RWANDA TRAVEL GUIDE - SAFARI - GORILLAS - CULTURE -
RWANDA TRAVEL GUIDE - SAFARI - GORILLAS - CULTURE -
Rwanda
Rwanda is a rapidly developing East African country that has achieved notable progress in recent decades. It has seen significant economic growth, focusing on agriculture, tourism, and technology, and has made considerable improvements in infrastructure, roads, telecommunications, and energy.
Under President Paul Kagame’s leadership since 2000, Rwanda has achieved major political stability and security. The government has focused on reducing corruption and fostering economic development. Since the 1994 genocide, the country has made extensive efforts towards national reconciliation and rebuilding, promoting unity and healing through various programs and institutions.
Rwanda is known for its beautiful landscapes and dedication to sustainable tourism. The country has made important efforts in environmental conservation, focusing on protecting natural resources and biodiversity while actively addressing issues like deforestation and plastic pollution.
Rwanda is also noted for its emphasis on innovation and technology, with government investments in ICT infrastructure aimed at becoming a regional tech hub. The country has made strides in improving healthcare and education, focusing on expanding access to quality services and opportunities.
Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional practices and local crafts deeply rooted in its history. The country is also experiencing a rising pop culture influence, with emerging trends in music, fashion, sports, and the arts.
Modern-day Rwanda is committed to development, stability, and sustainable growth, positioning itself as a progressive and forward-looking nation in Africa.
Top Tours
Gorilla Trekking
The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable; some even say life-changing. Expert trackers and guides lead small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend an awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from these gentle creatures. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible. Volcanoes National Park is home to twelve fully habituated gorilla families and a few additional ones habituated for scientific research. Each group, or troop, includes at least one silverback, along with several females and youngsters.
Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Akagera is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include savanna, swamps, and lakes, offering a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Game drives provide opportunities to see the Big Five: lions, African bush elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and African buffaloes, among other species.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys thrive in the high-altitude bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, a volcanic chain that stretches across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These charismatic primates can be found in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Rwanda's top attractions, renowned for its chimpanzee populations. In the Cyamudongo area of the park, you'll find around 500 chimpanzees, with two troops specially habituated for trekking adventures.
KIGALI
Overview
Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, located in the central part of the country. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Rwanda. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, well-organized layout, and as a hub for various international organizations and businesses. The city is also recognized for its role in post-genocide reconciliation and its efforts in urban development and sustainability.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide. There is a visitor center for students and others wishing to understand the events leading up to the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994.
Amahoro Stadium
The new Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda is a modern sports facility that serves as a major venue for football matches, athletics, concerts, local talent, and international sports events. Opened in 2023, it features updated amenities and seating for thousands of spectators, with improved facilities for both athletes and fans.
Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park
Sustainable park in Nyandungu Valley for people to enjoy nature and wild animals.
Umusambi Village
Restored marshland that serves as a shelter for more than 50 vulnerable grey crowned cranes rescued from the illicit pet trade.
Imbuga City Walk Car-Free Zone
A 520 meter city corridor in Kigali’s central business district transformed into a recreational and green space with pedestrian and cycling-friendly pavements, landscaping, food kiosks, exhibition space, city lounge, arcade, and a playground.
Kimironko Market
Kigali’s busiest market, located in a large warehouse complex, offers a diverse range of goods including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, fabrics, clothing, shoes, household items, and Kitenge, all sourced from across Africa.
Inema Art Center
An art gallery featuring the works of local artists.
Indaro Youth Center
A center dedicated to supporting young children facing life’s challenges.
1000 Hills Distillery
Small-batch, triple-distilled single malt whiskey and gin, crafted with over 21 botanicals from the spice islands of East Africa. Also offering rum made from pure sugarcane, vodka, coffee liqueur, and macadamia liqueur.
Indabo Café Kiyovu
A private garden oasis offering healthy, fresh food, coffee, and drinks.
Kiruhura Disque Orange
The world’s best whole grilled fish.
Fazenda Sengha
A hilltop outdoor recreation center featuring horseback riding, ziplines, archery, quad biking, bungee trampolines, lawn bowling, and picnic areas.
