Attractions in Rwanda Range from the green rolling hills, The tranquil Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Giswhati Np, to the rich Cultures and heritage packaged together in the Museums of the country, The Genocide memorial sites to the Modern incentive Structures like Convention center, Hotels form a diverse options of attractions to Visit while on a tour in Rwanda.
Lake Kivu is found in western Rwanda on the country’s border and it’s surrounded by majestic mountains known as the Virunga Mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2 and a height of 1460 meters above sea level. It’s Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Lake Kivu is shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo making up the largest part of the border between the two countries. In addition, this lake pours into River Ruzizi and flows southward to Lake Tanganyika.
The bottom of Lake Kivu rests on the rift valley floor which is pulling apart resulting in volcanic action within the area thus making it veritably deep at 480 meters and it’s ranked as the 15th deepest lake in the world.
Scientists suppose that enough volcanic relation with the water bed of the lake bears high-pressure gas concentrations might heat water, compelling the methane away from the water, resulting in a methane explosion together with driving virtually simultaneous escape of carbon dioxide.
This carbonic-acid gas would ultimately suffocate large numbers of people on the lake basin while the gases escape off the face of the lake. It’s still considered that this lake may produce lake tsunamis as the gas blows from it.
There are around 28 fish species that stay in this amazing lake, and among the Fish species caught then are Clarias, Haplochromis, Barbus, and the Nile Tilapia which was later introduced in the lake together with the Tanganyika Sardine
It’s said that the 10th largest island in the world known as Idwiji Island is found in Lake Kivu and different villages are found around this lake, which are Kalehe, Bukavu, Sake, Kabare, and Goma found in Congo Plus, Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye in Rwanda.
Kibuye is located midway between the north and the south of Lake Kivu. It’s a beautiful quiet town and it’s arguably in the most scenic section of Lake Kivu. There are nearly no beaches but there are several hotels in quiet spots with a waterfront. Due to the quiet and beautiful scenery, Kibuye is arguably the best place to retreat and relax on Lake Kivu. This town has several hotels where you can spend time while on your visit, and these include, Moriah Hill Resort, Kivu Lode, and Home Saint Jean.
Gisenyi is a large town on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, in the Rubavu District in the northwest of Rwanda. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park and the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking. Other activities to engage in this town are, paddle boarding, boat cruise on the lake as you visit the beautiful islands, Kayaking, and more.
Once a colonial beach resort of note, Rubavu’s waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, hotels, and trendy bars on the lakeshore, ideal for sundowner cocktails.
There are numerous hotels and sandy beaches and thus popular with weekend party goes coming in from Kigali and across from the Democratic Republic of Congo coming to party at the beaches over the weekend. Some of the hotels in Gisenyi Town include Inzu Lodge, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, and Paradis Malahide Hotel
Gisenyi is located in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains and its 1.5 hours’ drive from the Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. From Kigali to Gisenyi is a 3.5-hour drive.
Cyangungu is the last town south of the lake. It overlooks Bukavu town on the other side of the lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To reach this city, it is approximately 30 – 40 minutes ’ drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park and is, therefore, a good place to stay when visiting Nyungwe forest national park for the chimpanzee trekking tour or other treks in the forest. This town is not as developed as the other two towns. Some of the Hotels you’ll find in Cyangugu include Emeraude Kivu Resort and Peace Guesthouse.
Human History Fact check
During the Rwandan Genocide back in 1994 and the first and second Congo wars. Several dead bodies were seen floating on Lake Kivu after the genocide.
Kigali city is Rwanda’s Capital located in the center of the country on the Ruganwa River. Kigali was a trade center (after 1895) during the German colonial administration and became a regional center during the Belgian colonial period (1919–62). It became the capital upon Rwanda’s independence in 1962.
Rwanda is well known for its breathtaking scenery and is often referred to as the land of a thousand hills.
