Best Cities To Visit In Rwanda
Best Cities To Visit In Rwanda : The Best Cities worth Visiting in Rwanda: Rwanda is a country in central East Africa with a total area of 10,169 square miles. Rwanda is bordered by Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The estimated population of this nation is 11,262,564. Rwanda is mainly famous for Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and big five safaris in Akagera National Park. However, Rwanda is also home to some of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world, which are worth exploring on a Rwanda safari tour. These Rwandan cities are vibrant and have everything to offer in terms of attractions and activities. They can be explored on their own or as a stopover for a day trip from major attractions such as Volcanoes National Park. Here is a list of some of the best Rwandan cities worth visiting:
- KIGALI
With 745,261 inhabitants, Kigali is the most populous city in the nation. It serves as Rwanda’s capital as well. It is located In the middle of Rwanda, on an area of 280 square miles. Kigali is located at 5,141 feet above sea level. Under German colonial rule, Kigali was founded in 1907 and is a relatively recent addition to Rwanda’s history. It did not become the nation’s capital until 1962, the year Rwanda gained independence. Population growth has occurred since it became the capital. This city played an essential role in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This city’s economy is dependent on the nearby tin ore mining operations, from which the ore is transported into the city for processing.
- BUTARE
The city of Butare is situated in Rwanda’s southern Huye region. The population of this one of the Rwanda’s largest city is 89,600. Previously known as Astrida, the nation’s colonial capital was Butare. It was founded in 1900, and it is also the location of Rwanda’s first Catholic mission. However, it has earned the moniker “educational capital” due to the large number of universities that are now situated here. The Nyakibanda Seminary, the Rwandan National Institute of Scientific Research, the North Gate University, and the National University of Rwanda are all located in Butare.
- NYANZA
There was a time when Rwandan royalty walked the dusty lanes and highways of distant Nyanza while passing beneath the enormous bulbous domes of the ancient King’s Palace made of adobe and thatch. One of the final capitals of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Rwanda, this top city in Rwanda’s southern region is rich in history and tradition. Nyanza is also the location of the Rwesero Art Museum, which is arguably the most prestigious and wealthy city in the nation.
- KIBUYE
One of Rwanda’s most picturesque cities, Kibuye, is encircled by tall hills that, in the morning, are draped in wisps of mist and, in the afternoon, provide sweeping views of the lake and its islands. Some earthy little eco-lodges are on the shores, along with an interesting Catholic church, a memorial to the Rwandan genocide, and a memorial between the streets.
- GISENYI
The Albertine Rift Valley’s lush hills and mountains surround Gisenyi. Gisenyi, the entrance to that vast speck of blue known as Lake Kivu, is a place where the African jungles cascade down grassy hills in sporadic bouts of palm trees and exotic cassiyas. They fall to meet the muddy waters of the lake, where flitting insects and boatman flies cause ripples on the surface. Although it is shared with the larger Goma across the border with the DRC to the west, the lake’s banks are the real attraction.
- KIBUNGO
Why not head straight for the tiny town of Kibungo to experience Rwanda off the beaten path? This stunning city of Rwanda is located in the east of the nation. This provincial capital offers a number of higher education institutions as well as the bustling stalls and shopping areas of the Kibungo Central Market, making it an ideal place to rest your head on the way to the Tanzanian border in the south. A few lodging options are available at the location, or visitors can head to Lake Muhazi, which is located nearby to the northwest.
- GITARAMA
With a population of 87,613, Gitarama is one of the major cities in Rwanda. This population size represents an increase of about 3,000 people since 2002. This city is situated in the country’s center at a height of roughly 5,945 feet above sea level. During the 1994 genocide’s political unrest, Gitarama served as the nation’s temporary political hub. As of right now, Gitarama is home to some of the Muhanga District’s administrative buildings.
- RUHENGERI
Ruhengeri is currently the fourth-most populous city in Rwanda, with about 86,685 inhabitants. This major city in Rwanda is the administrative center of the Musanze District and is located in the northern part of the country. The area’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism due to its proximity to Volcanoes National Park and the famous mountain gorillas of the region. Additionally, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera are nearby. Sometimes, this city is referred to as Musanze. This is due to a government effort to remove name associations with certain locations in the wake of the 1994 genocide’s tragedies.