Best Rwanda Itinerary: Unique Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Nestled in the heart of Central-East Africa, Rwanda—often called The Land of a Thousand Hills – deserves a top spot on your Africa itinerary! As the safest country in Africa, it’s known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, eco-friendly lodges, and breathtaking wildlife.

Picture endless rolling green hills, pristine modern roads, and an atmosphere of peace and progress – there are too many beautiful places in Rwanda. Besides it being one of only three countries where you can see the Mountain Gorillas – it has many more sights worth visiting!

In this Rwanda itinerary, I’ll take you beyond the famous gorilla trekking to uncover unique experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re an eco-adventurer, a digital nomad, or simply looking for something different, Rwanda offers something special for you!

Rwanda Travel Guide – Essential Tips & Unique Experiences

Rwanda Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for $50, valid for 30 days. Alternatively, you can get the East African Tourist Visa ($100) on arrival in Rwanda, which covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Check Rwanda’s official immigration website for the latest requirements.

How to Get to Rwanda

The main entry point to Rwanda is the Kigali International Airport (KGL), right in town. There are a bunch of direct flights to Kigali Rwanda which leave from major cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dubai, Brussels, Paris and Istanbul. Popular airlines include RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Land: You can reach Rwanda by traveling from neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC. There are even bus lines from Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali besides the journeys from Kampala, Uganda and Mwanza in Tanzania.

Getting Around Rwanda

Flights: There are a few domestic flights that you can take to reach remote areas.
Car Rental: Renting a car in Kigali is easy and since the country’s roads are so good, it’s one of the best things you can do to explore. Drivers in Rwanda respect the rules so if you’re looking for a car to rent in Kigali, I recommend renting an adventure car to discover.
Bus: Public Transport is a reliable option, with buses connecting major cities. From personal experience, I can say it takes extremely long to cover distances. For 95 km on a public bus, it took me almost 6 hours.

Moto: One of the most common things to use for short distances is the motorcycle taxi (motos). Here in Rwanda, they have to have a helmet for you by law!

Organized Rwanda Tour: If you’re up to see the country with a trusted tour operator and like-minded people, I recommend booking an adventurous Rwanda day or multi-day tours!

Rwanda Connectivity & SIM Cards

Rwanda has excellent mobile coverage, with providers like MTN and Airtel being the popular ones. However, if you want to save time, I recommend buying an eSIM to be connected right away!

Is Rwanda Safe?

Rwanda has been voted the safest country in Africa in 2024 and I can only agree. Even after dark, you can freely roam around town. Especially as a female solo traveler, I felt so comfortable walking to dinner at night. The streets are nicely lit, there is a lot of security around and nobody gave me reason to doubt the safe feeling I had.

Rwanda Adventure: The Best Things to See & Do for Your Itinerary

Check out my Kigali Rwanda itinerary with the best places for accommodation in Rwanda, unique restaurants, local fashion shops and things to see and do!

Women-Led Walking Tour

One of the top things you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Kigali is the walking tour through Nyamirambo. This immersive experience gives you a true taste of Rwandan culture. The women-led tour starts at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center where you’ll enjoy a quick Kinyarwanda lesson. From there, you’ll explore one of Kigali’s oldest neighborhoods, with stops at a women’s hairdressing salon, fruit shops, popular streets and two beautiful mosques.

You’ll also get a chance to see stunning views of Kigali from a lookout spot and get hands-on with local fabrics in a tailor’s shop.

The tour finishes with a traditional home-cooked meal from Aminatha, the Women’s Center’s best cook – a perfect way to end this unforgettable cultural adventure!

Make sure to plan in time to browse through their art shop which truly has the most beautiful items! To attend, you can send Mary an email to see when the next tour is happening!

If you’re more into a general Kigali city tour, I recommend this active e-bike tour with Rwandan breakfast to get to know the city.

For all my fellow foodies, you should reserve a spot on this traveller-favorite half-day Walking Food Tour. Accompanied by your Rwandan guide you will sample traditional dishes from East Africa to modern fashion cuisine.

Visit a Traditional Milk Bar

Did you know that Rwanda is the only country in the world with milk bars? When you join the Nyamibrambo walking tour, you have the chance to visit one of these unique spots. A milk bar is part of the Rwandan culture and people stop at them at any time of the day to socialize and connect. The prices are very affordable and the taste is incredible – highly recommend trying one as one of your Rwanda itinerary

Tip: If you want to do an independent Kigali city tour, I recommend you visit Kuruhimbi Milk Bar. It’s one of the longest-standing and popular ones in Kigali!

Browse Kimironko Local Market

Kimironko Market is one of the busiest and most vibrant markets you can visit in Kigali. It’s the perfect place to experience local culture, shop for fresh produce, and interact with friendly vendors. The buzzing Kimironko Market is a truly authentic experience to see Kigali’s daily life while picking up unique souvenirs – perfect to include in any Rwanda itinerary!

Remember History at the Kigali Genocide Memorial

No city tour in Kigali would be complete without visiting the Genocide Memorial. It’s one of the most important places to visit on your Rwanda itinerary, offering a deep and emotional insight into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It serves as a place of remembrance, education, and reflection which should take you about 2 hours to complete. Over 250,000 victims are buried here, making it a solemn but powerful place to pay respects. It’s free to visit but you can leave a donation.

If you are interested in history, I recommend you go on this cultural Kigali City Tour that explores the memorial deeper.

