When I decided to visit Rwanda, I wanted to see a country that is beautiful, peaceful, and full of life. From the first day, Rwanda surprised me. At the airport, getting my visa on arrival was very easy. Then my adventure started.
Volcanoes National Park: Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
My first stop was Volcanoes National Park. Trekking in the forest to see mountain gorillas was the most amazing experience of my trip. Being so close to them felt unreal. The next day, I returned to meet the playful golden monkeys.6 Days grand Rwanda Tour: Lakes, rain Forests & Wildlife They jumped from tree to tree and made the forest feel alive. For travelers who want more adventure, there are also hikes on Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and cultural visits to Iby’Iwacu village, where you can learn about local traditions.
Lake Kivu: Relax & Adventure
After the mountains, I traveled west to Lake Kivu, one of the most peaceful places I have ever seen. I joined a boat tour for Islands exploration , tried kayaking, and spent an evening with fishermen doing night fishing. Hiking on the islands gave me beautiful views and a chance to see monkeys, birds, and fruit bats.Kibuye Lake kivu islands Boat excursions and exploration Around the lake, you can also enjoy coffee and tea plantation tours, cycling the Congo Nile Trail, or simply relaxing by the beach towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye.
Nyungwe National Park: Canopy Walk & More
In the south of Rwanda, I explored Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Walking on the canopy bridge high above the trees was exciting and a little scary, but the view was breathtaking. 2-Days Lake Kivu boat excursion & Nyungwe ForestFor more adventure, I tried the zipline across the forest. Nyungwe is also famous for birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, and learning about rare plants and butterflies, making it a paradise for eco-travelers.
Nyanza: Discovering Culture
My journey continued to Nyanza, where I visited the King’s Palace Museum. I learned about Rwanda’s history, traditions, and culture. Seeing the long-horned royal cows and hearing local stories gave me a deeper connection to the country. If you love culture, Rwanda also offers traditional dance shows, art galleries in Kigali, craft shopping at Kimironko Market, and coffee-tasting tours that bring you closer to the people.
Akagera National Park: Safari Adventure
At Akagera National Park, I joined a safari drive across the wide savannah. I saw giraffes, elephants, zebras, antelopes, and even lions. On Lake Ihema, I joined a short boat trip where hippos and crocodiles rested in the water. Visit Rwanda national parksAkagera is the best place for Big Five safaris, birdwatching, boat tours, and game drives showing the wild and untamed side of Rwanda.
Kigali City: Modern & Welcoming
On my last days, I stayed in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. I walked around the clean streets, enjoyed delicious local coffee, and explored markets full of handmade crafts. Kigali also has calm green spaces like Nyandungu Eco-Park, and exciting places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, vibrant nightlife spots, and local restaurants where you can taste Rwanda’s flavors.
In few words
In few words, Rwanda gave me unforgettable memories from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes to relaxing on Lake Kivu, walking in Nyungwe, going on safari in Akagera, and exploring culture in Nyanza and Kigali. Along the way, I discovered that Rwanda offers much more: hiking volcanoes, cycling adventures, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, coffee and tea experiences, birdwatching, and city exploration. If you want to experience something different in Africa, Rwanda is the perfect destination.
Writer; Noah James
Posted by; Visit Lake kivu
