Top 5 Fun Activities Families Can Do in Rwanda

Top 5 Fun Activities Families Can Do in Rwanda: Rwanda as the Land of a Thousand Hills offers the perfect destination for families with children to be part of adventure and culture while appreciating mother nature. From wildlife experiences to cultural visitation, the country has a host of outdoor experiences that one can indulge in throughout his/her stay across the country that are all age-appropriate. Here is my list of some outstanding family-friendly things to do outdoors in Rwanda.

1. Trekking Gorillas in the Virunga Region in Volcanoes National Park

The most famous activity in Rwanda is typically hiking to view the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families that have children who are over fifteen years old to allow them to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The journey to the gorillas is normally done early in the morning, and it may take as little as half an hour to as long as several hours.

This experience is not only a fun one but more informative also: people become aware of the gorilla’s preservation and certain features of these great apes’ behavior. As earlier mentioned, most of the trekking companies have family-friendly packages taking care of every safety need as well as fun for all the family. The sight of the gentle giants is something that families will remember for the rest of their lives.

2. Lake Kivu: A Relaxing Family Retreat

Lake Kivu is an exotic freshwater lake situated in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This one gives families a quiet environment to have it easy and engage in any one activity or the other. For the members of families, there are opportunities to rent boats for a ride across the lake or take a canoe, or even simply walk barefoot on the shore of the lake.

It is also possible to get good accommodation and food around the towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye if wanting to stay near Lake Kivu. Children may take time and play in the shallow waters doing what they like most in water, while the parents may take time and sunbathe under the palm trees. Families that seek to have a hike can do so on the hills in the vicinity and these provide an opportunity to view the beautiful scene on the lake and the surrounding environment.

3. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyugwe forest.

Any family that has a thing for wildlife should consider chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Different types of primates are found in this park and perhaps one of the most fun-loving is the chimpanzees. Please note that there is a minimum age of 12 years to track chimpanzees but families with young children can with ease traverse around the park’s properly developed tracks.

4. Akagera National Park Sport Tourism Safari

The Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is ideal for the family type of safari undertakers. The park, for example, holds elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras amongst other wild animals. It is also possible to organize guided car games in suitable vehicles better for families and safe for kids.

For a difference, you could try taking an unbelievably beautiful boat safari over Lake Ihema whereby families can be assured of seeing Hippos, crocodiles, and different types of birds amongst others. Some of the lodges in Akagera are family-friendly with children’s friendly activities and facilities for families. Its natural scenery and amazing wildlife make it an excellent and natural place for the family safari.

5. Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk tour

Families can prefer the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. This walk is built mid-air, elevated and suspended over the forest, and offers families a chance to walk in the tree top and observe wildlife at eye level. It is safe for children and the views of the forest as well as other adjoining hills are splendid from this path.

6. Hiking Mount Kigali

Mount Kigali is an easy-going hiking escapade and provides an opportunity for families to experience Rwandan beautiful terrains without having to travel too far from the city. It is colorful and usually attracts families, though it is just a short hike to the summit, which is like Mount Marley.

As a family, people will be compensated with good-looking views over Kigali and neighboring hills as one draws nearer to the planet’s upper surface. This trail is well defined and there are always tourist guides who can explain details about plants and animals you are likely to encounter along the trail. It is good to go for a hike up Mount Kigali if you want to spend some time outdoors and get exercise at the same time.

7. A visit to the cultural village is a good idea to get a closer look at the cultural activities of other people.

For families who wish to take a dip into the Rwandan culture, a visit to any cultural village particularly the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village located around the shores of the Volcanoes National Park would be perfect. Tourism activities related to arts and cultural events include occasionally dancing and learning as well as loving traditional arts and crafts productions and being able to participate in them.

There is also a show where children will be happy to learn Rwandese songs and dances while adults will be happy to observe the traditional rural architecture, community work, and explanations of how people try to protect nature and develop tourism without harming the natural environment. I find this as great entertainment with value-added as it educates families on Rwandan culture.

8. Musanze Caves Exploration

A great underground exploration for families is the Musanze Caves, situated near Volcanoes National Park. These have been created by volcanic features and are up to 2 kilometers in length making it an exciting tourist circuit exploration area.

Families can visit caves accompanied by professional guides to get an interesting tour of the geological formations of the area while moving in the dark freshness of the cavities. The caves are safe and very much appropriate for kids and as such families in search of a good place to have an excursion, away from the normal stead caving is recommended.

9. Tea Plantation Tours

Tea tourism is also another important tourism product in Rwanda, joining a tea plantation can be very exciting for families. Some of the tea estates, for instance, the Gisovu and Kitabi Tea Estates, give family tours in which families are taken through the process of growing teas to their production.

It is quite pleasing to walk through the gardens and children will have the bonus of watching people picking tea. Tea tasting sessions also being provided in some estates means that families can try out various types of Rwandan tea. This is an educational holiday activity that will be enjoyable for all ages, making it a family option.

10. Bugesera Reconciliation Village

Museums for Rwandan families interested in visiting the reconciliation village in Bugesera are fascinating and give a lot of information about Rwanda’s history. This village is relevant in the reconciliations that are currently being practiced in Rwanda to demonstrate how people are working as one after the genocide.

They can attend performances that may involve local people, for example; They are also able to enjoy activities that teach them about forgiveness and the need to come together. The village provides tourism services that focus on the process of rebuilding people’s lives and social bonds after the genocide in Rwanda. This is enriching and entertaining for the children since they can learn the importance of embracing a culture of peace.