Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rwanda, Kigali, Africa

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rwanda, Kigali, Africa

Rwanda is an African country located in the central eastern part of the continent at 1°56′25″ S 29°52′26″ E. Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, home to around 1 million people. Rwanda shares its borders with Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Rwanda characterizes diverse geographical features, with its eastern part covering a larger savanna while its western part is dominated by mountains and also numerous lakes are dotted across the country. Tourism is one of the vital revenue sources of Rwanda, concentrated on its national parks, especially on gorilla trekking.

History of Rwanda:

Rwanda has been settled since the stone stage and its real history begins with the domination over the country by the Kingdom of Rwanda in the mid-eighteenth century. After hundred years later, in 1884, Rwanda came under the German rule and later under the Belgium reign during World War I in the year 1916. From the effectual revolt of the Hutu people, Belgium lost control over Rwanda, which resulted into the independence of Rwanda, on 1 July 1962.

Getting Rwanda:

The Kigali International Airport is the gateway to Rwanda, situated around 10 km away from the centre of the capital, Kigali. The airport operates flights from/to Brussels, Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and many other European, African and Asian cities.

The bus transportation of Rwanda extends to the cities in bordering countries like Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Bicycle taxis, motorcycle taxis and white minibuses are the options to get around Rwandan cities.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Rwanda:

Rwandans are predominately Christians, who highly speak Kinyarwanda as their primary language. Rwandan Franc is the currency used in Rwanda and the purchasable items in Rwanda are honey, coffee and tea powders.

Brochettes or goat kebab is a typical dish in Rwanda and grilled fish and chicken are also famous all over Rwanda.

What to do in Rwanda?

Gorilla tour
Hiking
Ten pin bowling

Must see in Rwanda:

The National Museum of Butare:

The National Museum of Butare is the national museum of Rwanda, situated in the city Huye. It is a wide and exciting cultural centre, equally focused on the history and culture of Rwanda, covering from Tutsi monarchy to modern Rwanda. It is open from 9AM -5PM, while entrance fee is 6000 RFr.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre:

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is a heart touching place, where around 250,000 people were buried who were killed in Rwandan Genocide during the Rwandan Civil War. Entry is free, but audio guide costs $10.

Parc National des Volcans:

The Parc National des Volcans is a distinct and excellent national park, highlighted by mountain gorillas. These gorillas can be hired for trek either from a tour operator or at the tourism office. Each gorilla costs $750. It will be a unique and memorable experience for foreign tourists.

Akagera National Park:

The Akagera National Park is a large national park, covering an area of 1,200 km², located in the eastern part of Rwanda. Established in 1934, the park houses a wide range of flora and fauna species from the three different eco-regions, mountain, swamp and savannah.

Presidential Palace Museum:

The Presidential Palace Museum is housed in the residence of the former President Habyarimana, in Kigali. Apart from showcasing the president’s life, the museum also exhibits typical traditional Rwandan clothing in a wide extent. Admission fee is Rwf 6,000.

List of other places to see in Rwanda include:

Huye Market
National University of Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest
Lake Kivu
Butare

When to visit Rwanda?

The climate of Rwanda ranges from temperate to subtropical, with two dry seasons (from June to September and December to February) and two rainy seasons (from February to June and September to December). The best time to visit Rwanda is from December to January and June to September.

Where can stay in Rwanda?

Rwanda owns an upgraded hospitality industry, centered in the capital Kigali. Budget hotels in Kigali charge around $10, while splurge hotels won’t come under $30. Advance booking is preferred. Here are some specialized hotels in Kigali in Rwanda:

Budget: