Country of a Thousand Hills

Grab a torch and protective headgear to explore a pitch-black cave and spot several bats along the way. Later in the afternoon, take a Musanze City tour and visit the local market for souvenirs.

Paddle along the Mukungwa River, which flows past Musanze City and takes you past five volcanoes. Then, take a boat trip to Twin Lakes, where you can explore the islands, snap some photographs, and learn about the history of volcanoes.

Hop in the car and head to Rubavu, just a two-hour drive from Musanze. Take a city tour and then visit the mountain for a panoramic view of Goma. Cross the border at La petite barrier, one of the world’s first borders that welcomes a large number of travelers. Soak in the therapeutic hot springs at Rubavu and let the sand beach take your tiredness away.

Take a scenic drive along the Lake Kivu beltway, passing through hills covered in green tea plantations and village pathways. Be treated like royalty at Betania Hotel, with chilled drinks and fresh grilled fish for lunch. Then, board a local boat and explore Rwanda’s beautiful islands, stopping at Napoleon Island, Blue Monkey Island, and Peace Island to see resident monkeys.

Enjoy a challenging hike in Nyungwe, walking on a 200-meter-long bridge spanning two hills. Surround yourself with ancient, gigantic trees, flying monkeys, and paradise birds. Test your balance and resilience 70 meters above the forest on a trembling bridge. Take a tour of the Kitabi tea estate in the afternoon.

Journey deep into the Rwandan jungle, home to chimpanzees who share 80% of our DNA. Spend an hour with them, taking pictures to preserve the moment. You might also spot endemic birds of the Albertine Rift Valley and other reptiles along the way. Hike for an hour to reach a tranquil waterfall, where you can spend an hour taking pictures and enjoying the view.

Finally, drive for two hours to Nyanza, the birthplace of Rwanda. Explore the museum where the illustrious Rwandan monarchs once lived, and visit the king’s palace to learn about the elegance, intelligence, and power of pre-colonial Rwanda. In the courtyard of the palace, discover the renowned Long Horns Rwandan Cow and witness the close relationship between humans and animals. Then, visit Butare’s ethnographic museum to learn about archaeological treasures left by our predecessors. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Rwanda!