Rwanda is a hidden paradise for nature lovers and boasts a rich and ancient cultural heritage. These are the must-visit destinations for nature, culture, and adventure.
Though Rwanda is known as the heart of Africa, it remains relatively unknown to travellers worldwide, who’d sooner book trips to neighbouring Tanzania or — elsewhere on the continent — Morocco or South Africa. But this Central African nation is not to be overlooked for travellers interested in culturally immersive travel or once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences. Rwanda is a hidden paradise for nature lovers and boasts a rich and ancient cultural heritage dating back to the 11th century. While gorilla trekking and luxury hotels are making the nation more familiar for tourists, Rwanda is still relatively under-the-radar — but won’t remain so for long.
For a country slightly smaller than the state of Maryland, there’s an abundance of diverse destinations to visit in Rwanda — and ease of travel across all four provinces. Upon arrival in Kigali, travellers can either navigate the nation by car or by domestic flights within the country. We suggest experiencing the nation via road trip in the back of a guided safari vehicle. Rwanda is known as the land of 1,000 hills, so prepare for some bumpy back-roads — also known in Rwanda as an ‘African massage.’
Not only will a guide help navigate these winding roads, but they will also serve as your occasional translator when visiting extremely remote or rural areas where locals speak Swahili. This scenario is quite rare, however, as English is widely spoken across Rwanda. English is taught in schools and is one of the official languages of the country — alongside French and Kinyarwanda, the national language. Additionally, though the Rwandan franc is the national currency, the USD is widely accepted. The multilingual population, low-crime rate, and cleanliness of the streets and cities make Rwanda quite accessible for English speakers — it is often ranked as one of the safest countries for solo travellers in the world.
While there are currently no direct flights from the US or London to Kigali International Airport, travellers can book one-stop flight paths through Brussels, Doha, or Istanbul via Qatar Airways, British Airways, or Brussels Airlines. The best time to visit is during the dry season of summer and winter in June to September, or December through February, to maximise outdoor adventures. But whatever time of year you visit, remember to pack layers — Rwanda is cool at night and hot by day. Read on for the must-visit places to see on your first trip to Rwanda.
While many travellers are eager to begin their vacations immediately in the rainforest or savannah, it would be a mistake to board a connecting flight in the nation’s capital upon arrival. A day or two in Kigali is important for developing a greater understanding of the nation’s history and culture. Though Rwanda is now ranked one of the safest nations to visit in Africa (and the world), the nation was devastated by a horrific genocide only 30 years ago. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is recommended for all travellers to understand how the country evolved from its brutal recent past to its peaceful present.
● Stay: The Kigali Marriott is the perfect starting place for international travellers. Be sure to withdraw cash from the on-site ATM, as many artisans and vendors in the countryside do not accept credit cards. Check out the property’s Go Kigali Boutique, which showcases handmade crafts from around the country. (KN 3 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda; T: +250 222 111 111)
● Eat: Enjoy live music and sweeping views of the city skyline in the lush gardens of the Legacy Terrace at the historic Hôtel Des Mille Collines, the former refuge that inspired the film Hotel Rwanda. (2KN 6th Ave, Kigali Rwanda; T: +250 788 192 000)
Head out to the Eastern Province to see the Big Five in Akagera National Park, located along the grasslands bordering Tanzania. Though Rwanda is famous for its primates, it’s less known that you can spot lions, giraffes, and elephants in Rwanda. Set out for a jeep safari through the plains and a boat ride on Lake Ihema to spot hippos and African eagles in the wild.
● Stay: Akagera Game Lodge is your best bet for accommodations within the National Park and boasts a superb sunrise over Lake Ihema. (Akagera National Park, Kayonza, Eastern Province, Rwanda; T: +250 785 201 206)
● Eat: Stop by the Imigongo Art Center & Café on your way out to Akagera from Kigali. Featuring a gallery of traditional Imigongo cow dung art, the café also serves some of the freshest, most delicious passion fruit mojitos in Rwanda — the cocktail is an unexpected delight to be enjoyed in bars and restaurants nationwide. (4F4C+C4J, Kayonza, Rwanda; T: +250 0782 073 369)
Rwanda is in the heart of Africa’s Great Lakes Region, which you will discover on the next part of your road trip — a visit to Lake Kivu and its surrounding rainforests in the Southern Province. On your drive southwest, stop in Nyanza District to visit the King's Palace Museum, which retraces the nation’s history to its roots in the 11th century. Go island-hopping in Lake Kivu and sample the local flavours at coffee plantations and opt for a chimpanzee trek and a sunset Canopy Walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
● Stay: The One & Only Nyungwe House is a magnificently luxurious retreat decorated with traditional Rwandan art amidst a tea plantation. (Gisakura, Nyamasheke Nyungwe Forest Reserve; T: +250 221 011 111)
● Stay: For lakeside splendor, check out Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, which boasts sweeping views of the surrounding islands. The Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel is another lakeside option near the National Forest. (Bwishyura 4307 Kibuye, Karongi, Rwanda; T: +250 784 280 999)
● Eat: Enjoy a beachside lunch at Rushel Kivu Resort, where guests can dine on the daily catch from Lake Kivu. We recommend sampling local specialities, including grilled tilapia and Sambaza (deep-fried, sardine-like, and abundant in the region). Guests can also book romantic stays in mosquito-netted lodges overlooking the lake. (Rushel Kivu Lodge, Rutsiro, Kibuye, Rwanda; T: +250 786 479 478)
● Drink: Taste Boneza coffee on a tour of Kinunu Wonders, a coffee plantation overlooking Lake Kivu. (Kinunu Guest House, Boneza, Rwanda; T: +250 781 704 143)
Head to the Northern Province for gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park, and pay a visit to the newly-opened Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Rwanda’s successful conservation efforts incentivise local communities and nowhere is this better on display than at Gorilla Guardians Village, where former poachers have become cultural ambassadors for tourists to the region. Spend afternoons gallery-hopping in Musanze at the Inshuti Arts and Culture Center, the Red Rocks Art Center — and, most importantly — Northern Creative Corner, the first outpost of a nationwide photography project by Image Rwanda.
● Stay: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge is the perfect eco-retreat for Gorilla trekkers and gallery-hoppers, with décor reflecting its volcanic surroundings.(Musanze-Kinigi Road Ruhengera, Kinigi, Rwanda; T: +250 773 640-9113)
● Stay: Virunga Lodge is a boutique property by Volcanoes Safari boasting tremendous mountaintop views across Uganda and beyond. (Colline Gakoro, Rwanda; T: +250 788 302 069)
