How Couples Can Explore Rwanda

Kigali’s restaurant, café, and bar scene has been undeniably booming over the past few years. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants in Kigali that cater to a variety of budgets and tastes. Check out Kigali’s best restaurants, and be sure to visit Poivre Noir or Repub Lounge for some of the city’s best food and most romantic settings.

Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s big five game park, is teeming with animals and gorgeous views. Spend your days driving through the northern savanna or boating across Lake Ihema in search of hippos, before spending the night at the gorgeous Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Rwanda’s handicraft and shopping scene should not be overlooked. Spend some time with your significant other combing through Kimironko Market for handmade baskets and trip mementos, before tracking down the designs of some of the region’s most creative fashion houses. Make sure to check out House of Tayo for their colourful bow-ties and sharp suits, as well as Haute Baso, Sonia Mugabo, and Inzuki for colourful dresses, jackets, and jewelry – your next date night will undoubtedly be a fashionable affair.

Nyungwe National Park is one of the world’s dreamiest escapes. Settle in for a weekend of luxury at Nyungwe House, the park’s most luxurious lodge that is nestled amidst bright green tea fields. Romantic forest walks, waterfall adventures, primate sightings, and bird songs make for one of the most blissful getaways.

Kigali’s spa scene is indulgently relaxing. Luxury hotels around the city – such as the Kigali Marriott Hotel and the Raddison Blu – feature premier spa packages, including couples massages, aromatherapy with locally sourced materials, calming facials, and more. Spend a day spoiling each other with the best treatments the city has to offer.

Though a bit pricey, there’s no better way to see Rwanda than from the skies. Bright blue lakes, rolling green hills, and stark volcanoes are already unbelievable from the ground, and absolutely the stuff of myths from above. Gear up for an adventurous ride, taking photographs you’ll both treasure for years to come.

As Rwanda’s biggest lake, Lake Kivu is dotted with small, picturesque towns along the coast. Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu are the biggest, with Kibuye possibly taking the title of most scenic. Sparkling water framed by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s endless hills make this lake absolutely spectacular. Spend a night or two indulging in a few classic sundowners by the lake, staying at Cormoran Lodge in Kibuye.

It’s not a proper vacation without a proper night out. Grab your partner and head straight to Nyamirambo or Kimihurura – two of Kigali’s most vibrant party neighbourhoods. Grab a few cocktails and cold ones at Trophy’s Sports Bar or Choma’D before dancing it up at Cocobean and Sundowners.

Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas can’t be missed. Adventurous couples will have an unforgettable time hiking through the steep forest with park rangers in search of endangered mountain gorillas. After a grueling journey, spend some time relaxing at Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge for some of the region’s most gorgeous views and opulent accommodations.