The 5 best places to visit in Rwanda

Rwanda’s national parks feel wild and free while its capital city, Kigali, brims with culture and history. On one trip, you can take a safari to see the Big Five, spend a day kayaking on Lake Kivu, sip cocktails at rooftop bars with city views and trek with mountain gorillas. 

Rwandans don’t hide from their country darkest chapter, the genocide of the 1990s – but nor are they defined by it. Indeed, the Rwandan people have overcome the unimaginable and, without forgetting this achingly recent chapter, moved forward. Over the last 20 years, the country has demonstrated a commitment to honoring the memories of lives lost, a dedication to conservation and an impressive resilience.

Rwanda is safe, compact, welcoming and full of adventure, making it a great country to visit if it’s your first time in Africa – or your tenth. These are the five best places to visit for the perfect mix of history, adventure, relaxation and culture. 

1. Musanze 

Best for gorilla trekking 

Rwanda is one of the only places in the world where you can trek with gorillas. In Volcanoes National Park near Musanze, you can trek through the mountains and spend time with a family of majestic mountain gorillas. Something about the curious and playful gorillas feels eerily familiar – probably because they share 98% of our DNA. 

As the only great ape species whose population is increasing, the endangered mountain gorillas are a rare conservation success story. Gorilla treks contribute to these conservation goals by funding research and supporting local communities. 

Planning tip: There are only 96 gorilla trekking permits for each day, so you have to book this at least a year in advance. 

2. Akagera National Park 

Best for safaris 

Akagera National Park delivers what you expect from a traditional safari: zebras gallop through the savannah while elephants bathe in the lake. Within the park, you can go on a Big Five game drive or do a boat excursion on Lake Ihema; on both of these excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to see buffalo, zebras, lions, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, leopards and other animals. 

Thanks to the efforts of the Rwandan government and the NGO African Parks, Akagera has come back from the brink. After the genocide, unchecked poaching and illegal hunting led to the extinction of the local lion and rhino populations, but these species have been reintroduced in the last 20 years. Now, these animals are protected and thriving. 

3. Kigali 

Best for culture and history 

Chances are you’ll start your trip by touching down in Kigali. It’s certainly worth spending a night or two to see the main sites and enjoy the city. Anyone visiting Rwanda should visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to educate themselves about the history of the genocide and its impact on the country. While it’s a heavy exhibit, it’s an important way to gain context about the country’s recent history. 

Kigali is a clean, beautiful and exciting capital city. Go to rooftop bars like rüa or La Creola to enjoy the views of the rolling green hills or shining lights, or time your visit with the Basketball Africa League to get the most out of the city’s nightlife. 

4. Nyungwe National Park 

Best for outdoor activities 

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park is a great place for those interested in outdoor adventure activities. Make the most of the rainforest by combining the zip line with the Canopy Walk. Along three different zip lines, you’ll take an exhilarating trip over the mountains – ending at a rope suspension bridge where you can soak in the views. 

You can also connect with the community by joining a local tea tour. During the experience, you’ll be able to pick tea leaves, learn about the process from passionate guides, do a tasting and buy some delicious souvenirs. 

Nyungwe National Park is also the best place in Rwanda to do a chimpanzee trek, which start in the wee hours of the morning. On the trek, you’ll be able to spot chimpanzee families and observe them in their natural habitat. 

5. Lake Kivu 

Best for relaxation 

On the road between Nyungwe and Musanze, you can take a break by Lake Kivu. The deep blue water is the perfect temperature to take a dip, and you can just relax and unwind lakeside. After a few days of long treks and safaris, odds are you’ll be begging for a day of rest. 

You can also explore the tiny islands in the lake by kayak or boat. Some are full of cheeky monkeys who will make an appearance in exchange for bananas. 

Acacia Gabriel visited Rwanda as a guest of Visit Rwanda. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.