Best Things to do in Rwanda | Top Tourist Activities in Rwanda.
When it comes to the best things to do in Rwanda nearly every tourist has one activity on top of their itinerary: Gorilla Trekking, Why gorilla trekking is one of the best things to do in Rwanda. The Gorillas are only found only in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. These endangered species, said to share almost 99 per cent of the DNA with human beings, captivates travelers from around the world and there is no better place to do it than in Rwanda. This is due to measures put in place by the government of Rwanda in line with the conservation of them, harmonized travel and tourism processes as well as the security and cleanliness of the country of a thousand hills as it is known to be the cleanest city in Africa. The Volcanoes National Park sharing the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to an estimated 600 gorillas which had a significant increase from around 250 individuals in 1981 due to the above mentioned conservation efforts. To visit one of the 12 gorilla families habituated, you need a gorilla permit issued by the Rwanda Development board. The easiest way of booking one of the limited daily trekking permits is through a reputable tour operator who can also arrange your hotel booking and transportation to and from the trekking. For this purpose Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris is a good option.
To learn more on the conservation efforts, you can add to your list of best things to do in Rwanda, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby of Musanze town and visit a museum dedicates on the gorilla conservation work
The Kigali genocide memorial is another item to consider on the best thing to do in Rwanda. It is hard to imagine that a couple of decades ago Rwanda experienced the horrific genocide that would leave one million people killed in just 100 days. This has left a mark on the lives of everyday people and generations to come. To learn about the genocide against Tutsi in 1994 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The Nyungwe Forest National Park is another attraction to list as it is a rain forest accommodating a number of primates, not to forget the Canopy walk, a suspended bridge in the air that helps to explore the forest in an aerial view and get bird’s eye view from a distance. Nyungwe is one of the most important forest conservation areas in all of Africa. It contains an array of biodiversity including 1,068 plan species, 322 bird species, and 75 types of mammals. Most tourists come to track chimpanzees which have been habituated to humans.
For tourists who are interested in culture, the Ethnographic museum is listed among the best things to do in Rwanda, which contains items on traditional exhibitions, traditional customs and beliefs. It is one of Africa’s best collections of ethnographical and archeological artifacts. Located about 130 kilometers in Huye. Of the southern province of Rwanda. In the museum you will be able to see an impressive collection of woven baskets, traditional garments made from animal’s hides and woven grass, spears and bows, musical drums from hundreds of years ago and old farming tools.
Nature and adventure lovers like to have their game drive in the Akagera National Park which is the only savanna park in the country accommodating a large number of animals including the big five mammals and birds. No trip to Africa can go without a game drive, note it is on the best things to do in Rwanda. Akagera National Park is just two and a half hours away from Kigali. During the game drive you will be able to spot zebras, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, on your luck, you can also spot rhino and lions which are not that many as conservationists are still working on boosting their population.
Lake Kivu is not to be omitted on the best things to do in Rwanda list especially when it comes to relaxation. A few days in Rubavu Town on the lakeshore and sandy beaches will leave you restored. On your vacation you can enjoy a lively waterfront with sandy beaches and stunning resorts all along the lake from Rubavu Town in the north to Karongi down to Rusizi town in the south of this largest lake in Rwanda.
It is worth mentioning the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village also known as the gorilla guardian’s village. This is run by reformed former poachers, it gives tourists a chance to try a hand at Rwanda’s most famous craft and activities. It is worth sticking around for the Intore (traditional dance) dance recitals at the gorilla guardian village. You will also have a chance to exercise the dance together with the traditional dancers on the rhythmic drumming beat.
The Kigali city has vibrant culture, cuisine and sightseeing in Rwanda’s Capital City, it can’t be left unnoticed on the best things to do in Rwanda list. It is worth staying a few days exploring the cleanest and safest city in Africa before or after the end of your trip to Rwanda. You can also shop for local products at the Kimironko Market which is the largest marketplace in Kigali. The Rwanda art Museum at the former Presidential Palace which displays some of the contemporary pieces from Rwanda and in the nearby region.
