The 11 unique Attractions in Rwanda
Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills is a country that is debunking myths about travel in Africa. It is making a big come back as a great destination for exclusive and intimate travel. This country is a well-known destination for Gorilla Trekking. However, this has surpassed other 11 unique attractions in Rwanda which are a must-visit.
11.) Lake Kivu.
Rwanda’s western side is bounded by Lake Kivu. One of a string of huge freshwater lakes which lie along Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Dominating the border between Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) these being one of the unique attractions in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth-largest lake after Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Malawi, Lake Turkana and Lake Volta respectively in Africa.
In 2002, it erupted leaving 400,000 people homeless and other 147 lifeless. This means that the volcanic activity caused Kivu to have high levels of carbon (II) Oxide and Methane which do not support life when ingested.
Despite this danger, the waterbody and the mountain which was formed are tourist attraction up-to-date.
Budget for a Day Trip.
- $64 – $70 Depending on Tour Agent.
- The price will include.
- Round Transport to and from.
- Lunch.
- English speaking Guide.
- Admission fees.
- Historical site entrance.
10.) The Nyungwe National Park.
Source: Visitrwanda.com
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful.
The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate. They include the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s Unique attractions in Rwanda. The forest is incredibly stunning forests.
Memorable and photogenic moments include walking up to the Isumo waterfall or along the Canopy Walk
Budget for Nyungwe National Park.
- The Park Entrance Fees $40.
- Chimpanzee trekking fees $90.
- Nyungwe guided walk $40.
- To see other Primates $60.
- Nyungwe Bird Watching $50.
- Nyungwe Canopy walks $60 Per Person.
- Tropical guided Waterfall hike $50.
- Camping with your tent and without $30 and $40 respectively.
- Commercial Filming for the Chimpanzees $1000 A day.
- Commercial Filming for other products $600 Per Day.
- Please note: children below the age of 15years do not go for primate tracking.
9.) Lake Muhanzi.
The Muhazi lakeshore at Gahini is popular with tourists and features two resorts:
The Seeds of Peace centre, which offers accommodation, and Jambo Beach. These are used both as stop-off points for journeys to or from Akagera National Park and as venues for lake tourism.
Offering boating, fishing and bird watching. There are also several resorts at Rwesero, on the north-eastern shore of the lake, including Rwesero Beach. Which offers camping accommodation and also popular with day-trippers from Kigali.
Also, Read; 17 Hidden Gem attractions in Kenya you never knew Existed
8.) Mount Bisoke.
Bisoke is a dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains with a pretty crater lake at the top.
The western branch of the East African Rift. It straddles the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the summit is located in Rwanda.
Mount Bisoke is also known as the Visoke Peak, the term Bisoke comes from the Swahili word meaning “soaked water”.
The last eruption occurred in 1957 and is fitted with two spectacular maker reservoirs. One about 11 kilometres from the summit and the other at the top.
Mount Bisoke just like any other Virunga mountains was formed out of a rift action. The mountain also boasts with the largest crater lake in the Virunga ranges. The mountain also comprises of alpine meadows and equatorial forests.
Budget for Mount Bisoke.
- Park fees for Climbing Mount Bisoke $75, this fee includes a guide.
- Porter to help you along the way $20
- Hike Starts at 7:00 Am form the Kinigi Head Quarters
7.) The Congo Nile Trail.
This Congo Nile Trail is one of the country’s most impressive adventures. Where travellers can hike, bike, and kayak, enjoying all the gorgeous views Rwanda has to offer.
In addition to attempting the trail itself, there are plenty of activities for travellers along the way interested in getting off the Congo Nile.
Various tea and coffee excursions—such as with Huye Mountain Coffee and Pfunda tea plantation—can be booked in advance, and general market visits, beachside naps, nature walks, and quiet afternoons are also recommended.
Rent a bike at Gisenyi at $35 – $70 Per Day.
6.) Nkombo Island.
Rwanda is beautiful and not many people know that Rwanda has an island. But it does. Nkombo Island, which sits squarely in Lake Kivu.
Located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lake Kivu is surrounded by five districts from North to South Namely.
- Rubavu.
- Rutsiro.
- Karongi.
- Nyamasheke.
- Rusizi.
Nkombo is one of the multiple islands of the Lake with merely 22 km2 and around 18,000 inhabitants living on the one spacious and two smaller islands.
However, it lacks infrastructure. Apart from electricity, Nkombo lacks almost all other infrastructure that might attract visitors to the Island. So many opting for a day trip.
5.) Nyamata Church.
The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is one of the unique attractions in Rwanda. Based around a former church 30 km (19 miles) south of Kigali in Rwanda.
Which commemorates the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The remains of 50,000 people are buried here.
This memorial is one of six national memorial sites in Rwanda that commemorate the Rwanda Genocide.
The others are-:
- The Murambi Memorial Centre.
- Bisesero Genocide Memorial Centre.
