Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

Tourist Attractions in Rwanda.

When traveling to Rwanda, gorilla trekking is the first and most popular tourist attraction. Other popular safari activities include visiting national parks for wildlife viewing, such as Akagera National Park; Nyungwe National Park, which offers a canopy walk with a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape; King’s Palace; the Kigali Genocide; and Rwanda’s stunning hills, which have earned the country the nickname “country of a thousand hills.” For those who are interested in culture, the Rwandan Ethnographic Museum offers exhibits on traditional customs and beliefs.

The ten most popular tourist attractions in Rwanda, which draw thousands of tourists each year, are listed below.

Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda is the most popular tourist destination in Africa because of its unique mountain gorillas, who may be seen on gorilla trekking safaris in the Volcanoes National Park, which borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experts have determined that there are approximately 550 mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, which is home to an increasing number of these critically endangered animals. A legitimate gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500. The park is home to sixteen habituated mountain gorilla families that are accustomed to humans. Via a trustworthy tour operator, who can also arrange transportation from Kigali to the park headquarters, you can obtain your permits to go gorilla trekking. However, since the most of the trip is spent traveling through eerie bamboo woods, untamed meadows, and marshy areas, gorilla trekking can take anywhere from 30 to 8 hours. After a brief introduction, park rangers will accompany you to a habituated gorilla family where you can begin your experience. Once you’ve found them, you’ll get an hour to watch these animals as they feed, tend to their young, socialize, and take amazing pictures of top 10 tourist sites in Rwanda. Much credit should be given to renowned conservationist Dian Fossey, who established a gorilla research center in Karisoke. The center is still in operation today, and it is located close to the Musanze twin. It has a modest but well-stocked museum with exhibits on mountain gorillas and the conservationist’s efforts. The 1988 dramas brought fame to Dian Fossey’s heroic efforts to protect gorillas.

Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is unquestionably one of the most popular tourist destinations, drawing large crowds of visitors despite the fact that many people died there in under 100 days. Although the nation has come a long way since the horrific tragedy, its effects are still felt in the lives of current generations and everyday citizens. Visitors come to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn more about this horrifying tragedy. There is a frightening museum that delves into the events leading up to the 1994 genocide and uses information, artifacts, and photo halls to vividly depict the tragedies. Being a responsible visitor who comes to Rwanda to enjoy the top 10 tourist sites in Rwanda, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is heartbreaking.

Nyungwe forest national park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to a variety of species, including 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 animals. It is a well-liked location for tracking habituated endangered chimpanzees. The majority of tourists to the Nyungwe rainforest track chimps that park rangers have trained to be used to humans. Note, Tracking primates is not the only activity available in Nyungwe. There are many beautiful things to do in Nyungwe, such as walking across a 91-meter suspension bridge that hangs 50 meters above the lush rain forest. The canopy walk is about a 90-minute stroll from the Uwinka Visitors Center. The trees and distant mountains are breathtakingly visible from the woodland. Hiking, nature walks, and bird watching are among the things to do.

King’s Palace Museum.

When on a Rwanda safari, stop by the King’s Palace Museum to see the colonial-style mansion that formerly served as King Mutara 111 Rudahigwa’s royal house up until the middle of the 20th century. A flavor of fresh milk from long-horned cattle will also delight you.

Akagera national park.

Visit a residence where antelopes and a variety of birds reside, home to all five of the big five species. However, as they are still trying to increase their numbers, you will still need a lot of time to spot lions or rhinos. In contrast, a game drive safari will likely include stops at giraffes, hippos, zebras, and Nile crocodiles.

Visit lake Kivu.

Just be aware that Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, is an emerald green oasis spanning 2700 square kilometers and encircled by misty mountains. The area is great for recreational activities, such as Sunday evenings, when you can go have a great time at the vibrant waterfront, sandy beach, and gorgeous resort. You can still go on a sunset kayak tour where you can witness more people going on wonderful paddling adventures and see fishermen singing around Lake Kivu.

Ethnographic Museum.

The Huye area of Rwanda is home to the Ethnographic Museum, which is situated around 130 kilometers south of Kigali, and has one of the best collections of ethnological and archaeological items. The magnificent galleries of the Ethnographic Museum transport visitors to precolonial Rwanda, where they can view an amazing assortment of woven baskets, traditional clothing made from animal hides and woven grass spears and bows, musical instruments that date back hundreds of years, and antique farming implements.

Visit Gorilla Guardians Village.

While visiting Volcanoes National Park, it’s also a good idea to stop by Guardians Village, a women-only project that offers visitors the opportunity to experience some of Rwanda’s most well-known crafts and pastimes. Discover further skills like shooting an arrow, weaving your own baskets, carrying a basket on your head, and crushing grains with a large stone. These are just a few of the top tourist destinations in Rwanda.

Explore Kigali.

When visiting Kigali, most tourists stay overnight to take advantage of the city’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and sightseeing opportunities before beginning their gorilla trekking experience in the national park of volcanoes. Visit the Inema Arts Center to see the work of up to ten resident local artists and get a taste of Kigali’s creative environment. Make your way to the former presidential palace to visit the Rwanda Art Museum. Visit the Kwita Izina Festival, which supports national efforts to save gorillas. The event invites models and international performers to participate in the festivities after your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.

Visit the major towns.

While on a Rwanda safari, you can explore the several towns throughout the nation, each of which has its own unique attractions and activities. Among the locations to visit is Kigali City, where you may take a tour of the city and discover several tourist attractions including the mountain, Nyamirambo, and the Muslin Quarters. Explore Gisenyi town, which offers a plethora of sights to view, including the public beach, an African art exhibition featuring various artworks, and numerous other activities.