Top Things to do in Rwanda
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10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Rwanda That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Rwanda, Rwanda including Reconciliation Village and Nyamata Church - Millennium Village Tour, 5 Days Rwanda Tour, Scenic walk around volcanoes, Kigali City Private Tour (History, Culture, Art and Markets), 3-Day Historical, Political & Cultural Tour of Rwanda, Kigali City Tour (History minded city tour of Kigali), Nyamirambo Walking Tours, 1 Day Rwanda Cultural Tour, Nyamata and Ntarama Memorial visit, Dancing Pots.
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1. Reconciliation Village and Nyamata Church - Millennium Village Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Embark on a full-day community excursion in the historic South of Rwanda. 45-minutes drive outside Kigali and learn about how one of the poorest sectors in Rwanda became a unity, reconciliation and development model with the intervention of MDGs. Welcomed at the MVP headquarters, you'll see the former Nyamata church, now Genocide Memorial, and mass graves of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.Visit a local farmer who showcases his farm and agriculture practices with the SDGs interventions. Interact with formerly impoverished women who formed a weaving cooperative that makes beautifully crafted traditional baskets called "Agaseke." Be hosted by a Reconciliation village housing Genocide survivors, the Ex-perpetrators and Rwandan Returnees to hear their testimonies and their journey towards reconciliation.Finally have a traditional get-together “Ubusabane”, a happy time of food and drinks, with a touch of Rwandan Traditional dance.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Tour escort/host, Meet guide at hotel or other place of preference in Kigali or Bugesera, Local guide, Peace Basket (Gift), Private transportation, Local banana wine
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Claudia S
The driver and the Guide picked me up on time and they were super friendly. I had prepared myself for a full day of Kigali (history and life). The first stop was the Memorial, the second the Kant House, and then to the Kamp Memorial Museum. After that, we had a lunch break. And that was it. After that, we drove around the town for about 1 hour. Kigali is a nice city, but there is not too much to see. Sometime around 2 pm, I asked if we had another stop, they answered 'no' and said the tour was over. I had a faint memory that there was more on the list, but I couldn't check. Why we didn't go to the market, I don't know (especially since I had said several times that I would like to experience the life of the people in the city!!). Also on the list is Caplaki Craft Village: it must be said about this, the Guide had asked me if I liked art. My answer was, 'it depends, I don't like museums that much'. Maybe that's why it was removed from the program. But even if this had been the case, why wasn't I offered an alternative? In conclusion, I must say that I could have easily visited the three places I mentioned in advance by motorbike taxi and saved a lot of money. Conclusion: for me, not good value for money.
2. 5 Days Rwanda Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
HIGHLIGHTS - Gorilla Trekking -Kigali City tour -Golden Monkey trekking Chimpanzee Trekking -Canopy walk
Inclusions: Chimpanzee permits., Kigali city tour, Canopy walk, Museum fees, Transport cost., Golden monkey fees, 4 nights 5 days full board accommodation., Full time English speaking guide and his allowances., Bottled drinking water while on safari., Any other activity indicated in the itinerary., Fuel surcharge, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bottled water
Exclusions: Visa fees,, beers and liquors,, beverages, laundry,, tipping of staff, and other costs of personal nature., Gorilla permits
Reviewed By Valeriy O
I did a chimpanzee trekking on the 10-11 October. It was a stunning tour through the southern part of the country to reach Nyungwe national park. I've been lucky to explore the depth of national culture and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake Kivu. Special thanks to my tour-guide Mr. Augustin, who is not only one of the best drivers I've ever met, but also a real ambassador of hospitality. He went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, safe and happy. Thank you very much for this unforgettable experience.
3. Scenic walk around volcanoes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It is an amazing and very adventurous experience, as you will see how the Rwandese live in their villages and homes and see the magnificent view of five beautiful volcanoes. This short walk on foot takes roughly 3 hours and the longer one takes around 5 hours or more depending on guests’ preference or their physical fitness and it ends at the foot of Bisoke volcano and have a lunch there after a short massage by the staff of volcanoes Resto-Bar.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By discovertheworld_13
Beyond the Gorillas Experience organized an exciting visit of the Kinunu Coffee Washing Station. We were picked up by boat well in time at our lodge in Kigufi/Gisenyi, had a pleasant trip to Kinunu and a very interesting guided tour. We got to know all steps from crop to cup, could try out harvesting the cherries, drying the beans, and finally we roasted and grinded our "own" coffee. Delicious lunch was offered in the nearby Rushel Lodge. It was not our first tour with Beyond the Gorillas Experience, and certainly not our last. Special thanks to the founder & MD Theodore who really understands his customers' wishes.
