Rwanda is one of the most rewarding tourist destinations in Eastern Africa. Featured here are the most stunning places to visit in Rwanda. We’ve chosen some of our favourite destinations from across the country arranged basing on the region. These hidden gems capture the very essence of Rwanda, from the soaring natural beauty of the Parc Nationale des Volcans (PNV) home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas to the relaxing beaches of Lake Kivu, and from the cosmopolitan charm of Kigali City. Whatever you’re looking for we’ll help you to discover the Rwanda destinations that are perfectly suited to you.
Provinces and Districts
The Republic of Rwanda is constituted of 12 provinces of administration. Each Province is divided into a number of districts as shown below.
The old provinces of Rwanda Included the following;
Kigali City ( 8 Districts)
Kigali Ngali Province ( 10 Districts)
Gitarama Province ( 10 Districts)
Butare Province ( 10 Districts)
Gikongoro Province ( 7 Districts)
Ruhengeri Province ( 11 Districts)
Cyangugu Province ( 7 Districts)
Byumba Province ( 9 Districts)
Kibuye Province ( 5 Districts)
Umutara Province (8 Districts)
Gisenyi Province (10 Districts)
Kibungo Province ( 10 Districts)
Rwanda administrative divisions known as provinces where unites and finally divided into;
–Kigali province
–Western Province
–Northern Province
–Eastern Province
–Southern Province
Experience the beauty of Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is an extraordinarily beautiful inland sea enclosed by steep, green terraced hills along the Congolese border. Three resort towns, Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, stand on the littoral, connected by a wild roller-coaster road that tumbles through lush plantain fields and relic patches of misty rain forest to offer sweeping views over the blue water. It is one of the classic road journeys in all of Africa. There is also charter boat service on the lake connecting the 3 towns.
Please note that Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, is encompassed by foggy mountains and is a sprawling emerald green sanctuary spanning 2700 square kilometers. The location offers a plethora of recreational activities, particularly on Sunday evenings, where you may indulge in a vibrant waterfront, sandy beach, and breathtaking resort. At nightfall, you may still partake in a kayak journey around Lake Kivu, where you will witness several individuals enjoying remarkable paddling experiences and hear the melodic chants of fishermen.
Discover the city of Kigali
The majority of tourists that visit Kigali choose to stay overnight in order to experience the vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and various sightseeing opportunities before embarking on their gorilla trekking expedition in the Volcanoes National Park.
Witness the artistic works of a maximum of 10 talented local artists and immerse yourself in the vibrant creative atmosphere of Kigali by exploring the Inema Arts Center.
Visit the Rwanda Art Museum located in the former presidential palace.
Participate in the Kwita Izina Festival to contribute to the nation’s endeavors in conserving gorillas. Models and foreign performers are welcome to participate in the festivities that follow your gorilla trekking adventure at Volcanoes National Park.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Despite the significant loss of life within a year, the Kigali Genocide Memorial remains highly popular among tourists, attracting large crowds. Despite the nation enduring significant hardships following the catastrophic event, both ordinary citizens and the current generation continue to experience its impact.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial attracts tourists seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this appalling tragedy. There is a chilling museum that delves into the circumstances preceding the genocide in 1994, vividly portraying the disasters through detailed information, relics, and photographic exhibits.
As a conscientious traveler visiting Rwanda to experience the country’s top 10 tourist sites, it is distressing to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Bisesero memorial
Situated about 30 km from the lake side town of kibuye, on a hill with breath taking views of the lake, stands the Bisesero genocide memorial, which was once a community church. This memorial site serves as a reminder of more than 11000 Tutsis who assembled here to protect them selves from the massacre. Many managed to fight back and survive for a while, while others escaped. This hill, has been renamed, the ‘hill of resistance’ in memory of the Tutsis. There are nine buildings on the site, each of which represents one of the communes that formerly made up the province kibuye.
L’Esperance Orphanage/ Children village Kigarama
Children village Kigarama, an orphanage runs by the German NGO, L’Esperance Children’s Aid International. Opened in 1995, the orphanage accommodates the basic needs of the children including food, clothing, shelter and education.
Mbuga Sector
The Karora Eco lodge, a privately owned eco lodge constructed entirely with local and environmently friendly materials. The lodge offers swimming, birding and lake Kivu Boat tour opportunities.
Banana and livestock market. Coming in on boats from the democratic republic of congo is a booming trade where bananas amongst other fruits and vegetables as well as livestock such asgoats, are sold. This open-air market is a community gathering.
Murambi Sector
Musasa coffee washing station, situated on the Lake Kivu shore, the Musasa coffee washing station and the coffee route offers camping facilities to hikers. The washing station is easily accessible from Gisenyi or kibuye, 13 km from the main road.
There is a hike up to the murambi cave which offers magnificent views of lake Kivu and the islands. It’s a 10 m long cave, large enough to shelter more than 10 people at a time. The cave is 1.5 km from the Buruseri surbub on the road to Musasa sector office.
Mukura Forest
Mukura forest, just east of kibuye, on the muhanga – Kigali road, is a protected reserve. It’s home to many endemic and threatened bird species. This mountain and a forest reserve has an altitude range of 2500 to 3000m and covers about 12000 km2. Its one of the biggest forests in rwanda after Nyungwe, Akagera, volcanoes National parks and giswati reserve.
Gisovu tea plantation
Gisovu tea plantation, in tuwumba sector produces high quality tea and the Gisovu tea route is a unique tourism attraction. The plantation lies at altitudes between 2,000 and 2500m and covers a total area of 820 ha. Just 45 km from karongi and easil;y accessible offering magnificent scenic views from the side walk track. The site offers camping facilities and accommodation for a few people.
The Gorilla Guardians Village
Visiting Guardians Village, a women-only initiative, while at Volcanoes National Park, is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience renowned Rwandan crafts and pastimes. Acquire additional skills such as archery, basket weaving, head-basket carrying, and grain-breaking with a large stone. These locations represent just a small selection of Rwanda’s most renowned tourist destinations.