What to do in Rwanda

While mountain gorillas are often highest on the bucket list for things to do in Rwanda, the chimpanzees closely follow. Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent and social primates and spend their time in groups with strong social bonds and ties. Trekking through Nyungwe National Park is an enjoyable activity and one of the most popular things to do in the forest. The forest has two groups of habituated chimpanzees and observing them in their natural habitat is the best way to find out what they are really like. Whether it’s climbing, playing, eating or relaxing, your guide will talk you through the different behaviors and identify particular characters. The park elevation is around 1,600 – 2,590 meters above sea level and we would recommend this activity for those who are fit and able to hike at a comfortable pace for a few hours.

The people of Rwanda are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. They are extremely proud of their country and all of the wildlife it homes. Not only that, but the people of Rwanda are very passionate about their culture and tradition and what better way than to explore local areas on foot, seeing first-hand how local villages live and work. Most of the lodges will offer something that is focused on the community and these will be explained and outlined when you arrive at the lodge. You can fit these community excursions around your safari or gorilla experiences. 

It’s no secret, nor should it be, that Kigali has been through devastating war and destruction. In 1994 – less than 30 years ago – the Rwandan genocide between the Tutsi and the Hutu ethnic groups took place during the Rwandan Civil War. Today, a genocide museum can be visited in Kigali which is where the remains of over 250,000 people can be found. Although this is not the most light-hearted of visits, the genocide played (and still plays) a huge part in the lives of local Rwandan people and what is more inspiring, is understanding where and how the optimism has come from after this war. We can arrange a private guided tour of the museum, with a local guide who will have stories and personal experiences from 30 years ago. As well as the genocide museum, Kigali is becoming an up-and-coming hub for local artists and artisans. We can also arrange visits and tours to workshops and craft stores too, if you’d like to do some shopping.