Top 7 Things to Do in Rwanda

Rwanda may be best known for mountain gorillas, but the country offers far more than one major wildlife encounter. In a relatively compact trip, travellers can move between volcanic highlands, savannah, rainforest, lakeside towns, museums and coffee-growing hills.

These 7 experiences provide a balanced introduction to Rwanda’s wildlife, history, culture and outdoor life.

1. Go Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Trek through Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.
• Walks begin at Kinigi, near Musanze, and may last from under an hour to several hours.
• Visitors normally spend one hour with the assigned gorilla family.
• International permits cost US$1,500, and participants must be at least 15 years old.
• Book early, especially for travel between June and September.
• Wear strong boots, long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket.
• Hiring a porter can make the trek easier while supporting local livelihoods.

2. Take a Safari through Akagera National Park

• Visit Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda for savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes.
• Look for the Big Five, along with giraffes, zebras, antelope, baboons and many bird species.
• Take a full-day game drive to explore both the southern and northern sections.
• Travellers can self-drive, hire a park vehicle or join a guided safari.
• Add a boat trip on Lake Ihema to see hippos, Nile crocodiles and waterbirds.
• Stay overnight for an early-morning or night drive instead of rushing back to Kigali.

3. Track Chimpanzees and Walk above Nyungwe Forest

• Explore Nyungwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich Afromontane forest.
• Look for chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, orchids, butterflies and Albertine Rift birds.
• Chimpanzee tracking usually begins early and may involve wet, steep and uneven terrain.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but guided tracking offers a close look at the rainforest.
• Walk across the canopy bridge near Uwinka Visitor Centre for views above the treetops.
• Choose from guided trails leading through forests, waterfalls and wildlife-rich areas.

4. Spend Time beside Lake Kivu

• Visit Lake Kivu along Rwanda’s western border, surrounded by green hills and lakeside towns.
• Rubavu is convenient after Volcanoes National Park, while Karongi offers a quieter stay.
• Rusizi works well before or after visiting Nyungwe.
• Enjoy boat trips, guided kayaking, island visits and views of traditional fishing boats.
• Coffee farms and washing stations can also be visited around the northern lakeshore.
• Use established operators and follow local advice on swimming, weather and boat safety.
• Stay for 2 nights to enjoy the lake at a relaxed pace.

5. Hike or Cycle Part of the Congo Nile Trail

• Follow the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu from Rubavu towards Rusizi.
• The full route covers about 227 kilometres through hills, farms, villages and coffee-growing areas.
• Completing it takes roughly 5 days by bicycle or 10 days on foot.
• Shorter half-day, full-day and overnight sections are also available.
• Choose a stage suited to your fitness, as some parts have steep climbs and unpaved roads.
• For longer rides, consider a guide, support vehicle and well-maintained bicycle.

6. Discover Rwanda’s Royal and Cultural Heritage

• Visit the King’s Palace in Nyanza, Rwanda’s former royal capital.
• See the reconstructed beehive-shaped royal residence and long-horned Inyambo cattle.
• Learn about the tradition of singing to and training the royal cattle.
• Continue to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to explore Rwanda’s crafts, farming, architecture and beliefs.
• Both sites provide useful insight into Rwanda’s pre-colonial culture.
• Nyanza and Huye are convenient stops between Kigali and Nyungwe.

7. Join a Coffee or Tea Experience

• Visit a coffee farm or washing station near Lake Kivu to see how coffee is picked, processed, dried and graded.
• Kinunu can be paired with a boat trip or part of the Congo Nile Trail.
• The main coffee harvest usually runs from February to May.
• Tea tours are available near Nyungwe, especially around Gisakura and Gisovu.
• Tours may include field walks, processing demonstrations and tastings.
• Book through a recognised operator and check whether the visit supports local growers or cooperatives.

Planning Your Rwanda Trip

7 to 10 days is enough for Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and either Nyungwe or Akagera. 12 to 14 days allow time for all three major parks, the lake and southern cultural sites.

Rwanda is open year-round, though travel is generally easier from June to mid-September. Rain can occur at any time, so pack waterproof clothing.

For multi-stop trips, a car with a driver is often the most practical choice. Book permits and guided activities in advance, and check current prices and entry rules before departure.

Final Thoughts

The best Rwanda itinerary does not focus on gorillas alone. Combining one major primate trek with Akagera’s savannah, Nyungwe’s rainforest, Kigali’s history, Lake Kivu and at least one cultural or farming experience gives travellers a fuller understanding of the country.

The distances are manageable, but each place deserves enough time to be experienced with care rather than treated as another stop on a checklist.