Rwanda also known as the land of a thousand hills is situated in East Africa at the heart of Africa. Rwanda is a small land locked country, covering an area of 10,169 square miles, which is approximately a third the size of Belgium. The country borders four of the east African countries that are Uganda in the North- East, Tanzania in the East, Burundi in the South and the democratic Republic of Congo in the West.
Here are unique things tourists can see and do while visiting Rwanda;
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is Rwanda’s top tourist destination famous for gorilla trekking, the park is a home to the highest of the mountain gorillas seen roaming around the national park.
The park is also known as Parc National Des Volcanos, its situated in Kinigi a small village known as Musanze formally known as Ruhengeri in the north western part of Rwanda. Volcanoes national park Rwanda, borders the Virunga national park in Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, these great national parks, form together the Virunga conservation area.
Besides the gorillas, the park also harbours the golden monkeys, different mammal species, the animals spotted here include; the elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, giant forest hogs and different bird species are spotted in park among others. Volcanoes national park is famous for gorilla trekking activities but the park also offers many other activities like golden monkey trekking, cultural visits, visit to Dian Fossey Cave, genocide memorial and may more other activities that you will engage in when you visit the country.
Nyungwe forest National Park
Nyungwe forest National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Rwanda that has boosted the development of the tourism industry of Rwanda. The park has attracted a lot of visitors every year who come to park mainly for chimpanzee trekking activity, the national park harbors 2 habituated chimpanzee families with the smaller group having a total of 30 chimpanzees and tracked in Cyamudongo forest situated within Nyungwe forest national park. There is a larger group with over 60 habituated chimpanzees.
The forest offers one of the best safari destinations for chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe forest national park is Africa’s Afro-montane forest offering a wide range of activities for the visitors. Canopy walk, is also the popular activity carried out in Nyungwe forest national park, during this activity, the travellers hike up to the top of the tress following the Hanging bridges which offers the stunning views of the forest and the animals in the forest seen below you. The park is a host to other primates including the Black and white colobus monkeys and has over 300 bird species, with 16 species which are the Albertine endemics. Visit to Nyungwe forest, will offer you the best of your safari in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park
The less known Akagera National Park, is Rwanda’s top tourist destination for wildlife viewing safaris, the park is situated in North-eastern part of Rwanda, the park covers an area of a bout 1,122 km2 stretching its boundaries up to Tanzania, accessing the park is not quite difficult, you can take car form the city of Kigali and drive for about 2 hours -30 minutes covering a distance of about 135 km. Akagera national park, offers a wide range of attractions to the visitors visiting the park, including; wildlife viewing, the park is covered by the savannah vegetation which acts as a habitat for the different species of the animals.
The animals seen within Akagera National Park include; elephants, buffaloes, antelopes such as elands, waterbucks, topi, oribi, among others. You will also spot the Giraffes, Zebras, leopard, spotted hyenas. The park also is a host to a wide array of birds of about 525 recorded bird species they include the shoebill stork, over 44 species of raptor, Albertine Rift endemic species like Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco among other, other attractions include Lake Ihema is renowned for boat cruise safaris where you have an opportunity to spot water loving animals. Such as the buffalos, hippos, different bird species on the shores of the lake and mammal species coming to the lake to drink water. For fascinating game drives, Nature walks and boat safaris among other activities, visit Akagera National park and have the best experience from your Rwanda safaris.
Hike volcanoes
There aren’t too many places in the world where volcano hiking can be accomplished over a weekend. The dormant volcanic peaks of Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura, and Karisimbi all create a stunning natural skyline in the Musanze Region. Day hikes are easy to organize, as are multiple-day hikes that involve camping outside overnight before continuing on to the top the next morning. For a moderate morning trek, check out Mount Bisoke, an extinct volcano with a crater lake at the top that straddles Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Coffee Washing Stations
Rwanda has recently developed a tourist industry surrounding its coffee and tea production. Visit the Kinunu Coffee Washing Station near the lakeside town of Gisenyi, and sample some of Rwanda’s best coffee while learning all about the process from the bean to the cup.
Eat big fish
Giant grilled fish stuffed with onions and spices can be found all over the Nyamirambo neighborhood of Kigali. Nyamirambo, traditionally the city’s Muslim quarter, is one of Kigali’s most vibrant areas. Eating big fish with your hands is a rite of passage, and is one of the most delicious ways to dine in Rwanda. Check out Green Corner for the best fish.
Camp on Lake Burera
Nestled in the foothills of the Muhabura Volcano, the twin lakes are one of Rwanda’s hidden gems. Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera’s light blue waters and surrounding hills make a stunning backdrop to any weekend trip. One of the most relaxing spots in the country, Lake Burera camping is an absolute pleasure.
Bike or hike the Congo Nile Trail
Stretching the majority of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu coastline, the Congo Nile Trail goes from Rubavu in the north to the Rusizi District in the south. The trail covers 141 miles (about 227 km) of some of Rwanda’s most spectacular landscapes.
Hike or bike through the trail, stopping at tea plantations, coffee washing stations, lookout points, and cute guesthouses along the way.
Kayak the shores of Lake Kivu
There is absolutely nothing like a sunset or sunrise in the middle of Lake Kivu. The water is still, the colors are breathtaking, and the fishermen have just begun to sing. While the lake is beautiful from land, experiencing it from water is unforgettable. Kingfisher Journeys offers kayaking trips all along the Kivu coast, ranging from afternoon excursions to multi-day adventures.
Watch Intore dancers
Present at most weddings and at the base of gorilla tracking, Intore—meaning dance of the heroes—is a beautiful and exciting artistic tradition unique to Rwanda. Intore dancers are skilled professionals, and the chance to watch their complex choreography and grace is a special experience.
Kigali City tour
The city of Kigali itself is a must-see spot in Rwanda for visitors. The town is the key to many attractions offered in different national parks found in Rwanda, activities include; primate safaris such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and wildlife viewing safaris among others. Kigali has been recognized by the United Nations as Africa’s most lovely city. It is one of Africa’s most clean and safe areas. Tourists are also reassured by the city’s great weather. The town tour of Kigali provides an in-depth understanding of Kigali and Rwanda’s entire history. During your visits to the city of Kigali you will visit the Museum of Kandt House Museum which is one of the oldest building you will also be visiting the first modern building in which the city was built, other places to visit in Rwanda include; Genocide memorial centres, the president Museum, Inema Arts centres, Museum of National History, state house Museum and the Miyo Art Gallery and many other places.
Conclusion
Do not wait for someone to tell you about the beauty of this country. Visit this country and exploit one of the top interesting places in the country. The must visit places in Rwanda that you should not miss to add to your bucket list.
