Location: Ruhengeri
Top Things to do in Ruhengeri
- 1. Volcanoes National Park
- 2. Kingfisher Journeys - Canoeing near the Gorillas
- 3. Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp
- 4. Umubano Tours - Day Tours
- 5. Umuzabibu Mwiza - Handspun Hope Women's Center
- 6. Red Rocks Rwanda
- 7. Lava Bike Tours
- 8. Golden Trekkers
- 9. African Mountain Explorer
- 10. The Mane Tours Ltd.
What to do and see in Ruhengeri, Rwanda: The Best Places and Tips
Ruhengeri is a city and capital of Musanze District in the Northern Province of Rwanda. Some sources now refer to the city itself as Musanze, after the district in which it lies. This has to do with the adopted policy of renaming Rwanda cities, which was done to eliminate terrible memories of the past and to install new administrational infrastructure in the country. Ruhengeri (Musanze) lies near the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo and is the gateway city to Volcanoes National Park and the famous mountain gorillas in the north-western part of the country.
Restaurants in Ruhengeri
1. Volcanoes National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
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 mshian63 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We visited this area in December 2016. Volcanoes National Park lies in Northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Corilla National Park in Uganda. The national Park is known as a heaven for the mountain gorilla. The conservation of gorilla in Rwanda is apparently doing well and the population is increasing. There have about 10 groups of habituated gorilla and this is one of the big income earner for the country. We were first ferried from our hotel to the gathering place. We were entertained by Sacola traditional dancers and served with coffees before the tour. The tours are divided into long distance, medium distance and short distance trekking. I chose a medium distance trekking to view the Titus group. Titus was the name given to the silverback of the group by the great US primatologist Dian Fossey. Titus died at the age of 35 in year 2009. The present dominant silverback in the group is the son of Titus named Pato. This group consists of 9 members and there is another silverback in the group. we climbed from around 2300 m to 2800 m elevation. Initially the trail is clear but once we go deep into the jungle, the rangers have to clear path for us due to the thick vegetation. It is very painful when stung by the many stinging nettle found in the jungle. When we found the group of gorillas, they were busy eating the stinging nettle and they were oblivious of your presence. We were basically just few meters from them, busy taking photos of them eating there. Suddenly the silverback just walked into our path and stopped. The rangers asked us to make way immediately and the gorilla just walked through and his body touched our hands. We were told if you don't move, they will just force their way through. We were only allowed to remain there for one hour plus, because our long presence may agitate this mighty gorilla. The trekking itself is very enjoying. The weather is cool and there were many beautiful white flowers named Pyrethrum along the way. My wife and daughter chose the short trekking to habituated group named Umubano which has 12 members with 3 silverbacks. They however needed to walk much longer than me because the leader of the group tried to flee further into the jungle because of some other silverback trying to woo the female gorillas. So they have to keep chasing the gorilla. This trip is definitely a trip of your life time.
2. Kingfisher Journeys - Canoeing near the Gorillas
Overall Ratings
5 based on 65 reviews
Go on a morning or afternoon adventure on a gentle river and float through the thousand hills near to the gorillas! Discover a special way to travel, soak up impressive views, watch abundant birds, meet friendly communities and find just a little excitement in our modern canoes.
Reviewed By Daniel N - Orange County
We paddled through a winding peaceful river in Musanze through green fields of grass, taro plants, farms and said Salatma, Ama kuru (Hello, How are you?) to the locals along the bank of the river. There were fishermen with long bamboo poles, children playing, farmer, harvesters... and they all responded cheerfully. So many types of birds feasting on the fertile ground here. Everest was always so courteous and professional, constantly reminded me to be careful with my camera. We were rowing too fast so we kinda floated the last third of the journey, taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful countryside.
3. Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Luke K - Melbourne
We had some time to kill and came across this place. It was very very informative! There are skeletons of Gorillas, great photos of Dian Fossey, a great sand map of the location of the gorillas. I couldn't recommend this place more. Check it out before your Gorilla Trek.
4. Umubano Tours - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Nick M
We had limited time in Rwanda so we wanted to do a day trip to see the gorillas from Kigali. Herbert was able to offer is excellent advise on how to do this and his email communications we very speedy. On the day of the trip Gerald, our driver picked us up at 4.30am. He was a really lovely guys, and helped us get enough water and food for our trek. The drive from Kigali to the national park reception took 2 hours. We were assigned the Susa gorilla at the morning meeting and set off up the volcano to find them. The trek was 8 hours total, as the gorillas were higher up the volcano due to it being dry season. The guides on out trek were amazing and so helpful on the steeper sections. We hired a porter who carried out bag which id definitely recommend! Seeing the gorillas was the most amazing experience ever! We got to spend an hour with them and then it was time to head back down. Back at the car Gerald was waiting to drive us back to Kigali. He made sure we got there at a reasonable time and was a very safe driver!! Overall I'd really recommend umubano tours. They are a very professional and friendly group.
