KIGALI HUB

The green city of Kigali, built on Mt Kigali, is the largest city in Rwanda, known for its clean andsafe environment.

It was chosen over the established cultural city of Butare as the capital in 1962 when Rwanda gained

its independence from Belgium. Kigali has grown very quickly and is now the major political centre of Rwanda as well as the economic and transport hub of the country. Situated centrally within the country it provides a convenient gateway to the country by road or air.

Mt Kigali has an elevation of an impressive 1 850m, the highest in the area, the surrounding mountainsaveraging just 1 600m.

The commercial centre of the city is on Nyarugende Hill, while the Government and administrative centre is further east on Kacyiru Hill. Kigali offers a healthy concentration of hotels and conference facilities, look out for the new conference centre.

Thanks to its altitude, Kigali enjoys a moderate climate, despite its tropical location.

It is also known to be one of the safest and cleanest African capitals.

Centrally located within Rwanda, the Kigali Hub is a convenient location from which to access all tourism sites and provinces.

Getting around

To explore the city’s main attractions take the Karibu Rwanda Kigali City Tour which makes use of the City Guided Bus Toursand organized through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thistour includes stops at places of interest such as TheMuseum of Natural History, Nyamirambo, CaplakiHandicrafts Co-operative, Gisozi Genocide Memorialand the Heroes’ Cemetery, the Parliament Buildingand Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.

The fastest and most popular way to get around town are the thrilling Motorcycle taxis, also known as ‘moto-taxis’. It can be a little scary balanced on the back of a motorcycle, but the undeniable advantage is being able to manoeuvre more easily through traffic. Avoid mototaxis without valid permits. Riders with permits are easily recognised by the numbers on their green helmets and jackets. They are registered as transport providers.

Also note that wearing a helmet is compulsory and are provided as part of the service. ‘Special hire' or 'taxi voiture' allow you more privacy to see the city at your own pace. They are usually white with an orange stripe down the side. Prior negotiation of taxi fares is always advisable.

Matatus (minibuses), provide transport along all major routes and are the cheapest way to get around the city.

Minibuses wait to fill up before leaving from the terminus, then pick up and drop off frequently en route so they are probably not the best option if you are in a hurry to get somewhere.

Handicrafts and Shopping

A wide range of handicrafts are produced in rural Rwanda, ranging from ceramics and basketry to traditional woodcarvings and contemporary paintings. Rwanda’s traditional Agaseke baskets have become famous around the world. You will find a good selection of painted and handcrafted artefacts in craft villages, shops and art galleries around Kigali.

Rwanda Nziza was created to allow artists to access the local market and give them direct exposure on the tourist market. Also known as The Rwandan Fair Trade Artist’s Association, the RFTAA offers a variety of high quality products that are 100% Rwandan. The artisans, from all over Rwanda, have direct access to the customer and earn 100% of the profits. On arrival at the store, you will hear local music, and enjoy complimentary coffee and a relaxed retail experience.

Every product comes with a member biography as well as a description of the product and its cultural significance.

Ivuka Arts Kigali is a group of established artists trying to introduce Rwandan contemporary art to the International scene by discovering and nurturing young talent.

RwaMakondera (Rwandan Horns) Children’s Dance Troupe is a programme integrated in Ivuka Art Kigali. The troupe aims to empower disadvantaged children by teaching them Rwandan traditional dances and performing for International audiences.

Caplaki Handicrafts Co-operative, situated near the CercleSportif, was created as a result of the relocation of street shops that had to move away from the city centre.

Some of these craftsmen were granted a piece of land by the Kigali City Council near the Gikondo/Nyenyeri minibus-taxi route and before long some 30 stalls emerged. Other excellent places to view and purchase traditional and modern art work in Kigali are CAPLAKI Craft Village, Inganzo Gallery, African Gift Corner, ATRAC Craft Village and Uburanga Art Studio.

You will find other souvenirs at shops like Africa Gift Corner and Mode Savane. More artists, exhibitions and music performances can be found at places like Bushayija and Inganzo Art Galleries, Shokola and Laico Umubano Hotel.

As for shopping, try to visit the area covered by Boulevard de la Revolution, Avenue des Milles Collines, Rue de l’Epargne and Avenue du Commerce. If you are looking foran African Market then your best bets will be the Kimironkomarket, the Gakinjiro market or the Nyabugogo market. Thelast is the largest market in Rwanda.

