Things to do in Rwanda

Trek through misty bamboo forests to sit within metres of a wild mountain gorilla family on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.

Sway above the ancient treetops on East Africa’s highest suspension bridge, with views across the vast montane rainforest.

Spot elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras roaming the savannah, wetlands and lakes of Rwanda’s only Big Five park.

Walk through the poignant exhibition and mass graves honouring victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in a serene garden setting.

Swim, kayak or simply lounge on the beach with views of the Democratic Republic of Congo across the calm, deep-blue water.

Explore the replica of the traditional royal hut and meet the long-horned Inyambo cattle that still parade at this historic seat of Rwanda’s monarchy.

Housed in a colonial-era building, this museum displays Rwanda’s finest collection of indigenous tools, baskets and traditional clothing.

Climb through bamboo and hagenia forest to the perfect blue-green lake that fills the volcanic crater, with parrots and golden monkeys en route.

Trek to the final resting place of the celebrated primatologist and the ruins of her research base, high among the gorillas’ volcanic home.

Walk the emerald slopes of a working tea estate bordering Nyungwe Forest, learn about leaf plucking, and sip freshly brewed Rwandan tea.

Smell, slurp and savour single-origin Rwandan coffees in a bright café that sources directly from women farmer cooperatives.

Wind through Kigali’s oldest, most colourful neighbourhood with local women guides, visiting a salon, mosque and homes and ending with a home-cooked meal.

Browse vibrant paintings and sculptures by resident artists in a gallery that has become a creative heartbeat of the capital.

Follow footpaths along Lake Kivu’s shoreline, passing fishing villages, small coves and coffee plantations with endless water views.

Paddle out onto the serene lake, with forested islands and steep green hills rising directly from the shore for a half- or full-day adventure.

Visit the quiet, glittering lakes ringed by steep hills near the Uganda border – perfect for a peaceful canoe ride or viewpoint picnic.

Feel the energy of the Ingoma drums and learn about Rwandan kingdom rituals from former poachers turned cultural performers in a replica village.

Walk through the former home of President Habyarimana and see the wreckage of the plane whose crash sparked the 1994 genocide, preserved in the grounds.

Explore rehabilitated wetlands via boardwalks and bike paths, spotting herons and weavers just minutes from the city centre.

Rise early to track wild chimpanzees through a remote patch of dense rainforest, hearing their calls echo through the valley.

Glide past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles and a wealth of waterbirds against a backdrop of papyrus and acacia woodland.

Enter the stark church where over 10,000 people were killed, with victims’ clothing and remains telling an intimate story of the 1994 horror.

Squeeze through the busiest market in Kigali, piled high with fresh passion fruit, vegetables, printed fabrics and handmade baskets.

Climb Rwanda’s highest peak (4,507m) through changing vegetation zones to a dramatic summit where snow occasionally dusts the ash.

Relax by the infinity pool of this chic hilltop bar with panoramic views over Kigali’s twinkling lights and rolling hills.