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  • 12 Best Things to Do in Rwanda According to Experts in 2026

    Rwanda is one of the best places to visit on the African continent. Located in east-central Africa, Rwanda is surrounded by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Comparable to the size of Maryland, Rwanda is the best place for gorilla safaris, trips to see the endangered mountain gorillas that live in the Volcanoes National Park . The country is characterized with steep mountains and deep valleys cover most of the country. Apart from the gorillas, the country has several other attractions which include Lake Kivu the highest lake located at an altitude of 4,829 ft (1,472 m), the Virunga Mountains, which include the volcano Karisimbi (14,187 ft; 4,324 m), Nyungwe Forest with its 13 primate species, Akagera National Park, unique cultural, traditional and historical attractions including the 8 genocide memorial sites. A discerning traveler to Rwanda has plenty of things to do in this relatively small country. Here are the most popular things to do while on holiday in Rwanda;

    1. Gorilla Tracking

    This is the most popular adventure activity that brings most tourists to Rwanda. This world class adventure is done in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. To engage in this adventure you have to secure a gorilla permit. Currently a gorilla permit goes for USD1500 per person per trek. You can book a gorilla permit through a local tour operator or at the Rwanda Development Board authorities in Kigali.

    2. Chimpanzee tracking

    This is regarded as one of the most interesting and must do activity while in Rwanda, this activity is carried out in Rwanda’s second known park that’s Nyungwe Forest National Park which is located in the south-western part of Rwanda a drive of about 6 Hrs 30 minutes. This park is known for the highest concentration of primate species not only in the east but also in central Africa. The most among all is the chimpanzee the closest relative of man sharing almost 98% of human DNA.

    Chimps are fabulous fan to watch as they play in fruitful trees while doing their daily activities such as playing, making nest, feeding among other, and chimp tracking begins very early in the morning with a cup of tea/cotton followed with a transfer to the park headquarters for a short briefing about the dos and don’ts while with the chimps, then after you will be transferred to the forest to begin the activity possibly one of the most exciting activities at the park. Other primate species found in Nyungwe forest national park include baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, civet monkey, grey checked mangabeys, red tailed monkey just to mention but a few. Watching all these primate species in their natural habitat is regarded as a breathtaking moment in life.

    3. Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

    This activity is amazing, moving through the forest up is regarded thrilling as canopy walk allows visitors to view the vast thick forest; birds, butterflies and different primates most commonly seen are chimpanzees and blue monkeys that dwell higher levels of the forest in a close range the canopy walk normally go to 3-5 hours while viewing the forest dwellers in a close range.

    4. Game viewing and wildlife safaris

    Would you like a traditional safari in Rwanda? Just travel to Akagera National Park, a savanna national park in Eastern Rwanda. Located in a distance of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, this is one of the best national parks for game viewing in Africa. If you’re interested in viewing animals in their national setting Akagera national park is the only option as it houses a very big number of wildlife species ranging from the big five to small animals like buffaloes, elephant , lion, hippos, leopard, other small species include zebra, various species of antelopes, spotted hyena crocodiles, waterbuck, warthogs the list is endless. Games drive can be done either in the morning, afternoon or in the evening depending on the traveler’s interest and the time availability. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen while on a boat cruise on the lake lhema.

    5. Kigali City Tour

    Kigali is Rwanda’s capital and largest city it serves as a marketing centre, with an incredible variety of flowering trees and shrubs from various points on the ridge and the city is located within the heart of Rwanda. While on Kigali city tour you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial sites where hundred of thousand of people where murdered, ounce you visit this site and told the story you can’t fail to feel tears in your throats, visit also cultural performances at the Rwanda National Ballet, still on city tour you can visit the market places among other interesting places in Kigali.

    6. Boat rides on Lake Ihema with in Akagera National Park and also on Lake Kivu, this is yet another interesting activities done in Rwanda, as the rides are worth as they offer an opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, and a good number of bird species like the malachite & pied kingfisher, blue headed coucal, mash flycatcher and many more.boat cruise on lake Ihema go to up to 2 hours exploring Rwanda on a boat it’s really a can’t miss activity while in Rwanda

    7. Visiting the National Museum in Butare

    There are several museums in Rwanda. However a visit to the National Museum in Butare is  quite a special activity. The visit will give you an insight into the history of Rwanda as well as its antiquities. Built by the Belgian Colonial Government, this museum is a good source of information and history of the country.

