Top 10 Must-see Destinations in Rwanda
Top 10 Must-see Destinations in Rwanda: Rwanda is an unbelievably beautiful country with so much natural beauty and so much culture to experience. Travelers interested in unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and cultural immersion all in one place enjoy Rwanda as never seen before. Below are the top 10 must-see destinations in Rwanda for anyone wishing to visit and enjoy the best of what in Rwanda there is to offer.
- Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the jewel in the crown for anybody interested in meeting the famous mountain gorillas that are only found in the northwestern part of Rwanda. Part of the Virunga Mountains, these gentle giants have a protected sanctuary in this park. Trekking here is something that is thrilling and something you will want to do once in a lifetime to get up close and personal with gorilla families and an experience in itself immersing yourself in the lush forest. There are also hikes to Mount Bisoke’s crater lake and golden monkey tracking for added adventure to the park.
- Kigali
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is a clean, modern, lively city, with easy access to the remainder of the country. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is in Kigali, an essential visit for understanding Rwanda’s recent history and transformation. It also has a growing art and culinary scene, the Kimironko Market giving a taste of local life. Local crafts, art galleries, and even the chance to sample Rwanda’s world-acclaimed coffee are all part of the visitor’s experience.
- Akagera National Park
In eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park has savannas, woodlands, and wetlands and offers a classic African safari, with a variety of wildlife. The ‘Big Five’ animals, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos, and hundreds of bird species, zebras and giraffes call this park home. With its scenic landscapes and Lake Ihema, Akagera is ideal for boat safaris, besides guided game drives that take visitors close to the park’s unusual ecosystem.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
Africa’s oldest rainforest for its biodiversity and unspoiled beauty, Nyungwe National Park has a rainforest. Being in southwestern Rwanda it is a superb destination for birdwatching and primate tracking. A big thing in the park is its canopy walkway, which provides travelers with spectacular vistas of the forest canopy. Nature lovers can have a great time trekking and hiking through magnificent trails such as chimpanzee trails that run through dense vegetation.
- Lake Kivu
Rwanda has one of Africa’s Great Lakes – Lake Kivu, which is known for its beautiful shoreline and its scenic towns along the lake. The two lakeside destinations in Rwanda familiar to tourists are Gisenyi and Kibuye which have tranquil beaches, boat trips, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Home to emerald waters and hills nearby, the lake offers respite from the ruckus in Rwanda’s cities and water-based sports.
- Musanze Caves
Musanze Caves offers an opportunity to see Rwanda’s volcanic beginnings on an off-the-beaten-path adventure. They are the result of lava flows from a very ancient period of history and stretch two kilometers for a couple of kilometers and give an interesting insight into Rwanda’s natural history. Visitors can learn about the formation of the caves and their importance as shelters throughout Rwanda’s history by walking through them with guided tours.
- Cultural Village of Iby’iwacu
However, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village brings Rwanda’s rich culture to life and gives visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Rwandan customs and lifestyles. The village, near Volcanoes National Park, puts on performances of traditional dance, drumming, and demonstrations of crafts like basket weaving and pottery. Iby’iwacu is a community-driven initiative to protect Rwandan heritage and to educate visitors about local customs.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura plays host to Rwanda’s newest national park and offers a less well-known but rewarding experience for the ecotourist. Primates such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and small birds can be found in this forested park. An excellent forest for general purposes, Gishwati-Mukura promotes conservation and community-based tourism and so makes an ideal place for visitors wishing to encourage sustainable tourism. In this biodiverse reserve, visitors can take nature walks, and track the primate fauna and birdwatch.
- Nyamata Church
Nyamata Church is a looking place for remembering the 1994 genocide and is located south of Kigali. Preserved as it was during the period of the genocide this memorial site includes the belongings of victims and remnants as a powerful remembrance of Rwanda’s terrible past. Travelers are given a space to reflect on the resilience of Rwanda’s people, and all that the country has endured on its journey to healing, at Nyamata Church.
- Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga range and Rwanda’s highest rising peak at 4,507 meters is a harder hike for adventurous travelers. Mount Karisimbi, situated amidst the Virunga Massif, is only approachable on a two-day trek to the summit from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While the hike is difficult, the views are rewarding, and the experience of conquering the peak makes it worth the effort.
Top 10 Must-see Destinations in Rwanda: Conclusion
Rwanda, with its natural and cultural diversity, is for adventure, tranquility, and unique experiences for travelers. The ten must-visit places in Rwanda include Volcanoes National Park for its unparalleled beauty, the silent quiet of Nyamata Church, and much more of Rwanda’s scenery, wildlife, and resilient spirit. Bursting Kigali or hiking through misty forests to find howling gorillas, Rwanda’s attractive spots conjure recollections that last forever.
