rwanda tourism youtube

11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to things to do in Rwanda, nearly every tourist has one activity at the top of their itinerary: gorilla trekking . The mystique of getting up close to creatures who share 99 percent of our DNA captivates travelers from around the world, and there's no better place than Rwanda to do it. The country has made serious strides in conservation to protect the animals.

But the chance to see these gentle giants is just the beginning of what Rwanda has to offer. Left ravaged by the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the country has made an impressive amount of progress in recent decades, becoming a peaceful, welcoming place to visit with plenty of things to do.

Nature lovers can go on safari in Akagera National Park and get a bird's-eye view of Nyungwe Forest from a canopy walk . If you're interested in culture, check out the fascinating exhibits on traditional customs and beliefs at Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum. Don't miss the royal cows (and the singers who croon to them) at the King's Palace Museum.

Make the most of your experience with our list of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

1. Volcanoes National Park

2. kigali genocide memorial, 3. nyungwe forest national park, 4. king's palace museum, 5. akagera national park, 6. lake kivu, 7. ethnographic museum, 8. gorilla guardians village, 9. explore kigali, 10. gishwati mukura national park, 11. nyamata genocide memorial, map of attractions & things to do in rwanda.

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park . Sharing a border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this national park in Rwanda is home to a growing number of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Experts estimate that there are about 600 gorillas in the park–a significant increase from around 240-250 individuals in 1981.

To visit one of the 18 mountain gorilla families that have been habituated to humans, you'll need to obtain one of the limited number of daily trekking permits for $1,500. The easiest way to do it is through a reputable tour operator, who can also arrange transportation from Kigali to the park headquarters .

The trekking experience typically lasts between four and eight hours, most of which is spent hiking through mystical bamboo forests, wild meadows, and swampy areas. Guides from the national park service will eventually lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. You'll spend an hour observing the creatures as they eat, care for their babies, and interact with one another.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is largely considered a safe activity. The gorillas are mostly apathetic to their human visitors. Armed guides, who use a bunch of clicking sounds to communicate with the gorillas, keep guests safe from potential dangers, making the experience one that you'll never forget.

Porters are available at the base of the trails in Volcanoes National Park. It's worth hiring one for the day–they'll carry your bags and help you avoid slipping down the muddy paths.

Want to learn more about mountain gorillas? After your trekking adventure, head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby town of Musanze. It contains a small, yet robust museum all about mountain gorillas and the work of conservationist Dian Fossey, whose efforts to protect gorillas were made famous by the 1988 drama, Gorillas in the Mist .

It's hard to imagine that just a couple of decades ago, Rwanda was in the midst of a horrific genocide that would leave more than 800,000 people dead in just 100 days. The country has come a long way from the devastating massacre, but the impact of this relatively recent history has left its mark on the lives of everyday people and generations to come.

Tourists can learn about this horrific event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The haunting museum dives into the timeline that led to the 1994 genocide, bringing the horrors to life through halls of photographs, artifacts, and information. The main exhibit hall wraps around poignant sculptures and features stained-glass windows that cast a hopeful glow on the space.

The museum continues with another permanent exhibit on the history of genocide around the world and intervention efforts from international communities, helping to put the Rwandan genocide into context.

The museum also includes an emotionally charged Children's Room dedicated to the youngest victims of the genocide. It keeps their memory alive through oversize portraits of the children, some of whom were just infants when they were killed, and personal details about the victims, like their nicknames and favorite books.

While heartbreaking, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important part of being a responsible tourist in Rwanda. Give yourself time to contemplate the experience and have a moment of silence for the 250,000 victims interred at this site at the memorial's Gardens of Reflection.

Address: KG 14 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.kgm.rw/

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Kigali

One of the most important forest conservation areas in all of Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a spectacular array of biodiversity, including 1,068 plant species, 322 species of birds, and 75 types of mammals.

Most tourists come to this rainforest to track chimpanzees , which have been habituated to humans by park rangers. This animal encounter is a fraction of the cost of gorilla trekking, yet no less memorable.

Hanging out with primates isn't the only thing to do in Nyungwe. The park is also home to the only canopy walk in East Africa , roughly a 90-minute hike from the Uwinka Visitor Center. You'll walk across a 91-meter-long suspension bridge dangling more than 50 meters above the verdant rainforest, getting a dizzying view of the treetops and mountains in the distance.

Got a fear of heights? Skip the canopy tour and instead walk along one of the park's 15 hiking trails for an invigorating adventure that doesn't fight gravity.

Address: KN6, Rusizi

If the country's impassioned conservation efforts don't convince you that Rwandans have a reverence for animals, a visit to the King's Palace Museum certainly will. The star attraction at the museum (one of Rwanda's eight national museums ) are the inyambo (sacred cows) and their staggeringly large horns. Throughout the day, traditional singers lull the cows into a mellow state by belting poems–a ritual that's unique to Rwanda.

The museum itself is just as interesting as the four-legged creatures out back. It showcases a replica of a king's palace from the 15th century with a thatched roof, royal hut, and fresh milk hut traditionally run by an unmarried woman.

Tourists can also explore the colonial-style home that was once the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in the mid 20th century. The interior design is particularly striking, blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture (some of which was actually owned by the king).

Address: Nyanza Road, Nyanza District, Southern Province

No trip to Africa is complete without a game drive. Tourists can scratch the itch to go on safari just two-and-a-half hours away from Kigali at Akagera National Park.

Managed by the African Parks organization, Akagera and its biodiversity have made an incredible recovery from near decimation after the Rwandan genocide. The 1,140-square-kilometer expanse (one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands) now boasts all of the Big Five animals, along with an abundance of birds and antelope.

You'll need to have a lot of luck to spot a lion or rhino–conservationists are still working on boosting their populations, and for now, there aren't that many at Akagera. However, you'll have no trouble spotting zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes on a self-drive safari.

The landscape itself is just as spectacular as the animals that live here. You'll see the environment make a glorious shift from savannah plains to wetlands and lakes.

Hire one of the helpful guides at the park visitor center. They have insider's knowledge of where to find the animals.

Official site: https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera

After all your outdoor adventures, you'll be ready to kick up your feet–and there's no better place to visit for relaxation in Rwanda than at Lake Kivu. The 2,700-square-kilometer, emerald-green oasis, surrounded by misty mountains, is Rwanda's largest lake.

Soak it all up from Rubavu , a resort town on the northern tip of Lake Kivu. It has a lively waterfront, sandy beach, and stunning resorts (including the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel ). A few days in this peaceful town will leave you restored.

Get even closer to the landscape with Kingfisher Journeys. The tour operator can arrange a stunning sunset kayak trip with singing fisherman on Lake Kivu, as well as multi-day paddling adventures that will leave you in awe.

One of Africa's best collections of ethnological and archeological artifacts can be found in Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum, located about 130 kilometers south of Kigali in the district of Huye. Belgium gifted the museum to the city in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwandan's independence.

The Ethnographic Museum's seven galleries take tourists back in time to precolonial Rwanda. You'll see an impressive collection of woven baskets, traditional garments made from animal hides and woven grass, spears and bows, musical drums from hundreds of years ago, and old farming tools.

Tourists can step inside an authentic royal home and learn how it was constructed. The museum also hosts live handicraft demonstrations.

Address: RN1, Butare

Volcanoes National Park isn't just a place to see gorillas–it's also a prime spot to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture at Gorilla Guardians Village. Run by reformed poachers, the non-profit cultural village gives tourists the chance to try their hand at Rwanda's most famous crafts and activities.

You'll learn how to carry a basket on your head (like the Rwandan women do), weave your own baskets, shoot an arrow, and grind grains with a heavy stone. The enthusiastic guides make the entire experience feel like a big party.

It's worth sticking around for the intore dance recitals at Gorilla Guardians Village. The traditional dancers, decked out with long straw wigs and skirts, put on an exciting show to the beat of rhythmic drumming. You'll be up and dancing with them before you know it.

Address: Kinigi, Musanze

Official site: http://cbtrwanda.org/

Many travelers spend only a night in Kigali before gorilla trekking, missing out on the vibrant culture, cuisine, and sightseeing in Rwanda's capital city . Plan to spend at least a few days here at the beginning or end of your trip.

Stock up on bespoke clothes from swirling patterned textiles and experience the energetic atmosphere at Kimironko Market , Kigali's largest marketplace. The warehouse space is like a maze, with surprises around every corner.

Then, check out Kigali's creative scene at Inema Arts Center, a gallery that showcases the works of up to 10 local artists in residence. Make your way to the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace . It displays some of the finest contemporary pieces from Rwanda and nearby regions. You can also see debris from the presidential aircraft that crashed in 1994.

When you're ready to refuel, savor an authentic Rwandan cup of joe at Question Coffee Cafe. Check out the cafe's specials menu to see what experimental caffeinated concoctions the baristas have recently come up with. They're known to infuse some coffee beverages with unexpected local ingredients, like tree tomato.

