From misty mountains that cradle the world’s last mountain gorillas to sacred hills steeped in centuries-old traditions, Rwanda offers a remarkable array of travel experiences that continue to surprise and inspire visitors. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is fast emerging as one of Africa’s top eco-tourism and heritage destinations.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the top ten must-visit places in Rwanda, chosen for their natural beauty, historical importance, and unique experiences they offer both local and international travelers.
1. Volcanoes National Park – The Land of Mountain Gorillas
Nestled in the Virunga Mountains in Northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Rwandan tourism. It’s one of the only three places in the world where visitors can encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 300 gorillas and 10 habituated families available for trekking.
Established in 1925, it is one of Africa’s oldest national parks. The journey through its mist-shrouded bamboo forests is a spiritual experience, made more profound by the close-up encounter with a silverback guarding his family.
Key Activities: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi, visiting the Dian Fossey tomb.
2. Nyungwe National Park – Africa’s Ancient Rainforest
Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a biodiversity hotspot rich in endemic flora and fauna. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to over 300 bird species, 75 species of mammals, and 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees.
The iconic Canopy Walkway, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offers a thrilling view of treetops and the vast, emerald green rainforest.
Historical Note: Nyungwe also contains the source of the Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world.
Key Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, bird watching, hiking over 130 km of trails.
3. Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari in Rwanda
Situated in Eastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park spans over 1,200 square kilometers of savannah, lakes, and papyrus swamps. It offers Rwanda’s only traditional “Big Five” safari experience, featuring lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos, along with hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and zebras.
Revival Story: The park has undergone one of Africa’s most successful conservation transformations, thanks to a partnership with African Parks since 2010. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, and black rhinos returned in 2017.
Key Activities: Game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, birding (over 500 species), and night safaris.
4. Lake Kivu & Rubavu – The Beachfront of Rwanda
Stretching along Rwanda’s western border, Lake Kivu is a sparkling jewel among Africa’s Great Lakes. In the resort town of Rubavu (Gisenyi), visitors enjoy sandy beaches, kayaking, fishing, hot springs, and sunset cruises.
The town offers a relaxing contrast to Rwanda’s mountainous interior and is ideal for winding down after a gorilla trek or safari.
Historical Note: Rubavu served as a colonial beach escape during Belgian rule and retains some of its colonial-era architecture.
Key Activities: Water sports, island hopping, Congo Nile Trail biking and hiking.
5. Kigali – The Heartbeat of Modern Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is often described as the cleanest and safest city in Africa. Beyond its beautiful hills and modern infrastructure lies a city deeply connected to its past. The Kigali Genocide Memorial honors victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, offering a powerful lesson in humanity and resilience.
Kigali is also a hub of art, culture, fashion, and cuisine, with vibrant markets, galleries, and a thriving coffee culture.
Key Attractions: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center, Nyamirambo Women’s Center tours.
6. The Royal Palace Museum – Nyanza
Located in the southern district of Nyanza, the Royal Palace Museum (known locally as “Urukari”) is a cultural treasure that brings to life Rwanda’s monarchical past. The site features a reconstruction of a traditional royal palace built with thatched roofs and royal artifacts, alongside the modern residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwanda’s last king before the monarchy was abolished in 1961.
Key Activities: Cultural performances, guided tours about the history of the Rwandan kingdom, viewing traditional weaponry and regalia.
7. Kibeho – The Land of Marian Apparitions
Recognized by the Catholic Church as the only place in Africa where Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, Kibeho in Nyaruguru District is a sacred pilgrimage site. The apparitions occurred between 1981 and 1989, drawing hundreds of thousands of believers each year, especially on August 15 and November 28.
Religious Significance: The apparitions included warnings of violence and tragedy—some of which many later associated with the 1994 genocide.
Key Attractions: Kibeho Basilica, Pilgrimage events, Stations of the Cross, religious retreats.
8. Twin Lakes – Burera and Ruhondo
Located near Musanze, these breathtaking twin lakes are framed by rolling hills and majestic volcanoes. They offer a tranquil escape with opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching, and local cultural tours.
Key Features: Crystal-clear waters, stunning volcanic backdrops, and views of Mount Muhabura and Gahinga.
Cultural Note: Local legends say the lakes were once one body of water separated by volcanic activity.
9. Ethnographic Museum – Huye
Formerly known as the National Museum of Rwanda, this museum in the southern city of Huye (Butare) is one of the best ethnographic museums in East Africa. It showcases Rwanda’s rich history through intimate exhibits on music, pottery, farming tools, traditional clothing, and more.
Historical Note: Opened in 1989, it was a gift from Belgium and remains one of Rwanda’s most significant repositories of cultural knowledge.
10. Campaign Against Genocide Museum – Kigali
Located within the Parliament building, this museum offers an in-depth look at how the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) stopped the 1994 Genocide. The museum chronicles events from the 1990 liberation struggle to the post-genocide nation-building process.
Key Feature: Visitors can explore a preserved section of the Parliament building that still bears bullet holes from the war.
Educational Value: It serves as a tribute to the resilience of Rwanda and its journey from tragedy to peace.
Rwanda’s beauty lies not just in its landscapes, but in its powerful stories of recovery, conservation, and unity. Whether you are drawn by nature, culture, or history, Rwanda welcomes you with open arms and a promise of unforgettable adventure.
As the world turns its eye toward sustainable and meaningful travel, Rwanda is ready—with its warm people, scenic wonders, and unwavering spirit.