Discovering the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda is a country that defies its small geographic footprint. While it may appear as a mere speck on the map of Africa, it is a giant in terms of biodiversity, conservation, and resilience. Blessed with a rich geography of jagged mountains, shimmering lakes, expansive savannahs, and ancient montane forests, Rwanda offers a tapestry of ecosystems. These landscapes serve as a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and over 700 species of birds.

Whether you are an adrenaline seeker, a history buff, or someone looking to reconnect with nature, Rwanda offers a profound and transformative experience. Here is an in-depth look at the best things to do in this remarkable East African nation.

Top Things To Do In Rwanda For Safari Holiday

1. The Majesty of Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is arguably the most iconic experience in Rwanda. It takes place in Volcanoes National Park , which protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains. This chain of dormant volcanoes is draped in thick, misty rainforest, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

The Tracking Experience

Rwanda is one of only three countries globally where you can encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. The journey begins early in the morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi. After a briefing and a cup of local coffee, you are assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families.

The hike can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. You will trek through bamboo forests and stinging nettles (wear gloves!) until your trackers signal that the family is near. Suddenly, you are in their presence. Watching a silverback which can weigh up to 200kg protect his troop while infants somersault nearby is a humbling experience.

Conservation and Cost

The permit fee of $1,500 is substantial, but it serves a vital purpose. A large portion of this revenue goes directly into the conservation of the park and the Tebuka (community) programs. These initiatives ensure that local residents benefit from tourism, reducing poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Because of these efforts, the mountain gorilla population is actually on the rise.

 

2. Primate Tracking: Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys

While gorillas get the headlines, Rwanda is a primate lover’s paradise beyond the great apes.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. It is a dense, high-altitude canopy that stays green year-round. Here, you can track Chimpanzees. Unlike the grounded gorillas, chimps are arboreal and highly active. You’ll hear their pant-hoots echoing through the trees long before you see them. Nyungwe also hosts the L’Hoest’s monkey, the owl-faced monkey, and massive troops of Angolan Colobus monkeys, which can number up to 400 individuals in a single group.

The Golden Monkeys of the Virungas

In Volcanoes National Park, you can find the Golden Monkey. These beautiful, orange-hued primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift. They live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. Because they are habituated, they are quite playful and offer fantastic photography opportunities as they leap between bamboo stalks.

3. The Thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk

If you have a head for heights, the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is a centerpiece of Rwandan adventure. This is the only canopy walk in East Africa, consisting of a metal bridge suspended 70 meters (230 feet) above the forest floor.

The Igishigishigi Trail

To reach the bridge, you must hike the Igishigishigi Trail. This 2.1km path is relatively easy and offers views of rare ferns and colorful orchids. Once on the bridge, the perspective shifts entirely. You are literally walking among the treetops. From this height, you can see the vastness of the 1,019 square kilometer park and even catch glimpses of Lake Kivu in the distance.

What to Prepare

The rainforest is unpredictable. Even in the dry season, a downpour can happen in minutes. Ensure you have:

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
• A high-quality raincoat.
• Binoculars for spotting birds and monkeys in the upper canopy.

The canopy walk is open all year round, but it is better to go in the dry seasons when the walkway is less slippery. You will also need to wear suitable footwear, a raincoat and a hat. The canopy walk in Rwanda is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that will make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature.

4. Big Five Safaris in Akagera National Park

In the east, the landscape shifts from misty mountains to low-lying savannahs and wetlands. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s answer to the traditional African safari.

The Return of the Lions and Rhinos

For years, Akagera struggled with poaching. However, through a partnership with African Parks, the park has been restored to its former glory. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, followed by Eastern Black Rhinos in 2017. Today, Akagera is a Big Five destination. You can see elephants, buffaloes, and leopards roaming alongside giraffes, zebras, and impalas.

Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema

For a unique twist, trade the 4×4 for a boat. A safari on Lake Ihema allows you to drift past giant hippos and massive Nile crocodiles. It is also the best way to see the elusive Shoebill Stork and other aquatic birds.

5. A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Rwanda is home to over 700 bird species, making it one of the highest bird densities in Africa relative to its size. The country is a hub for Albertine Rift Endemics species found nowhere else on earth.