Finally, wind down with a succulent meal at one of Kigali's great restaurants. Le Panorama Restaurant at Hôtel des Mille Collines offers dazzling views of the city, along with a diverse menu of local and international favorites.

For an even more romantic setting, head to Fusion Restaurant's al fresco dining room at The Retreat hotel. It overlooks a twinkling pool and serves up homemade pastas, flavorful starters, and fresh seafood.

In late 2020, Rwanda debuted its fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura, giving tourists yet another natural attraction to visit. The 34-square-kilometer national park aims to preserve one of the few remaining Central African montane rainforests .

Tourists can visit Gishwati, the larger of the two forests in the park. It's home to a variety of primates, including golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L'Hoest's, and around 20 eastern chimpanzees. Guided chimp and monkey tracking tours give you the best chance at seeing the feisty creatures. You can also join a guided nature hike on three marked trails in the forest. Pack a pair of binoculars to take a closer look at members of the more than 230 bird species found within the forest.

The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is worth a visit if you want a deeper understanding of the Rwandan genocide. It is the final resting place for more than 40,000 victims, around 10,000 of whom locked themselves in the sanctuary of the site's church, but were killed when Hutu militias forced open the doors.

The victims' clothing and ID cards can now be seen displayed on the church pews. You can also see the grave of Tonia Locatelli, an Italian missionary who tried to get media attention on the systematic killing of the Tutsis, just outside the exit of the church.

While not for the faint of heart, touring the memorial can be a deeply moving experience that serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future genocides.

Cookie policy

Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

Travel to Rwanda: 15 Useful Things to Know Before You Go

October 27, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

Most people travel to Rwanda to trek with the endangered mountain gorillas. Yet, many others hold off on this once in a lifetime adventure because they buy into the idea that Rwanda, like much of Africa, is unsafe.

Yes, the country isn’t as developed to European standards, and yes, it’s neighbours tend to be a bit batshit crazy, but that’s all part of Rwanda’s charm. Its imperfections make it one of the top destinations in Africa, and at the moment it’s also one of the cheapest.

But travelling to Rwanda doesn’t need to be difficult. With tourism growing each year, the infrastructure is improving, and it’s becoming easier than ever before to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Here are 15 things to know about Rwanda before you leave home!

Table of Contents

How to Get Your 30-Day Visa on Arrival for Rwanda

Is it safe to visit rwanda, don’t drink the tap water, rwanda travel vaccinations, hostels in rwanda, what currency is used in rwanda, is rwanda expensive, internet access in rwanda, how much does a gorilla permit cost in rwanda, when is the best time to travel to rwanda to go gorilla trekking, what to wear for gorilla trekking in rwanda, travelling to rwanda as a vegan, cooking class tours, jumia food – the uber eats of rwanda, tipping guides in rwanda, the best time to visit rwanda, how to travel to rwanda, how to get around rwanda, read up on rwanda’s history.

If you’re like me and you hate visa paperwork, you’ll love Rwanda. All African nationals are either visa-exempt or get their visa on arrival. South African’s fall into the later, and you’ll be happy to know the whole process is quicker than a queue at Home Affairs.

To get your visa, you’ll need two things: your passport and $30.

If you haven’t exchanged money before your trip, don’t worry. Rwandan immigration accepts Visa and MasterCard payments.

Once you’ve paid for your visa, you’ll go to a second queue where you’ll have a quick chat with an immigration official.

And then you’re done!

If you’re travelling to Rwanda from a country outside of Africa, here’s a handy map to see the visa requirements for different countries.

Yes! It is safe to visit Rwanda. In fact, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa and the 9th safest in the worl d.

You can stop worrying Mom.

You’re more likely to get shot in America than not survive a trip to Rwanda.

I felt completely at ease here. While people did stare at me, it was more my blue hair colour then leering. I also didn’t witness or experience any catcalling.

Plus, it is nowhere near as homophobic as its neighbours. Should we add the most progressive East African country to the list as well?

If you do encounter any problems, there is a policeman or someone from the army on every block – for real. While they might look intimidating, Rwandans are some of the friendliest people you will meet and will be more than happy to help.

It’s also a good idea to get a travel insurance policy , especially if you’re planning a trip to Rwanda on going gorilla trekking. The terrain can be quite difficult to climb (depending on the time of year), and if you do fall, you’ll want to be covered for my hospital visits or broken gear.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

The tap water is not safe to drink in Rwanda. Luckily, most hotels and hostels will have a free water dispenser that you can use. Before you travel to Rwanda, pack a reusable water bottle in your bag and fill up as you explore.

If you need to buy water, it’s inexpensive and available at any of the shops and supermarkets around the country.

You can travel to Rwanda without a Yellow Fever vaccination .

YAS QUEEN! 

This means that there are no Rwanda travel vaccinations that you NEED to have. Of course, there are the recommended ones, but you won’t be denied entry into the country.

But if you’re flying in from or to any of the neighbouring countries like Kenya or Uganda, you will need proof that you’ve had the vaccination.

Update: Although none of the resources I encountered (and no one asked to see any Yellow Fever vaccination before any of my flights) some people in the comment section are saying otherwise.

According to the link above, the CDC does not recommend a yellow fever vaccination for most travellers to Rwanda and Rwanda only requires proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination if you’re travelling from an at-risk country.

However, if you want to check all your bases, feel free to get the vaccination. It lasts for 10 years, and you won’t have to worry.

A quick search on Booking.com will only show a measly nine hostels in Rwanda.

But this doesn’t mean those are your only options.

A lot of the places don’t advertise on online booking sites. I recommend making a reservation for your first night and then exploring your options once in the country.

The hostel scene is small in Rwanda, but it’s growing. If you pay a little bit extra, you can usually get a whole 6-bed dorm to yourself. This is because most backpackers stick to the cheaper 12-bed dorms and the hostels are rarely full to capacity.

The official currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc.

However, the US dollar is widely accepted. You’ll only need RWF to pay for smaller purchases, local transportation and food. Everywhere else will accept both currencies.

Yes and no.

Visiting Rwanda can quickly become expensive depending on your itinerary.

The national parks, like Akagera, have a steep $40+ entrance fee for foreign nationals, and the gorilla trekking permits cost well over a $1,000.

But you can still enjoy Rwanda as a cheap destination.

The local food in Kigali is affordable if you stay away from international restaurants. When it comes to transport, there are cheap motorbike taxis and long-distance minibuses that will take you to most of the towns around the country for a couple of dollars.

I didn’t have a problem getting online while in Rwanda. While it wasn’t the fastest connection, I wasn’ staring at my screen begging it to load.

If you aren’t planning on getting a local sim card for data, you might struggle to find a connection while exploring. Most of the restaurants I went to didn’t have WiFi except the cafe at the Genocide Memorial.

But then again I was eating at super cheap places.

Download a map of the area and join the cheapskate club if you don’t want to hunt WiFi down.

How to Get a Permit for Gorilla Trekking and Other Hikes

One of the best things to do in Rwanda is to go gorilla trekking. But you can’t just go on a hike and hope to see these majestic creatures.

You need a permit.

The permits for Volcanoes National Parks hikes and gorilla trekking can be bought either at the Tourism Headquarters in Kigali or the offices outside the national park .

Prices for the permits vary as well as their availability. For example, Rwanda tourism restricts the number of people that can see the gorillas each day, whereas the Dian Fossey Hike isn’t capped.

I recommend emailing the tourism headquarters to find out what availability is like before you go.

Another important thing to remember is that the dates of the permit cannot be changed. If you can’t go on that day anymore, you’ll need to purchase a whole new permit.

The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person. It’s a super steep price and the most expensive out of the three countries (Uganda and Congo) that offer the experience.

The reason the price is so high is that it keeps the trekking exclusive. The gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases and it would be irresponsible to have hundreds of people seeing the gorillas each day.

It would ruin their habitat and change their behaviour.

Plus, your money goes towards their conservation and curbs poaching as the gorillas are now more valuable alive than dead.

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season. Not only will the terrain be easier to navigate, but you won’t have to worry about the rain ruining your chances of seeing the gorillas.

I did the Dian Fossey trek at the beginning of the rainy season, and all the non-avid hikers found it difficult. There was lots of mud, steep inclines and swampy parts where almost everyone lost a shoe.

• Shoes: A good pair of hiking shoes with a high ankle and good grip.
• Hiking gaiters: If you don’t have your own you can rent a pair for RWF 10,000 (R 160.00) from your guide.
• Clothes: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in neutral colours. This will protect you from the stinging nettles and help you blend in.
• Other essentials: A rain jacket for the sporadic showers, and a small backpack that can hold your water, camera and lunch.

Food in Rwanda

The local food is delicious. While I couldn’t taste the majority of the dishes as it’s quite meat-heavy, I enjoyed everything that I did get my hands on.

In the capital city of Kigali, I found it pretty easy to get hold of vegan food. While there aren’t any vegan restaurants, all the places I went to had a vegetarian option that could easily be modified into a cruelty-free meal.

A typical Rwandan breakfast includes a platter of fresh fruit so you shouldn’t have any problems munching down.

