10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Rwanda That You Shouldn't Miss

July 21, 2021 Joeann Galban

Discover the best top things to do in Rwanda, Rwanda including Volcanoes National Park, Primate Safaris, Rwandan Adventures, Gorilla Trek Africa, Nyamirambo Women's Center, African Unique Safaris and Tours, Niyo Art Gallery, Kingfisher Journeys, Abraham Konga Jewelry Collections, Inema Art Center.
Restaurants in Rwanda

1. Volcanoes National Park

Musanze Kinigi, Ruhengeri Rwanda +250 788 558 880 [email protected] http://www.volcanoesnationalpark.org
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,184 reviews

Volcanoes National Park

The "Parc National de Volcans" (or PNV as it's known by locals) lies along the Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just a short two hour drive from Rwanda's capital of Kigali, the park is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences. While a visit to the mountain gorillas is often at the top of visitor, the dramatic landscape also offers thrilling hiking and visits to the fascinating golden monkeys.

Reviewed By lizkoh89 - Hong Kong, China

This trip has been truly spectacular. Everything was well organised. Our guides, Eugene and Emmanuel were very knowledgable and witty, filling us with facts and stories on the Agashya gorilla family that we visited. Our porters were also very helpful as we went through muddy slopes in the jungle. I would definitely recommend hiring porters not only because they are helpful but also as a contribution to local economy. No words can express how amazing it was spending time with the gorillas in the wild and in such close proximity. Go see it for yourself!

2. Primate Safaris

Kigali Rwanda +250 785 020 452 [email protected] http://www.primatesafaris-rwanda.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 95 reviews

Primate Safaris

Primate Safaris Rwanda offers Gorilla Tours to Rwanda, Uganda & Congo to solo, Group Travelers to Visit Mountain Gorillas & Eastern Lowland gorillas, Nyiragongo Hike, Cultural Safaris & City Tours to Kigali. Find the most affordable Safari trips to Visit Gorillas in Rwanda starting with 1 Day Gorilla Safari to Volcanoes.

Reviewed By stephenshrew

We went with Primate Safaris from Kigali, where we were met by our fabulous, friendly and informative guide, Alex Kagaba, who took us for breakfast, a tour of Kigali and a visit to the moving Genocide Museum. He then drove us north to Kinigi through the cleanest country you will ever see. I did not see a SINGLE piece of litter! We stayed at the comfortable Gorilla Mountain Lodge and next day had an amazing adventure. After an energetic 2.5 hour hike up to nearly 9,000 feet we spent an hour with the Sabyinyo family - with the 400lb patriarch silverback brushing nonchalantly past me. FANTASTIC!! And then a good hike down - excellent pack of trackers & guide. Next day a return to Kigali for a visit to their parliament building - with preserved bullet and rocket scars, and a different angle on the genocide. What a lovely country and such an impressive response to their dark and recent history. There are many countries that could benefit from emulating Rwanda!

3. Rwandan Adventures

Excellent
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5.0 based on 93 reviews

Rwandan Adventures

Hi, we are Rwandan Adventures, social enterprise. We have a dedicated team of guides, chaperones and mechanics ready to ensure your visit to Rwanda is as adventurous as you want it to be. So what do we do...? Well, what do you need?

4. Gorilla Trek Africa

Excellent
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5.0 based on 620 reviews

Gorilla Trek Africa

Enjoy a guided gorilla tour to Rwanda with Gorilla Trek Africa. With over 10 years experience in organizing day trips to the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a trek with us is the most memorable adventure trip you can take into the wild of Africa. We are able to offer you unbeatable prices and unparalleled value on all our excursions.

5. Nyamirambo Women's Center

Excellent
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5.0 based on 149 reviews

Nyamirambo Women's Center

NWC was founded in 2008 as a self-help group and quickly grew to become a center that offers free education for women in the Nyamirambo neighbourhood. Today women can join the center for classes in English, literacy, computer, sewing and handicrafts. NWC also organises workshops on Gender Equality, Women's rights and gender-based violence. In 2014 a community library was opened offering books in Kinyarwanda, French and English. In an effort to develop income-generating activities for the center but also for the women of the community, NWC developed a community-based tourism project that offers guided cultural walks in Nyamirambo and Umutima, a new line of household and children's products.