And if you are looking for a mall experience, head for the biggest mall in Kigali: the Union Trade Centre, situated at the eastern side of Boulevard de la Revolution. Also referred as the Nakumatt Centre, it offers a wide range of imported goods, bakeries, coffee shops and banks.

Gahaya Links Gifted Hands was founded in 2004 by Joy Ndunguste and Janet Nkubana. This company was the first traditional handicrafts export company. It was initially started in the remote village of Gitarama where the sisters recruited about 20 women and taught them to weave or improve their skills with new techniques. Today the company manages a network of over 4 000 weavers across the country. Their

belief is that women’s economic empowerment provides the foundation for achieving sustainable peace and development in Rwanda.

Entertainment

The city centre offers a variety places to get something to eat or drink. There are a few spots in Kigali where it is possible to dance the night away.

Enjoy live entertainment and salsa dancing at Pasadena, VIP, the Intercontinental or the Milles Collines, or put on your dancing shoes and head for New Cadillac or Planet, which are vibey places to spend a Friday or Saturday night.

In Nyarutarama you will find the very chic B-Club. If you don’t fancy dancing, but you still want to go out for a drink in the evening, head to Karibu near the city centre or to Papyrus Lounge.

Grab a cup of coffee or a meal (ikawaccino) at Bourbon Café, the trendy coffee shop at the Union Trade Centre and the MTN Centre. With 8 million coffee trees in Rwanda, coffee is something of an institution

in Rwanda. Arabica coffee specifically Maraba is one of Rwanda biggest exports.

Rwanda Bourbon Coffee is even used by international franchise Starbucks. There are many other coffee types in town.

Historical sites

Camp Kigali commemorates the massacre of 10 Belgian UN Blue Berets on the first day of the genocide in 1994. Today, the camp hosts a small museum and a memorial which displays one stone pillar for each soldier with their age marked as a line.

The former State House of President Juvenal Havyarimana’s regime is one of the new museums inKigali. About 4km from Kanombe Airport. It gives visitorsa chance to visit the former state house as well as get anoverview of Rwanda’s history.

The National History Museum, also known as ‘Kandt House’, is dedicated to Richard Kandt a German doctor and explorer who embarked on an exploration of Rwanda in 1897, searching for the source of the Nile. The museum aims to explain the interdependency between living beings and their environment. The idea being that it is only through the knowledge of the environment we live in that our behaviour will change. This museum showcases his work and many natural wonders of the country.

Librarie Ikirezi is the first public library in Rwanda and aims to become the ‘sanctuary for knowledge and a forum for the free exchange of ideas’. It also houses the largest selection of books written on the Rwandan genocide.

Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials are the scenes of some of the most brutal massacres in Rwanda. Both are located about 30km south of Kigali, in the Bugasera region, but are easily reachable by a newly paved road. These churches and their contents are a reminder of the violence that took place during Rwanda's 1994 genocide.

The Gisozi / Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was inaugurated in April 2004, for the 10th anniversary of the beginning of Rwanda’s Genocide. The centre in Kigali was created by a joint partnership between the Kigali city council and the Aegis Trust, an UK based genocide prevention organization. The Centre presents three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. There is also a children's memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Centre is built on a site where over 250 000 people are buried.

Remera Heroes’ Cemetery is another site connected to the genocide in Rwanda. Three particularly noteworthy graves populate this cemetery on Kimironko Road, past the Amahoro Stadium. The first is the grave of the cofounder and leader of the RPF, Fred Gisa Rwigyema, who was killed on 2 October 1990 trying to invade Rwanda. The second grave is that of Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Prime Minister at the time, assassinated on 7 April 1994. The third is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which stands as a memorial to all the victims of the genocide.

Nyanza Genocide Memorial commemorates the killing of 10 000 Rwandans that took place at the Ecole Technique Officielle. The museum documents the massacre and emphasizes the desertion of the international community.

Activities

Enjoy bird watching at Nyarutarama Lake. Nyarutarama is an affluent area. "Lover's Lake" in the "Nyarutarama" valley, at the border of Kigali Golf Course, is most attractive. The lake is surrounded by a track which offers excellent nature walks and bird watching opportunities.