If you want to learn how to make some of Rwanda’s most famous local dishes, go to a cooking class.

The Nyamirambo Women’s Center offers one for only RWF 15,000 (R 250.00). Not only will you be helping vulnerable women in the community make a living, but you’ll get an authentic look into the preparation and creation of traditional meals.

Plus, they have vegetarian options that can be made vegan on request.

In case you don’t know, I’m an odd creature of comfort. I have no problem falling asleep just about anywhere, and once I’ve found a spot I like, I’m in it for the long haul.

So, as much as I love sampling the local food, I don’t love the whole actually going to a restaurant. Sometimes I just want the food and me to have a moment without all the stress that comes along with going out.

In steps Jumia Food. It’s Kigali’s answer to Uber Eats, and it’s fantastic. The app has a wide range of cuisines and price ranges to choose from that will be delivered straight to your hostel door with a swipe of a finger.

I highly recommend the Ethiopian restaurants if you don’t mind the splurge. But if you want cheap and mouthwatering, order anything from Chap Chap.

Tipping in Rwanda

Tipping is not customary in Rwanda restaurants unless you’re dining at the higher-end establishments in Kigali.

If you’re doing a hike, you’ll need to tip the guide. How much seems to be a debatable issue and I’d recommend asking the hotel staff or the company organising your tour for some guidance.

Keep in mind that the guides, porters and trackers are most likely former poachers. Your business helps them to make a living ethically and see the value in keeping the gorillas alive.

Plus, it’s also a great time of year to see Rwanda’s wildlife. The animals in Akagera National Park will be easier to spot as they make their way to the watering holes and hiking conditions will be at their easiest.

The only downside is that it’s peak tourist season during this time. Rates will be higher for flights, hotels and activities.

If you visit outside these months, it will be cheaper, but you’ll have to plan around the spots of bad weather.

The quickest way to get to Rwanda is to fly . I bought my return flights from South Africa to Kigali for under R 3000, but prices tend to hover around R4000.

If you’re already in East Africa, there are local buses that run between the different countries. Some of the most popular routes are from Kampala, Uganda to Kigali or Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali.

Read More:  Travel to Kenya: 15 Useful Things To Know Before You Go

The easiest way to get around Rwanda is to hire your own car, but it’s expensive.

Luckily, the country does have a decent public transport system that makes it cheap and easy to travel in Rwanda without a car.

If you want to visit Akagera National Park , you’ll need to join a tour or use your own wheels. The same goes for Volcanoes National Park; no public transport runs to the entrance of the park.

However, if you’re just around the cities and towns, there is no reason to hire a car. There are dozens of moto-taxis waiting to take you around at reasonable rates. The best part is that the drivers don’t inflate their prices and you don’t need to waste time haggling.

But most drivers won’t know street names. It’s a good idea to have your final destination open on Google Maps to show the driver and to make sure you’re going in the right direction.

In 1994, Rwanda went through a dark period where around one million Tutsis were murdered in 100 days.

Only 25 years have passed, and it’s still a fresh wound in the country. One thing that stood out for me while in Kigali was the high number of young people as most parents were killed during this period.

Before you going to Rwanda, watch the movie Hotel Rwanda to understand the basics of what led up to this traumatic event.

And of course, a visit to the genocide memorials is a must to understand Rwanda’s history and how the genocide has affected the entire nation.

Do you have any Rwanda travel tips? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!

Want more African travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• Everything You Need to Know About the Dian Fossey Hike
• Akagera National Park: The Complete Guide
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• What It’s Like Staying on Mumbo Island in Malawi
• Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• The Perfect Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary for an Epic Safari Trip

Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

November 12, 2017 at 1:15 am

Having lived in Rwanda, I would agree with much of this post. However there are a few things I would say: First, the 1994 genocide in Rwanda killed at least 800,000 people in those 100 days. It was a brutal and tragic piece of Rwandan history and so it’s understandable how, even 20 years later, they are dealing with the aftermath. Some people are willing to talk about this history but many do not want to divulge much information. And the memorial services and events are all held in April, so I’d recommend planning a trip that avoids these events (they are highly emotional, sometimes dangerous, and can be traumatizing for some who do not understand the history). Second, if you pay for anything with US dollars, make sure the bills you have are dated 2008 or higher and are crisp and new. Rwandans often get less in currency exchanges for bills that are not up to par. Third, the local language is fairly easy to learn. Within a few weeks I could speak Kinyarwanda conversationally. However it is also a perk to know French. Rwanda is in the process of switching it’s primary language system to Anglophone from Francophone so many of the younger Rwandans speak some English and many of the older Rwandans speak more French. However, everyone speaks Kinyarwanda! And Finally, if you plan to take Moto-taxis, be aware that they are quite unsafe. Motos are much cheaper and more fun to get around on, however taxi-busses and cars are a safer option and not unreasonable priced. Generally, however, Rwanda is an extremely safe country. Use common sense and general precaution, as you would in any new place, and you will likely be just fine!

November 13, 2017 at 8:29 am

Thanks so much for your comment Jess and all the useful info!

I also found the local language quite simple to learn and would love to go back next year for a month and really get more usage out of it. And my terrible French did help me out a few times as well ^.^

March 18, 2018 at 9:52 am

I love this. what kind of jobs are best for foreigners to Rwanda? Am a mechanical engineer in the domain of fluid [domestic and industrial plumbing] mechanics, fabrication, maintenance of industrial systems

March 18, 2018 at 10:36 am

You would probably have to contact someone who helps people immigrate to the country,

March 29, 2018 at 5:48 pm

I am planning a trip in November and Yellow Fever is required. I checked with the Board of Tourism. Actually I spoke with them.

March 31, 2018 at 10:32 am

Hey, thanks really weird. When I went there in September last year, no one asked to see if I had a yellow fever certificate on the South African or Rwanda side. And all the information I found last year said they had been removed as a at-risk country and it was no longer a requirement for arriving or departing travellers :/

June 6, 2018 at 9:47 pm

It seems that the requirement still exists but is not enforced very strictly. You should have it taken care of just in case they ask.

June 10, 2018 at 12:18 am

The CDC resource I consulted said that Rwanda only requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you’re travelling from an at-risk country. So the information seems a bit conflicting for some reason. Of course, it’s safer to get the vaccination anyway, but it is weird that legit resources have varying information about such an important disease.

September 19, 2018 at 3:19 pm

i am travelling to Kigali on Tuesday 25th Sept and l have phoned the Rwanda high Comm and they did confirm that there is no need for the yellow fever vaccine if one is coming from a non-yellow-fever country or has never been to a yellow fever country within the past 25 days!

September 26, 2018 at 11:09 am

Ah Forbes! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment this. I really appreciate it 🙂 I hope you have an amazing time travelling to Rwanda!

June 18, 2018 at 2:14 pm

I wasn’t aware that they did away with the yellow fever vaccination till now, thank you.

June 18, 2018 at 6:52 pm

Hey Anita! I’ll double check before you go on your trip because people have been getting conflicting pieces of information.

November 10, 2018 at 12:13 pm

Very useful information. I’m going to Rwanda in the beginning of December. I arrive on Saturday evening late and want to spend Sunday to see Kigali and organize my permits and sort out my public transport to see Nyungwe Forrest National Park and go go to Valcanoes National Park to do some hikes. Is it possible to it on a Sunday or do I need to arrange a lot of stuff beforehand?

Thanks a lot!

November 12, 2018 at 4:12 pm

Hey, if the permit office is open on a Sunday, you should be able to organise your permits 🙂 It’s a very quick process, so it won’t take up a lot of your time.

January 23, 2019 at 9:57 pm

Very insightful blog. Really appreciate

January 24, 2019 at 10:35 am

Happy to hear you’ve found it useful!

February 21, 2019 at 6:21 pm

hey, I was born and I stay in Rwanda. I liked the post and I agree with the most of its information but what I wanted to correct is that it is 20,000 of Tutsi who were murdered during Genocide but over 1 million of Tutsi were murdered and it is been 25 years now. but apart from that Rwanda is the safest Country in Africa in my opinion and hospitality is a common trait in Rwandan people.

February 27, 2019 at 9:59 pm

Thanks so much! I have corrected the info 🙂

June 13, 2019 at 4:50 pm

Great post! So many useful information! 😀 I’m going to Rwanda in August, skipping the gorilla tracking (too expensive 🙁 ), but can’t wait to see other attractions!

June 24, 2019 at 2:48 pm

I hope you have an incredible time!!

July 7, 2019 at 6:22 am

Thanks for the information, I will be visiting in early October, how difficult is the trek? Is it something I should be worried about?

July 9, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Hey Debrah! I’ve you hike regularly / you’re a fit person you should be good. It will be a difficult hike if you’re not really active as it’s a lot of uphill and the mud means you’re going to work extra hard.

March 4, 2020 at 12:57 pm

Thanks for the tips and info….

February 23, 2021 at 3:45 am

Just wondering if you could update this post for current events.

