20 Unmissable Attractions In Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda! Home to vibrant city life, mountain gorillas, and breathtaking vistas, there are many places to explore and activities to do. Here are 20 unmissable attractions for your trip to the land of a thousand hills.

Volcanoes National Park

Located in northwest Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to the Virunga Mountain range, mountain gorillas, beautiful volcanoes, golden monkeys, and excellent views.

Karisoke Research Center

Funded by The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the Karisoke Research Center works to track and study Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, fund anti-poaching initiatives, and teach visitors and locals about conservation.

Lake Kivu

Rwanda’s largest lake, located in the west of the country, is stunning. Gisenyi and Kibuye, two of the largest towns on the lake, have plentiful guesthouses, restaurants, and activities.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is one of the most remote locations in Rwanda. A fairly untouched rainforest, the park holds chimpanzees, hundreds of bird species, colobus monkeys, and many hiking trails. Endless tea fields are located right outside the park gates.

Twin Lakes

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known as the Twin Lakes, sit just a few kilometers outside the town of Musanze. Known for their volcanic views and ideal for weekend trips, the twin lakes are undoubtedly one of Rwanda’s most beautiful attractions.

Akagera National Park

Home to Africa’s Big Five (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), Akagera National Park’s sweeping views, plentiful wildlife, and easy access render this spot one of the best parks in the area.

Sorwathe Tea Plantation

Halfway between Kigali and Musanze, the Sorwathe Tea Plantation offers lunch, tea tastings, fantastic views, and a tea production tour.

Lake Muhazi

Lake Muhazi, located less than 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Kigali, is one of the city’s best options for a day trip. Small restaurants and cafés line the calm shores, and sunsets over Muhazi are unforgettable.

Ethnographic Museum

Museum

Rwanda’s National Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, is located in the university town of Butare. Here, Rwanda’s history and culture are explained in detail.

City views at the Ubumwe Grande Hotel

Hotel

One of Kigali’s best views can be found at the top of the Ubumwe Grande Hotel. Open all day, visitors and residents alike flock to the hotel’s bar for a spectacular snapshot of Kigali from above.

Inema Arts Center

Art Gallery

Inema Arts Center, founded by Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza, provide insight into contemporary Rwandan art today. Their galleries, happy hours, and yoga classes provide some of the city’s best activities and inspiration.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Museum

Noted as a place for ‘remembrance and learning,’ the Kigali Genocide Memorial remembers the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. In addition to the memorial, the space also has an incredibly informative museum that leads visitors through the events and historical implications of the genocide.

Kimironko Market

Market

One of Kigali’s most bustling markets, the colours, the smells, and the noise at Kimironko is almost overwhelming. Selling everything from kitenge fabric and avocados to baskets and secondhand shoes, this market requires several hours of exploration.

Repub Lounge

Restaurant, African, Vegetarian

Sample traditional Rwandan food in an upmarket setting with fantastic views. Located in the Kimihurura neighbourhood, Repub Lounge is known as one of Kigali’s best restaurants.

Kigali Convention Centre

Building

One of Kigali’s most iconic buildings, and an architectural feat, the Convention Centre was completed in 2016. Check it out at night when it displays the colours of Rwanda’s flag.

Inzora Rooftop Cafe

Cafe, Vegetarian, Coffee

Inzora is one of Kigali’s leading cafés. Located inside the city’s main bookstore with an excellent view of the city centre, Inzora serves baked goods, grilled cheese, and some of Rwanda’s best coffee.

Presidential Palace Museum

Museum, Art Gallery

The Presidential Palace, once home to President Habyarimana, is located on the edge of Kigali. The remains of the presidential jet, the crash of which ignited the Rwandan genocide, are still visible.

Hôtel des Mille Collines

Hotel

Hôtel des Mille Collines, featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda, is still in its original location in the Kiyovu neighbourhood. Nowadays people visit to hang by the pool, watch live music, and enjoy brunch.

Kigali Heights

Shopping Mall

This new mall, located minutes from the Convention Centre, is home to several restaurants, grocery stores, and shops.

Baso Patissier

Cafe, Patisserie, Dessert, Vegetarian

Kigali’s newest bakery, Baso Patissier, has the best eclairs in town. Though their vanilla eclair reigns supreme, don’t hesitate to check out their other dessert offerings.

About the author

Leah Feiger

Though Leah is originally from Chicago, she grew up abroad in Hong Kong and London and has had the travel bug ever since. Perpetually on the road or planning imminent travels, she loves short layovers, mangoes, mountains, and lakeside naps. BA at Dartmouth College and MA at the University of Cape Town.