The Nyabarongo Wetlands have remained untouched by tourism, but also offer walking paths and good bird watching. This protected area covers 142.62km2 with two lakes – Lake Mirayi and Lake Rumira.

Practice your swing at Nyarutarama Golf Course; this challenging course offers an invigorating golf experience over a topographically rich landscape. Book an afternoon of pampering at one of the five spa’s

the city has to offer. Cool down or go for a swim at the Mille Collines Hotel. This famous hotel was a refugee centre during the genocide and also the setting for the famous novel ‘Undimanche à la piscine à Kigali’, by Quebecer Gil Courtemanche, and its movie adaptation, Hotel Rwanda.

Go mountain biking in or out of town. The fine road network, of dirt track around the city with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for bicycle trips. shops to be found in the city centre, like Cafe Torero, where

they also have arts performances, or La Galette and Blues. If you are looking proper restaurants, then head to Serena et Milles Collines Hotels in the city centre, Heaven Restaurant, or Republika Lounge on the outskirts of the city in the leafy suburb of Kiyovu.

You can discover everyday life in the Muslim quarter of Nyamirambo. Habari Travels, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. offers the “This is AfricaExperience” in the bustling commercial area. The experiencewill introduce you to the vibrant culture of the city’s mostmulti-cultural suburb and plunge you right into the heart ofthe sights, sounds and smells of urban Rwanda. In associationwith the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre (NWC), you will beguided through their home area. Among others, you willexperience the Muslim quarterwith its Arab influences, themarket, the hair salons, therecording studio with its local

rap music, the butcher, the health centre and the primary school. Your hosts will also invite you to one of their homes, where you will learn how to cook a Rwandan meal.

You can book this tour through 

Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watsapp +256.772.788.426

Rwanda
The land of a thousand hills, with it’s endless expansive lush mountains and diverse natural beauty lies within the Great Lakes region of Central Africaand boasts a moderate climate.
Mountains dominate the centre and west of the country, while the east consists of savanna, plains, and swamps.
Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Despite being landlocked and one of Africa’s smallest countries, 26,338 square kilometres, Rwanda has an incredible treasure trove of biodiversity that requires protection. The Albertine Rift Eco-zone (ARE), a region that stretches across six countries with Rwanda as its epicentre, is of particular importance as it has an exceptional level of species endemism. Scientists regard it as having the highest levels of biodiversity on the continent.

Rwandan Culture
Rwanda has a rich culturewith diverse fine crafts and strong traditions. There are good shopping opportunities to be had in local markets, craft shops and craft co-ops, in and around Kigali in particular, but throughout the country too.
Look out for Rwanda’s traditional Agaseke baskets which have become famous around the world. The Imigongo handcrafted paintings and the pottery projects.
Cultural Tourism initiatives are high on the agenda and being developed throughout the country, these promote community based tourism and afford you the opportunity to benefit a community of people while experiencing the culture and the country. Some of these include, tea, coffee and (beer) sorghum production visits in the local
communities, fishing and boating projects, tours with traditional herbalists and visits to local villages where one can earn to cook traditional meals.
There is even a reconciliation village worth visitng where one can hear the testimonies of genocide survivors and collaborators.

The Intore dance or ‘Ballet of Rwanda’ and has grown in popularity and is an attraction for travellers. Splendidly adorned intore dancers, with spears in hand dance
rhythmically from side to side to the sound of ‘Ingoma’ drums, in celebration. Be sure to visit National Museum in Huye to see these dancers and Africa’s greatest ethnological collection.

International Award winning:
Coffee Rwanda developed a strategy of targeting production of high-quality coffee and is making premium coffee-growing a national priority. It is now achieving international recognition as a producer of some of the world’s best coffee. Rwanda’s coffee is winning international competitions and commands some of the world’s highest prices. It is sought after by Starbucks, Green Mountain Coffee, Intelligentsia, and Counter Culture Coffee.
Blessed with ideallic coffee-growing conditions: the high altitude, rich volcanic soil, sunny days and equatorial mist, the coffees are deliciously sweet, bright with clean citric characteristics, or plush and full of chocolate, malt and berry like flavors. Rwanda has fast become the source of some of the finest coffees in East Africa.