February 24, 2021 at 6:50 pm

You mean for the pandarama ?

June 4, 2022 at 1:52 am

My husband and I will be with a tour group and visiting Rwanda soon, in July 2022. Your blog was so helpful; thank you! I am wondering how muddy trekking will be in July and if I need gaiters; and if so, do I need ankle length or knee length?

June 20, 2022 at 6:05 pm

I’m not sure what it’s like in July as I went in September. Maybe speak to the tour company and see what the guides recommend? my gaiters were knee-length 🙂

July 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm

Thanks for the posts; they are very informative; I am travelling to Rwanda for business on 26th July for two weeks, Im coming from Cairo, and I hope to see some of the unique places. I have to transit through Ethiopia, anyway, it’s going to be an exciting trip,

August 13, 2022 at 1:21 pm

Thank you for the tips and info. I am planning to visit Kigali in Sept/Oct for 6 days and am struggling to find a itinerary without gorilla tracking (as I am not keen on it). Is there enough to do in Rwanda over 6 days or should I consider adding another country?

August 21, 2022 at 1:53 pm

Hey Busi, it really depends what you like to fill your itinerary with. I spent a week in Rwanda and there was more than enough to keep me busy.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Love The Content?

Home > Rwanda > Rwanda Itinerary Guide

Rwanda Itinerary Guide: Honest Advice for Planning an Awesome Trip

Where to R wander ?

This Rwanda itinerary guide is one of four Unconventional Route blog posts about Rwanda. The others are Rwanda travel tips , Rwanda's pros and cons , and hiking Mount Bisoke .

Even though Rwanda's a small country, you can't squeeze it all into a single trip. So to help you decide what to include in your Rwanda itinerary and what to leave out, here's our experience.

For each of Rwanda's top tourist regions that we visited during our eight-day trip, we'll share why you might want to add it to your itinerary, why not, and our favorite things to do and see.

Combine our experiences and opinions with advice from your friends who've been before and what other bloggers and guides say. Adjust for your personal preferences, budget, and timeline. And have a Rwand a-full time.

In This Rwanda Itinerary Guide

Why add each of the following areas to your Rwanda itinerary, why not, and what to do, eat, and see at each (based on our limited experience).

Volcanoes National Park

• Nyungwe National Park

A Better Rwanda Travel Guide than Ours

Bradt's Rwanda travel guide has more and better information than any other out there, our site included.

Read it cover to cover before you go (one of our top travel tips ), and bring it with you.

Quick Disclosure: Ruzizi, Karenge, La Locanda, and Macheo gave us free stays because we asked them (they had good reviews). We told them we'd give them some photos and say we stayed with them on this blog in exchange.

Rwanda's capital is by far the country's biggest city but far from a metropolis; it's more of a large-scale suburb.

Why Add It to Your Itinerary?

✓  inevitability.

You're probably flying into and/or out of Kigali's airport and all Rwandan roads go through the capital, so you'd have to try hard to avoid it.

✓  Cosmopolitan Rwanda

Kigali has by far the best and most varied options for shopping, dining, partying, sleeping, and everything-ing in the country.

Why Not Add It to Your Itinerary?

✗  nothing special.

Rwanda's other attractions are more worth your time. Unless you have days to kill, rather than include Kigali in your itinerary, let it fill in the gaps. See and do Kigali's attractions in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings you happen to be passing through.

Things to Do and See We Liked (So You Might Like Them, Too)

The genocide memorial.

The final resting place for 250,000 Rwandans who were murdered during the 1994 genocide. The museum will overwhelm you with poignancy, but it won't overwhelm you with information. We felt the videos and displays are just the right amount of information to understand and feel what happened.

It'll take an hour or two to see all of it. Visits are by donation.

Khana Kazan Restaurant

By our last night in the country, we'd had our fill of Rwandan food, so this Indian restaurant hit the spot. And it hit hard. The food was delicious, the servings were much bigger than expected, and they really mean it when they say, "spicy." For 40k RWF (~40 USD), we stuffed ourselves silly and had two beers each.

Question Coffee

Kim loved the coffee in Rwanda and Question's was unquestionably her favorite. There's only one location in Kigali but you'll get a taste of it at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters if you do any treks there.

Kigali City Tower

We didn't go because of bad weather, but an expat we talked to said that when the weather's nice so is the view.

She pointed out that it emblemizes the country: it looks clean and modern from the outside but inside, where the offices are mostly empty, something's off.

It's free to go up. Don't let the guards tell you otherwise.

Where to Stay

Not where we stayed.

On our first night in Kigali, the hotel we stayed at tried to overcharge us. On our last night, we found baby cockroaches all over the floor and bed frame and had to evacuate to another last-ditch hostel.

Maybe try Step Town Hotel . A lady we met in Nyungwe , who comes regularly to work on her nonprofit, Boundless Peace, told us the manager's fantastic and will give you all the Rwanda travel tips you need ( but check ours, too ). Our fault for not heeding her advice.

Akagera National Park

On Rwanda's eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is a game park that, like the rest of the country, is steadily recovering and repopulating after being devastated by the genocide.

If you want to include Akagera in your Rwanda travel itinerary, we highly recommend spending a night or two so you can drive the length of the park from south to north before returning to Kigali.

✓  It's not a zoo

The park may not yet have the same quantity of wild animals but it doesn't have nearly the same quantity of human animals either, so it feels wilder.

Lee, an American pediatric doctor we met at Karenge Camp , comes to Rwanda once or twice a year and never misses Akagera when he does. He prefers the safaris there over all the other game parks he's been to in Africa with his Rwandan friend and guide, Charles Karenzi .

✓  Support the cause

The money you spend at Akagera ($50 US per day park entry + $12 US for your vehicle) crucially supports the rehabilitation and protection of the park and its animals.

✗  Fewer animals

For example, seeing elephants in Akagera is a big deal whereas in other parks we've been to in Namibia , South Africa , and Kenya they're abundant.

✗  Time limitations

You need at least two days to comfortably experience Akagera. It takes three hours to get to from Kigali, five hours to drive through from the south gate to the north one, and four hours to get back from. So if you only have a few days in Rwanda, you'll want to prioritize the mountains, jungles, and lakes that make the country unique.

Tip: If you stay for two nights, we recommend staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge in the South for your first night and Karenge Bush Camp in the North.

✗  You need your own car

If you're not renting a car for your Rwanda travels, getting to and around Akagera will be too difficult and expensive.

If you are renting a car, see our Rwanda travel tips post for some advice based on our experience.

Kilala Plain

Kilala Plain is a long way from the south of the park, where the entrance and most hotels are, but is worth it as there's less dense brush so you can spot more animals.

Driving down the hill into Kilala plain was exactly the African safari experience you might imagine. We saw herds of buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, zebra, and buck everywhere. And, unlike in other African game parks, we could actually get out of our car and have a picnic among them!

Imigongo Art Cafe

On the drive between Kigali and Akagera, we stopped for a quick pick-me-up of meatballs, samosas, and banana bread (all 500 RWF each) and freshly made coffee (1,500 RWF).

Wild Nights

A night or two in Akagera is worth it for the animal noises, clear starry nights, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and campfire conversations.

Ruzizi Tented Camp

Our only disappointment from Ruzizi Tented Camp was that none of the hippos or crocodiles came to graze or relax on the grass in front of our lakeside luxury tent, which apparently occurs frequently. Kim did send me out of bed to investigate some late-night rustling just outside our tent, though.

Ruzizi exceeded our expectations otherwise. Glamping on our own private swathe of lakefront jungle felt adventurous, the fireside dinner on the lakeside dock was delicious, and the sunrise at breakfast was as spectacular as the balls of the vervet monkeys that watched us eat were blue.

Karenge Bush Camp

Karenge is on a hill overlooking Kilala plain at the end of a rough road through leopard territory and swarms of tsetse flies (don't worry, they disperse as soon as you park). There are only six two-person sleeping tents and one main dining tent, all of which are made without cement or other permanent construction materials to leave a minimal footprint.

Despite the basic facilities, Karenge Bush Camp is luxurious in its own way. Each tent (and its accompanying shower and toilet) has a pristine view over the plain, the staff go out of their way to make sure you're enjoying yourself, and the dinners are delectable.

Tip : Charge our camera and phone batteries before staying here. The nearest plug is 20 minutes away at the old park entrance building.

The name, Volcanoes National Park, buries the lede. Sure, there are volcanoes, but this place is all about the gorillas.

Musanze, Rwanda's third or fourth biggest city, is 30 minutes away. Mid and low-budget travelers typically base their visit from there. Those who don't think twice about the $1,500 US fee to hang with gorillas tend to stay in more remote camps closer by.

✓  Gorillas

✓  tourist friendly(-er).

Thanks to all the tourist attention and money the gorillas attract, the area around Musanze and Volcanoes National Park has the most developed tourism infrastructure in Rwanda. That's not saying much, but it is easier to find other things to do, see, and eat here than elsewhere in the country.

