Rwandans are roughly divided into Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. The tensions between Hutu and Tutsi tribes led to the 1994 genocide. Juvenal Habyarimana the Rwandan President was a Hutu. His plane was shot down by Tutsi Rebels. The Tutsi killed the Hutu tribe in cold blood and the Tutsi slaughtered a majority of the moderate Hutu over the next few months. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center exhibits provide information on the events that led to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its effects. Rwanda’s genocide museum is open every day from 8am to 5pm, seven days per week. You can view the mass graves of innocent genocide survivors.
Listen to Genocide Stories in Nyamata Church
Nyamata is a church located 20 miles south of Rwanda’s capital. You can get a very powerful insight into what happened during the genocide. Nyamata is the church where the 10,000 Tutsi tribe from Rwanda sought refuge from Hutu attackers. However, they were massacred later when the nyamata door was opened with grenades. The Nyamata memorial church is where over 50,000 genocide survivors were buried. Skulls, bones and bloodstained clothing of those who died, are displayed. The Nyamata memorial center is open every day from 7 am.
Enjoy a Dinner at the Real Hotel Rwanda
Those who have seen the 2004 movie “Hotel Rwanda”, will never forget the story of Paul Rusesabagina. The hotel manager took advantage of the position he held to house more than 1200 refugees during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide to save their lives. The hotel was a luxury type Hotel des Mille collines located in Kigali. The hotel is still glamorous, and a sophisticated place to dine for travelers.
Visit Kigali and the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
The Rwandan Nyamirambo Center for Women was established in 2007 by 18 Rwandans living in Kigali. This center allows women who have been victims of violence and discrimination based on gender to study and learn artisanal skills to earn an income.
Kimironko Market – Enjoy the Atmosphere
Kimironko market is a great way to introduce travelers to Kigali, the most colorful city in the world. Kimironko Market is located in Rwanda’s capital, and it is the busiest market. It has the most welcoming vendors from all over Africa. Stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, clothes, and other necessities are being sold. Kimironko Market is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.
Explore Kigali’s Art Galleries
Kigali Art Galleries, located in the centre of Kigali after the genocide, is a collection of galleries and studios that showcase contemporary art. Kigali Art Galleries are comprised of the Inema Arts center as well as Niyo Art Gallery and Ivuka Arts Centre. The 10 artists who are in residence work across a wide range of media. Cinema arts center offers workshops, exhibitions and training. Ivanka arts centre offers dance and music classes for children. Niyo Art Gallery offers a great selection of cultural products.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only possible in three countries, namely, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla trekking is done in the northwest of Rwanda, at volcanoes National Park. Travelers search for habituated troop members on foot while exploring the tropical montane forest. Once travelers find mountain gorillas they examine the similarities in their behavior.
Karisoke Research Center: Learn about Gorilla Conservation
Dian Fossey, a primatologist and conservationist, founded the Karisoke research center in Volcanoes National Park in 1967. Dian Fossey conducted the scientific studies which were later documented in her groundbreaking book “Gorillas In The Mist.” Dian Fossey, probably in 1985, was murdered by unknown hunters. Dian Fossey, her beloved gorillas and her famous favorite called digit were buried at Karisoke. Visitors to Karisoke learn more about history of Dian Fossey Gorillas Fund, which continues to support the conservation efforts of gorillas.
Musanze Cave: Explore the Underground
The cave is accessible by a system of walking trails and stairs. This allows travelers to extend their journey into the basaltic rock of Volcanoes National Park. The Musanze tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Your guide will tell you about the history of this cave, which was once used by local people as a refuge during the persecution.
Primate search in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Rwanda is home to other primates besides Mountain gorillas. Nyungwe national Park, located in the southwest part, is a sanctuary that houses more than thirteen different primate species. These include the Ruwenzori colonbus, golden and L’Hoests monkeys. Nynungwe is a birder’s paradise with over 322 species of birds, including the 30 endemic bird types associated with the Albertine Rift. Devine African Safaris Ltd. recommend the 9 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 & Big Cats Safari.
Akagera National Park game drives
Akagera National Park is located in the far eastern part of Rwanda, in a majestic ecosystem. Akagera is the only national parks in Rwanda to offer the big five species and one of Central Africa’s largest protected areas. Akagera National Park is the place where you can enjoy a traditional safari, with more than 12,000 large mammal species, including rhinos, elephants lions and giraffes. Best birding spot with 482 species of birds.
Discover Traditional Culture at Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnography museum of Rwanda is located in Huye, formerly known as Butare in southeast Rwanda. It is one of six national museums. The Belgian King gifted the Ethnographic Museum to the Rwandan government in the 1980s as a way to celebrate 25 years of independence. The ethnographic museum contains artifacts that describe the country’s customs, traditions, and culture.
The King’s Palace Museum hosts the Royal Cows
The former royal capital of Rwanda, Nyanza is home to the king’s Palace Museum. The king’s museum is a reconstruction, which shows a great example of the beehive-shaped, grass thatched dwellings that once dotted the Nyanza region. Tourists will also have the chance to see the long-horned Inyambo cows, which are believed to be direct descendants of the original herd.
Relax on the beach at Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu lies between the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is Rwanda’s largest and Africa’s sixth largest lake. Lake Kivu is a beautiful lake with emerald waters and fringing mountains. It’s a great place to relax in adventure.
Bicycle or hike along the Congo Nile Trail
The adventurous can choose to hike or bike the Congo Nile Trail. The Congo Nile Trail is nearly 141 miles long and is connected by unpaved trails, local roads, and the lakeshore. It starts from Rubavu before moving up to the tea plantations before ending in the south of the lake Cyangugu.