Tea
As in the case of coffee, Rwanda produces one of the best quality teas in the world.The land is perfectly fertile to grow tea, especially along the Congo-Nile crest, from the northwest to the southwest of the country. The altitude allows for the production of first quality tea. Due to the high-elevated grounds where the tea grows, its strength, bright color, brisk flavor and consistency in manufacturing, Rwanda tea is renowned all over the world as a superior tea. These healthy growing conditions, make
Rwanda’s Tea unique and consistent quality. Due to the high quality, much of the tea is exported.
There are a number of Tea Route and Coffee Route experiences in the North and Western Provinces. These tours explore over several growing and production processes from the plantations, picking washing, selection, drying, and so on, up till drinking your own tea and coffee. These tours are community based projects and benefit the communities.
In memory The 1994 Rwandan Genocide saw the mass murder of an estimated 800,000 people over the course of approximately 100 days. An estimate of as much as 20% of the country's total population was murdered as a result of the longstanding ethnic tension and competition between the minority Tutsi, who had controlled power for centuries, and the majority Hutu peoples, who had come to power in the rebellion of 1959–1962 and overthrown the Tutsi monarchy.
The memorials found throughout the country and testimonies are deeply moving accounts standing in memory of the 1994 Genocide, the brutality and lost lives of friends and families. Today, the people of Rwanda embrace peace and reconciliation.

The nature lover will be impressed by the variety and the rarity of what can be observed visiting Rwanda, but there’s more to Rwanda than protected mountain gorillas and Albertine endemics. The shores of Lake Kivu boast some of the best inland beaches in Africa and offer an opportunity to explore the many small islands of Lake Kivu.
Kigali, the capital and conference hub of East Africa, forms a central stepping stone to various destinations within the country and Central and East Africa. The city is green, vibrant, safe and brews superb homegrown tea and coffee.

Although Rwanda is all too often associated with the 1994 Genocide that resulted in the mass murder of as much as 20% of the country's total population, the country is taking giant strides towards cultural recovery and investment in the future. Nyungwe Forest National Park Deep in the southwest within the Albertine Rift Area is the Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to the region’s largest and oldest remaining patches of mountain rainforest and a number of eco-systems from rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bog habitats.
It protects one of the region’s largest and oldest remaining patches of montane rainforest and is home to 310 species of birds. This park is the most important ornithological site in Rwanda. It is increasingly being sought out for the incredible birding opportunities, particularly the numerous Albertine Rift endemics; the highest
concentration found in any single park in Africa.
There are more than 240 tree species, more than 140 colourful orchids, 1050 plant types, such as the giant lobelia. Of these plants 250 are Albertine Rift Endemics.
Mount Bigugu is the highest mountain in the park, reaching an altitude of 2950m. Also within the park, is the most remote source of the Nile.
There are 13 primate species, a number of mammals and a large variety of other species within the park, comprising of hundreds of butterflies, a small number of
snake species, due to the altitude but several colourful lizards and five species of chameleon. There is much to be seen and experienced on a number of magnificent
hikes offered in the park.

Volcanoes National Park
To the north lies the Volcanoes National Park, which protects the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Mountains, a Transforntier Conservation Area that includes protected
areas in Uganda and the DRC and forms a complex of mostly dormant volcanoes, it includes Rwanda’s highest point, Mount Karisimbi (4 507m), and the two active
volcanoes, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira.
This National park boasts almost 100 bird species but is more famous for being home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Although visited
predominantly for the mountain gorillas, there are several other tourism sites and opportunities in the park and surrounding area. Theres a chance to climb to the Mount
Bisoke’s beautiful crater lake or even the hike to the summit of the Kinyarwanda mountain, the fifth highest mountain of Africa.

The often neglected twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and the nearby Rugezi swamp are recognised for their excellent waterbirding opportunities. Within the area there
are a number of community based tourism tours on offer, for example: visiting villages, agri-production plants, an ethno botony tour or even a group of local fisherman
using traditional methods, or simply sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery of the area.

