What is Rwanda famous for? Reasons to see more of Rwanda than gorillas

While it’s fair to say that Rwanda is most famous for its rare mountain gorillas — with 400 of our primate cousins roaming the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park — this tiny country offers so much more. Think lush landscapes that invite incredible treks, safaris that offer opportunities to see the Big Five, and the chance to uncover art and culture in the Rwanda capital, Kigali. Intrigued? Keep reading for 10 reasons to see more of Rwanda than just the gorillas. You might just be very happily surprised.

Considering visiting Rwanda or the wider East Africa region? Contact our local travel experts.

1. To trek some of the Thousand Hills

Among the fascinating facts about Rwanda we could share, it’s known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" for very good reason, and many of said hills are top places to trek.

For example, Nyungwe Forest has an extensive network of trails covering over 130km that take between two hours to four days for explore

In Volcanoes National Park, head for Mount Bisoke with its beautiful crater lake at the summit, or try the two-day trek of Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak at 4507m. 

2. For kicking the sand on Lake Kivu’s shore

A landlocked country, Rwanda’s answer to a beach comes courtesy of the shores of Lake Kivu. 

The sixth largest lake in Africa, it spans 90km along the border with the Democractic Republic of Congo, with beautiful reflections of hills covered with patchworks of vivid green crops and terracotta-coloured earth. 

The prettiest town on the lake is Karongi, from where boats can take you to Napoleon Island to see the fruit bats or head to Rubavu for water sports and cool beach bars.

3. To uncover culture in Rwanda's capital, Kigali

Rwanda’s capital Kigali is almost squeaky clean with shiny shopping malls, trendy coffee shops and gleaming office blocks.

Our top tip is to take a tour of Nyamirambo — the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhood — with a representative from the local Women’s Centre. 

You'll get a local perspective on markets, shops and food, while supporting the centre’s work in education and empowerment.

All of which add up to there being plenty of reasons to visit Kigali.

4. To be inspired by the country’s renewal

Aside from gorillas, Rwanda is most famous for the horrific genocide that devastated the country in 1994, when almost a million people, mostly Tutsis, were murdered by the Hutu majority. 

Today, there is little ethnic division: everyone is Rwandan, and the grace and fortitude of the people in moving on from this tragedy is astounding. 

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital to understand the history behind the horror — it’s a surprisingly peaceful haven with sweet-scented rose gardens representing unity and reconciliation.

5. To sway on East Africa’s highest canopy walk

The fabulously-named Igishigishigi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park features the Uwinka Overlook, a stomach-churning suspension bridge that sways 50m high above the rainforest. 

Look down if you dare and you’ll see nothing but trees panning out like gigantic broccoli florets and fantastical ferns after which the trail is named. 

All you can hear is birdsong, distant waterfalls and the occasional monkey squealing in the forest below.

6. For a taste of (vegetarian) dodo

Rwanda’s traditional cuisine is fairly unadventurous. Meat (particularly goat) is usually served as brochettes, fish is often sardines or small tilapia and the staple food is ugali, a porridge-like paste made of cassava flour. 

But vegetarians are in for a treat: try matoke (fried green bananas), ibihaza (boiled pumpkin with beans), roasted sweet potatoes, veggie stews and dodo, a garlicky spinach-like dish with plenty of groundnuts and chillies.

7. To spot the Big Five on safari

While Rwanda is most famous for its gorillas, its once depleted wildlife is now thriving, with elephants, buffalo, giraffe and plenty of antelope easily be seen in Akagera, which has been managed by conservation organisation African Parks since 2010.

While lions (relocated here in 2015) and leopards are more elusive, rhinos will soon be introduced, making the 1120 square kilometre reserve a Big Five destination. 

One of Africa’s prettiest national parks, Akagera merits a visit regardless of its wildlife, with lakes and papyrus swamps, vast savannah plains and undulating highlands in shades of green and gold.

So, the next time the “what is Rwanda famous for”? question arises, you know better than to simply say gorillas!

8. For mesmerising monkey mania

Rwanda is primate paradise. For example, a staggering 13 species live in Nyungwe Forest alone, including the grey-cheeked mangabey and colobus monkeys that look like ageing hippies with long white manes and beards.

Meanwhle, you can catch chimpanzees leaving their nests in Cyamudongo Forest. 

Cutest of all are the playful golden monkeys, with reddish-gold coats and gorgeous expressive faces, that cavort around the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.

9. For some fabulous Intore dancing

Rwanda’s traditional dance is exhilarating. Historically performed for the Rwandan mwami (kings), they tell the story of warriors returning successfully from battle. 

The ground positively thumps with passion and energy as groups of dancers jump to drumbeats and singing. 

While women look demure in traditional colourful dresses, men wear headdresses of long white grasses that swirl frenetically as they toss their heads. 

Check out the King’s Palace Museum at Nyanza or the SACOLA Cultural Centre in Kinigi for some great performances.

10. To get on your bike with Team Rwanda

Keen cyclists will love this rare opportunity to ride with members of Rwanda’s national team.

 Using top-of-the-range race or mountain bikes, they’ll take you on a half-day training ride from their base in Musanze, teaching techniques and trying different terrains along the way. 

You can even have a guided multi-day tour with a team member. But you’ll need to be fit – don't forget that Rwanda is known as The Land of a Thousand Hills for good reason…

Rwanda travel tips

If you’re inspired to visit Rwanda after discovering reasons to see more of the country than just the gorillas, read on for some practical travel tips.

How to get to Rwanda

Traveling from the US? While there are no direct flights form the US to Kigali International Airport, major airlines like KLM, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer connections through European or Middle Eastern hubs, including Amsterdam, Brussels and Doha.

The average total travel time ranges from 16–20 hours, depending on connections.

If you’re coming from the UK, direct flights are available from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali via RwandAir. The flight takes 8–9 hours. 

Where to stay

While most folks head into Kigali to join special pre—arranged tours to see (you’ve guessed it!) the gorillas, consider spending longer in the capital at the start or end of your trip.

Where to stay in Kigali

If if you’re looking for an upscale stay, check out Kigali Serena Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven for style andscomfort in central locations.

On a budget? Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel is a great choice for backpackers.

If you are going it alone — and booking your own accommodation rather than having it arranged through a pre-booked trip or tour — here are some places to stay near notable national parks.

Where to stay near Rwanda’s national parks

• Volcanoes National Park: Bisate Lodge (luxury) or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (mid-range).
• Akagera National Park: Magashi Camp (luxury) or Akagera Game Lodge (mid-range).
• Nyungwe Forest National Park: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury) or Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range).

How to get around Rwanda

Good news — Rwanda has well-maintained roads and reliable transport options, with private car hire ideal for exploring national parks and rural areas. 

A word of warning, though — you’ll want to map out all your routes carefully and keep an eye on the weather.

Better still, to maximise your experience, you might be better off booking trips and transfers through a reputable local tour operator, most of which offer guided safaris and customised trips.

Note that public transport is limited in Rwanda. While minibuses connect towns, they’re less convenient for tourists. That said, you can hop in a moto-taxi for short trips in and around Kigali.

Best time to visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, with June to September being the best months to visit for gorilla trekking and wildlife spotting.

December to February is also a good period for hiking and general travel.

We advise avoiding the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November), when trekking trails can be muddy and conditions are very trick for spotting wildlife.

Decided to visit Rwanda or the wider region? Contact our local travel experts to have them curate your ideal trip.

You might also want to browse our customisable Kenya itineraries, and wise up on when to visit.