    8. Visiting the Old King’s Palace in Nyanza

    9. Botanical gardens and Art craft shops in Nyanza

    10. Bird watching

    Rwanda some times it’s called a birder’s paradise so those interested in this activity this is the chance, it has very many species of birds ranging from savanna to water birds, Rwanda has very many kin birder viewers who are not only bird lovers but also passionate in the activity. Bird watching can begin either in morning, afternoon or in the evening depending on the time availability.

    11. Forest walks

    You can enjoy forest walks within Nyungwe and Parc Nationale Des Volcanoes. These two forests offer an opportunity to view various species of primates and birds on foot in their natural habitat guided by tour guides it can go up to 3-6 hours in the forest.

    12. Community Walk

    If you want to know more about the people of Rwanda community walk is so rewording. You can get entertainment from the local people (Batwa) through their cultural dance and songs and these people can also entertain you how they have managed to live in the area.

  • Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas

    Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas

    The analysis of a census conducted in March and April 2010 in the Virunga Massif confirms a 26.3 % increase in the population of mountain gorillas, Gorilla beringei beringei, in this area over the last seven years, with a 3.7 % annual growth rate.

    When the census was conducted, there were a total of 480 mountain gorillas, in 36 groups along with 14 solitary silverback males in the Virunga Massif. Of the 480 mountain gorillas, 352 (73%) are habituated (349 in groups and three solitary males) and 128 are unhabituated (117 in groups and 11 solitary males). The last census conducted in the Virunga Massif was in 2003, when the population was estimated at 380 individuals.

    The Virunga Massif includes three contiguous national parks spanning the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of three countries: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Parc National des Virunga in DRC, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The only other location where mountain gorillas exist is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

    Along with the 302 mountain gorillas censused in 2006 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and four orphaned mountain gorillas in a sanctuary in DRC, the total known world population is 786 individuals.

    Commenting about the results, the enthusiastic Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board, Rica Rwigamba said, “The increase in mountain gorilla numbers is a testament that we in the Virunga massif are all reaping from the conservation efforts sowed on a daily basis. We acknowledge the selfless efforts by the rangers that has ensured safety of the wildlife and their habitat. We pledge our renewed commitment to ensure our dream of scrapping the mountain gorillas off the endangered species list will be realised.”

    “The fruits of collaboration that have been nurtured through the transboundary coordination, resources and efforts with the Rwanda Development Board, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and L’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, cannot be overemphasized,” stated Mr. John Makombo, Director for Conservation at the Uganda Wildlife Authority. “Uganda continues to pledge her support towards any efforts that will see the sustainable existence of a healthy mountain gorilla population for the benefit of the local communities, Ugandans and the global community as we conserve for generations.”

    Six teams comprised of 72 people from Rwanda, DRC and Uganda systematically walked over 1,000 kilometres throughout the entire range during the census and meticulously documented fresh signs of mountain gorilla groups. Genetic analysis of faecal samples collected during the census have identified and corrected for any double-counting of individuals or groups, ensuring the most accurate estimate for the population.

    Faecal samples were also collected for a comprehensive health screen of the population. Further details and results of the health screen, population structure, genetic composition, mountain gorilla distribution, population dynamics, and human disturbance will be available when the full report is complete in 2011.

    The 2010 Virunga Massif mountain gorilla census was conducted by the protected area authorities in the three countries: the Rwanda Development Board, l’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The census was supported by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (a coalition of the African Wildlife Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Fauna & Flora International), the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – International and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. The census was funded by WWF-Sweden, Fair Play Foundation, and the Netherlands Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS) through the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration.

    Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

    Kigali, Rwanda  

    Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)

    Kinshasa, DRC 

    Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

    Kampala, Uganda

    Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration Executive Secretariat

    Kigali, Rwanda

  • Nyungwe Canopy Launch: Exhilarating experience for Tourists

    Nyungwe: In celebration of World Tourism Day under thetheme “Tourism & Biodiversity”, Rwanda Development Board launches the Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park this October 15th 2010.

    Graced by the Honorable Minister, Monique NSANZABAGANWA, the event was attended by Senior Government officials, hundreds of Rwandans, conservationists and local and regional media.

    In his opening remarks, the COO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Clare AKAMANZI said “The launching of the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe means many things: first, we celebrate Rwanda‘s tourism achievements and the positive effects of the country’s growing tourism industry as well as Rwanda’s dedication to protecting the biodiversity within and outside our Protected Areas.