Akagera National Park
This is Rwanda’s Big 5 game park, it’s located on the north-eastern edge of Rwanda borders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera River, hence the name Akagera.
The National Park was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in three habitats: savannah, mountain and swamp. Akagera is establishing itself as home to the Big 5 and a number of big Game. It is recognised as one of the best spots for bird-watching in Rwanda. The diverse habitats of the park encourage a wide variety of bird species to the area. Akagera is indisputably the best place in Rwanda to find savannah birds and raptors. It is also very well stocked with water-birds and one of the few places where the less common birds living amongst the papyrus swamps can be spotted. Akagera and Nyungwe Forest National Parks are complementary in terms of bird life and there isn’t any species breeding in Rwanda that can’t be spotted in either of these sites.

Lake Muhazi, is being developed as a ‘close to Kigali City’ water-resort. The soon to be built Lake Muhazi Golf & Country Resort will become Central Africa’s first 18-hole golf course on an 80 ha stand, less than an hours drive from Kigali.
Agaseke Project, the "peace basket" In the Rwandan tradition, it's a sign of love and respect to give someone a ‘peace basket’. Peace baskets are used to store
treasures like jewelry, food stuffs such as grains and cereals. Girls normally take at least six peace baskets to the husbands home when they are married filled with treasures and food stuffs.
The other significance of a peace basket is that, after the genocide in Rwanda, many women who were not well educated found it difficult to find jobs and they depended largely on their husbands income which fueled conflicts in their home until women started to make peace baskets which were sold through different associations and cooperatives, this allowed them to earn a living while contributing to the welfare of their homes. Statistics indicate that, lots of men were at peace with their wives after they realized how much they were contributing to the family needs thus creating peace in homes and families.
Also, a reconciling aspect of the baskets is that the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa women sit side by side to weave these “peace baskets”.

Rwanda is truly a country with something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of the many things to do in Rwanda;
1. Visit Rwanda’s famous primates in Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park including Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Colobus
Monkeys, and Baboons to name a few
2. Go mountain climbing at Volcanoes National Park—don’t miss the 5th highest mountain in Africa—or mountain biking over Rwanda’s thousand hills
3. Travel back in time at the King’s Place, Nyanza
4. Enjoy a full traditional Rwandan experience including dancing, traditional crafts, archery, traditional healers, food and a taste of Rwanda’s local brew at Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village in Musanze in Rwanda’s Northern Province.
5. Visit Rwanda’s Genocide Memorial Sites: Kigali Memorial Site; Murambi Memorial Site; Nyanza Kicukiro Memorial Site; and Ntarama Memorial Site.
6. Visit Rwanda’s largest lake, Lake Kivu and its many islands and beach resort towns Rubavu and Karongi
7. Enjoy fish dishes and a relaxing day at Lake Muhazi around 60km from Kigali
8. Tour Kigali on the Kigali City Tour Bus and learn all there is to know about Rwanda’s capital city
9. Explore Nyungwe National Park’s amazing waterfalls or orchids and butterflies.
10. Join birding safari tour to experience the diversity of Rwanda’s birdlife and visit several of Rwanda’s (IBA’s)
Important Birding areas; Nyabalongo Wetlands, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akanyaru Wetlands, Rugezi Marsh, Volcanoes National Park and
Cyamundongo Forest.
11. Go shopping for Rwandan crafts at one of the many local markets or Cooperatives throughout the country.
12. Explore on of 52 surveyed caves in Rwanda. Formed from Cenozoic volcanic rock.
13. Go canoeing, kayaking, and wind surfing on Lake Kivu.

Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watsapp +256.772.788.426

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe National Park. Chimp trekking Nyungwe. Track Chimps Nyungwe Forest.

Nyungwe Forest is located in South Western Rwanda only 225 kms from Kigali a comfortable 4.5hrs drive on mostly smooth tarred roads. Nyungwe Forest is a gem in Rwanda's tourism strategy and is only 2nd in terms of tourism revenue streams after Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking expeditions take place. Nyungwe Forest is home to many primates and birds species as well as rare flora and fauna. At a whopping coverage area of 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe Forest is inarguably Africa's largest protected montane rainforest. Nyungwe Forest is perhaps one of Africa's oldest forest and has existed for thousands of years.

Nyungwe Rainforest is habitat to a very wide variety of animals, plants and eco-systems. The forest is a greater part of Africa's great rift valley and lies in the Albertine Rift a mountaineous part of East Africa which hosts more rare birds, animals, flora and fauna than any other parts of Africa. Over 1000 endemic bird species which represents over 50% of all of Africa's bird species have been recorded in the Albertine Rift. Nyungwe Forest happens to be habitat to the highest number of these endemic species more than any other location in Africa.