✗  Uganda and Congo are less extraordinarily expensive

Gorilla trekking costs a lot more in Rwanda, 1,500 USD, than in neighboring countries. It costs 600 USD in Uganda and 450 USD in Congo.

✗  Not much to see in Musanze

We didn't find much appeal to the busy city of Musanze itself.

Mount Bisoke Hike

The hike up Mount Bisoke turned out to be a lot more than we bargained for, in both good ways (gorillas!) and bad (mud and fog!). We don't recommend it to everyone, as we share in our practical guide ( /warning ) to the hike .

Italian Food at La Locanda

The three-course meals (13,000 RWF) we had in our guesthouse's relaxing restaurant, which is open to the public, hit the spot after our hike. Apparently, the pizza's even better, but they only make it when there are ten or more people.

La Paillotte

Despite its name, this restaurant's pretty much the opposite of French. Service is friendly and meals are reasonably fast, surprisingly cheap, and enormously portioned.

Not knowing this, we ordered a 1,500 RWF guacamole salad for a starter. Out came a whole soup bowl full of pure, if slightly too peppery, guac. After devouring it, there was no way we could also finish the 5,000 RWF daily menu of soup, a heaping main course, and dessert.

Nyirangarama Akabanga HQ

Nyirangarama HQ is along the road between Kigali and Musanze. Legend has it that it's on the exact spot where around 1983 a man named Sina Gerard began selling snacks to passersby. His customers particularly enjoyed his hot sauce, so he started selling it on its own. And people didn't stop buying it.

Today, you'll find the eyedropper bottles of his Akabanga hot sauce on nearly every dining table in Rwanda and the highway where he started is now the headquarters of his empire.

Buy some 500 RWF bottles of Akabanga to take home. Or buy some of his Rwandan wine for 8,000 RWF or 14% alcohol banana beer for 1,000 RWF. (But only do so if you're curious because we promise it tastes nasty). Teetotalers can try his Agashya passion fruit juice instead.

Somewhere with lots of warm water and fast laundry

We were grateful to have a strong warm shower and a fireplace waiting for us amidst the peaceful gardens of La Locanda after getting scratched, bruised, and filthy dirty trekking in Volcanoes National Park. They also did our laundry for us in the evening after we returned, so we didn't have to carry muddy gear with us for the rest of our trip.

We were too exhausted to deal with going out for dinner, so it was also a relief to eat at their aforementioned restaurant.

Africa's eighth biggest lake by area and the world's seventeenth biggest by volume , Lake Kivu is landlocked Rwanda's top destination for relaxing by the water.

✓  Rwandan beach life

The cheap plastic beach chairs, beer-branded umbrellas, and palapa at Gisenyi's Tam Tam Beach's grill and the pool and beach chairs at Lake Serena Hotel next door felt like any tropical seaside destination, minus the salt.

✓  Swimming

The water's refreshing and no hippos or crocodiles live in the lake.

✓  Fish

Eat some fresh-from-the-lake fish, catch your own on a night fishing tour with local fishermen, or swim with them in the pleasantly-temperatured waters.

✓  Views

Rwanda's luscious hills are more impressive when they're reflected in the lake below.

✗  A bit boring

The Lake Kivu area teeters on the fine line between relaxing and boring. Once we did our boat tour with Emmanuel (see below), we had a hard time finding things to do other than chill.

✗  The lake may explode

A cloud of CO2 and methane sit at the bottom of the lake, held down by the massive weight of the water above it. If were to ever squeeze out onto the top in what's called a limnic eruption , it would be the world's deadliest fart, creating a cloud of deadly suffocating gas.

For 20,000 RWF an hour, you can hire a captain to boat your around to feed monkeys, startle fruit bats, hike hills, spot birds, and swim and chill on the Kivu Lake's islands.

As with any tour, your enjoyment will largely depend on the quality of your guide. For that reason, we recommend reaching out to Emmanuel of Blue Monkey Tours . He's a go-getter who speaks good English and understands the importance of delivering word-of-mouth-worthy service. He can also guide you on the Congo-Nile trail and Mount Kibuye.

Hike the hills

On our last morning in the Lake Kivu area, we didn't know what to do, so we opened Maps.Me, looked around for signs of trails, and picked out one (this one) near Kibuye that looked to take us up to the top of a hill.

While the trail vanished halfway up, we found our way to the top without too much difficulty. The 360-degree view of Kibuye and Kivu from up top was fantastic, walking in the rural countryside and greeting the people there was wonderful, and our swim in the lake afterward, was extra refreshing.

Sambaza are sardine-like fish endemic to Lake Kivu. I had them at every opportunity. Kim didn't because she refuses to eat any sort of small fish. Too bad because I bet if she had sampled them the surprisingly un-fishy flavor and lack of bones might have changed her mind.

Sunset drinks

Being on the eastern edge of a big lake you often can't see the other side of makes for magnificent sunsets.

Kibuye's swanky Cormoran Lodge gives you a great vantage point and, aside from the 4,000 RWF coffees, the restaurant is a reasonably good deal for dinner after.

Paradis Malahide

We met our friends here, just south of Gisenyi, after their Congo volcano crater trek . The food didn't impress too much but the location on the lake certainly did.

Sauna and swimming

A hot tip from a Canadian Rwanda resident we met in Nyungwe: Moriah Hill Resort in Kibuye has a Finnish-built sauna. For around 6,000 RWF you can spend as long as you want jumping between it and the lake.

A freshwater version of our adventures in Coron, Philippines , paddling from island to island, would make for a great day for those who, like us, like to stay fit and active while traveling . We missed out on it because we didn't realize it was a possibility until the day we had to leave.

Consider the Congo

Tours of the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park depart from the Gisenyi-Goma border.

Our good friend and fellow pretiree , Francisco, did a two-day, one-night hike up Mount Nyiragongo before meeting up with us. By his account, and that of others we read online, the sight of the bubbling lava at night is as much a once-in-a-lifetime experience as gorilla trekking, which you can also do in Congo for cheaper than in Rwanda.

Macheo Ecolodge

We enjoyed decent food, cold beers, nice views, a quiet vibe, and friendly staff at this tidy little budget hilltop eco-llodge and campsite .

Gisenyi vs. Kibuye

Gisenyi's more developed than Kibuye and more popular with weekending Kigalians, so if you want to party and generally have more action and things to do, Gisenyi's a better bet. It's also a couple of hours closer to Musanze and Volcanos National Park than Kibuye.

Kibuye's smaller for a quieter spot and for those continuing on to Nyungwe. And the road between Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Nyungwe is freshly paved.

Pronounced kneeooong-way , this national park in the southwest of Rwanda is the largest montane forest in East and Central Africa. It's also believed to be one of the oldest in Africa, so evolution has had tons of time to work its diversity-creating wonder.

✓  Beautiful views

The mist evaporating off of Nyungwe's rugged mountain jungles is a show-stopper. Or a drive-stopper. While driving towards and through the park, we parked our car on multiple occasions to take it in. And the sunrise views from Kitabe EcoCenter were the best of our entire Rwanda trip.

✓  Fresh air

The forest filtered air feels extra fresh and invigorating in densely-populated Rwanda, where every last parcel of non-parkland is some type of farm.

✗  Out of the Way

Adding Nyungwe to your Rwanda itinerary may be a bit of stretch if you're only coming for a short trip to see the gorillas and maybe hang out at the lake a bit. It takes at least four hours to get there from Gisenyi, another hour to drive through, and at least another four hours back to Kigali.

✗  The Expense

The hikes cost 40 USD each and the accommodation is expensive for what you get. For instance, a rustic hut at Kitabi Eco-Center with shared bucket showers and no internet (but an amazing view!) costs close to 50 USD a night. The One&Only 's more luxurious—we pretended to be interested in staying the night to have the chance to check it out—but costs 1,799 USD.

Free Jungle Game Drive

You have no choice but to drive slowly along the 50km paved road that cuts straight through Nyungwe because of the 40km/h speed limit 40km/h, but if you're like us you'll go even slower. That way you have a better chance of spotting some of the forest's 13 species of primate, 275 birds, 85 mammals, 32 amphibians, and 38 reptiles.

Sunset and sunrise at Kitabi Ecocenter

The One&Only on one side of Nyungwe National Park may be many levels of luxury above Kitabi Ecocenter on the other, but no matter how much you pay you can't top the views from Kitabi.

Jungle walks and hiking

We decided against squeezing a hike in Nyungwe's 130 kilometers worth of trails into our Rwanda travel itinerary (and squeezing out the 40 USD each to do so). A fellow Canadian we met who lives in the area and comes regularly to explore them told us (politely) that was a bad decision.

Inyambo Cows

Break up the four-plus hour drive between Nyungwe's eastern entrance and Kigali with a stop at the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza and pay 3,000 RWF to hang out with enormously horny Inyambo cows.

Cafe Connexion and Inzozi Nziza

Two more spots to stop at between Nyungwe and Kigali. Both are in Huye (Butare).

Cafe Connexion's goal is to get Rwandans to start consuming the coffee they produce by charging low prices (500 RWF) for high-quality coffee.

