Rwanda is a small yet beautiful landlocked country in East Africa. After a horrific genocide, the region has developed rapidly. It is now among the safest and cleanest countries in Africa. The country is also blessed with captivating natural beauty and a vibrant culture that fascinates everyone. If you are planning a trip to Rwanda from the UK, you should know about the must-see places in Rwanda. Places to Visit in Rwanda
Rwanda is known for offering the most exciting gorilla trekking. The country has taken many prominent measures to ensure the efficient preservation of the animals, especially the gorillas that the region is known for. In addition to this adventure safari experience, there are numerous other exciting things to do and places to visit in Rwanda.
If you have booked flights to Rwanda from the UK, it is time to plan your holiday and prepare your itinerary. Here are some of the must-see places in Rwanda that you should add to your itinerary. Places to Visit in Rwanda
10 Exciting Must-See Places in Rwanda
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Volcanoes National Park
As mentioned earlier, gorilla trekking is a must-experience activity in Rwanda, and the perfect place to do it is the Volcanoes National Park. Many critically endangered mountain gorillas inhabit this park. One of the most prominent features of this park is the eighteen gorilla families that have been habituated to humans. If you want to visit one of these families, you will need a special permit that costs around $1500.
During the four—to eight-hour trekking experience, you will hike through mystical bamboo forests, swampy areas, and wild meadows to meet the gorilla families. A trained guide who can communicate with the gorillas will take you on this hike for a safer experience.
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Kigali
This city is the bustling capital of Rwanda. It is the cleanest and most exciting city in the country. You will learn about the heart-wrenching genocide that happened in the region only two decades ago. Therefore, you must visit the Genocide Memorial, which is an emotional experience. Other places to visit in the city include the Kigali City Tower, Caplaki Crafts Village, Inema Art Centre, and Kimironko Market. The city also has an electric nightlife and a tempting restaurant scene.
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Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of the most prominent and most significant forest conservation areas in Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is quite famous among tourists. This forest conservation area is known for its exceptional biodiversity, which includes 1068 plant species, 75 types of mammals, and 322 bird species. This park also has Chimpanzees trained to habituate humans. Moreover, it also has the only canopy walk in East Africa.
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Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is the perfect place for an exciting outdoor adventure. It is a stunning 2700 square kilometre emerald oasis surrounded by majestic misty mountains that add to its scenic beauty. You can head towards the lake’s northern tip to explore the known resort town, which provides a luxurious retreat and a refreshing escape in nature.
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Umusambi Village Conservancy
This is the first wildlife and nature reserve in the country. It is known for housing the disabled Grey-crowned cranes, which were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and captivity. You can also explore the numerous walking trails in this conservancy. Therefore, if you love nature and wildlife, you will surely want to visit the Umusambi Village Conservancy.
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Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is a prominent museum in Rwanda. Belgium gifted it to the city in 1989 in honour of Rwanda’s 25th anniversary. Here, you will find some of the continent’s best ethnological and archaeological artefacts. There are seven galleries in this museum. While exploring this museum, you will feel like you have entered the pre-colonial times of Rwanda.
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Gishwati Mukura National Park
This is another must-see place in Rwanda for those interested in nature. Its primary attraction is one of the few remaining Central African montane rainforests. At this national park, you can spot different wildlife species. Hiking lovers love this spot.
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Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a significant tourist attraction in eastern Rwanda. It features wetlands, savannah plains, stunning lakes, and diverse wildlife. Here, you will find the largest preserved wetland in central Africa. The spectacular mountain view at this park makes it much more scenic. You can spot different wildlife species here, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
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Gorilla Guardians Village
Gorilla Guardians Village is an excellent place to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s vibrant culture. Reformed poachers run this cultural village. You can indulge in various cultural activities and crafts with the locals in this village. Once here, you must stay for the intore dance recitals, which consist of traditional music and dance.
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King’s Palace Museum
King’s Palace Museum is among the must-see places in Rwanda. This museum is another excellent display of Rwanda’s reverence for animals. It is a replica of the king’s palace of the 15th century, featuring a thatched roof, a royal hut, and fresh milk. The interior of the museum is also stunning. You must see the sacred cows and inyambo at this museum.
Final Words
Do you want to explore the exciting East African country of Rwanda soon? If so, it is time to book Rwandair flights from the UK. The country offers numerous opportunities for African wildlife safari and has some of the most striking landscapes. Moreover, the rich culture of Rwanda is also fascinating and worth exploring.
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