

You can visit coffee washing stations around Lake Kivu to learn about coffee production and enjoy tastings. At tea estates such as Gisovu and Pfunda, you can discover how tea is grown and processed. You can also join cooking classes, visit local markets and try traditional Rwandan dishes.

Coffee Plantation Tours in Rwanda

 

Exploring Kigali

You can explore Kigali through a city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamirambo Women’s Center and Inema Arts Centre. You can also visit local markets, museums and galleries, sample Rwandan food or walk through neighbourhoods such as Nyamirambo to experience everyday city life.

 Planning Your Rwanda Experience

At Rwanda Eco Company & Safaris, we help you plan trips around your interests, available time and budget. We can arrange wildlife experiences, cultural visits, outdoor activities and historical tours to help you discover more of Rwanda.