Nyungwe Forest with about 280 bird species, 25 of which are endemic is considered an Important Birding Area (IBA). Nyungwe Forest is thus considered as a top birding destination on the continent.

Above all Nyungwe Forest is home to the world's largest concentration and population of chimpanzees, plus white Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, black Angola monkeys and other primates including the L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Primates Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primates species These include the L’Hoest’s Albertine Rift Monkeys/ Sun-tailed Gabon Monkeys / Preuss’ Cameroon Monkeys . In all probability the 3 monkey species we one species that lived in a seamless larger forest pre ice -age. Over time the forest split into fragments and each monkey adapted to its own forest.

Chimpanzees are the only ape in Nyungwe, and well over 500 chimps can be found here. When you go chimp tracking in Nyungwe the tracking guides are experienced to locate their whereabouts on any given day. They can however be quite elusive on some days and you may spend a fair amount of time in forest trekking the chimps.

L’Hoest’s Mountain Monkey; Nyungwe Forest is one of the few places in the world where this rare monkey species can still be found. One doesn't need to go far in the forest to see the L'Hoest Monkeys as they are usually by the roadside on the main road near Uwinka visitor centre.

Owl-faced Monkey. This elusive monkey species is rarely seen even in Nyungwe Forest. The rare Owl-faced monkey ranges between central Congo, Eastern DRC, Rwanda and Burundi.

Angolan Colobus Monkeys Also sometime referred to as the Colobus Ruwenzori Monkeys can also be found in Nyungwe which is the only forest in Africa where these monkeys form large groupings of over 350 in numbers.

Mona Monkeys Although often found in groups with other Monas. In Nyungwe Forest, Mona Monkeys are usually spotted mixing with colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, or the rare mangabeys.

Blue Monkey . The blue monkeys are tree-dwelling monkey species which can be seen near to Uwinka. Other monkey primate species which have been spotted in Nyungwe forest include, Red-tailed Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, Eastern Needle-ClawedMonkeys, Greater Bushbaby monkeys,Dwarf Galagos and Olive Baboons.

In addition to Nyungwe Forest being host to a number of primates, a variety of hiking and walking trails have been established in the forest with trails that lead to a canopy walk, guided primate tracking walks, the source of the Nile and other ecotourism visitor attractions. Nyungwe Park also hosts a number of flora and fauna plus a wide variety of orchids, butterflies, moths and other insects.

For budget visitors to Nyungwe Forest, a number of camp sites have been set up close to Uwinka visitor centre in addition to a number of cultural tourist activities on the peripherals and boundaries of the forest.

Friends of Nyungwe Cultural Village – The Friends of Nyungwe Cultural Village is a new community-based ecotourism project that was set-up at Kitabi at the eastern entrance of Nyungwe Park. The cultural village with a King’s palace, has a campsite, a restaurant, arranges tea tours around the site, and Intore traditional dance performances.

Banda Cultural Village. The Banda community village is located about a 2.5hrs walk from the Uwinka Visitor Center or a 40 minute drive . The cultural village is tucked away on the borders of Nyungwe National Park. The location of the Banda community village is in a section of Nyungwe which is renowned for hosting the Mayebe group of chimps which is the largest habituated Chimp group . This is possible because for about 3 months a year there is abundant fig trees in the area which act as magnet for the chimps to feed on . Banda cultural village hosts a traditional home and King’s Palace plus a campsite with about 8 tents , a canteen that serves drinks and snacks.

Lake Kivu the 5th biggest lake in the world. There is currently efforts ongoing for commercial prospecting of natural gas in Lake Kivu with the potential to generate enough electricity to met Rwanda;s energy needs many many years to come! Mount Bigugu The highest point in Nyungwe forest rises to well over 2950m.

Nyungwe Forest water catchment area

Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s primary water catchment, hosting at least 67% of all of Rwanda's waters. Nyungwe Forest National Park receives annual rainfall of greater than 2000 mm which contributed to Nyungwe's records as the source of some of Africa’s great rivers. Rain that falls on the east side of Nyungwe feeds the Nile and on the west feeds into the great Congo River.

