Things to do in Rwanda

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Rwanda

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Kigali Genocide Memorial is located on a hillside in Gisozi, Kigali, and is the central site for commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, where the remains of over 250,000 victims are buried. It opened in 2004 on the tenth anniversary of the genocide, and today it serves as both a burial place and a site for reflection, as well as a museum with a mission of remembrance and education. The permanent exhibition inside begins with the history of Rwanda before the genocide, outlines the course of events, and also presents the subsequent trials, reconciliation, and national reconstruction, accompanied by artifacts, photographs, and video testimonies from survivors. The children's exhibition uses large photographs and short texts to tell the stories of individual children who were killed, sharing their likes and final words, which is a moving part of the entire visit. Another exhibition area expands the scope to a global scale, introducing the origin of the term "genocide" and similar tragedies, including the Holocaust, and those that occurred in Armenia, Cambodia, and elsewhere. The outdoor area is also worth slowing down for: the wall of victims' names is still being updated; the roses in the rose garden are mostly planted by relatives of the victims; the memorial flame, lit in 2004, is relit every April 7 and burns for 100 days; the amphitheater hosts the Ubumuntu Arts Festival every July, using theater, music, and dance to explore humanity and reconciliation. Some of the guides during the visit are survivors of the genocide, and their firsthand accounts offer an experience that most memorial sites cannot provide. After viewing the heavy exhibition, the museum café is a good place to process your emotions.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Rwanda

Inema Arts Centre

InemaArtCenter, an art center located in the capital city of Kigali, features a wide variety of original artworks. In addition to African art, here you can enjoy art from all over the world. The exterior building itself is amazing and there is a lot of art scattered around, many of which are available for sale.

No. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Rwanda

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a very large saltwater lake surrounded by beautiful forests and is a great place for swimming and fishing.

Bisoke Hike Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the famous nature reserves in Rwanda, Africa, known for its rich biodiversity and spectacular volcanic landscape. The park is the habitat of endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can participate in gorilla tracking activities by booking a permit and observe these fascinating primates up close. In addition to gorillas, the park also has other wild animals such as golden monkeys, as well as a variety of birds. It is a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts. Hiking is the main way to explore the park. Visitors can choose routes of varying difficulty, climb Mount Bisamuro or Mount Karisimbi, and enjoy the volcanic lake and the surrounding natural beauty. The park's visitor center provides detailed guided tours and information to help visitors plan their itinerary. The national park is about a two-hour drive from the capital Kigali. Visitors can choose to drive or take local transportation. Whether it is wildlife observation or hiking adventure, this is a destination worth exploring.

Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

Located in Musanze, Northern Province, Rwanda, Iby'iwacu Cultural Village is an attraction of great historical significance and human warmth. Strolling through the village, visitors can deeply engage with and experience traditional Rwandan village life. The interactive programs here are rich and varied: you can learn about the medicinal properties of local plants from a traditional herbalist, try your hand at grinding millet, attempt to brew banana and sorghum beer, or even have the opportunity to practice archery and experience ancient hunter-gatherer skills. The most stirring part of the village experience is the traditional dance and drumming performance by the locals. Dressed in traditional attire, they perform the powerful "Dance of Heroes," displaying immense passion and talent. Many visitors report that this immersive interaction is not only full of joy but also offers a profound sense of the resilience of the Rwandan people as they move from history toward a new beginning.

Akagera National Park Rwanda

Akagera National Park Rwanda is located on the eastern border of Rwanda and is one of the country's largest national parks, known for its rich biodiversity and magnificent natural scenery. This national park is Rwanda's only wildlife sanctuary, where visitors can experience a classic African wildlife safari. The park is home to the "Big Five" animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, as well as numerous other species such as hippos, crocodiles, and various birds. In recent years, through successful conservation and management measures, the park has reintroduced lions and black rhinos, making it a vibrant ecosystem. In addition to wildlife viewing, Akagera National Park offers a wide range of activities, such as guided game drives, hiking, and boat trips on the lakes, allowing visitors to get up close to the beauty of nature. The park's diverse landscape, ranging from vast savannas to tranquil lakes, provides excellent photo opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Kigali Convention Centre

Nyungwe National Park

The park is very large, the forest is also very large, and there are wild animals. Standing on the suspension bridge and looking down, the scenery is spectacular.

Institute Of National Museums Of Rwanda

At the Institute Of National Museums Of Rwanda, you can learn about early Rwandan history. You also have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful performances by professional dancers.

Amahoro National Stadium