    Secondly with the launching of the new Canopy Walk we want to diversify our tourism products by giving visitors to Nyungwe National Park the opportunity to experience the Park in a new and exciting way”.

    She added that Nyungwe National Park has been deliberately chosen as the venue to celebrate“Tourism and Biodiversity” due to its wealth of fauna and flora species, and its role as an important tourism destination.

    The canopy walk is set 50 meters above the ground and will surely change the way tourists view the park and its wildlife. The 150 meters walkway is the first of its kind in East Africa, the third in Africa after South Africa and Ghana. The Canopy allows visitors to see the forest from above the trees and be at eye level with the birds and monkeys that inhabit the upper storeys of the forest.

    The launch of the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe will also signify the launch of the new modern Uwinka Interpretation Centre which gives tourists the chance to experience the park before stepping into the forest. It is an interactive learning centre with exciting facts and images dedicated to the National Park and the surrounding communities.

    Nyungwe National Park was newly created and gazetted as National Park in 2005 , with an objective to protect one of the largest and still intact montane forests in Africa as well as to protect a natural resource that is widely recognized as being of global as well as national significance.

  • World Environment Day & Kwita Izina

    The Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony is an annual event hosting thousands of international, regional and local visitors in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. For decades, international conservation organizations, donors and concerned individuals have made substantial resources available to the gorilla conservation cause and continue to do so. Each year the birth of newborn gorillas is celebrated in an exciting event at the foot of the Virunga mountain chain.

    As we celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity we raise public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and its protection from underlying threats, as well as the significance of establishing interconnections between biodiversity, conservation and climate change. Furthermore, as we continue to celebrate the birth of newborn mountain gorillas we want to use this opportunity to urge Rwandans and international community to engage in environmental protection and bring an end to the loss of biodiversity and look for innovative solutions and approaches to reduce threats to biodiversity including the majestic mountain ranges in which our gorillas live.

    The remaining home range of the endangered mountain gorillas is limited to the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains shared by Rwanda, DRC and Uganda.  Rwanda is home to about one third of the 820 mountain gorillas left in the wild. The remaining population of mountain gorillas has only survived thanks to the renewed efforts of national conservation authorities and the local populations and the support they have received from the international community. In 2005 the inaugural Gorilla Naming Ceremony was launched and has been held and so far 103 baby gorillas have been named. And during this sixth annual Kwita Izina, names will be given to eleven (11) mountain baby gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park. This year’s event will be held on June 5th 2010 on World Environment Day.

    Rwanda is enthusiastic and honored to host the World Environment Day (WED) which is commemorated every year on 5th June. The world Environmental Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. The UN dedicated this day to appreciate and celebrate the benefits, roles and resources that come with raising global awareness of the environment. World Environment Day is the foremost vehicle through which worldwide awareness of the environment is stimulated and celebration of this day is an opportunity to generate political, economic and social attention and prompt action. In line with celebration to mark the World Environmental Environment Day, Rwanda has for the last consecutive 16years been dedicating a National Environmental Week which normally begins from 31st May to 5th June on annual basis. Rwanda has been selected by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the host country for World Environmental Day 2010. Rwanda is thus privileged to host internationally, World Environment Day in conjunction with the celebration of the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony under the theme “Biodiversity-Ecosystem Management and Green Economy”

    World Environment Day is designed to give a human face to environmental issues, empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development, promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

    Traditionally, the World Environment Day in Rwanda has always been celebrated as the day to conclude the National Environment Week. During the Week, that starts with the community work commonly known as ‘Umuganda’ to announce activities that mark the week, all districts of the country carry out environmental restoration activities while guided by the international theme for World Environment Day. WED 2010 will be the 38th year Rwanda celebrates WED and the 17th time Rwanda commemorates the National Environment Week.

    Merging World Environment Day 2010 & Sixth Annual Kwita Izina

    On Saturday June 5th 2010 Rwanda will host the World Environment Day as well as celebrate the sixth Kwita Izina Ceremony through her agencies REMA and RDB respectively. By declaring 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, the international community hopes to draw the attention of the public and funding agencies to the plight of the environment. As a country that has been in the forefront of environmental management and gorilla conservation we heartily welcome the proclamation of the International Year of the Biodiversity as it creates an opportunity for Rwanda to showcase our achievements in promotion of sustainable tourism and environmental management efforts.