Inzozi Nziza was closed when we went by, which is too bad because multiple people raved to us about it.

Kitabi Ecocenter

Kitabi Ecocenter is a work in progress, but it has the makings of a masterpiece. The staff is fantastic, the traditional huts are unique, the buffet dinners are satisfying, and the social vibe is a welcome change from other lonely corners of the country. And, as already mentioned, the views are incomparable.

The American owner told us the cold bucket showers would change our lives. We tried and we're not convinced.

What's Your Plan?

Leave a comment with any questions we might be able to help you with planning your Rwanda travel itinerary. Don't miss our other three blog posts on Rwanda (links below). And please share your own suggestions, opinions, and experiences for other readers' benefit.

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Read This Next:

Rwanda blog posts.

Is Rwanda Worth Visiting?

Mount Bisoke Hike in Rwanda's Volcanoes Park: A Practical Guide

Rwanda Travel Tips: Dos and Don'ts to Know Before You Go

Unconventional Guides

50+ Travel Tips and Tricks That Will Change the Way You Travel

The Best Countries to Visit in the World for 18 Unique Trips

Our Rare Few Favorite Things We'd Immediately Buy Again

About The Unconventional Route: Our Past, Present, and Future

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

6 thoughts on “Rwanda Itinerary Guide: Honest Advice for Planning an Awesome Trip”

Hi there, Since you are experienced travel-bloggers….maybe you can advise me….62 years old and travelling the world for 40 years mostly alone as a female traveler I turned to the " real Africa" just during Covid times…spent 3 months this year traveling Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo…..after some devestating experiences with two local tour operators ( lonely planet rec.) in Rwanda/ Congo….security wise but also moneywise ( lack of professional stuff probably due to covid human ressources shortage in the labour market) … I wonder….is there a website where you get advise how to make sure that your not ordinary travel plans and routes in Rwanda etc. will not turn out an " emotional disaster"….since I don't have the " protection " of economic shared interests…….maybe you know the " website landscape" better than I do… Thank's for replying…

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences, Wieland. It's hard to offer any tips without better understanding what kind of "emotional disasters" you're talking about. What comes to mind first and foremost is talking to fellow travelers on the ground and getting tips and recommendations from them. Warnings, too. They're more reliable than any blog, including mine.

Hi Chris, Thanks for your great blog! I'm staying for a few months in Gisenyi right now and just found your blog. I am very curious to the hike you did near Kibuye, but the website you link there is not working for me. Do you maybe have a working link for me so that I can check out the hike? Thanks!

Hey Laura. Thanks for letting me know of the broken link. Turns out I had the location of the top of the hill saved on my Google Maps, so I've updated the link in the post with it. The path's not on Google Maps, but maybe if you open up another hiking app (Maps.Me, AllTrails, Wikiloc, etc) and look there you'll find it. Enjoy

Hi Chris! Thank you for all this very useful information! We are soon going to Rwanda and still cannot decide whether to visit the Volcanoes National Park (although we wouldn't buy the gorilla permit, so would "just" do the Mount Bisoke hike), or to go to the Nyungwee National Park. We have set that it would only be one of these options since we don't have that much time. We like hikes and have never seen the wildlife that both places offer, so would not know how to prioritize (the distance also doesn't matter much). What would you say was the most worthy to you? Many thanks in advance! Daniela

Hi Daniela! We didn't hike in Nyungwe, so can't give a strong recommendation either way. In the jungle, you rarely see that many animals (nothing close to in a safari), so best to pick whichever hike has the most of everything you want aside from animals and doing that. Then, if you spot some monkeys, exotic birds, or gorillas, that'll be a big bonus.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

Meet in Rwanda

• Gorilla Gram
• Practical Information
• Book A Trip

Partnerships

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Travellers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.

The Great Rift Valley

The west of Rwanda forms a branch of the Great Rift Valley known as the Albertine Rift. It has many unique, endemic species and is bursting with life.

Chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other primates live alongside hundreds of brightly-coloured birds, orchids and butterflies.

And that is only scratching the surface…

• Responsible Tourism

As guardians of many iconic species, Rwanda is committed to safeguarding their existence within the four National Parks.

We are constantly working to ensure we can live in sustainable harmony with our environment, with a clean and green mindset. We banned plastic bags in 2008, and our lands are possibly the cleanest in Africa thanks to efforts throughout every community.

Ten percent of the income derived from gorilla, safari and other tourist permits, as well as park fees, is spent in partnership with local communities to change lives for the better.

Epic Scenery

Rwanda’s dramatic vistas are endless, with a fresh perspective around every corner.

Our country is full of beauty and managing to explore it all is easy, thanks to an excellent road network linking the core areas.

Visitors can rest assured the country is safe as well as stunning – Rwanda was rankedthe9th safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum.

Vibrant Culture

Warm and friendly, Rwandans are also respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top.

From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.

Gorilla Tracking

Photo Credit : Annabel Illingworth

Culture & heritage, king's palace.

• Accommodation

Where to Stay

Sport & Adventure

Canopy walkway.

Rwanda is ranked as the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

Paving the Way

The German carmaker has just opened an assembly plant in Rwanda, which will create up to 1,000 jobs.

In a new chapter of economic transformation, VW is also spearheading community car sharing and ride-hailing by smartphone.

Tech Incubator

Rwanda is an ideal tech incubator, thanks to its compact size and appetite for innovation.

We welcome pioneering initiatives such as that by Silicon Valley company Zipline, which now delivers critical blood products to rural medical clinics across our mountainous lands.

Centre of Excellence

Innovation city.

Discover an area in Kigali for world-class universities and think tanks to mingle with technology companies, helping drive private sector growth.

Innovation City is anecosystem linking high tech industry, research and education with capital investment, which aims to create jobs and reduce our current account deficit.

Special Economic Zones

Discover why we are the second fastest growing economy in Africa,and prepare to enjoy the opportunities accrued from the free trade agreements that we™ve signed with over 50 countries.

Designated serviced land is provided for small and large scale industrial development, as well as reliable, quality infrastructure, competitive fiscal and non-fiscal regulations and streamlined administration procedures.

Five Reasons

How to Invest

Starting a business.

Investment Opportunities

All sectors.

One Stop Centre

Rwanda is an excellent hub for meetings and events, with world-class facilities such as the Kigali Convention Centre which is conveniently located close to Kigali International Airport and offers a premium environment for regional and international conventions, exhibitions, festivals, meetings and other events.

Business Events

Kigali convention centre.

Around the Capital

National Airline

Visit Rwanda is proud to partner with some of the world’s biggest brands to share the beauty of the country with millions around the globe.

Sleeve Sponsor

Premium Partner

Paris saint germain.

Platinum Partner

Fc bayern m체nchen.

Founding and Host Partner

Basketball africa league.

Yellow Jersey Sponsor

Tour du rwanda.

• National Parks
• Culture & Heritage
• Sports & Adventure
• Itineraries

From silverbacks to sips of tea: The ultimate 10-day Rwandan adventure

Diverse landscapes, royal roots, wildlife encounters, and luxurious offerings combine in a country that is easily accessible to all who seek an adventure for the ages.

The rolling hills of Rwanda’s four national parks await. From the mountain ridges of Volcanoes to the amber savannah of Akagera National Park; from the blue monkeys of Gishwati Mukura to the lush green hills and rainforests of Nyungwe, travelers will find a country as versatile and diverse as their own spirits of adventure.

Rwanda’s rhythm is palpable. Whether you are walking in the footsteps of giant silverback gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, exploring the wetlands in Akagera or shaking your hips to an African beat in a nightclub in the capital Kigali, you feel it. The underlying pulse of love, community, and connection is infectious and quickly connects you to the people and the place. On this 10-day adventure you can trace the country’s incredible history from its royal roots through its four national parks and into its 21st century cosmopolitan center.

Meet the community and understand the past

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial , where tributes to the victims offer a place to pay your respects. Leave with a better understanding of how far this country has come. Tonight, absorb the early evening views of this modern city from high above it. Snap photos of the rotating colored lights of the Kigali Convention Center and watch as the city’s homes come to life for the evening. Whether it’s a hotel rooftop , or one of the best restaurants in the city, views from up high will whet your appetite for the adventures to come.

Explore the history

The revered cows were the property of the king in the past. Today, at the King’s Palace Museum they still have their own dedicated herder who sings and recites poetry to them daily.

Watch the city streets fade into winding roads and mountain views as your driver takes you south to the Cultural Corridor. It was from here that kings once ruled. Tour the reconstruction of a traditional king’s palace – the thatch homes from which all decisions were made – in Nyanza. Meet the royal cows on site and the herder who sings to them. Then, wander the halls of the simple, modern home of the country’s last king. Continue your drive south to the detailed Ethnographic Museum in Huye for a look at the socio-cultural history of the country. By afternoon, you should be in the green trees of Nyungwe National Park – home to one of the oldest rainforests on the continent. With 374.5 square miles to explore you won’t be able to do it all today, but the easy stroll out to the Canopy Walkway from the Uwinka reception center offers a chance to marvel at the views from 230 feet above the rainforest floor. Listen for the sounds of 13 species of primates and more than 300 types of birds. Sleep tonight knowing you’ll meet some of the noisemakers in the days ahead.

