Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Rwanda
Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Rwanda: There are various attractions in Rwanda, but below are the top 10 attractions in Rwanda that a visitor on a trip to Rwanda should endeavour not to miss.
- NATIONAL PARKS
- Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest national park, and it harbours all the big five animals, and these animals are the lions, leopards, hippos, buffaloes and rhinos. There are also other wildlife species in this park, and various activities that are offered at Akagera National Park. This park is located in the Eastern region of Rwanda, and it’s a few hours from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
- Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is found in the southwestern region of Rwanda, and it covers an area of 1,019 square kilometres. Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is famous for trekking chimpanzees as well as the canopy walk, which is only offered in Nyungwe in the country. The park is home to many species of wildlife, like primates, birds, mammals, and many more. It is one of the highlights of Rwanda Safaris, and nature lovers and adventure travellers would like to discover the diversity of nature and stunning landscapes in the country.
- GENOCIDE MEMORIAL SITES
- Kigali genocide memorial
The Kigali genocide memorial was put in place in memory of those who participated in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Visitors who wish to know more about what transpired in the 1994 Rwanda genocide can visit this for details. This place has the remains of the people who engaged in the genocide, and these remains are seen by visitors who at the Kigali genocide memorial.
- Nyamata genocide memorial
The Nyamata genocide memorial was also set in respect of the people that were involved in the Rwanda genocide of 1994, which was against the Tutsi, and at this place is where a large number of people were killed during the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
- CULTURAL SITES
- Iby’iwacu cultural village
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village is situated in Kinigi, in Musanze district. This cultural village is near Volcanoes National Park, and it showcases several details about the culture and traditions of Rwanda.
- King’s palace
While at the king’s palace in Nyanza, visitors get the opportunity to see the Inyambo cows that are kept there, and this palace is a significant location for the cultural heritage of Rwanda. The Rwandese traditional dance is demonstrated to visitors who visit the king’s palace.
- MUSUEMS
- Ethnographic museum
The Ethnographic Museum was formerly the national museum of Rwanda. This museum was gazetted in 1989 and is situated in Butare town. While at the ethnographic museum in Rwanda, you will get a glimpse of the displays at this museum that are both geological and geographical. There are various items that you will see at this place that are used in agriculture, hunting, pottery weaving and many more.
- Rwanda Art Museum
Rwanda Art Museum is located in Kigali and it keeps several art pieces that portray the culture, history and traditions of Rwanda. The several art pieces kept at this museum attract tourists to come and have a glance at them.
- FESTIVALS
- Kwita Izina
Kwita Izina is a ceremony that is held in Rwanda every year, and it is done in honour of the gorillas and to promote their conservation. This is a naming ceremony of the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and it is done in celebration of the birth of baby gorillas. The baby gorillas that are given birth to are allocated names during this ceremony.
- Umuganura festival
The Umuganura festival is celebrated once a year in Rwanda on the first Friday of August. This festival is important because it marks the start of the harvest in Rwanda, and therefore, the Rwandese carry out several activities on this day in the name of celebrating. Some of them include dancing their traditional dance, singing and sharing their harvests.
- PLANTATIONS
- Gisakura tea estate
Gisakura tea estate grants the visitors the opportunity to learn about the tea production process and how they harvest it. This estate is positioned in the western part of Nyungwe National Park.
- Huye Mountain Coffee
For visitors who wish to engage in the coffee-making process, Huye Mountain Coffee will provide this wonderful experience. It is located on the slopes of the mountain Huye in Rwanda, in its southern part of the Huye district. The locals in this area help visitors in learning how the cultivate, process, and harvest this coffee.
- RELIGIOUS SITES
- Kibeho pilgrimage site
Kibeho pilgrimage site is a location in Rwanda where it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared, and people conduct prayers and other religious activities at this place. This place is located in Nyaruguru district in the southern part of Rwanda, and it is Roman catholic based.
- Nyabugogo mosque
The Nyabugogo mosque is an important place for Muslims in Rwanda because it is where they gather for their prayers, and this place of worship is located in Kigali. For tourist who visit Rwanda and wish to conduct their prayers, they are free to use this mosque for their prayers. This place takes you through the Rwandese Islamic way of worship and other beautiful sites in this worship area.
- LOCAL MARKETS
- Kimironko market
Kimironko market is the biggest market located in Kigali in Rwanda, and it is one of the markets where you can find a lot of items that give a lot of detail about the culture and traditions of Rwanda. There are numerous items that one can purchase from this market, and some of them include clothes, handbags, beads, necklaces, textiles, crafts, earrings, fresh fruits and many more.
- LAKE KIVU
Lake Kivu has numerous activities that it offers to its visitors, and the activities include sport fishing, bird watching, boat cruises, island visits and many more. This lake is situated between the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is among the great lakes. Lake Kivu is among the great lakes and is positioned on the borders between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
- MUSANZE CAVES
Musanze Caves are some of the Rwanda sites that are most frequently visited by tourists due to their historical richness. The caves contain different bats, which can be seen hanging upside down against the walls of the caves with ease. Made up of several connected tunnels, the caves are an experience since the discoverers move through their winding tunnels. They were also formerly utilised as a coronation location for the Rwandese kings centuries ago. Located in Musanze Town in Ruhengeri Province, the Musanze Caves are a fascinating Rwanda Safaris destination that offers a wonderful combination of cultural heritage and natural scenery.
