Interesting Places to Visit while on a Rwanda Holiday
Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living. throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. It’s also renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, which draws many visitors to the country. In addition to the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the nation offers variety of wildlife experiences, such as a safari in Akagera National Park known for its wildlife viewing safaris, Nyungwe Forest National Park famously known as the “primate paradise” and known for the canopy walks. However, there are some tourist attractions that still remain unknown to the tourists hence there are more hidden treasures to be uncovered in Rwanda’s tourism. These lesser-known interesting places to visit while on a Rwanda Holiday include:
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Virunga region of northwestern Rwanda. Established in 1925 alongside Congo’s Virunga National Park, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest parks dedicated to mountain gorillas in Africa.
Among Rwanda’s most frequented national parks, Volcanoes National Park covers a relatively small area of 160 square kilometers. Its primary purpose was to provide a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. In addition to these iconic primates, the park encompasses five of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura and Gahinga.
The park also supports a diverse array of wildlife, including bushbucks, spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and more than 200 bird species. There are numerous reasons why Volcanoes National Park ranks among the interesting places to visit while on a Rwanda Holiday. Visitors are drawn to its exciting mountain gorilla trekking adventures, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, Dian Fossey tomb hiking, and bird watching experiences.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda and is renowned as a premier destination for primate safaris. Established in 2004, the park covers an area of approximately 970 square kilometers and is home to 13 primate species, including around 500 chimpanzees.
In addition to chimpanzees, Nyungwe hosts a variety of primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabey monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, olive baboons, eastern needle-clawed galagos, blue monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, vervet monkeys, and more
The park also boasts a rich birdlife, with over 310 species inhabiting its diverse habitats. Notable bird species include Great Blue Turaco, White Tailed Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red Collared Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Red Throated Alethe, and the Albertine owlet, among many others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is also known for its vibrant butterfly population, featuring over 120 species, as well as 32 amphibian species and 38 reptile species. The park’s popularity extends beyond its primates, attracting visitors for activities such guided canopy walks, bird watching or birding, hiking through the different trails, especially the Congo Nile Divide trail.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the largest park in Rwanda and the only one designated as a savanna-protected area. Located in eastern Rwanda, it was officially established in 1934 and spans approximately 1,122 square kilometers. The park features a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, montane forests, and extensive swamps.
The park is renowned for its Big Five game animals: Akagera National Park. Visitors can explore these species through guided game drives along the park’s extensive tracks. Additionally, Akagera offers exceptional boat cruises on Lake Ihema, where visitors can observe hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
Beyond the Big Five, Akagera provides shelter for diverse wildlife such as zebras, hyenas, duikers, topis, bushbucks, cape eland, water-bucks, klipspringer, oribis, impalas, and more. The park is also a significant birding destination, home to over 500 bird species. Notable birds include the black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, suaza shrike, lilac-breasted roller, Meyer’s parrot, Ross’s turaco, red-faced barbet and the long tailed cistola among others.
Lake Muhazi
Lake Muhazi is one of the most interesting place e to visit while on a Rwanda holiday. The lake is a long, narrow, shallow, and flooded Valley artificial Lake situated in North-eastern Rwanda. It stretches approximately 60 kilometers and lies about 40km East of Kigali town. Lake Muhazi provides excellent opportunities for activities such as fishing, boating, camping, swimming along the shoreline and bird watching. Lake Muhazi is one of Rwanda’s premier birding destinations, housing different colorful bird species such as African fish eagles, Green-winged Pytilias, Speckled Mousebirds, Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, Grey-crowned Cranes and Swamp flycatchers. The lake also features three picturesque beaches: Jambo beach, Rwesero beach and the seeds of Peace Center. visitors might also be fortunate to spot the Spotted-necked Otters, with populations estimated between 200-400 individuals often seen around the lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including Nile Tilapia, Lungfish, and Blue-spotted Tilapia caught-and-released, making it the best location for sport fishing safaris. Accommodation options are readily available, with facilities such Muhazi Beach Hotel, Lake Muhazi Golf and Country Resort, and Lake Muhazi Holiday Cotta
The Kankazi site
The Kankazi site is where the remains of Late Queen Mother Nyiramavugo III Kankazi’s house are located. She was one of the three wives of King Yuhi Musinga V (1896-1931) and the mother of King Mutara III Rudahigwa who ruled from 16th November 1931 to 25th July 1959 and Kigeli V Ndahindurwa who reigned from 28th July 1959 to 28th January 1961. Queen Kankazi was known for her modesty, bravery, and commitment to social responsibility. There are plans to develop the site into a museum that will highlight her leadership and her dedication to development and the promotion of equality among the common people.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial
The genocide memorial is a prominent site to visit in Kigali City. The genocide is located in Gisozi, it is a resting place of approximately 250,000 victims. The memorial serves not only as a burial site but also an educational center that explains how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. The wall of names honors those last their lives, although the process of documenting all victims is ongoing and many remains unidentified.
The memorial gardens offer a peaceful environment for quiet reflection on the history of the genocide. They encourage visitors to consider the importance of personal responsibility in preventing discrimination and violence on a large scale. The center also provides support to survivors, especially orphans and widows. It opens at 8:00 a.m., with visitors able to enter until 4:00 p.m. Photography is allowed outside the memorial but not inside. Concluding your visit with a moment of reflection in the gardens can be a meaningful way to absorb the experience.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is among the interesting places to visit while on a Rwanda Holiday, especially for recreational experiences. It is free of crocodiles and hippos making it an ideal location for swimming. The exciting things to enjoy on Lake Kivu tours include kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, boat riding, canoeing, and fishing excursions.
