Things to Do in Rwanda

july 20

Worker harvesting premium fresh tea leaves by hand in a sustainable tea plantation for high-quality tea production.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes visitors into the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park for one carefully regulated wildlife encounter.

The best things to do in Rwanda include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a Big Five safari in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking and thecanopy walkway in Nyungwe, relaxing at Lake Kivu and exploring Kigali’s history, art, food and markets. Seven to ten days gives first-timevisitors the best balance.

Beyond Gorillas

Gorillas may be Rwanda’s headline attraction, but the strongest itinerary combines primates with savannah wildlife, culture and time by Lake Kivu.

1. Trek mountain gorillas

Volcanoes National Park offers one of the world’s most carefully managed wildlife encounters. The day includes a ranger briefing, a variable forest hike and up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Permits are limited and should be secured before flights.

2. See the Big Five in Akagera

Akagera National Park protects savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes on Rwanda’s eastern border. Game drives can reveal lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra and antelope. Stay overnight and add a Lake Ihema boat trip for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

3. Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe

Nyungwe National Park is an ancient Afromontane rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chimpanzee tracking starts early and feels more active than a gorilla trek because the animals can move quickly through the canopy

4. Walk above the rainforest canopy

Nyungwe’s suspended canopy walkway creates a high viewpoint over the forest. Combine it with a guided trail, waterfall hike, birding or primate experience rather than traveling to the park for the walkway alone

5. Relax at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the natural pause between active safari days. Kayak, take a boat trip, walk along the waterfront or simply rest. Rubavu is convenient after Volcanoes National Park, while Karongi works well on a route toward Nyungwe.

6. Explore Kigali

Spend at least one full day in Rwanda’s capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial with respect and enough time, explore art spaces and markets, taste Rwandan coffee and learn how the city has developed across its hills.

7. Track golden monkeys

Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park is an energetic, colorful add-on to gorilla trekking. It usually requires less financial commitment than a gorilla permit and creates a second primate experience in the bamboo zone.

9. Experience Rwanda’s royal heritage

The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye add historical depth to the road between Kigali and Nyungwe. They help travelers understand Rwanda beyond wildlife.

10. Join a community and cultural experience

Choose experiences built through genuine local partnerships: food, crafts, dance, agriculture or neighborhood walks. Ask how revenue is shared and avoid interactions that treat communities as performances.

11. Go birding

Rwanda’s compact geography brings wetlands, savannah and Albertine Rift forest within one trip. Akagera and Nyungwe are the major anchors, while Kigali wetlands and Lake Kivu also reward patient observers.

Why travelers can trust Palast Tours & Travels

Palast Tours & Travels is a member of the Rwanda Tour & Travel Association (RTTA) and an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Our Kigali-based team coordinates permits, private transport, accommodation and local guides across Rwanda and East Africa.

Frequently asked questions

What is Rwanda best known for?: Rwanda is best known internationally for mountain gorilla trekking, but it also offers Big Five safaris, chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, hiking, birding and rich cultural experiences.
What can I do in Rwanda besides gorilla trekking?: Visit Akagera, Nyungwe, Kigali and Lake Kivu; track golden monkeys, hike, kayak, birdwatch and explore museums and community experiences.
Is one week enough for Rwanda?: Yes. Seven days can combine Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu. Add more time for Nyungwe.
Can Palast customize these activities? Yes. Palast Tours & Travels can adjust route, lodge level, activity mix and pace to the traveler’s interests and available days.

Build My Rwanda Trip

Choose your favorite experiences and let Palast Tours & Travels connect them in one realistic private itinerary.

Kevin Ntwari