Best Places to Visit in Rwanda: Based on My Personal Journey
I always see the VISIT RWANDA campaign
and wonder if it is really worth visiting.
When I visited, I was convinced there were a lot of hidden gems
that most people miss during their visit to Rwanda.
The people are always friendly and welcoming,
and you are never alone during your trip.
Rwanda is the land of a thousand hills, offering many scenic views.
karongi
I visited many places in Rwanda,
but none of them captured my heart like Karongi.
Upon my first visit, I marked it as my favorite place.
We started the journey to Karongi at 7 am with our tour group.
We didn’t go straight to Karongi
because there are many places to visit along the way.
We first stopped at Les Chutes de Ndaba Waterfall and enjoyed the view.
I recommend it to anyone visiting Karongi.
We then visited Château le Marara castle.
Walking through the entrance to the castle was serene,
and I immediately loved the architecture.
It is a perfect spot for your Instagram pictures and TikTok reels.
We then went to Karongi
and enjoyed the breathtaking views of Lake Kivu from the islands.
There are many islands there that offer heavenly views.
I stayed there for 30 minutes just to enjoy the view.
The view was surreal, ethereal, and beautiful.
How much did the trip cost
I went with the Millimount Tour Company as a group.
Rwandan nationals paid 40,000 FRW,
I paid $40 as an East African national,
and foreigners pay slightly more.
I bought snacks and drinks because I didn’t enjoy the food during the tour.
But the trip was great, and the Rwandans were friendly and great.
When to visit Karongi
The best time to visit Karongi is during the summer,
typically from June to September,
because the sky is clear and the weather is warm.
However, it gets too cold in the evening.
Accommodation
I didn’t stay in Kibuye,
but there are good hotels and resorts that go for $50 and more.
You can check that here
But if you are going for a day trip, like me, you don’t need to book a stay.
You can drive from your accommodation in Kigali to Kibuye
and return on the same day.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park was awesome.
I went twice in 2024 and 2025.
I stayed there for two days on my first visit
because there are many activities and places to visit.
We went as a group with Millimount tours, and it was great.
I had met a lot of friends there, both locals and foreigners.
The vibe was great — we lit a campfire, played music,
had perfect conversations, and enjoyed the serene weather.
Activities to do
Zipline
Enjoy an adrenaline rush ziplining through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
The zipline is 1935m long. I am addicted to these kinds of activities.
I did it and it was amazing.
Visit the tea plantation
It is just a perfect place for taking memorable photos.
The tea plantation gives a green aesthetic background.
Visit Kamiranzovu Waterfall
It is a must-visit place during your trip.
The waterfall is so beautiful and full,
and the overall place is alive with birds singing.
Just note that there will be a tour guide from the Nyungwe department.
During our visit, two tour guides guided us,
and we faced zero problems.
We hiked through the forest to get there,
and it took us around 15-20 minutes.
Canopy walk
The canopy walk was so special and amazing.
I faced my fears and experienced some of the most breathtaking views.
Akagera National Park
The trip to Akagera was filled with surprises.
We started our trip early in the morning, and it took us around 3 hours.
I met some of the most amazing people ever on that trip.
We saw many animals, including rare ones like the cheetah.
We were both lucky and unlucky.
Most people rarely see a cheetah, but I managed to spot one.
However, we didn’t see lions or elephants.
But that’s the beauty of visiting a park,
you don’t know what you will see or meet.
Twin Lakes and Dian Fossey Museum
Twin Lakes is a must-visit place in Musanze.
The trip to Twin Lakes was filled with many surprises and amazing views.
The views of the volcanic mountains and the Twin Lakes,
plus the museum.
This trip was all about views and good vibes.
I genuinely enjoyed it and hope you enjoy it too.
Dian Fossey Museum
The museum was filled with artifacts, displays about Dian Fossey,
and the skeleton of a gorilla.
I was inspired by what she did, reading her story.
It is very rare to find people like her with such a kind spirit.
The architecture of the museum is also beautiful and amazing.
After the museum, we continued our journey to Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes
The journey from Kigali to Twin Lakes in Musanze took us 3-4 hours.
Upon arrival, we got on a boat and had to hike up the mountain.
The view was so amazing that I sat down in one spot for 15 minutes,
just enjoying the moment.
This place brought out my introverted
and reflective side — something that rarely happens during trips.
Conclusion
Rwanda is really beautiful.
There are alot of beautiful places
and scenes I didn’t capture during the trips I took.
You have to visit it to experience it. I wish you a beautiful trip.
Continue reading: My Experience Living/Traveling in Rwanda: People, Culture, and Daily Life
