10 Top Outdoor Activities in Rwanda

The Congo Nile Trail runs the full length of Lake Kivu for 141 miles. Intrepid travelers have the chance to hike, bike, and kayak the entire trail, or choose bits and pieces for an exciting weekend escape. The Congo Nile journeys through lush green tea fields and small Rwandan towns, staying almost permanently in sight of the stupendous Lake Kivu. Good views and ‘gram-worthy pictures are virtually guaranteed.

You can’t make a list about Rwanda’s best outdoor activities and not include trekking with the country’s famous mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park, home to the gorillas in addition to golden monkeys and several impressive volcanoes, is located just outside of Musanze. Though the hikes are often arduous and the permits expensive, it’s an experience few travelers ever forget.

Though this excursion is entirely outside, it’s also entirely relaxing. Cyuza’s Island, a small piece of land smack in the middle of Lake Burera, is reachable only by boat and a 30-minute driving journey outside of Musanze. Campers have the chance to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Muhabura, swim and kayak around the lake, and enjoy some good time around the crackling campfire.

Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only traditional safari park, is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, elephants, hippos, and more. Opt of a luxurious trip through the park with Rusizi’s permanent glamping tents by Lake Ihema, or spend a night or two camping under some of the brightest stars in the country. Regardless of where you stay, a safari drive through Akagera is a great way to spend a few days.

As Central Africa’s largest montane rainforest, Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s crown jewels. Misty mountain tops and dark green forests provide the backdrop for some of the country’s best hikes, and the forest offers canopy walks, waterfall treks, and tea plantation adventures. Located in the southwestern corner of the country, the park is only a five-hour drive from Kigali.

On the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Karisimbi stands tall as the country’s highest summit. It takes two days to trek this impressive volcano known as one of Rwanda’s greatest adventures, and at the peak, successful climbers enjoy views into both Rwanda and Congo. This hike is for truly outdoorsy types only, as your one night on the mountain will be spent in rustic cabins halfway through the climb.

Though views of Rwanda from land are always spectacular, views from the water are even better. Rwanda’s largest lake, the sparkling Lake Kivu, is a great vacation spot chock full of water-related activities. Several idyllic towns dot the shore, including the weekend-trip worthy Gisenyi and Kibuye, and kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the area. Different kayak trips along the coast can be arranged by Kingfisher Journeys, and several hotels also provide kayaks for rent.

Though a lot of tourists come to Rwanda to trek with mountain gorillas, large and playful chimpanzee troops in Nyungwe National Park are worthy of a visit as well. With hikes starting at 6:00 am, trekkers are in for a long journey through the dense forest, though the opportunity to watch chimpanzees interact and swing through the canopy is unforgettable.

With a crater lake at the summit and the chance to see wild mountain gorillas along the way, hiking up Mount Bisoke is a cheaper alternative to many of the other hikes in the area. It takes only a few hours, and quick trekkers will make it down the mountain by early afternoon after leaving the park ranger’s office at approximately 8:00 am. The hike can be challenging, especially in the muddy rainy season, but the view-filled payoff is worth it.

Bright green tea fields, cloudless blue skies, and bumpy dirt roads characterize Sorwathe Tea Plantation tours best. Guests are shown the fields, as well as the inside of the factory, so travelers have the chance to learn all about the tea making process and enjoy the plantation’s lovely views and easy sloping walks.