Rwanda may be one of Africa’s smallest countries, but it offers a wide range of places worth exploring. From forested mountains and volcanic lakes to vibrant cities and quiet countryside, each stop offers a different experience. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for a deeper look, here are the top places to include on your Rwanda itinerary.
Volcanoes National Park – Get close to mountain gorillas in the Virunga range
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most famous destination, known for gorilla trekking. Located in the northwestern part of the country, it’s home to around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The treks start early in the morning and usually last a few hours, depending on the location of the family group assigned to you. Trained guides and trackers lead you through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes until you find the gorillas. The hour you spend with them is closely regulated and feels both personal and controlled. Other experiences here include golden monkey tracking and hikes to Dian Fossey’s former research camp.
Nyungwe National Park – Hike through ancient rainforest and track chimpanzees
In the southwest, Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It’s home to a wide range of primates, including chimpanzees and several monkey species. You can join a chimp tracking group early in the day, walking through thick forest paths until you hear their calls or spot them swinging overhead. In addition to primate tracking, Nyungwe offers guided hikes through fern-covered trails and a canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor. The walk offers views over treetops, valleys, and misty ridgelines. Birdwatchers will find the park rewarding, especially in the early morning when the forest is most active.
Lake Kivu – Relax in lakeside towns and take slow boat rides through calm waters
Lake Kivu stretches along Rwanda’s western edge and is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The main towns along the lake—Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu—offer different experiences. Gisenyi has a wide beach and is the most developed, while Kibuye is more relaxed and known for its sunsets and island views. You can take a boat out to Napolean Island or Amahoro Island, where fruit bats roost and fishermen cast nets from canoes. The water is free of hippos and crocodiles, making it safe for swimming. It’s also one of the best places in Rwanda to take a break after days of hiking or wildlife tracking.
Kigali – Explore museums, markets, and Rwanda’s evolving food scene
Rwanda’s capital is clean, organized, and easy to navigate. While many travelers pass through quickly, it’s worth spending at least a day or two here. The Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a respectful and detailed account of the events of 1994, told through photos, video, and survivor stories. It’s a heavy but important stop. Beyond the memorial, Kigali has local markets like Kimironko where you can browse handmade baskets, fabrics, and fresh produce. The city also has a growing restaurant scene, with everything from rooftop cafes to small shops serving brochettes, sambaza, and local banana beer.
Akagera National Park – Take game drives through savannah and wetlands
In eastern Rwanda, Akagera offers a traditional safari experience. The park is made up of open grasslands, lakes, and papyrus swamps, and it’s home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. The southern entrance near the town of Kayonza is the best starting point for most visitors. Self-drive options are possible, but many travelers choose to hire a guide for deeper knowledge and better tracking. Boat trips on Lake Ihema offer a close look at hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Akagera is also one of the best examples of successful wildlife restoration in the region, with reintroduced lions and rhinos thriving in the park.
King’s Palace Museum – Step into Rwanda’s pre-colonial royal traditions
Located in Nyanza, the King’s Palace Museum gives you a view into Rwanda’s monarchy and cultural heritage. The traditional royal palace is built in the style of a beehive hut and surrounded by enclosures for royal cows, which are bred for their size and long, curved horns. The museum includes artifacts, history exhibits, and stories about the roles of the king and queen in Rwandan society. The Inyambo cattle are a highlight for many visitors. You can watch their keepers sing to them, part of a daily tradition that dates back generations.
Ethnographic Museum – Learn about Rwanda’s history and cultural diversity
Near the town of Huye in the south, the Ethnographic Museum has one of the best collections of cultural artifacts in East Africa. The exhibits include traditional clothing, hunting tools, musical instruments, and displays of daily life across Rwanda’s many regions. The museum gives context to modern Rwanda by showing how people lived, worked, and celebrated long before colonial rule. It’s an ideal stop for travelers heading to or from Nyungwe.
Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo – Spend time in quiet highland communities
Near the town of Musanze, the twin lakes offer a peaceful setting with dramatic mountain views. The lakes sit close to the border with Uganda and are surrounded by farms and small villages. Canoe rides and short hikes let you explore the area at a slower pace. Many travelers combine a visit here with gorilla trekking, since it’s only a short drive from Volcanoes National Park. It’s a good place to stay if you want views of the Virunga volcanoes without the crowds.
Rubavu – Watch fishermen and unwind by the water
Rubavu, also known as Gisenyi, sits on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. The town has a beach-like feel, with small resorts, palm-lined streets, and a long shoreline. In the early morning, you can watch fishermen paddle out in groups, singing as they row. Rubavu also offers short nature walks, hot springs, and a few lively bars that stay open into the night. It’s often used as a start or end point for the Congo Nile Trail, a multi-day hiking and biking route along Lake Kivu.
Kibeho – Visit a Catholic pilgrimage site with a unique story
Kibeho, in southern Rwanda, is known for the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary witnessed by students at a Catholic school in the 1980s. The site has since become a place of pilgrimage, especially during feast days in August and November. You can visit the church, speak with local priests, and learn about the events that drew global attention. Kibeho is calm and remote, with views of hills and farmland in every direction.
Rwanda’s small size makes it easy to explore a wide range of destinations in just one trip. Each place adds something different to your journey—whether it’s wildlife, culture, history, or simply time to relax.