Retreat Getaway to Lake Muhazi

When you’re in Kigali, make sure to add Lake Muhazi to your Rwanda itinerary. About 1.5.-2 hours away from the city, and you’ll find yourself in the most pristine countryside. Unlike the more famous Lake Kivu, Muhazi is quieter and offers a more intimate experience with nature. I recommend a boat ride along the river arms, and you might spot some of the spotted-necked otters!

Best Hotels in Lake Muhazi

UMVA Muhazi is an incredibly unique lakeside retreat perfect for a relaxing getaway from Kigali. Nestled on the shores of Lake Muhazi, it offers stylish accommodations, delicious farm-to-table dining, and beautiful sunset views over the water. Dinners are the most special time as it’s a communal dining experience. Accompanied by question cards, you’ll know your neighbor in no time and have made lots of friends by the end of the night!

Try The Exceptional Rwandan Coffee

Before coming to Rwanda I wasn’t sure about the coffee culture, but that changed quickly. Since missionaries introduced it in 1904, Rwanda now grows coffee all over the country. With over 450.000 small growers producing high-quality Arabica, you also find a big part of them being female workers supplying coffee shops such as Question Coffee.

If you want to dive deeper into the coffee culture, I recommend booking this immersive Bean To Brew Coffee Experience. It’s here where you can join a fun cupping session after getting to know the bean’s journey from the farm to the sip.

A few of my other favorites spots for coffee is Rubia Coffee Roasters and Kivu Noir.

Experience Wildlife in Umusambi Village

This unique nature reserve and sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Grey Crowned Cranes – Rwanda’s national bird. If you’re up for a wildlife experience, you can find over 50 Grey Crowned Cranes that have been saved from captivity and now roam freely. The price to Umusambi Village is about 15 US and makes the perfect half-day activity just 15min outside of town.

Game Drive in Akagera National Park

The sprawling Akagera National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and the b biggest one in Rwanda. Akagera is one of the best places in Rwanda to see Big Five animals: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, with over 500 species of birds, including rare species like the Shoebill stork and Papyrus gonolek.

Whether it’s your first safari or you haven’t been on one in a while, I recommend this traveler-favorite day tour to Akagera National Park. Your Rwandan guide will take you to the Imigongo Art Center for a little break and besides being on a private trip you’ll also have Wifi to stay connected!

Best Hotels in Akagera National Park

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge at the southern tip of Akagera National Park, offers panoramic views of Lake Ihema. With 60 rooms, it features a large swimming pool, a restaurant and provides a luxurious base for exploring the wildlife. The lodge focuses on heavily on sustainability, featuring solar-powered water systems and an organic kitchen garden.

Rutete Eco-Lodge: Committed to sustainability and community support, the lodge provides upscale lodging services infused with local culture and history. Guests can enjoy activities like hiking, cultural tours, and savoring organic produce from the lodge’s gardens

Book The Best Accommodation in Rwanda: Akagera National Park

Connect with Nature at Nyandungu Wetland Park

If you’re a nature lover and keen to see how Kigali blends urban development with sustainability – this is for you! Nyandungu Wetland Park is Kigali’s first major eco-tourism park, offering a peaceful retreat to its citizens. It’s nicely located within the city while showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to environmental conservation. The park is home to over 100 bird species, medicinal plants, and even indigenous trees!

If you want to get active, the well-maintained paths make it perfect for nature walks, jogging, and biking.

Best Accommodation in Rwanda: Where To Stay

While spending over two weeks in Kigali, I got to explore the areas of Kabeza (near the airport), Kiyovu, Gacuriro, Rukiri, Kimihurura and Rebero. No matter where in Kigali you are, most rides are only 15-20 minutes away. From what I’ve seen I found little difference between the neighborhoods.

If you’re seeking luxury, Radisson Blu Kigali offers contemporary elegance, impeccable service, and a prime location near the city center. With spacious rooms, a wellness center, and a stunning pool area, it’s ideal for a high-end experience in Kigali!

Stay Above the Clouds at Eagle View Lodge in Rebero. Eagle View Lodge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kigali’s rolling hills, varied buffet-type breakfasts, and colorful decor. You can choose between a spacious honeymoon suite with balcony, a penthouse with a jacuzzi and studio-like rooms. It’s truly perfect for travelers who enjoy a quiet, relaxing environment.

Dazzlet Rwanda is a welcoming, budget accommodation in Rwanda, Kigali. It’s situated in the heart of Rukiri – only 10 minutes from the Convention Center. The staff was super friendly and there’s a nice living room to connect with other travelers.

Book The Top City Hotels in Kigali Rwanda

Airbnb Rwanda

I’ve stayed in two Airbnb while in Kigali Rwanda and loved it! My favorite was Alice’s places in Kabeza – fabulous to meet locals and have a homely stay.

Exploring Rwanda for three weeks has been nothing short of amazing. The relaxed yet lively atmosphere of Kigali, the green and clean roads, and nearby nature really stood out. If you’re after adventure, sustainable brands and hotels and a unique destination in Africa – make sure to put a Rwanda tour on your bucketlist!

Ready for more adventures in Africa? Check out my other posts!

Explore the mighty Victoria Falls on a 3 day Zimbabwe Holiday!

Longer Kenya itinerary? Head to my 10-Day Kenya itinerary and the 30 gems to love!

Explore the best beaches in Mozambique with my Mozambique Beach Guide.

Discover Africa’s Smallest Country: Eswatini Guide & The Best Things to See

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! I only recommend services and tools I know and trust myself.