Rwanda Clothing
A global brand showcasing ‘Made in Rwanda’ fashion and home décor, designed by Joselyne Umutoniwasi.
OG Cafe
The top spot in Nyamirambo for the best vibe, with great coffee, pizza, and cocktails.
Other Highlights
Kigali Public Library, Ikirezi Bookstore, a variety of dining options (Rwandan, Ethiopian, Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian, etc.), and coffee from Question Coffee, Kivu Noir, Rubia, and Shokola.
Northern Province
Overview
The Northern Province is a major tourist destination known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes. Due to higher altitude, it experiences a cooler and more temperate climate compared to other regions. Key agricultural crops include tea, coffee, maize, and potatoes.
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and volcano hiking. This park is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Ellen DeGeneres Campus at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The new home of Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center is a leading hub for scientific research in the region. As the largest and longest-running organization dedicated to gorilla conservation, it features a multi-acre, eco-friendly facility with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore artifacts from Dian Fossey’s life, enjoy a 360-degree theater, and experience virtual reality attractions.
Mount Kabuye
Hiking, camping, and enjoying food, drinks, and a fire “in the clouds.”
Twin Lakes, Lake Burera & Lake Ruhondo
Hiking, boat rides, camping, kayaking, and overnight stays at the hilltop Ruhondo Cottages.
Ubushobozi Project
A non-profit organization dedicated to vocational skills training for women, aiming to break the cycle of poverty through education in sewing, weaving, crocheting, and more. Tours also feature traditional dance and music performances.
Ibirunga Tennis Club
Personalized training with professional tennis coaches and a weekend program for kids.
Red Rocks Cultural Center
Basket weaving, banana beer production, agricultural tours, local homestays with cooking tutorials, wooden biking, and tours of medicinal plants and beekeeping.
Other Highlights
Musanze city tour, canoeing, relaxing at the Classic Resort Lodge pool, and dining at local restaurants.
Southern x Western Provinces
Overview
The Southern Province features hills, valleys, and lakes, bordering Lake Rweru to the south. Its fertile soil and climate are ideal conditions for growing tea, coffee, maize, fruits, and vegetables.
The Western Province is known for Lake Kivu, which marks part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It produces bananas, beans, and potatoes, and has a thriving fishing industry.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Rich biodiversity, chimpanzee and colobus monkey trekking, waterfall hikes, canopy walkway adventures, and biking.
Lake Kivu
Swimming, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, and island visits to see bats and monkeys. Tea harvesting and factory tours. Nearby towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye.
The Congo Nile Trail
A 22.5-kilometer pathway accessible by foot, bike, or kayak.
Eastern Province
The Eastern Province is known for its flat terrain, savanna, and rolling hills. It borders Uganda to the north and Kenya to the east, and is home to several lakes like Lake Muhazi and Lake Rweru. The economy is mainly driven by agriculture, focusing on beans, maize, and sorghum, as well as livestock and fisheries.
Akagera National Park
Hot air balloon rides, wildlife safaris, game drives, boat tours, camping, and fishing. Wildlife includes elephants, lions, giraffes, and many others.
Women-led Coffee Farm Trek
A world-class coffee farm, operated by female farmers, with tours that provide an in-depth look at every step of creating a cup of coffee, from harvesting the beans to roasting them.
Plan Your Visit
Eliab Nduwayo, a professional tour planner and travel guide, born and raised in Rwanda, is the founder of Better Land Rwanda Tours. He is ready to help you plan your perfect visit to Rwanda, offering expert guidance on itinerary choices, timing, park permits, lodging, transportation, and dining.
Contact Eliab to book a tour:
Email: info.betterlandrwandatours@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +250 780 370 571
You can also find him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tripadvisor, and his Google business profile.
Naho Mukanya
“SEE YOU SOON!”
All photos in this travel guide are courtesy of Visit Rwanda and Better Land Rwanda Tours.
Some donations made to Turabizo include complimentary travel arrangements. Learn more.