5. Umuzabibu Mwiza - Handspun Hope Women's Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
As you visit Umuzabibu Mwiza, witness firsthand this remarkable project and meet the women as they participate in the age old craft of spinning yarn from the fleeces of their own flock of Merino sheep. Using only hand tools and spinning wheels, discover how the women create organic yarn and dye it naturally with native plant materials such as cosmos petals, onionskins and eucalyptus leaves. After your tour, you will have an opportunity to purchase Handspun Hope yarn and hand knit products, once only available through social business partners such as Kate Spade & Company and Indego Africa. Our newest collection includes hats for all ages, blankets… and even baby gorillas! We are certain you will find the perfect Handspun Hope keepsake to take home from your trip to Rwanda!
Reviewed By hannahrey - New Braunfels, Texas
I had an amazing experience meeting these women and watching them work through the many processes of making the yarn. I was even able to try my hand at it and it's much more difficult than one might think. They are incredibly talented women. Highly recommend!!
6. Red Rocks Rwanda
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Red Rocks Day Tours concentrates on giving clients who visit Rwanda for a short period of time a chance to explore the country within the short limited time. The Tours are tailor made and we have standard tours that you can choose from.
Reviewed By apritchard - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I had the chance to stay at Red Rocks for the Kwita Izina ceremony this week and it was a wonderful experience. The staff were all amazing and made us feel at home. They have set up a very unique experience in Musanze - one...MoreThanks for the review
7. Lava Bike Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Lava Bike Tours provide bike tours in the Musanze region of Rwanda. Offering several different bike adventures around the country. The main activity that Lava Bike Tours provide is called The Village Ride. As the name suggests, our ride takes our clients through this region’s breathtaking scenery as they make their way to their destination of one of the local communities.
Reviewed By AbbyMalchow - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Rwanda has the perfect landscape to explore on a bike, and Yannick is a fantastic guide! We had an amazing day and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend in between hiking the volcanoes!thanks Abby for appreciating our service
8. Golden Trekkers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Golden Trekkers is an authorized travel and tourism company specializing in Rwanda and Uganda. We offer Wildlife Safari trips to all national parks. Packages range from luxury to budget-priced. Our team has extensive experience in the East African Tourism Sector, and we look forward to helping you create a safe, comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Reviewed By Virginiaphd - Virginia
My husband and I spent an incredible week traveling around Rwanda. Vincent of Golden Trekkers planned our trip, adventures, and lodging. It was an awesome, memorable journey. We safaried in Nyungwe Forest, boated on gorgeous Lake Kiva, trekked with the Gorillas, went to a fantastic interactive cultural center where we learned so much, stayed on a tea plantation, and more. All of our lodging was beautiful, interesting, and top notch.
Rwanda is a gorgeous country and should be on everyone's top list of places to go. The people are kind, hard working, and polite.
I recommend that you have Golden Trekkers be your guide. The driver was safe and polite. Our guide/owner of the company, Vincent, took extra special care of our needs. By the end of our trip, when Vincent and Abouba, our driver, returned us to Kigali, we felt like we were leaving family .
I hope to one day return to Rwanda or travel to Uganda and I would definitely contact Golden Trekkers. I recommend them highly.
9. African Mountain Explorer
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Mountain Gorilla Safaris, Akagera Trips (every Saturdays and Sundays), Car hire (Self Drive in East Africa, Culture & historic tours, Honeymoon Packages, Airport transfers & assistance, Hotels/Lodges bookings, Family holiday packages, Tours planning, Visa advisory, Hiking & Birding experiences, Tours consultancy, Translation services, Car hire services, Photography & Filming and Wildlife Safaris
Reviewed By dylanyo - Hong Kong, null, Hong Kong
These guys are really the best! Paul and Eric took great care of us from inquiry, through booking, arrival, and of course the entire safari! They even made sure we could have vegan, gluten-free food for the entire week -- even in remote locations!Thank you for the review
10. The Mane Tours Ltd.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
We are a Rwanda based company operated by a Rwandan and his American wife. Our unique combination of backgrounds as an experienced guide and a world traveler gives us the ability to focus on the specific needs of our clients. Our passion for Rwanda, whether it be the wildlife, the people, the environment, or the culture and heritage, is our utmost concern. Our goal is to give our clients a life
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