Track the chimps

Make your way to Cyamudongo in the dark with a local park ranger who knows the forest’s deepest secrets. Follow him to the home of the chimps. Watch the animals wake, stretch, and start their day in the forest. Snap your photos while you can. Once they’re on the move, catching up to them among the tall trees and thick brush is a feat of athletic prowess. This once in a lifetime experience deserves your full attention: Remember the feeling of the mud beneath your hiking boots, the pitch of the primate calls echoing through the trees and the moment you locked eyes with a chimp in one of the few places in the world where you still can.

Renew, replenish, recharge

Start with a leisurely breakfast today overlooking tea plantations as far as the eye can see. Note the precision of early morning tea pickers. They choose only the top three leaves of each plant to ensure the best flavors. Develop a new appreciation for the golden liquid in your cup. Spend the morning among black and white colobus monkeys that live in Nyungwe’s trees. You’ll find that they are as curious about you as you are about them. This afternoon, unwind at an outdoor yoga class, try a painting lesson with a local artist, or indulge in a pampering massage using natural products. Or simply return to those tea plantation views with a book and a beverage and do nothing at all.

Take to the trails

Lace up your hiking shoes and head out early to hike along the waterfall trail. Go slow. Listen for the sounds of the Albertine Rift birds sharing your journey. Your guides will point out the medicinal plants and endemic trees that make their home along the trail. Your reward for the hike–the stunning Kamiranzovu waterfall. Enjoy the peaceful setting. Later this morning you’ll start the drive towards Karongi through bustling townships filled with color and music. Views turn serene again after you arrive and the smell of pine trees and eucalyptus fill the air. And this afternoon, you’ll board a small, covered boat to explore the area from the water. Take a spin past Napoleon’s Island (named for its resemblance to the conqueror’s hat) to survey the land from a new perspective. Follow the baritone hum to find the famous singing fishermen on their all-night mission to catch “Isambaza”. The melodies that synchronize their powerful strokes will stay with you long after you’ve left them.

Find new perspectives

Rise and look out at the still waters of the largest swimmable lake in Africa. With no hippos or crocodiles to worry about, a morning dip is an easy decision. Soon, you’ll swap this paradise for another. On route to Musanze, wave to the school kids making their way books in hand, and the ladies balancing woven baskets on their heads. Stop in Gisenyi and join a Kingfisher Journeys kayaking trip along Lake Kivu. Take a lunch break at Paradise Kivu – a farm to table restaurant on the water’s edge where you can stroll through the guava and avocado trees on route to the restaurant high above. This afternoon you’ll gain a better understanding of the conservation efforts and mindsets that have made this beauty possible. Visit with the group of former poachers who now operate social enterprises that aid conservation efforts. The Gorilla Guardians site offers the chance to shoot a bow and arrow, learn about traditional dress and more. When the dancing starts, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to join in.

Visit Volcanoes National Park, the home of the silverback

Part the bushes as your guide has done ahead of you and then catch your breath. The telltale silver hairs running up the back of the gorilla in front of you are a bucket list dream come true. Once endangered, conservation efforts and tourism partnerships have allowed these magnificent creatures to flourish. Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center this afternoon to better understand the efforts and sacrifices that led to your magical moment.

Safari in Akagera National Park

Stretch your legs among the brightly colored shops of Musanze ahead of your next drive. Later this morning you’ll start the leisurely 4.5 hour drive to Akagera National Park . Akagera is Rwanda’s largest national park (433 square miles) and boasts a profusion of wildlife including the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino) that you won’t see in any of the other three national parks. Its savannah plains are dotted with swamps and lakes, as well. And it is that feature that lies at the heart of this evening’s adventure. Take an evening boat ride out to hippo territory. Thousands of the gigantic animals make their home in Lake Ihema. As the sun sets, spot some of the 490 species of birds that call the park home.

Reap the rewards of conservation efforts in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park’s hundreds of square miles of wetlands, woodlands, savannah and natural lakes are the perfect backdrop for safari seekers. The Big 5 (buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards and rhino) roam here alongside zebra, giraffe, baboons and more.

Make the most of your last day in the park. Set out early and head north towards the Kilala plain in search of the Big 5. Recent conservation efforts re-introduced both the endangered black rhino and lions to the area. Today, young ones can be spotted alongside their mothers in the striking landscape. Be on the lookout for zebra, warthogs, baboons, giraffes, topi and more on the large open plains. Have your camera at the ready but remember to stop and take in the moment too.

Bring the feeling home

Head back to Kigali with a head filled with all of you’ve experienced over the last nine days. See the city with new eyes. Today’s your last chance to collect the mementos that will keep it close to your heart once you are home. Head out to Kimironko Market. Marvel at the colors of everything from beans to bananas. Get measured by the chatty fabric sellers and an hour later you’ll have ready-to-pack fashions to carry home. Be as pleased with the things packed in your bags as the memories you are taking home in your heart. Fly home tonight excited to share all you’ve seen and the news of Rwanda’s bright future.

Related Topics

You may also like.

Greetings, from Rwanda

How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

10 days in Pennsylvania: take a trip through the history of the USA

How to plan a weekend in southern Kosovo, where Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming

The 31 best Greek islands to visit in 2024

The best toiletry bags for every traveler

How to spend a day exploring Bristol's best music venues

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Come Meet the YouTubers of Rwanda

Here are popular youtubers who post videos regarding life, living or tourism in Rwanda. Please note that the youtubers that we showcased are members of My Cousin Connection and have requested their channels to be featured.

Visit Plan Venture

VisitPlanVenture started her journey in Rwanda late 2020 and has regularly posted videos on Youtube explaining her adventures, sights around the city and details regarding her “Strategically Small” minimalistic living.

Unapologetic Nomads

From shopping, to eating, house hunting and fabulous tourist attractions. The Unapologetic Nomads leave no stone unturned while allowing viewers to experience the world of Rwanda live.

Jai Essence Journey

Setting herself on freeing and sometimes funny journey, Jai Essence has managed to capture the small details and funny stories as she figures out  the day to day living, while loving Rwanda.

Residential Tourists

Since deciding to pack it all up and move to Rwanda, The Residential Tourists have taken their cameras and family and documented the process every step of the way.

TheoisBack started documenting his journey over 3 years ago, using YouTube as a portal to expose the world to life in Rwanda. Providing insight to learning Kinyarwanda, life in Rwanda and a variety of topics. He continues to keep a strong pulse on the Rwandan community.

Similar Posts

What is UMUGANURA DAY in Rwanda?

Every first Friday of August, Rwandans celebrate Rwandan national cultural thanksgiving – a day many can’t afford to spend to miss. This is UMUGANURA DAY Traditionally called Umuganura, the day used to feature ceremonies of firstfruits where the community had to bring tributes from the first harvest to the king whom they believed was the…

List of Lawyers in Rwanda

Hey Cousins! We are providing you a list of best lawyers in Rwanda .  This information is for  assisting expats  who may need support in Rwanda. This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change at any time.  We are encouraging you to do research whether a law service provider will be suitable for…

What are the Official Holidays in Rwanda?

In every country has  official holidays that are unique to their own community. Rwanda has a variety of different annual holidays and we list the major ones below. They are: New year (1st January) Heroes’ day(1st February) Memorial day genocide against Tusti (07th April) Workers day(1st May) Independence day(1st July) Liberation day(4th July) Umuganura day(06…

Official Languages Spoken in Rwanda

There are variety of different languages spoken with Rwandans such as Kinyarwanda, French, English and Kiswahili. However, only English, French and Kinyarwanda are recognized as the official languages in Rwanda. The majority of Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda primarily or exclusively, but in 2015, the OIF (Organization International France) estimated that 700,000 Rwandans (6% of the population)…

What Is Car Free Day In Rwanda?

Car Free Day is exactly what it sounds like…a day free of cars!  Well, not the whole day.  On Car Free Day in Kigali, major streets are blocked off and people of all ages are in the city walking, running, cycling and even skating all for a healthy lifestyle. This bi-monthly physical mass sport bring…

The ONE Thing You Need to Survive These Rwandan Nights

You may think I am exaggerating.  I wish I could say I was, however based upon the number of people I see (especially new expats) we need to make sure you know how to survive the night in Rwanda, without massive mosquito bites. It’s bad.  It’s real bad.  I mean people are walking around looking…

Welcome to RTTA

Adventure , Heritage & Culture and Wildlife

Take tea plantation tours

A Great Gorilla

Mont Karisimbi

RTTA, which stands for Rwanda Tours and Travel Association, was founded in the year 2000 by a small group of Rwandan Tours & Travel operators concerned about the quality of tourism services in the country. These founding members recognized the need to create awareness of Rwanda as a competent tourism destination as well as represent the interests of the national tours and travel industry. RTTA Members are the industry leaders in the tours and travel trade and represent a wide spectrum of travel and vacation packages available in Rwanda.