Activities In and around the Park

RDB have focused on Nyungwe National Park becoming a top tourism destination after Volcanoes National Park. The forest has developed hiking trails for bird watching, chimp tracking, monkey trekking orchid viewing and community ecotourism in cultural villages . Camping is also possible at a few sites in the Park. Nyungwe Forest also has the only canopy walk in East Africa. The forest hanging canopy allows visitors to Nyungwe to view different animal and birds species in Nyungwe Forest. The canopy is 50 meters above ground level and 90 meters long. Canopy walk visitors are able to view butterflies, birds and blue monkeys that dwell in the upper levels of the forest. Nyungwe forest is home to 13 endangered primate species, the world's largest ever recorded troop of black/white colobus monkeys, and nearly 300 species of birds and 154 types of orchids.

Nyungwe Hiking Trails

Nyungwe offers 13 hiking trails. Some of the trails start near the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The trails range from easy to difficult and from 1.7 kms to 10.6 kms in length.

Nyungwe Primates Tracking

13 species of primates are known to call Nyungwe Forest home, including chimpanzees, owl-faced guenons and Angolan black and white colobus monkeys.

Nyungwe Bird Watching

Nyungwe is home to at least 278 bird species, 26 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. It is one of the best bird watching locations in Africa.  Some of the birds that can be seen here include the Great Blu Turaco, the Crowned Hornbill and the Blue-Headed Sunbird.

Nyungwe Orchid Viewing

Nyungwe is home to 154 species of orchids, 8 of which are endemic to Rwanda. The Park hosts 68% of the orchid flora of Rwanda.

Community based Ecotourism

Getting to Nyungwe from Kigali:

Nyungwe National Park is approximately 225KM, from Kigali, a comfortable 4.5hrs drive. The road up to Butare is good tarmac road but with sharp winding turns. It is advisable to best do the trip and drive and drive in daylight and needless to say when very sober!!
Leave Kigali and head south west of Rwanda to Muhanga. After Muhanga turn southwards to Nyanza, which leads into Butare. From Butare head west to Nyamagabe which is very near to Nyungwe National Park entrance.
There are a number of interesting historical and cultural attractions to visit enroute to Nyungwe . These include Nyanza King’s palace at Nyabisindi. The King’s palace is an insightful piece into the royals of Rwanda Kingdom,. Also located in Butare are, the National Museum, intore dancers, crafts shops, the arboretum, the Cathedral plus Gikongoro’s Genocide Memorial site.

To make an accommodation booking at Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, to purchase chimp permits or 4x4 private car hire(self drive or with driver) and for any further enquiries, please contact us;

Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watsapp +256.772.788.426

Volcanoes National Park.Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Virunga Volcanoes Park Rwanda, Mountain gorilla treks Volcanoes National Park PNV Rwanda. Trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda's PNV.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is located in the  North Western corner of Rwanda. The park is home to the rage endangered mountain gorillas and forms the northern border of Rwanda with Uganda and DRC.  Volcanoes National Park is made up of the majestic Virunga mountains which are found in Rwanda's Northern province. The Volcanoes make up over 125 square kilometres of mountain rainforest and are home to now well over 10 habituated mountain gorilla families which are available for tracking by tourists and local Rwandans. In addition to hosting the rare mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to the golden monkeys, and a wide array of rainforest ecosystems which are habitat to swamps, bamboo forests and lots of other flora and fauna.

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park  gazetted first in 1925, as a protected area bordering  Karisimbi volcano, Bisoke  volcano and Mikeno Volcanoes. At the time the motive was  protection of the rare mountain gorillas from poachers.  Volcanoes National Park is the first National in the whole of Africa.

There is a number of tourism activities that can be embarked on, including Gorilla trekking the major reason why most visitors come here, golden monkeys tracking, spotting of  elusive buffalos and elephants, bird watching, forest walks, Musanze caves excursions, volcanoes hikes, guided walks, sport fishing  and boat rides on  the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo as well excellent birding opportunities in the mountain rainforest. Visitors are also able to visit mountain gorilla conservation projects and projects aimed at involving locals of the Volcanoes National Park in community tourism projects, including visits to Iby'iwacu cultural village, local schools like Mwiko Primary School, and local markets in Musanze which sell and promote handcrafts.

