Things to do in Rwanda  (Cheap And  very Affordable)

Rwanda has a considerable array of attractions to explore and experience. Rwanda is situated in East Africa, encompassing approximately 26,338 square kilometers, and it has borders with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. Additionally, Rwanda is distinguished for its numerous attractions, including its picturesque hills, volcanoes, endangered mountain gorillas, and the presence of very attractive individuals, including some of the most beautiful ladies globally. Regrettably, the nation experienced one of the most egregious genocides in contemporary history; but, in the aftermath, Kagame’s government undertook the formidable challenge of national healing, reconciliation, and unification to reconstruct the country.

Currently, Rwanda is regarded as a model for other African nations in terms of organizing their populations, combating corruption, and establishing effective systems despite little resources. The new government’s most significant accomplishment in Rwanda is seen in the tourist sector, which has been heavily promoted by the administration. The government’s extensive efforts are attributed to Rwanda’s natural beauty, favorable climate, abundant hills, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Nonetheless, Rwanda has emerged as a sophisticated nation, having significantly invested in tourism by enhancing infrastructure such as highways and high-standard hotels, while the national parks are overseen by dedicated residents.

Furthermore. Rwanda is among the safest countries to visit globally, and Kigali, its capital, is regarded as the cleanest city in all of Africa. In addition to its natural beauty, Rwanda boasts a rich cultural past, amiable and hospitable inhabitants, and excellent local food. If you intend to visit Rwanda, make an effort to explore all the urban attractions and principal national parks in the country, among others.

Tourist sites and activities in Rwanda; Rwanda offers a plethora of activities and sights for visitors, as outlined below are many notable attractions.

During your tour of Rwanda’s renowned national parks, it is advisable to include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center on your schedule before departing the country. The museum contains the remains of approximately a thousand individuals who were ruthlessly slain by the Interahamwe. This genocide center comprises three sections: one area exhibits images of children who perished during the genocides, another showcases photographs of adults, and the final component is devoted to educating visitors about genocides that transpired in various regions globally.

 

Activities and Attractions in Rwanda

Kigali Genocide Memorial

By visiting the sites of the genocides, you will likely acquire a deeper understanding of the events that occurred before, during, and after the 1994 genocide. The event is profoundly emotional yet reveals the realities of those decades.

The State House Museum, formerly the presidential mansion, was last occupied by President Habyarimana. Regrettably, the aircraft on which Habyarimana was aboard crashed within the palace compound after being targeted by gunfire. The downing of the presidential aircraft precipitated a premeditated genocide. Furthermore, the palace has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore the events that typically precede genocides and the lifestyle of President Habyarimana.

Cultural Experience in Rwanda

Attending traditional dance performances at a place in Rwanda during a safari tour is the most effective means to familiarize oneself with the culture and customs of the Rwandan people, particularly by observing a performance by an Intore Dance Troupe. The optimal moment to observe the remarkable action is in the evening, following a demanding day; enjoy it while you unwind with a soft drink. One will genuinely be able to appreciate Kinyarwanda dance tradition.

Kimironko Market tour

The Kimironko Market offers affordable prices and attracts numerous visitors seeking fresh fruits, vegetables, and meals. Numerous buyers only traverse the various stalls to acquire their desired items. It not only sells fruits but also offers quality second-hand clothing, footwear, purses, and suits at competitive prices.

Inema Art Center

The Inema Art Center was established by two brothers to promote local artists. The center provides the finest contemporary artisan products in the nation. Exhibitions featuring works from some of the most distinguished artists, both nationally and internationally, are available. The management staff effectively conducts workshops and training sessions for emerging artists, particularly orphans. During a standard tour, patrons are guided through the facilities while selecting souvenirs from several galleries. During your visit, you will be delighted by the Intore cultural group with remarkable traditional dances and music. If time permits, you may opt to visit Ivuka Arts Centre to explore their community initiatives and purchase other art items. Activities and Attractions in Rwanda

Volunteer Efforts: Rwanda’s status as one of the cleanest countries in Africa is attributable to the volunteer activities conducted during Umuganda. The government implemented an effective solution by prohibiting the negligent dumping of plastic bags.

This community service is beneficial for all citizens and is typically planned on the last Saturday of each month, with the president as a key participant. It merely necessitates the removal of litter from the roads, the pruning of undesirable shrubs, and the repair of damaged public infrastructure. During the visit, you may participate as a volunteer to assist in road cleanup and the renovation of the schoolhouse and community medical facility.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Visit the renowned Volcanoes National Park, which draws thousands of international tourists each year to observe the distinctive mountain gorillas and partake in various activities. The predominant activity here is gorilla trekking, which commences early in the morning following a briefing at 7 AM from the park headquarters. Subsequent to the briefing, a park ranger will organize you into a cohort of eight individuals assigned to your designated gorilla family. The park ranger will guide you to the woodland trailhead to observe these colossal creatures in their native habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Upon locating the gorilla family, you are permitted one hour to observe them as they engage in play, feed, and spend their day in the jungle, as well as to take photographs. The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is USD 1,500 per individual per trek.

