Top 9 Things To Do In Rwanda – Activities And Tourist Attractions In Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the most thrilling adventure countries in the world. This is thanks to the amazing Rwanda Destinations that will give you some of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Rwanda is popularly known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” because of its mix of various landscapes and countless hills. Landlocked, but stunning and diversified, with fascinating cultures, an uncommon history, spectacular national parks, and alluring adventure spots.

All these along with intriguing animals, breathtaking scenery, inviting locals and attractive beaches on Lake Kivu are just a few of Rwanda’s beautiful destinations.

Here Are The Top Activities To Do When You Visit Rwanda

Visiting Rwanda but don’t know where to start? We dive into the Rwanda Safari Activities and tourist sites you can visit.

Hiking Mountain Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi is one of the tallest mountains in Africa and is found within the Virunga region. Its name, Karisimbi means “White Shell” in Kinyarwanda. It comes from the snow that typically covers the peak during the dry season.

The mountain requires two days to hike. However, all this pays off when you see the stunning views, several bird species, mountain gorillas and the grave of Diana Fossey- famed American primatologist grave.

Excellent physical landscape, volcanic features, deep forest, and vegetation may all be found along the walk and path leading to the top of the volcano.

Kindly note that during the wet season, the hike can require maneuvering through dense rainforest, inclining terrain, and muddy pathways. Because of this, the optimum times to hike Mount Karisimbi are between January and March and July and early October.

A hike to Mount Karisimbi and back normally takes two days, beginning extremely early in the morning—exactly at 7:00 am. To register and receive a briefing from the park warden, hikers must first visit the park headquarters.

This hiking excursion is frequently combined with gorilla and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park by tourists.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Rwanda boasts one of Africa’s oldest afro-montane forests. This forest, located in the country’s southwest, is home to 13 species of primates, including chimps.

Cyamudongo and Uwinka are the two sites in Nyungwe where you can go chimp trekking. More chimps can be found at Gishwati Mukura National Park. Your guide will give you a briefing about the walk before it begins. Chimpanzee trekking can begin as early as 5:00 a.m.

Nyungwe National Park has the highest population of chimps with over 400 individuals. Two chimpanzee communities have been partially habituated in Nyungwe National Park.

Visitors can choose from over 15 trails for a nature stroll while exploring the forest. Besides chimpanzee trekking, you may go monkey tracking in the Nyungwe forest or do the famed canopy walk.

Other species include;

>Silver monkeys

>Grey-cheeked Mangabeys

>Owl-faced monkeys

>L’hoest’s monkeys

>Lack faced vervet monkeys

>Mona monkeys

>Baboons

>The Dent’s monkey

>Blue monkeys

>Rwenzori colobus

Nyungwe forest is also one of the last strongholds of the Angola Colobus and Golden Monkeys. The Angola Colobus monkeys move in large troops of over 400 individuals.

Coffee And Tea Tours

Rwanda is known for exporting some of the finest tea and coffee in Africa. The landlocked nation is endowed with fertile volcanic soils, high altitudes, and good weather.

The best way to learn more about farming practices in-depth is by visiting coffee and tea plantations. This way, you can sample some of the greatest coffee or tea Rwanda has to offer by visiting a plantation, farm, or factory that produces either tea or coffee.

If you are curious about the various steps involved in the processing of tea and coffee, then this experience is for you. You will experience the harvesting process, the drying and processing to the point when the finished product is served.

Amazingly, you might even try a cup of coffee or tea, which would provide you with a wealth of memorable experiences. Among the top agricultural tour opportunities, coffee and tea excursions are ones that Rwanda safaris shouldn’t skip.

Visit The Shores Of Lake Kivu

Despite being the smallest of the Great Lakes of Africa, Lake Kivu is one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes in all of Africa. It extends all the way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a stunning location.

The lake and its surroundings have a distinct atmosphere that could best be described as an inland freshwater sea. With its abundance of volcanic islands, stunning beaches, terraced hills, and fishing communities, it has a dramatic, attractive, and incredibly lovely landscape.

Swimming, birding, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and other water sports are all highly recommended at Lake Kivu.

Bikers now have the opportunity to explore Rwanda’s countryside on foot or on a mountain bike thanks to the Congo Nile path along the lake’s beaches.

P.S: There are no crocodiles or hippos in Lake Kivu.

The King’s Palace Museum In Nyanza Town

The King’s Palace Museum Nyanza is a magnificently built thatched home in the style of a beehive. Nyanza was once the beating heart of Rwanda. It was however also the scene of conflicts and power struggles, according to oral tradition.