    The national theme for this year is “Raising global awareness on biodiversity conservation as we give names to our baby gorillas”. Under this theme, we shall celebrate the efforts of all those that have contributed to the sustainable use of our environment and to the welfare of our wildlife. We are expecting over 500 key personalities in environmental protection, management, wildlife conservation and business to attend the event.

    The World Environment Day and Kwita Izina ceremony are aimed at ensuring the future sustainability of our environment and Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and will provide an opportunity for all those who care about the environment and mountain gorillas to contribute to this common effort.

    For further details about the Kwita Izina Ceremony and World Environment Day, please check our websites: www.kwitizina.org

  • Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas are safe from Ebola

    There have been a number of news reports on the international broadcast media and websites stating the Ebola virus is threatening to wipe out the gorillas in Africa. The report comes as a result of a research study conducted by Magdalena Bermejo of Barcelona University in Spain.  Ms. Bermejo conducted the research in 2002-2003 among the western lowland gorillas of Congo Brazzaville and Gabon during the Ebola outbreak in that region. Her report was published in the Journal Science issue of 8th December 2006 ref volume 314, no. 5805 pp. 1564.

    The Director General of Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), Rosette Chantal RUGAMBA expressed concern and would like to assure the general public that despite the report,
    the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are safe and tourism activities are going on normally. Speaking to the media in Kigali, she clarified that;

    • The research which was conducted during the 2002-2003 Ebola outbreak was limited to the western lowland gorillas found in Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic
      and the Congo Basin yet Rwanda is home to Mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas is limited to two territories that were not even studied; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Massif.
    • At no time during and since the outbreak has the wildlife or the people in the Virunga region been under any Ebola threat. Samples of Mountain gorilla serum are periodically screened for
      antibodies including for the Ebola Virus and results have always been negative, which means they have never been exposed to the virus.

    Incase of any outbreak, ORTPN has measures in place like a health contingency plan of gorillas and a daily health monitor system for the primates and in particular the gorillas. Such health policies alongside sound conservation initiatives have led to a 17% increase in the Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population.

    The Office would like to calm all tourists and the Rwandan citizens hoping to visit Rwanda’s mountain Gorillas and other primates, not to be alarmed by the report or any inaccuracies that may result from interpretation of this report. If there was such potential health threat, ORTPN would be the first to report any danger on the wildlife and visitors to the parks.

  • Rwanda’s Mountain Gorilla: Celebrating an International Treasure

    Rwanda is home to around one third of the 700 mountain gorillas left in the world and for several decades now, the country has been at the forefront of gorilla conservation. The endangered mountain gorilla still survives in the Virunga Mountains, a mountain chain linking Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The species survives mainly thanks to the renewed efforts of not only the national authorities and the local populations of the three countries, but also the international community.

    Gorillas play an essential role in contributing to the positive image of Rwanda and act as ambassadors on the international scene by raising the profile of the country. They also contribute greatly to Rwanda’s tourism industry which ranks third in terms of foreign currency generation. The industry is a fundamental engine for the growth of the national economy and is driven by the mountain gorillas which have been, and remain, the main attraction in Rwanda, brining in over 20,000 visitors to the country each year.

    Rwanda has enthusiastically received thousands of international visitors and appreciates the revenues generated through gorilla tourism. Aside from this, Rwanda has also relied on the international community in ensuring the long-term survival of the gorillas. Over the years, several international conservation organizations and donors have made substantial human and financial resources available and continue to do so. The Office for Rwandan Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) and the country at large recognize this effort. In order to fulfill its mandate of supporting the tourism industry as well as protecting and conserving the country’s national parks, however, ORTPN needs to increase its revenues. In order to broaden the support base for conservation in Rwanda, ORTPN is reaching out to both Rwandan and international partners in a celebration of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla.

    Recognizing the Role of the International Community

    Rwanda’s tourism industry has been steadily growing over the past five years and this growth has allowed the tourism industry to be on target towards its vision of 70,000 tourists in 2010. Such growth in tourism, if responsibly managed, can be significant tool for conservation as well. The link between ecotourism, conservation, responsible tourism and community participation is what drove Rwanda to choose ecotourism as its main focus in developing its tourism product.

    The international community has played a significant role in the growth of Rwanda tourism. In 2005 Rwanda received 22,670 tourists from 95 different countries. These international tourists have contributed both to the growth of gorilla tourism and to the country’s conservation efforts that are strongly supported by gorilla tourism. In addition, international celebrities have been encouraging, and are participating in the conservation of this rare species. Such global attention to the protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla has created a permanent bond between Rwanda and the world.