Milk bar: Historically, the Banyarwanda are recognized for their cow herding, particularly their long-horned animals. This fresh milk is optimal for breakfast. The milk bar is ubiquitous across the nation, catering to individuals who wish to savor milk either fresh or heated.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park is a highly sought-after activity for tourists visiting Rwanda. This activity enables you to engage with our nearest relatives, who share 99% of our DNA, and allocates one hour for you to partake in the experience.

Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest

The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest follows chimpanzee tracking and is situated on one of Africa’s premier paths. The walkway, elevated at 70 meters, provides an aerial perspective of the forest and its inhabitants. It is essential to possess total confidence to traverse it.

Additional attractions and activities to explore while visiting Rwanda encompass the King Palace Museum in Nyanza, Mount Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collins, Kigali Convention Center, golden monkey tracking, and a visit to the tomb of Dian Fossey, helicopter tours, game drives in Akagera National Park, nature walks, birdwatching, primate tracking in Gishwati, and tours of coffee and tea plantations, among others.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden Monkey Tracking: Rwanda serves as one of the last bastions for golden monkeys. These exquisite primates flourish in the Virunga Mountains (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo) and in Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden monkeys are classified as endangered and, thus, are subject to stringent protection measures. While eagles are their natural prey, people represent their most significant threat. Tourists admire golden monkeys for their exquisite golden coats, lively demeanor, and endangered status. Golden Monkey tracking in Rwanda commences with a briefing at 7:30 AM. It is less exhausting than gorilla trekking due to the monkeys’ limited movement throughout the jungle. The cost of the golden monkey permits in Rwanda is $100.

Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey:

Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey: Dian Fossey is regarded as one of the preeminent primatologists of the 20th century. She was a trailblazer in gorilla research and conservation, supported by funding from the National Geographic. Fossey conducted an intensive 18-year study on the behavior of mountain gorillas, uncovering numerous insights, including methods for habituation.

Absent her discoveries, the practices of gorilla trekking and habituation would not exist. Over time, Fossey shifted her emphasis from study to gorilla conservation, working to safeguard the animals from rampant poaching. This resulted in numerous adversaries, culminating in her demise in 1985. The identities of her murderers remain unknown to this day.

Premier activities in Rwanda Following the tracking of gorillas, numerous individuals opt to honor her by visiting her former study facility and burial site. Both locations are situated on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Reaching the tomb necessitates a certain degree of physical fitness due to the requirement of hiking up the mountains. Additionally, you must be ready to navigate muddy trails, particularly during the rainy season. The permit for the Dian Fossey Hike is priced at $80 per individual. A notable benefit of participating in the Dian Fossey hike is the potential opportunity to encounter a group of mountain gorillas along the routes. Following your visit to her mausoleum and the original Karisoke Centre, you may also explore the newly established Karisoke Research Centre located in the town of Musanze. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund offices are situated here, where her work persists.

Engaging activities in Rwanda Rwanda is a premier birdwatching location, boasting over 640 bird species, 30 of which are native to the nation. Birdwatching in Rwanda is conducted at Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and the vicinity of Lake Kivu. Additional birding locations encompass the suburbs of Kigali and the numerous smaller water bodies, wetlands, marshlands, and agricultural plantations. The primary species of interest are those indigenous to the Albertine Rift and the Virunga ranges. The fascinating Shoebill stork can also be observed in the wetlands and marshes of Akagera.

Game drive in Akagera National Park

Game drive in Akagera National Park: Amidst the emphasis on mountain gorillas, it is easy to overlook that Rwanda also offers exceptional opportunities for game drives and conventional wildlife safaris. Akagera is Rwanda’s sole savanna park, encompassing an area of 1,085 square kilometers. Established in 1934, the park experienced a substantial decline in biodiversity during the 1994 genocide. Numerous fleeing citizens utilized the park as an escape route to get to safety in adjacent countries. Following the conclusion of the genocide, numerous individuals opted to inhabit areas within the park, resulting in rampant poaching and encroachments.

Things  to in Rwanda:  Following the collaboration between the African Parks Network and the government to oversee the park, wildlife populations surged, and previously extirpated species have been reintroduced. Akagera National Park includes marshes, savanna grasslands, woods, lakes, rivers, and terraced hills. It now hosts all the Big Five animals (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards), thereby providing tourists the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive wildlife safari in Rwanda, alongside activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural interactions, and mountain climbing. Akagera hosts olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, hyenas, leopards, and hippos, among others. In addition to the usual game drives, Akagera is exceptional for birdwatching, environmental excursions and sport fishing in Lake Shakani. The afternoon boat excursion on Lake Ihema is highly favored and offers guests stunning vistas and opportunities to observe aquatic birds, crocodiles, hippos, and antelopes along the lake’s edge.

Helicopter Tour

Best destinations to explore in Rwanda Helicopter Tour: Akagera Aviation organizes helicopter tours in Kigali for individuals seeking an aerial perspective of the city and its surrounding region. A helicopter trip may range in cost from $500 to $4500, contingent upon the designated route. Whichever route you select, anticipate being rewarded with stunning vistas of Rwanda’s hills and the magnificent Virunga volcanoes. Helicopter tours can be organized to Nyungwe National Park, offering spectacular vistas of the expansive forest and the extensive Virunga hills extending into the Democratic Republic of Congo. All flights commence and conclude in Kigali.