- Ntarama Genocide Memorial Centre.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Nyarubuye Memorial.
There are over 250 registered memorial sites that commemorate the genocide in Rwanda.
4.) The Musanze Caves.
These caves are one of the unique attractions in Rwanda you shouldn’t miss when visiting Rwanda.
Located on the outer side of Ruhengeri are the Musanze caves and are a geological treat. These caves go 2km and are covered in the lush greenery and the inside of it are the homes for the bats.
In case you are not brave enough to adventure inside, this beautiful vegetation around these caves is photogenic and incredible to explore.
Your lovely afternoon can also be spent canoeing down the river near where the mountain gorillas rest and play.
The water is calm and so tranquil. This is one of the best ways to view the fantastic Rwandan countryside and wildlife.
The Musanze Caves Entrance fee is $55 Per Person.
3.) Banda Village.
Source: Banda Community.
Banda Village located in the heart of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is a cultural destination.
It inspires the soul with entertaining dances, charming villages, and incredible traditions. Accessible via a mountain road or a hike from Uwinka.
Banda Village is a cultural destination that inspires the soul with entertaining dances, charming villages, and incredible traditions.
Accessible via a mountain road or a delightful downhill hike from the end of the Canopy Walk, a day in Banda is a day that will not soon be forgotten.
Breathtaking photo opportunities fill the day along with a village tour. Local food tasting, nature hikes, basket weaving, and the possibility of seeing a group of chimps! Adventurous visitors can try the village’s banana beer.
A cultural performance of a traditional wedding ceremony can be arranged and the local crafts are available to purchase in the village.
Contact your local tour operator or a Village Representative to arrange your visit. Overnight stay can also be arranged either on an on-site campground or at a “Kings” hut. Banda village is one of the unique attractions in Rwanda.
2.) The Twin Lakes.
Source: Volcanoes National Park
These unique attractions in Rwanda Burera and Ruhondo were named so because they are situated in the same areas and their physical connection.
They are located within Musanze district at the base of the Mount Muhabura a walk away from the Volcanoes national park.
The lakes offer tourists a beautiful view of the landscape, wetland habitat, and water birds. Virunga volcanoes, local communities and attractions in neighbouring Uganda. And the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A boat ride on the fresh waters of Rwanda twin lakes is a complement to gorilla safaris in Volcanoes national park.
Cultural visits, bird watching a volcano hiking which together makes a complete Rwanda safari package.
The canoe ride also rewards travellers with a breath of fresh air spectacular views of the green vegetation and some little birds of the water shores.
Fortunately, the lakes are free from dangerous water animals like crocodiles which assure travellers of their safety on the waters.
Also, travellers get a chance to interact with local people also riding as they cross to their gardens. It’s such an interesting activity no traveller should miss.
The twin lakes share a combined surface area of 2800 hectares of land and were formed as a result of Volcanic eruption in the Virunga massif.
it’s believed that the two lakes were formed after volcanic glaciers from the erupted volcanoes. Which blocked river Nyabarongo that was flowing towards the northern part of Rwanda.
They are also exampling of the lava dammed lakes in East Africa related to the story of their formation. The lake waters look green due to the green vegetation that encloses these water bodies which make it more magical.
1.) Akagera National Park.
Akagera is growing by the day becoming one of the unique attractions in Rwanda. Just to take you back for a while. The terrible genocide of 1994 devastated the entire country. And Akagera was no exception.
When the horror of the genocide was finally quelled, thousands of refugees who had fled the country in the 1950s and 1960s came home.
In Africa’s most densely populated country, the land was in short supply. Many settled in Akagera, killing game for food and weakening the ecosystem through grazing their cattle.
The natural habitat was being destroyed. And predators like lions, with no prey for their own survival, disappeared.
In 1997, the government intervened by splitting Akagera National Park. Just over half of it was set aside for the refugee communities to make their home.
The remaining 1200 square kilometres were protected. Nevertheless, there were issues. Invasive plants were suffocating the indigenous vegetation and poachers persisted.
In 2010, the Rwandan Development Board joined forces with African Parks. A renowned non-profit organization that restores wildlife reserves.
An electric perimeter fence was installed all around Akagera. Anti-poaching patrols increased, training and equipment were improved and animals were reintroduced. All to help Akagera come back to life.
Akagera National Park is home to the big five, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. 525 species of birds, four primate species -olive baboons, vervet monkey, blue monkey and bushbaby -100 elephants, and several other wild animals.
Budget for Akagera National Park.
- Entrance fee $50 and Kids $30
- Night Game drives a minimum of 2Pax Maximum of 7 $40 Per person for 3hours.
- Fishing per Person $25, with own equipment
- Boat Ride in the morning $35 Per Person with Maximum of 11Pax
- Boat Ride in the evening $45 scheduled at sunset to have that sundown view.
- Camping fees $25
Read-:
13 National Parks and Reserves in Kenya you had no idea existed.
