Twelve things to do in Rwanda
This is an editorial selection, not a ranking. The list starts in Volcanoes National Park, moves through Akagera and Nyungwe to Lake Kivu, and ends in Kigali. Eleven entries are outdoor and cultural activities. The twelfth is a memorial, and it has its own section because it is a place of remembrance.
This is an independent guide, not Visit Rwanda or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Fees are 2026 prices for international adults unless stated, and they are charged by the parks and venues. Several activities have a minimum age or need a guide, which is noted in each entry.
Volcanoes National Park
All four activities start from the park headquarters at Kinigi, near Musanze.
1. Gorilla trekking
A guided walk to a habituated mountain gorilla group, with one hour at the group. The permit costs $1,500 per person and day for international visitors, and the minimum age is 15. Groups have at most 8 visitors. A sighting is the aim, not a promise.
Gorilla trekking guide →2. Golden monkey tracking
A shorter primate visit in the same park. International visitors pay $100, and the minimum age is 12. Meet at 07:00.
Volcanoes National Park →3. Bisoke hike
A guided volcano hike, charged at $75 for international adults, with a minimum age of 15. Meeting time is 07:00, and a group has at most 16 people. Hike only with a registered guide.
4. Walk to the Dian Fossey grave
The route begins with about 30 minutes by vehicle from the headquarters, followed by a forest walk of 2 to 3 hours up to more than 3,000 m. International adults pay $75, and the minimum age is 15. Meet at 07:00.
Our picks: things to do
A hike above Kigali, the Nyungwe canopy and a boat day on Lake Kivu.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private Lake Kivu day trip with boat cruise and islands
Private transport from Kigali, a multilingual guide, a private boat trip with an island tour and water. Meals and the Château Le Marara entry are extra, and hotel pickup is on request only.
Check availability →
Nyungwe Forest day: canopy walk, zipline and chimpanzees
Lunch and water are included, and the page mentions a pickup. Park entry ($100) and additional activity fees are not included.
Check availability →
Mount Kigali hike with a village visit
A guided hike with a local guide and a village visit, plus water and fruit. Transport to the trailhead is included, the ride back is not.
Check availability →Rwanda tours and day trips
Guided gorilla and wildlife trips, Kigali city tours and day excursions, with live prices and availability.
Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu
The savanna in the east, the forest in the southwest and the lake in the west.
5. Game drive in Akagera
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos are present in Akagera. Entry for one day is $100 for international adults. The park is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00 and you may drive yourself. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Akagera National Park →6. Boat trip on Lake Ihema
A scheduled daytime boat trip costs $35 for adults and $20 for children, and a sunset trip $45 and $30. Planned departures are at 07:30, 09:00, 15:00 and 16:30. A private boat for up to 11 people costs $200. Reserve with the park.
7. Canopy walk at Uwinka
The canopy walk in Nyungwe starts at the Uwinka visitor center. It costs $40 on top of the $100 park entry, with groups of 2 to 8. The visitor center is open 07:00–17:00.
Nyungwe National Park →8. Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe
The $150 fee includes the guide and comes on top of the park entry. The minimum age is 15, and up to 8 adults go to each chimpanzee community. Ask for the exact meeting point in advance, as the communities are at different places.
9. Congo Nile Trail
A 227 km route from Rubavu to Rusizi along Lake Kivu. You can hike or mountain bike, and walk single sections. Read the swimming advice for the lake first: the German Federal Foreign Office warns of schistosomiasis in inland waters, including Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu →
In Kigali
Two stops in the capital suit a free half day. See the Kigali guide for more on the city.
10. Kimironko Market
A market for locally made goods such as textiles, accessories and traditional baskets. Ask your hotel for current opening hours.
11. Inema Arts Center
A gallery and artist residence at KG 563 St in Kacyiru, open daily. It also runs art and movement programs.
A place of remembrance
12. Kigali Genocide Memorial
The memorial in Gisozi remembers the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It is the resting place of 250,000 victims. The exhibitions cover the history before the genocide, the genocide itself and its aftermath. Entry is free. It is open from 09:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00, and on the last Saturday of the month it opens at 13:00. Children under 12 are not admitted. No photos inside, and please do not step on the graves. Allow at least 1.5 hours.
Visiting with respect →
Plan around the list
Where the activities fit into a trip.
Things to do in Rwanda: frequently asked questions
What is the most popular thing to do in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the best known activity. A permit costs $1,500 per person and day for international visitors in 2026. Other primate activities, Akagera and Nyungwe fill out most itineraries.
How many days do I need for these activities?
The Volcanoes activities are a day each, and Nyungwe is 6 to 7 hours by road from Kigali. A week allows Kigali, Volcanoes and one more area. Pick a few activities rather than all twelve.
Can children join these activities?
It depends on the age. Gorilla trekking, Bisoke and the Fossey grave walk start at 15, golden monkey tracking at 12, and chimpanzee tracking at 15. Akagera charges a child rate for ages 6 to 12 and nothing up to 5. The Kigali Genocide Memorial does not admit children under 12.
Can I hike on my own?
In Volcanoes and Nyungwe, hikes must be led by registered guides, according to German travel advice. Do not plan an unguided summit hike.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Kivu?
The German Federal Foreign Office names Lake Kivu in its schistosomiasis advice and recommends against bathing in inland waters. Take the advice into account before you plan lake time.