Volcanoes National Park
Region: Musanze, Northern Province
Nature
Highland forest at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Sanctuary for mountain gorillas.
Tourism in Rwanda
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Nyungwe National Park
Region: Western Province
Nature
One of Africa's largest pristine montane forests. Observe 13 primate species including chimpanzees.
Akagera National Park
Region: Eastern Province
Nature
Big Five habitat with savannah, wetlands, and lakes.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Region: Kigali
Cultural Heritage
National memorial commemorating victims of the 1994 genocide and providing peace education.
Lake Kivu Resorts (Gisenyi, Karongi)
Region: Western Province
Resort/Nature
Highland resort with azure lake waters and hot springs. Water sports are popular.
National Ethnographic Museum (Huye)
Region: Huye, Southern Province
Cultural Heritage
The country's largest museum displaying indigenous Twa pottery to Kingdom-era crafts.
Royal Palace Museum (Nyanza)
Region: Nyanza, Southern Province
Cultural Heritage
Features traditional dung-plastered thatched palace and modern royal residence, conveying royal history.
Musanze Lava Caves
Region: Northern Province
Nature
A new attraction where visitors can explore over 2km of underground passages with headlights.
Inema Art Center
Region: Kigali
Contemporary Art
Workshop and gallery for young artists. Hub for contemporary Rwandan art.
Nyamata Genocide Memorial Church
Region: Bugesera, Eastern Province
Cultural Heritage
Preserved church where over 10,000 were killed, conveying the horror of the genocide.
Suggested itineraries
Gorilla Trekking and Kigali Cultural Experience
Duration (days): 4
Highlights: Volcanoes National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center
Early morning trekking to observe gorillas, then return to the city to explore history and contemporary art in a short-term plan.
Grand Nature Safari & Lakeside Resort Traverse
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe National Park Canopy Walk
A week-long journey from eastern savannah to western lakeside, enjoying wildlife and forest canopy consecutively.
Cultural Heritage and Farm Stay Circuit
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Royal Palace Museum, Maraba Coffee Plantation, Huye Ethnographic Museum
Visit Kingdom historical sites and highland coffee plantations centered in Southern Province, with agricultural experience and homestay for cultural exchange.
Travel tips
- Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival (30 days, USD 50). Online application reduces waiting time.
- Early mornings and evenings can be chilly in highlands; bring light jacket.
- Gorilla trekking has limited capacity; advance booking 3-6 months recommended.
- Cash is mainly Rwandan francs. Visa/Mastercard accepted in urban areas.
- Domestic roads are good but have many steep slopes; arrange 4WD or reliable driver.
- Plastic bags are confiscated at airport. Prepare reusable cloth bags.
- Motorcycle taxis require helmet use. Confirm passenger helmets are provided.
- Basically use bottled water. Difficult to obtain in rural areas, so purchase in advance.
- English is the official language, but Kinyarwanda is more useful in markets and villages.
- Camera permits required at some facilities; confirm in advance.
- Local SIM cards available at airport for same-day purchase. Major carriers MTN and Airtel provide broad 4G coverage.
- On the last Saturday morning of each month, roads close for Umuganda; note travel planning.