Adventure Beyond Safaris: Exploring Rwanda’s Hidden Gems

While Rwanda is probably best known for its incredible primate safaris, there is so much more to this central African country than what first meets the eye.

Rwanda safari holidays are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the continent, as visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees. However, we won’t be focusing on animals in this article. Instead, we’re uncovering some of Rwanda’s hidden gems and lesser-known attractions to ensure you make the most of your getaway.

Visit Volcanoes

Rwanda is home to five volcanoes, all located in the Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. These natural wonders can be witnessed on numerous hiking trails throughout the park. This location is, however, particularly renowned for its gorilla trekking tours, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Explore the Vibrant Capital

Many travellers choose to go directly from the airport to one of Rwanda’s national parks without taking the time to explore the capital. From exquisite restaurants to a buzzing nightlife scene, Kigali is a vibrant capital city with much to offer. 

It offers a captivating blend of modern living and cultural richness. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an essential stop to understand Rwanda’s tragic history and its remarkable path towards reconciliation.

Afterwards, delve into Kigali’s vibrant arts scene at the Inema Arts Centre, which showcases contemporary African art through exhibitions, workshops, and live performances. For a taste of local flavours, head to Kimironko Market, where colourful stalls brim with fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts—a perfect spot to mingle with locals and experience everyday Rwandan life.

Plant Biodiversity

So much emphasis is placed on Rwanda’s majestic animals that many people overlook the land’s glorious plant biodiversity. A walk through the Nyungwe Forest (the oldest rainforest in Africa) is the perfect opportunity to see over 1,100 plant species, including 140 orchid species and around 200 species of trees.

Rwanda is a plant lover’s paradise, so don’t forget to keep a plant book handy to help you identify the different flowers, shrubs and trees you’ll see along the way.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

When visiting a country as rich in culture as Rwanda, take the opportunity to learn more about the local way of life. You can visit craft markets, taste Rwandan cuisine and watch traditional dances. You may also want to learn a bit more about Rwanda’s tumultuous past by visiting museums like the Kandt House Museum.

Enjoy Water Activities at Lake Kivu

Over 1,000 kilometres in length, Lake Kivu is a must-see destination during your Rwanda holiday. You can relax on the picturesque beaches and take in the views of the fishing boats or take a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear water. Swimming is safe, as there aren’t any hippos or crocodiles in the lake.

Adventurous travellers find that a kayak trip offers the best views of Rwanda’s landscape and diverse bird population.

Looking to go on a Rwanda safari holiday in the near future? Tailormade Africa would love to help you plan your trip. We create custom safari itineraries based on your specific preferences, budget and interests. Contact us to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.