6. African Unique Safaris and Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

African Unique Safaris and Tours

Re-ignite your inner child’s wonder and excitement. Join us for a truly unique and inspiring experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

25 KG 572 Street, Kigali Rwanda +250 788 932 111 [email protected] http://www.niyofoundation.org
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5.0 based on 178 reviews

Niyo Art Gallery

Niyo Arts center, is a collection of Rwandan creative artists and also hosts different artists from the region. we provide a space for 13 artists in residence to explore their creative talents. contemporary African art works, Music and Dance going with Drumming. Niyo Art Gallery is also dedicated to supporting street children and single mothers living in poverty in Rwanda. Our aim is to change lives through utilizing our artistic gifts - allowing us to provide basic necessities, such as education, health care, shelter, food etc. Our founder NIYONSENGA Pacifique has delved into a humanitarian visionary, bottomless barrel of music and art through multiple mediums in his decades-spanning practice. He expresses the very essence of every particular theme in a simple yet sensual and fascinating technique. According to Niyosenga, art and music help youth serve as evidence that something as easy as a beat of the drum contributes to the fight against global poverty.

Reviewed By africanaddict - Kigali, Rwanda

This is a lovely art gallery very close to the US Embassy and the Kigali Public Library - an easy walk from either location. When we visited, Niyo (founder/owner) of the gallery was there and shared with us his story and the history of the gallery. 40% of the proceeds from sales of paintings goes back into the Niyo Foundation for working with street kids. The gallery carries quite a few artists - across the range from those more on the beginner's end of the spectrum, all the way to artists who are very advanced and talented. It's a joy to walk through and look at all the art, and learn a bit about the various artists whom we fancied. They ship around the world, so don't be concerned about suitcase space. Well worth the trip!

8. Kingfisher Journeys

Excellent
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5.0 based on 280 reviews

Kingfisher Journeys

Explore, discover and journey amongst the thousand hills and see more of Rwanda from a truly unique perspective. Soak up the peace and quiet on the water, watch the beautiful landscape passing by, see the amazing birdlife, engage with friendly communities and do something unique in almost all of Africa! We run professionally guided small group kayaking day trips and overnight adventures on Lake Kivu from both Gisenyi and Kibuye multi-day activities from Cyangugu to Gisenyi. With new modern and very stable kayaks and all equipment provided, our guides offer instruction to help you enjoy this exciting - and yet also very relaxing - activity!

9. Abraham Konga Jewelry Collections

KG 672 St, Kimihurura House 31, Kigali Rwanda +250 785 561 626 [email protected] http://www.abrahamkonga.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Abraham Konga Jewelry Collections

Recycled jewelry from padlocks, Cowbone, Cowhorn and assorted handicrafts from Rwanda and East Africa in general. Masks, baskets and souvenirs

Reviewed By helenamh11 - Panama City, Panama

Abraham makes amazing jewelry that is both classy and unique. Everything is handmade and high quality. I especially love his long necklaces but his earrings and bracelets are beautiful as well! Abraham is also a great guy and a wonderful person to chat with as you browse his creations. There is a souvenir shop next to his store as well as other stores nearby, making this is a great stop for anyone looking to get some memorable souvenirs from Kigali.

10. Inema Art Center

KG 563 Street Kacyiru, Kigali Rwanda +250 788 653 683 [email protected] http://www.inemaartcenter.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 687 reviews

Inema Art Center

Founded in 2012 by brothers and self-taught painters Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza, the Inema Arts Centre's mission is to spur creativity for personal, social, and economic growth.At its core, Inema provides space for 10 artists-in-residence to explore their creative talent. Specialising in contemporary african art, Inema's artists produce painting, sculpture, and mixed media expressions, all of which is showcased at the Gallery at Inema Arts Center.Inema is also home to the following- Nziza Artworks, featuring bespoke jewelry, African linens and leatherworks made by women at the onsite Nziza Workshop- Art with a Mission, training children with limitted resources art to give them livelihood;- Inema Dance, our youth cultural dance troupe, Inema art center provides a room for weekly traditional dance classes to the experts .Inema is open daily from 8AM to 8 PM, located in Kigali in the suburb of Kacyiru on KG 563 Street. Contact www.choosekigali.com for accommodations & Tour

Reviewed By 570jeffersonm

Visit - and visit again! Few places in Kigali bring out the full potential of art to connect people and build community like Inema. This place is not just a gallery, it is a meeting point, an education space, a venue for music & events, and more. The brothers who operate Inema are wonderfully warm hosts. Because they are always around, you will often get a chance to learn more about the impressive artwork on display in the two-story gallery. There is so much happening at Inema that shows the artists' creativity goes well beyond their artworks. If you are just visiting, Inema is a must-seee destination, and if you are someone who lives in the area or are familiar with expat communities, you will know how valuable a community space like Inema is. Check out what is happening on their upcoming schedule and be sure to visit several times, especially the weekly Happy Hour that happens on Thursdays and is usually catered by a local restaurant. Inema's bar makes excellent signature cocktails!

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