Rwanda Travel Guide (East Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Rwanda

Rwanda, located in East Africa, is one of the continent’s hidden gems. From its vibrant culturse to natural beauty, Rwanda has something to offer every traveler. Despite its dark history, the country has bounced back, making it one of the best places to visit in Africa.

List of Places to Visit in Rwanda

When visiting Rwanda, there are several must-visit destinations that you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a list of the top tourist sites:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kigali Genocide Memorial
Ethnographic Museum in Huye
Presidential Palace Museum

Natural Attractions of Rwanda: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Volcanoes National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Lake Kivu

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rwanda

Rwanda’s terrain offers the perfect opportunity for hikers and bikers to explore the countryside. Here are some trails that cater to both of these activities:

Congo-Nile Trail
Bisoke Crater Lake Hike
Musanze Caves Exploration

Best Things to Do in Rwanda: Activities and Tours

Rwanda offers plenty of activities and tours to keep you entertained during your stay. Here are some of the best things to do:

Take a wildlife safari
Visit a tea plantation and learn more about tea production
Go gorilla trekking

Week-Long Itinerary for Rwanda

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Rwanda:

Day	Activity
1	Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Presidential Palace Museum and explore Kigali city.
2	Take a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park.
3	Learn about tea production at a tea plantation in Gisovu or Nshili.
4	Go gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.
5	Hike Mount Karisimbi or Mount Bisoke.
6	Visit Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials.
7	Relax on Lake Kivu and soak in the beautiful scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Rwanda

Rwanda’s cuisine is mainly made up of locally grown produce and traditional dishes with a modern-day twist. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Brochettes (grilled meat)
Ugali (cornmeal dish)
Isombe (cassava leaves)

Local Beverages

Ikigage (banana beer)
Urwagwa (banana wine)
Inyange (local milk drink)

Where to Stay in Rwanda: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rwanda offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets. Here are some hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to consider:

Serena Hotels
Lemigo Hotel
Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel

What to Buy in Rwanda: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rwanda is known for its beautiful handicrafts, textiles, and carvings. Here are some souvenirs and local products to consider buying:

Basketry
Handcrafted jewelry
Traditional clothing

Local Culture and Customs of Rwanda

Rwanda’s culture is rich with traditions and customs. One of the most notable aspects of Rwanda culture is the importance of family, respect for elders and hospitality towards visitors.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season, from June to September or December to February, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rwanda

Do:

Respect Rwanda’s customs and traditions.
Try to learn words and phrases in Kinyarwanda to show respect.
Ask for consent before taking pictures of people or their property.

Don’t:

Take pictures of military sites or personnel.
Wear revealing clothing in public.
Eat or drink while walking in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rwanda

Rwanda is considered a safe and stable country for tourists. However, it’s always advised to stay vigilant and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Rwanda

It’s important to take appropriate vaccinations before traveling to Rwanda. Visitors should also ensure they drink bottled water and avoid street food to avoid the risk of getting ill.

Getting to Rwanda: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several options for getting to Rwanda, including flights, buses and private cars. Here are some key details about airports near Rwanda and bus options:

Airports Near Rwanda

Kigali International Airport

Bus Stations Near Rwanda

ETO Kigali Bus Park
Akamba Bus Office

Other Options

Private car hire
Motorcycle taxi(depending on one’s level of adventure)

How to Get Around in Rwanda

Rwanda has many transportation options, including buses, taxis and motorbikes which are commonly used for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Rwanda: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rwanda’s close proximity to other East African countries makes it an ideal starting point for exploring neighboring countries. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

Uganda’s Kampala city
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
Kenya’s Nairobi and Maasai Mara National Reserve

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rwanda is a beautiful and welcoming country that has something for every traveler, whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty, rich culture, or trying unique cuisines. With its many attractions and scenic destinations, Rwanda is a destination you won’t regret visiting.