4. Kigali City Private Tour (History, Culture, Art and Markets)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Our city tour covers the cultural and historical insights of Rwanda in general and in Kigali in particular. We visit the memorial, local markets, cultural centres and many other interesting surprises. We start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, English speaking guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks
Reviewed By Dirk W
I cannot rave enough about Patrick, the owner, and Benique, my guide, who accompanied me during most of my 10 day visit to Kigali in October. After the first tour I decided to add several other trips. It was an amazing experience and I had the wonderful opportunity to tour in the North, West, South and East. Both Patrick and Benique are extremely friendly, accommodating and easy to work with. They are a wealth of information and being with Benique on the road felt more like travelling with a friend than a guide. The tours are very profesionally organized and the hotels on the road a fantastic selection with amazing views. I cannot wait to come back! PS: Yambi Tours reinforced the great COVID 19 protocol in Rwanda and you feel very safe at all times.
5. 3-Day Historical, Political & Cultural Tour of Rwanda
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our tours are an incredible way to get under the skin of Rwanda – with access to people and places as well as great analysis and experts. We cover the history of Rwanda from the pre-colonial era until today. With less emphasis on ordinary tourism the tours are like being in a documentary film. You’ll go off the beaten track, meet incredible people and members of local communities. You get to ask your own questions and make up your mind about some of the most intriguing topics about Rwanda. It’s unique, exciting and stimulating; an experience you will never forget. A historical and political tour will open up travel in a way you’d never expect. This tour gives you an insightful glimpse into the complex issues of the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic divisions and the role played by the catholic church and different colonial powers in the events that led to the genocide. The tour also offers hearing first hand from people closely involved and well informed is eye opening.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Private transportation, Hotel Accommodation (Yambi Guesthouse), Fuel surcharge, All entry permits for Museums
Exclusions: Drinks (Spirits, Wines, Coffee), Dinner
Reviewed By Travelamiga2
My partner and I decided to take the tour on our last day in Rwanda. We've been living in Rwanda for 3 weeks already but we never had to opportunity to explore. My partner and i were picked up at our apartment which was a plus! ( a little late but they manage to call to inform us that they were on their way).It was only me and my partner on the tour and must i say, it was lovely. We did inform that we had to be back to our apartment at 5pm and they noted that very well. Our tour was custom to our preference which was a plus. (Keep in mind, that Kigali has a curfew.) Patrick was very well educated on the history of Rwanda! We had a delicious lunch and had a great conversation with Patrick during our lunch which was great! It was not an awkward lunch. It is a very lovely tour. I recommend if want to see the major "must see" of Kigali. It was very lovely to have Patrick around as our tour guide. Patrick spoke very good english and ensure we had a great experience to take back home.
6. Kigali City Tour (History minded city tour of Kigali)
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 9 reviews
Far from simply looking at buildings and listening to a few anecdotes, you will learn about life in Kigali during several different time periods and begin to understand the impact each era had on the Rwandan people.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Flowers to lay at the memorial
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ashland_Local43
In discussing the Holocaust and the genocide of 6 million Jews, Hannah Arendt wrote about the "banality of evil." When you visit the Millenium Village, you will get to see for yourself whether this description applies to the Rwandan genocide. It may be one of the most important and touching experiences of your life. How does an ordinary person kill his neighbors? How do you react when you come home to find that everyone you love has been killed? -- and how can you possibly forgive the people who did it? Visiting the Nyamata memorial, you will be horrified at the scale and the cruelty of the Rwandan genocide. But when you visit the Millenium village, you will undoubtedly be left with feelings of hope -- hope that such terrible acts do not necessarily have to perpetuate a cycle of reprisals and revenge that continues forever. Perpetrators can show true repentance and victims can move past unspeakable tragedy to demonstrate forgiveness that is almost unimaginable. This give us hope, not just Rwanda, but for all of humanity.
7. Nyamirambo Walking Tours
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Nyamirambo is a bustling and vibrant multi-cultural commercial suburb of Kigali that offers visitors a typical African flair. Comparable with South Africa’s ‘Township Tours’, this unique experience brings you right into the heart of the colors, noises and smells of urban Rwanda. Here, people from different educational, cultural and social backgrounds live together among enchanting shops and busy markets, surrounded by the sounds of Islamic prayer, children’s games and commercial activities. Your hosts together with the young and charming women you will meet at the Nyamirambo Women’s Co-operative (NWC), will take your hand and guide you through their home area, a part of town that is also called “the city that never sleeps”.
Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Local taxes, Bottled water, Meet guide at hotel or other place of preference in Kigali, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Claudia S
The driver and the Guide picked me up on time and they were super friendly. I had prepared myself for a full day of Kigali (history and life). The first stop was the Memorial, the second the Kant House, and then to the Kamp Memorial Museum. After that, we had a lunch break. And that was it. After that, we drove around the town for about 1 hour. Kigali is a nice city, but there is not too much to see. Sometime around 2 pm, I asked if we had another stop, they answered 'no' and said the tour was over. I had a faint memory that there was more on the list, but I couldn't check. Why we didn't go to the market, I don't know (especially since I had said several times that I would like to experience the life of the people in the city!!). Also on the list is Caplaki Craft Village: it must be said about this, the Guide had asked me if I liked art. My answer was, 'it depends, I don't like museums that much'. Maybe that's why it was removed from the program. But even if this had been the case, why wasn't I offered an alternative? In conclusion, I must say that I could have easily visited the three places I mentioned in advance by motorbike taxi and saved a lot of money. Conclusion: for me, not good value for money.
8. 1 Day Rwanda Cultural Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
This 1 Day Rwanda cultural Tour will take you to visit the most predominant and well known cultural sites in Rwanda including the famous genocide memorials, the Kigali Traditional Construction Experience, Kigali city tour and community walks, as well as an exceptional birding experience in the capital. This particular tour can be tailor-made to suit your varying needs & timing either to start and End in Kigali or directly pick you up from the airport for those with limited time of traveling. For purposes of visiting the different attractions in a day and for this tour, you will take our tour vehicle with an experienced tour guide to the different sites you are interested in visiting while on this Kigali city tour.
Inclusions: Transportation, Food, Soft Drink, Entrance fees and Guiding
Exclusions: Air fares & Visa, Alcoholic drink, Accommodation, Dinner, Insurance, Laundry and tip to local guides
Reviewed By derekgY1090OE
I booked a 1 month rental through Alain at Shalom Safaris. He was very friendly and professional. He provided me 2016 Toyota RAV4. It was very clean and well maintained. The 6 speed manual transmission was a pleasure to drive. The price was fair.
9. Nyamata and Ntarama Memorial visit
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
The Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials are situated in Bugesera region approximately 35km from Kigali City. Bugesera is about an hour’s drive south of Kigali. Nyamata was one of the worst sites of the unfolding of the genocide – the numbers of victims alone are staggering. 10,000 people were murdered inside the church building alone – yet more outside. Like Ntarama, Nyamata lies in a region that had a particularly high proportion of Tutsis amongst the population. It was also there, on the other hand, that churches did serve as safe havens during the earlier genocidal outbreaks before 1994. This is why so many people crammed into churches all over the country to seek shelter, not knowing that these buildings would turn into death traps this time around. Nyamata became one of the starkest examples of this. The frightened Tutsis who had locked themselves in the church were not to be spared by the Hutu killer hordes.
Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By rvrwelch
We had an absolutely amazing time on our two-day tour with Kawira! Iddy was a fantastic guide, extremely friendly and knowledgeable and lots of good conversation along the way. Ian went above and beyond to organize our tour as well as help us organize other parts of our vacation. Nyungwe Forest is just stunningly beautiful and is a must-visit for a trip to Rwanda. I can't recommend Kawira enough - great tour and lovely people!
10. Dancing Pots
The Dancing Pots experience will offer you a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with a very settled and forward-looking Batwa community in the Western province of Rwanda. The excursion starts with an introductory presentation that explains the historical and cultural background, and prepares the you for the interaction with the community.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages, Banana wine, Meet guide at hotel or other place of preference in Kigali or Gisenyi, Local guide, Professional guide, Local taxes, All activities, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Claudia S
The driver and the Guide picked me up on time and they were super friendly. I had prepared myself for a full day of Kigali (history and life). The first stop was the Memorial, the second the Kant House, and then to the Kamp Memorial Museum. After that, we had a lunch break. And that was it. After that, we drove around the town for about 1 hour. Kigali is a nice city, but there is not too much to see. Sometime around 2 pm, I asked if we had another stop, they answered 'no' and said the tour was over. I had a faint memory that there was more on the list, but I couldn't check. Why we didn't go to the market, I don't know (especially since I had said several times that I would like to experience the life of the people in the city!!). Also on the list is Caplaki Craft Village: it must be said about this, the Guide had asked me if I liked art. My answer was, 'it depends, I don't like museums that much'. Maybe that's why it was removed from the program. But even if this had been the case, why wasn't I offered an alternative? In conclusion, I must say that I could have easily visited the three places I mentioned in advance by motorbike taxi and saved a lot of money. Conclusion: for me, not good value for money.