Rwanda was previously ruled by a king, the most recent of whom was King Rudahigwa Mutara III, who was succeeded by King Musinga Yuhi V. The kingdoms were later abolished because of a lack of recognition by all tribal groups and clashes with Belgian invaders.

There are still a few long-horned Inyambo cattle that are ancestors of the king’s herd. They are well taken care of by their keepers who meticulously manage and sing to them as a way of preserving a unique custom.

These exquisite cows played a prominent role in kingly rites. They were adorned with expensive jewelry and taught to listen to a trainer’s songs and follow his motions in a stately parade.

Make sure to visit the neighboring Ethnographic Museum in Huye. It is home to one of Africa’s best anthropological collections, as well as relics dating back over 200 years.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Rwanda is one of the golden monkey’s remaining strongholds. With roughly 100 individuals, the largest and most visited group lives on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. The Gishwati Forest Reserve is also home to golden monkey troops.

In the Nyungwe Forest National Park, a small group is also thought to be surviving.

Since golden monkeys are endangered, they are closely protected. Humans continue to be their greatest threat.

The golden monkey is characterized by a bright orange-gold body, cheeks, and tail. All these are in contrast with its black limbs, crown, and tail-end. They are favorites for many tourists because of their beautiful gold coats and playful nature.

The golden monkey has a vivid orange-gold body, cheeks, and tail. All of this contrasts with the black limbs, crown, and tail. They are popular among tourists due to their stunning gold coats and playful attitude.

Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is generally done in the Volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, with only one excursion each day. This session begins in the morning with a briefing regarding the walk at 7:00 a.m.

Bird Watching Rwanda

Rwanda is unquestionably a birdwatcher’s heaven. It boasts a strong road network, safety, security, and a diverse range of habitats, making it one of Africa’s top ecotourism destinations.

It is quite an outstanding birding location. It has over 703 bird species, 29 of which are native to the Albertine Rift and Lake Victoria basin.

Birding tours are available in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and areas around Lake Kivu. However, good birding can also be found throughout the country, including close to Kigali. So no matter which part of the country you are in, there will be rewarding birding.

Other birding locations include smaller water bodies, marshes, marshlands, and agricultural plantations.

The fascinating Shoebill stork can also be seen in Akagera’s wetlands and marshes.

Because of the country’s small size, it is possible to visit multiple birding locations in a very short trip. This will grant you access to some of Africa’s most sought species.

Canopy Walk Rwanda

If you have a thrill for heights then this is the activity for you. The canopy walk happens in the Nyungwe forest on a bridge suspended 70m high. This gives you an aerial view of the forest and the creatures within.

On a 200m long walkway, the walk can last about 2 hours as you sway left and right when you move. You can spot the numerous animal species that call Nyungwe forest home making your canopy walk experience unforgettable.

This forest, popular for its endangered primate species is also home to 1050 unique plant species, 310 bird species, 32 amphibians, and 38 reptile species. Besides the rich biodiversity, you can get an amazing view of Lake Kivu too.

The walk is done all year round although it is much better in the drier seasons. These are June to September and December to February. Hiking shoes or boots are a must-have for this experience. You can also carry a raincoat as well depending on the weather.

Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

Lastly on our list, one of the top Rwanda Safari Activities is Rwanda Gorilla Tracking. Because of this tourism experience, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited wildlife conservation site.

Each year, thousands of tourists from around the world come to the park to see the mountain gorillas. In spite of their intimidating size, gorillas are incredibly peaceful animals. Only eight people are allowed to track one of the ten habituated gorilla groups in the park at a time.

Thousands of international visitors visit the park each year to observe the mountain gorillas. Despite their fearsome size, gorillas are remarkably peaceable creatures. The park contains ten habituated gorilla groups, and only eight individuals may track one at a time.

The Volcanoes National Park gorilla walk begins at 7:00 a.m. with a briefing. Small groups of tourists are accompanied up slopes covered in bamboo by knowledgeable trackers and guides. They let them spend a unique hour with the kind creatures just a few feet away

The chance to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable and, according to some, life-changing. Gorilla tracking is truly one of Africa’s indisputable travel highlights. Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500 each.

To protect yourself from stinging nettles, put on your toughest hiking boots or walking shoes, thick pants, gaiters, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Conclusion

The Best Time To Visit Rwanda is between June to August and also from December to early February since these months have less rain. Book Rwanda Safari with Gazelle Safaris Africa to visit any of the mentioned beautiful Rwanda Destinations today.