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
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.
1. Ethnographic Museum
Museum
2. 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.
Ubumwe Grande Hotel, 1306 KN 67, Kigali, Rwanda, +250 783 744 755
3. Inema Arts Center
Art Gallery
4. Kigali Genocide Memorial
Museum
5. Kimironko Market
Market
6. 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.
7. 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.
Kigali Convention Centre, KN 5, Kigali, Rwanda, +250 786 738 663
8. Inzora Rooftop Cafe
Cafe, Vegetarian, Coffee
9. Presidential Palace Museum
Museum, Art Gallery
10. 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.
11. Kigali Heights
Shopping Mall
12. 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.
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