Key Birding Locations

• Rugezi Marsh: Excellent for the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
• Nyabalongo Wetlands: A great spot for the Malachite Kingfisher and various herons.
• Cyamudongo Forest: A small, isolated forest patch that is a haven for the Great Blue Turaco.

The best time for birding is during the northern migratory season (December to February), when local species are joined by travelers from Europe and Asia.

6. Deep Dive into Rwandan Culture

To visit Rwanda without engaging with its people is to miss the heart of the country. Rwandan culture is defined by Agaciro (dignity) and a communal spirit.

Ibyi’Iwacu Cultural Village

Located near Volcanoes National Park, this Living Museum is run by former poachers who have transitioned into conservationists. Here, you can watch the Intore Dance, a traditional warrior dance performed with spears and long-flowing wigs made of grass. You can also try your hand at grinding sorghum flour or learning about traditional medicine from a village healer.

The Museums of Nyanza

Travel south to Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum. This is a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence. The star attractions here are the Inyambo (Sacred Cows). These long-horned cattle are tended to by singers who soothe the animals with traditional poems. It is a surreal and beautiful sight that highlights the historical importance of cattle in Rwandan society.

 

7. The Coffee and Tea Trails

Rwanda’s high altitude and volcanic soil aren’t just good for gorillas they produce some of the world’s best specialty coffee and tea.

The Crop-to-Cup Experience

You can join a Coffee Tour along the shores of Lake Kivu. You will walk through the plantations, pick ripe red cherries, and see the washing process. Finally, you’ll roast your own beans over an open fire. The smell of fresh Rwandan bourbon coffee is unforgettable.

Tea lovers should head to the Pfunda Tea Estate. The rolling green tea fields create a stunning geometric pattern across the hills. Watching the pickers expertly pluck the two leaves and a bud provides a deep appreciation for the labor behind your morning cup.

8. Exploring the Vibrant Capital: Kigali

Kigali is often cited as the cleanest and safest city in Africa. It is a city of hills, with twinkling lights covering the slopes at night.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial

While it is a somber experience, the memorial at Gisozi is essential for understanding modern Rwanda. It provides a historical context for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and stands as a testament to the country’s incredible journey of reconciliation and Never Again.

Modern Kigali

For a lighter experience, visit the Inema Arts Center, where local artists showcase contemporary African paintings and sculptures. Afterward, head to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a walking tour of Kigali’s most vibrant neighborhood, where you can learn about local milk bars and hair salons.

9. Rwandan Cuisine

Rwandan food is hearty, organic, and largely vegetarian, focusing on the staples of the earth.

Must-Try Dishes

• Isombe: This dish looks like spinach but is actually pounded cassava leaves mixed with a rich peanut sauce. It is usually served with beef or fish.
• Matoke: Steamed and mashed green bananas, often served in a savory tomato-based stew.
• Brochettes: This is the ultimate Rwandan street food. Goat, beef, or tilapia skewers are grilled over charcoal and served with pili-pili (hot chili oil) and roasted potatoes.
• Urwagwa: This potent banana beer is often shared at community gatherings and has a sweet, smoky flavor.

10. Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes

For those who want to test their physical limits, the volcanoes offer world-class trekking.

• Mount Karisimbi: At 4,507 meters, this is a two-day trek. You’ll camp on the volcano’s flank and reach the snow-capped summit the following morning.
• Mount Bisoke: A more accessible one-day hike. The reward at the top is a stunning emerald-green crater lake.
• Mount Sabyinyo: Known as Old Man’s Teeth because of its jagged rim. This hike allows you to stand at the triple-point where Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC meet.

11. Relaxation at Lake Kivu

After the intensity of hiking and tracking, Lake Kivu is the perfect place to unwind. It is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is unique because it contains no hippos or crocodiles in its main swimming areas, making it safe for water sports.

Gisenyi and Kibuye

The towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye offer luxury resorts and boutique lodges. You can spend your days kayaking between uninhabited islands, visiting the Napoleon Island (home to thousands of fruit bats), or simply enjoying a sunset boat cruise with a cold Primus or Mutzig beer.

 

Final Thoughts

Rwanda proves that size is not a prerequisite for greatness. In a single  week, you can trek through prehistoric jungles, see the Big Five on a savannah, and relax on a sandy beach. More importantly, you will witness a nation that has redefined itself through peace and environmental stewardship.

The Land of a Thousand Hills is ready to welcome you. The only question is: which hill will you climb first?