Musanze also sometimes referred to as Ruhengeri is a bustling town that is located on the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. Visitors who travel from Kigali by bus, will disembark here, and then proceed to Kinigi at the park headquarters either by private taxi or by motorycles or bodabodas. Self drive and with driver 4x4 car hire can be arranged by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Recently November 2013, the Musanze Caves were officially opened for tourism by RDB. Visitors to Musanze and tourists alike are able to explore these deep historical caves network. Why not combine a gorilla trekking visit to Volcanoes Park with a Musanze caves discovery tour? Musanze town is within proximity of the rarely mentioned and rarely visited beautiful lakes of Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. The lakes can be visited as part of a day tour or after tracking the mountain gorillas. Musanze town has a number of hotels and lodges that offer very decent accommodation. These include, LaPalme Hotel, Muhabura Hotel, Virunga Hotel, Ishema Hotel and other guest houses options that are functional and extremely good value for money.

The volcanoes that form the majestic Virunga Mountains chain are dormant volcanoes, with the exception of  Mountain Nyiragongo and Mountain Nyamuragira which are located on the Virunga side of  the DRC. Of the Virunga Mountains ranges chain, the highest volcano is Mount Karisimbi which is 4507m, high . The oldest volcano  of them all is Mountain Sabyinyo which is an imposing 3634m. Mountains Bisoke, Mgahinga, Mikeno and Muhabura volcanoes are the  ones that  make up the Virunga Volcanoes mountain chain within  Volcanoes National park, PNV Rwanda. In addition Volcanoes National Park is home to  a crater lake, Lake Ngezi on Mountain Bisoke. 

Dian Fossey dedicated most of her adult life to the conservation and preservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey was buried at Karisoke research centre which was appropriately named after her. The forest trek trail leading to her tomb and Karisoke Research Center is a rewarding and yet challenging 1 hour 45 minute hike up steep slopes where orchids, birdlife and even occasional mountain gorillas can be seen.  The Dian Fossey trek can be combined with a gorilla trekking expedition when you choose to visit the gorillas in Rwanda.

Other often overlooked but equally impressive visitor attracts in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda include; Lake Karago, a beautiful lake located between Rubavu and Musanze areas of Rwanda.Lake Nyarakigugu : A beautiful lake with good fishing and birding opportunities.

The Rugezi Swamp is composed of old rocks and forms a part of the Buberuka Highlands.
The Rugezi hill Swamp is recognized as one of Rwanda's Important Birding Areas (IBA's). The other IBA in the area is the Volcanoes National Park. The swamp is home to a number of  highly sought after birds species  one of these being Grauer's Swamp-warbler which can be seen here.

Buhanga Eco-Park is a small forest situated 8km outside Musanze. The eco-park  offers opportunities for guided nature walks,  escorted cycling routes and camping facilities. The forest is dominated by magnificent dragon trees and is home to a number of rare birds species. Avid birders will love visiting the park..

For volcano adventure hike enthusiasts, the much sought after volcano for hiking is Karisimbi mountain . Karisimbi derives its name from a Kinyarwanda  word which is literally translated as  "white  shell". Karisimbi volcano usually has a white-capped summit which is often viewed from a distance . Climbing Mt Karisimbi is  a challenging 2 day hike. The hike starts very  early in the morning and takes 6 hours. You will climb further via the Bisoke side, before reaching the 1st hike stop-over which is  at an altitude of 3700 m for overnight camping.

Permits for Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees & Angolan  Colobus Monkeys, Birding, Game drives, Nature walks, and more are all  available through the RDB's Reservation Office, BUT
Bookings can be made through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ACTIVITIES TARIFF; VOLCANOES  NATIONAL PARK

Mountain gorillas; US$1,500 for 1 day / pp

Golden Monkeys; US$100 for 1 day / pp

Dian Fossey Tomb; US$75 for 1 day / pp

Bisoke hike ; US$75 for 1 day / pp

Natural walk; US$ 55 for 1 day / pp

Muhabura hike(4127Alt.). US$100 ppn 1 day

Gahinga  hike US$75 ppn

To make an accommodation booking for any lodge/hotel in Volcanoes National Park PNV Rwanda or 4x4  private car hire(self drive or with driver) , to book your gorilla permits, golden monkey permits or any other hikes, and for any further enquiries, please contact us;

Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watsapp +256.772.788.426