We are a member of

VISIT RWANDA

Become our member.

RWANDA TOURISM WEEK 2022

26th November to 3rd December 2022

KCEV and KCC

26/11/2022 - 03/12/2022, #rtw2022 theme, “adopting innovative approaches to boost intra africa travel as a drive for tourism business recovery”.

This year’s theme focuses on rebuilding Tourism after 2 years of challenging times that severely hit the Tourism sector by setting a vision and long-term goals, that will strengthen the Tourism industry.

We are spotlighting how Tourism can increasingly contribute to economies , inclusively foster sustainability and innovations, and reconnecting Africans to each other and the rest of the world.

Frank Gisha Mugisha Director General- Rwanda Chamber of Tourism

Rwanda Tourism Chamber

WHY #RTW 2022?

The launch of the maiden Rwanda Tourism Week.The event, scheduled to take place from 28th November – 3rd December 2022 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), carries the theme “ Adopting Innovative Approaches to Boost Intra Africa Travel as a drive for Tourism Business Recovery . ”

Why #RTW 2022

The launch of the maiden Rwanda Tourism Week.The event, scheduled to take place from 26th November – 3rd December 2022 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), carries the theme “ Adopting Innovative Approaches Boosting Intra-Africa travel as a drive for tourism Businesses Recovery ” and aims to focuses on rebuilding Tourism after 2 years of challenging times that  severely hit the Tourism sector by setting a  vision and long-term goals, that will  strengthen the Tourism industry

Photo Competition - 15th- 27th November 2022

Photo competition was created to enable storytellers (local and  international photographers) to showcase Rwanda’s diverse tourism  attractions , beautiful scenery through photography.

This is an opportunity for the  talented photographers to  raise  awareness on Rwanda as a destination through various social media  platforms.

Invited local photographers and creative houses will register on RTW  online platforms, take pictures, and post anything related to nature,  travel, tourism attractions, wildlife, heritage, and culture that will  highlight Rwanda’s wonders. It serves as a motivator for people to  travel to Rwanda.

Fam Trips - 24th - 30th November 2022

Rwanda Tourism Week presents the best  opportunity to explore Rwanda and it’s beautiful  attractions though an exclusive fam trip. The first  hand travel experience that will give you the  highlights of the destination.

The invited participants and international tour  operators will sample packaged Rwanda Tourism  products and learn more about Rwanda in  general in a 4-days package.

Restaurant Week -25th November - 3rd December 2022

Restaurant Week is a promotional culinary event that takes place  during the Tourism week. Dinners have the opportunity to enjoy their  experience at the top restaurant for a discounted and set-price.

In 2021, Rwanda Tourism week celebrated the best fine dining  restaurants by inviting restaurants to offer special rates to visitors  during the week of the event. It attracted a number of people who  turned into loyal clients.

Golf for Conservation - is 27th November 2022

Golf for conservation t was conceived to match the community  elites (Business) with the Investment Forum taking place during  the first 2 days of the Rwanda Tourism week.

Apart from the competition and profit driver at the golf course,  Golf is the best sport for networking experience. It would attract  the delegates from the investment forum to  meet the  community elites to have B2B sessions.

Tourism Business Forum 1st - 2nd December 2022

The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, along with other players in the  Tourism industry, will host the first international business Forum  conference of it’s kind during the Rwanda Tourism Week .

The conference will bring together actors from the tourism  industry, experts and specialists, the leaders of key local and  regional businesses, financial institutions, and organizations in  order to strengthen and speed up the sector’s economic  recovery.

Exhibition - December 1st - 3rd 2022

The exhibition during Rwanda Tourism Week has been a crucial  platform for connecting potential exhibitors across different countries  and categories with prospective customers, resulting in business  connections.

This year’s exhibition will be a three day event that will give invited  exhibitors the opportunity to showcase and spotlight the tourism and  hospitality products along the value chain as well as host traditional  games and other entertaining activities.

The exhibition will attract 200 local, regional and international tourism  and hospitality operators as well as conservation institutions from  around the world.

Fashion Show - 2nd December 2022

On December 2nd, RTW 2022 hosts a live informal fashion show that highlights the innovation of renown local and  regional clothing brands.

The event is organized to empower and inspire women ,  young talented minds working in the creative and fashion  industry to showcase authentic designs and promote the  Rwandan creative industry.

Gala Diner - 3rd December 2022

• 100 Exhibitors • 10+ Countries represented • 50+ buyers from East Africa and the continent • 1,000 trade visitors from the region and the continent • Meeting potential buyers in 3 days • 3,000 attendees with direct influence on purchase

• Conservation agencies • Tourist Activity Providers • Cultural Tourism enterprises • Arts and Crafts suppliers • Travel and Tourism Technology companies

• Transport companies • Tourism sector suppliers • Community based Tourism Enterprises • Car Rentals • Convention Bureau • Professional Conference Organizers • Fashion company • Made in Rwanda tourism products

Stay tuned with our updates

latest in World News

'Positive development': 9-month-old baby whose mom was killed in...

Hamas publishes propaganda video of Israeli-American hostage...

UK police arrest trio over deaths of 5 migrants, including a...

Blood-soaked military horses break free, injure at least 5 people...

Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to...

Russia detains deputy of defense minister Sergei Shoigu for...

Pilot's proposal to flight attendant girlfriend goes viral

Tourist clawed by bear on road after stopping for photo

Uk police arrest trio over deaths of 5 migrants, including a child, in the channel.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

British police said on Wednesday they had arrested three men over the deaths of five migrants including a child who  died  attempting to cross the Channel from France the day before.

The deaths occurred when a small overcrowded boat carrying 112 people set out to cross one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and panic took hold among the passengers not far from the shore.

Rescuers picked up about 50 people, with four taken to hospital, but others stayed on the boat, determined to get to Britain.

Three men, two Sudanese nationals aged 22 and 19, and a South Sudan national aged 22, were detained on Tuesday night on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

“This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them,” said NCA Deputy Director of investigations Craig Turner.

“We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice.”

French police are also continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, alongside their British counterparts, the NCA said.

It added 55 people who were believed to have been on board the boat which arrived in Britain had also been identified.

More than 6,000 people have arrived in Britain this year via small, overloaded boats — usually flimsy inflatable dinghies — that risk being lashed by the waves as they try to reach British shores.

The deadly crossing on Tuesday took place just hours after the British parliament passed a bill paving the way for asylum seekers who arrive in Britain without permission to be deported to Rwanda, a policy which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak argues will deter people from making the dangerous cross-Channel journey.

Share this article:

Advertisement

UK police arrest three over deaths of five people in English Channel

Deaths occurred when a small overcrowded boat carrying 112 people set out to cross the Channel and panic took hold.

British police say they have arrested three men over the deaths of five people including a child who died attempting to cross the English Channel from France.

The deaths occurred when a small overcrowded boat carrying 112 people set out to cross one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and panic took hold among the passengers not far from the shore.

Keep reading

Uk passes bill to deport asylum seekers to rwanda: what’s next, uk’s sunak promises rwanda deportation flights will begin in 10-12 weeks, uk’s rwanda plan ‘fundamentally incompatible’ with rights obligations.

Rescuers picked up about 50 people, with four taken to hospital, but others stayed on the boat, determined to get to Britain.

Three men, two Sudanese nationals aged 22 and 19, and a South Sudan national aged 22, were detained on Tuesday night on suspicion of “facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally”, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

“This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and brings into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them,” said NCA Deputy Director of Investigations Craig Turner.

“We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice.”

French police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, alongside their British counterparts, the NCA said.

It said 55 people who were believed to have been on board the boat that arrived in Britain had also been identified.

More than 6,000 people have arrived in the UK this year via small, overloaded boats – usually flimsy inflatable dinghies – that risk being lashed by the waves as they try to reach British shores.

The deadly crossing on Tuesday took place just hours after Parliament passed a bill paving the way for asylum seekers who arrive in Britain without permission to be deported to Rwanda.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak argues the policy will deter people from making the dangerous cross-Channel journey.

Critics say the plan to deport people to Rwanda rather than handle asylum seekers at home is inhumane, citing concerns about the East African country’s own human rights record and the risk that asylum seekers may be sent back to countries where they would be in danger.

More than 120,000 people – many fleeing wars and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia – have reached the UK since 2018 by crossing the English Channel in small boats on journeys organised by people-smuggling gangs.

Last year, 29,437 asylum seekers made the crossing with one in five of them from Afghanistan, according to the Refugee Council.

World Bank suspends Tanzania tourism fund over abuse allegations

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Editing by Hereward Holland and Gareth Jones

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Brazil Justice says no evidence Bolsonaro sought asylum in Hungarian embassy

Brazilian Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes on Wednesday closed an investigation into whether former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro sought asylum at the Hungarian embassy in February, citing lack of evidence.