    Rwanda’s Second Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony

    As a means to conserve and protect the region where the mountain gorillas live, ORTPN, along with local communities and members of Rwanda’s Private Sector, identified sustainability projects which could help the region. On June 25th 2005, ORTPN held its first Gorilla Naming and Fundraising Ceremony. The fundraising effort was designed to raise money for identified priority projects which are currently in the implementation phase.

    On Saturday, June 17th 2006, ORTPN is hosting the Second Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. At this event, names will be given to 12 mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. The ceremony will be an opportunity to recognize and reward international tourists and conservation supporters who have visited and continue to visit the country and the great role that they have played in conserving the gorillas through gorilla tourism.

    The top five countries bringing tourists and contributing to conservation in Rwanda will be recognized on that day for their role in promoting Rwanda as a tourism destination and ensuring the protection of the mountain gorillas as well as playing a part in the development of the country as a whole.

    Overall, the Gorilla Naming campaign is aimed at ensuring the future of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and will provide an opportunity for all those who care about the mountain gorillas to contribute to this common effort.

    The Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi:

    On Saturday, June 17th 2006, names will be given to 12 new mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. ORTPN is pleased to add that once again, the Guest of Honour will be His Excellency, President Paul Kagame. The event will take part in the morning, beginning at 9am and will include entertainment, a showcase of gorilla- and community-related projects as well as the main event in which members of the international community will have the opportunity to name the latest additions to Rwanda’s mountain gorilla family.

    The following elements will make this event very special:

    · The week before, all eyes will be on the region surrounding the Parc National des Volcans, home to the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda, potentially generating investment opportunities designed to benefit the local community;

    · The town of Musanze will be alive with activity as it prepares to host crowds of people for the second public gorilla naming ceremony;

    · The international community as well as the local community through their representatives, will take a lead role in the Gorilla Naming Ceremony;

    · The naming ceremony will be a lively and emotional occasion with 12 gorillas awarded their names on that day;

    · After the ceremony everyone will be free to enjoy the party atmosphere with traditional music and dancing.

    The Ongoing Gorilla Conservation Campaign:

    Last year Rwanda launched an ongoing fundraising and adoption campaign to ensure the future of mountain gorilla population. Continuing on in 2006, the Second Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony will focus more its attention towards adoption opportunities:

    The Adoption Opportunities

    Adoption opportunities will not be exclusive and perennial but will provide a chance for sponsors to develop a relationship with selected primates

    · Four Adoption Categories are available as follows:

    Bronze Category     –        investment of $5,000 or more
    Silver Category       –        investment of $15,000 or more
    Gold Category        –        investment of $25,000 or more
    Platinum Category  –        investment of $50,000 or more

    Why would sponsors be interested in adopting gorillas?

    By entering one of the Adoption Categories, a Sponsor will seek the following interests:

    Contribution to conservation and development of national economy: the Sponsor will show his/her commitment to the fate of mountain gorillas as an endangered flagship species, and will effectively contribute to the growth of Rwanda’s national economy

    Marketing tool (publicity, logo, branding…): many companies already use gorillas in their names, logos or advertisement campaigns, acknowledging the contribution of gorillas to their marketing strategies. Adoption of a mountain gorilla allows such companies to fulfill the moral obligation of ensuring the long-term survival of mountain gorillas

    Company profile (prestige): as a high-profile species immediately associated with the image of Rwanda, mountain gorillas offer a unique symbol which directly contributes to the prestige of the company.

    Package of benefits: by joining one of the adoption programmes, a sponsor will benefit from a number of advantages as follows:

    · All our Patrons will receive a gorilla pin and a certificate recognizing their significant contribution in Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum categories.
    · The sponsors in all categories will be officially recognized on the ORTPN’s web site for a year.
    · The sponsor can use the name and the pictures of the adopted gorilla for promotion and publicity purposes1. This will be for 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Category respectively. International branding is only permitted for Platinum Category.
    · The sponsors will have the right to set up their promotion material on the spot during the day of the Naming Ceremony.
    · For adoption, only Platinum category will be granted the right for exclusivity of individual gorilla.
    · The twins in Susa group falls into the Platinum category and their adoption will be worth at least USD$1,000,000.