Places to visit in Kigali city
Kimironko Market
Kimoroko Market is one of Kigali’s major Tourist attractions, the market is located in Remera and you will find a variety of goods that will suit your needs, it has products ranging from food stuffs, fruits, fabrics, souvenirs, and household items. The walk-through in the market will allow you to interact with the locals who dwell in this place as you get the chance to see the way of life the people of Rwanda live in.
Rwanda Museums.
Rwanda has several museums that attract different people to the country’s capital Kigali, created due to the genocide in 1994, where there were massive killings of Rwandese. At first, the buildings were residential while others were churches before turning into Museums. They include Presidential Palace Museum, the Kigali genocide memorial, the Campaign against Genocide Museum, and Kandt House Museum.
The Art Galleries.
Kigali has several art galleries all over the city, with these beauties, you can visit different art shops that have amazing art pieces, and you can as well do some shopping since the shops have unique African fabrics and kitenges.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Ground.
When you visit Kigali city, you may want to go to this place, it is located in Gisozi along KG 14 a venue. This place is filled with lots of memories that date back to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, there were massive killings in this period, the bodies of the deceased victims were laid to rest in this place as a way of burying them. Kigali genocide memorial grounds were established in 1999, it is said that about 250,000 Victim’s remains who were laid in this memorial ground. This place is a tourist attraction in Kigali city as people come over to learn about the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Nyamirambo Kigali
Nyamirambo is a vibrant neighborhood which is found in the southwest of Kigali. It’s been called, Kigali’s “coolest neighborhood” and the “heart of Kigali” also referred to as Old Kigali, as it is the major center where the entire city began way back. It harbors a population of Muslims, it has bars, and people who dwell in this place party night and day. Nyamirambo also has Grocery shops, boutiques, milk bars, and markets, and for a visitor, you will have fun in this town of Kigali.
King’s Palace Museum in Rwanda is in Nyanza town north of Butare. Nyanza was the heart of Rwanda. According to the history of oral tradition, this place was the site of battles and battle struggles. The palace was built in 1989 with the help of the Belgian government that was colonizing Rwanda at the time. The structure of this Museum is like a beehive, Grass thatched from top to bottom.
Behind this Museum is a herd of long-horned cattle called Inyambo, also known as “The sacred cows.” owned by the descendants of the king. The caretakers do a great job of preserving a unique tradition as they sing to the cattle while looking after them.
These cows played a big role during ceremonies in honor of the king. The Inyambo cattle are decorated with jewelry. The breed of these cattle is still carried out by the Rwanda Agricultural Board.
The king’s palace museum used to be a palace for the two ruling kings from the early to mid-20th century. This place holds a rich history, and it was built for King Mutura III Rudahingwa. The building Walls have photos of the kings plus their families.
It is said that King Mutura III Rudahingwa’s bed, bows and arrows, shields, drums, utensils, and many more are still present in this palace. The German colonialists used to visit the King in the late 19th century and brought him many gifts.
At the king’s palace is where different traditional activities are carried out, like traditional dances, cultural games, and cultural arts, this is where young people come together to compete in these cultural activities, and when they win they are given prizes as a way of encouraging them to keep their culture and heritage intact.
The King’s palace museum has done tremendous work in preserving and sustaining the culture of Rwanda for the next generations to come. Due to globalization, many cultures have sprouted up which has made most young people forget their origin, but the existence of this place makes a difference.
Visiting this place will help you learn much about Rwanda’s culture and opportunity to buy some souvenirs.
Accommodation at King’s palace museum
King’s palace museum has a variety of hotels and lodges that include mid-range, budget, and luxurious where you can find a room of your comfort to spend a night.
While on your tour to Rwanda, visit this Museum for a memorable Cultural experience, you will have both English and French-speaking guides, and picks one of your choices as they narrate to you the rich history of this magnificent Museum.
How to get to King’s Palace Museum
From Kigali international airport, the town of Nyanza is 88 kilometers and can be accessed two kilometers southwest of Nyanza town located on the hilltop.
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