Day Trips in Rwanda : Rwanda occupationally known as the Land of a Thousand Hills is endowed with beautiful terrains, colorful people and diverse wildlife. Of course, Rwanda is chiefly famous for its mountain gorillas and its colorful capital city, Kigali but there is more than meets the eyes and ears it seems as for those willing to venture out of the immediate attractions of Rwanda the country offers a range of day trips. With a focus on Rwanda’s history, nature, and heritage, there is something for everyone who takes a day trip in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a 3 hours’ drive from Kigali by road. Nowhere is more beautiful to spend at least a day than in Lake Kivu, one of the African great lakes. Stretching from Rwanda’s western border, this huge freshwater lake lies aesthetically enclosed by hills and dotted with small fishing communities. Lake Kivu environment is quite the right for those that are willing to have some rest and get away from the noise of the city.
Activities done around Lake Kivu
Boat Rides: If you like water and boat trips the calm waters of the lake are ideal to travel with a guide to the islands surrounding the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake.
Swimming and Kayaking: There is no bilharzia, therefore, the swimming and other water activities at the Lake are possible.
Relaxing on the Shore: Spend a weary afternoon at a lakeside resort taking the calmness of the place and the fresh airs.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rain forests of Africa, which is center of endemic flora and fauna and ideal for the visitors interested in nature. Ideally, it is a two or three day city but a good day trip lets you glimpse some of the highpoints.
Activities done in Nyungwe Park
Chimpanzee Trekking: Go on a chimpanzee tracking expedition guided by professional rangers to find Rwanda’s happy chimps.
Canopy Walk: Suspended at 60 meters high or 200 Ft above the ground cross a bridge to view the forest canopy.
Bird Watching: Nyungwe contains over 300 bird species and also has many rare and endemic species of birds.
Eco-tourism enthusiasts that visit the park will consider it a most exciting day out with its green landscape and activities.
Akagera National Park
Akagera’s distance from Kigali is 2.5 hours by road. Given the fact that Akagera is very close to Kigali it is well suited to those who may wish to do a one day safari trip. Akagera is probably the only place in Rwanda offering a touch of the traditional savannah big game country with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It has few hills compared to other parts of Rwanda, for its situated in the east, it occupies plains, savannahs and wetlands.
Activities to do at Akagera National Park
Game Drives: Take a guided or mileage game drive and be able to see lions, giraffes, Zebras and many others.
Boat Safaris: Visit Lake Ihema where you can observe hippos and crocodiles and many water birds.
Scenic Picnics: Most of the places that people choose for a picnic are really beautiful especially due to the views of the variety of ecosystems of the park.
Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas draw many tourists to Volcanoes National Park, but if you’re looking for more affordable and easier physical activity followed by golden monkeys are rather easier to find and cheaper than trekking for the mountain gorillas. These endangered species of primates are generative, friendly and are native to the Virunga area.
Activities to do in Volcanoes national Park
Golden Monkey Trekking: A trail guided walk through the bamboo forests of the park brings you up close to these active animals.
Scenic Views: Watch the beautiful view of the steep tall mountains which are actually volcanic mountains and rich vegetation.
Trekking needs no much planning or costs hence, golden monkey trekking provides an interesting wildlife experience.
King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza is one of the best treasures of Rwanda as it showcases an exciting part of history and arts. This building considered traditional Rwandan palace reconstructed in accordance with historical architecture used to illustrate the lifestyle of Rwandan Kings.
Activities to do at King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
Guided Tours: Check out the Rwandese pre-colonial monarchy and kings in Rwandese history.
Royal Inyambo Cattle: Get an insight to the ornamental long horned Inyambo cattle as the culture associated with them.
Art and Craft Exhibitions: Look at displays of Rwandese artwork the Rwandese craft and Rwandese ceremonies.
Obviously, the museum is an enriching cultural place where people interested in history can get a good value from the visit.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Originally gazetted as Rwanda’s new national park, Gishwati-Mukura destination still experiences a growing trend in eco-tourism. The park has dense forested area and supports primates, birds, and plant wealth making it a good spot for nature lovers.
Activities to do in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Guided Nature Walks: Find out more about the park’s plant and animal residents through a trail that is accompanied by a guide’s commentary.
Community Experiences: It consider local people and their existing approaches to conservation practice.
Bird Watching: Observe specie density in this one region among the global 34 regions of high biodiversity in this globe.
Thanks to its serenity and conservation objectives, Gishwati-Mukura should suit the purpose of those who aim to discover more of the unseen Rwanda.
Huye
Huye formerly Butare remains Rwandan’s cultural city. Several critical establishments and places of iconic significance are located in the city to represent the national pride of the country.
Activities
National Museum of Rwanda: Visit galleries that look at Rwanda’s past, people, and physical world.
Local Markets: In order to get an insight of the everyday life and also buy souvenirs and art craftsmanship, travelers should visit markets.
Ethnographic Tours: Discover Rwanda and its cultural interacting groups of people and their customs.
Huye is a Province that you should find very informative especially if you have a weakness for historical places.
