West and North Tour

Nyabugogo Bus Stop

Nyabugogo is Kigali's main bus station and Rwanda's busiest transport hub, serving as the gateway for travel across the country and to neighboring nations . About 180,000 passengers pass through daily . It is currently undergoing a major $100 million upgrade into an "airport-like" modern terminal with business lounges and better facilities . From here, you can catch buses and shared taxis to all corners of Rwanda .

Stafford Coffee Brewers Muhanga

Visit Stafford Coffee in Muhanga, a popular stopover coffee shop along the main road in Rwanda's Southern Province, founded by entrepreneur Stafford Rubagumya to promote local coffee consumption among Rwandans . Part of a growing chain of coffee kiosks and houses, this welcoming spot offers affordable, locally grown coffee with a mission—serving travelers driving to and from Kigali and beyond, with friendly baristas who make every cup special

King's Palace

Visit the King's Palace in Nyanza, Southern Province, a beautifully reconstructed traditional royal residence shaped like a giant beehive and built entirely from natural materials using ancient techniques . Step inside to see how Rwandan kings once lived, then explore the modern palace built in 1932 for King Mutara III Rudahigwa, which now displays fascinating exhibits on Rwanda's monarchy from the 15th century until its abolition in 1962 . The highlight is meeting the famous Inyambo royal cows—magnificent long-horned cattle descended from the king's own herd, whose keepers sing to them and keep alive a unique ceremonial tradition . On the nearby hill of Mwima, you can also visit the mausoleum where King Mutara III, Queen Rosalie Gicanda, and the last king Kigeli V are laid to rest .

Ethnographic Museum

Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, Southern Province, Rwanda's oldest national museum opened in 1989 . Housed in a striking building gifted by Belgium, it features seven galleries with over 10,000 artifacts—one of Africa's finest ethnographic and archaeological collections . Explore exhibits on traditional housing, farming, pottery, and royal attire, all beautifully displayed with historic photographs that bring Rwanda's pre-colonial and modern cultural journey to life .

Nyunger National Park

Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage site . Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers, it is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees and troops of 400 Angolan colobus monkeys . Visitors can trek to see chimpanzees, walk the famous canopy walkway suspended above the forest, or soar along one of Africa’s longest ziplines . The park feeds both the Nile and Congo rivers and shelters over 300 bird species and 1,100 plant varieties .

Zipline and Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park

Experience the thrill of soaring above one of Africa’s oldest rainforests with Nyungwe National Park’s world-class aerial adventures. The Nyungwe Canopy Zipline stretches an impressive 1,935 meters, making it one of the longest ziplines in Africa . Launched in 2025, this exhilarating ride begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre and is divided into three sections—each named after Rwanda’s iconic primates—taking you flying through misty mountains and lush rainforest canopy, with the final section reaching over one kilometer long . For those who prefer to walk among the treetops, the Canopy Walkway is East Africa’s only suspended bridge of its kind, stretching 160 meters and hanging 70 meters (230 feet) above the forest floor . The walk begins with a guided hike along the Igishigishigi Trail, a moderately challenging two-hour round trip where you can spot monkeys, colorful birds, and butterflies before stepping onto the bridge for breathtaking panoramic views . Both adventures offer unforgettable perspectives of Nyungwe’s incredible biodiversity, from troops of colobus monkeys leaping through the trees to the sweeping vistas of rolling hills and ancient forest stretching to the horizon .

3 Hours Boat Trip on Lake Kivu

Begin your adventure with a convenient pickup from your hotel, then step aboard a private boat and set out across the calm, beautiful waters of Lake Kivu for a three-hour journey to some of the lake’s most captivating spots.

1. Nyamunini Island (Napoleon Island)
Arrive at this small, forested island shaped like Napoleon’s famous hat. Take a guided walk along shaded trails, meet a large colony of fruit bats resting in the trees, and climb to the top viewpoint for sweeping panoramic views across the lake and surrounding hills.

2. Monkey Island
Cruise next to a peaceful island home to a troop of friendly monkeys. Enjoy monkey trekking through the trees and capture wonderful photos of these playful creatures in their natural island setting.

3. Peace Island
Stop at Peace Island for a moment of true relaxation. Swim in the calm, clear waters, stretch out on the shore, and soak in the quiet island atmosphere away from the bustle of town.

4. Mukindwe – Swimming Cows Experience
Continue your cruise to Mukindwe, where you can witness one of Lake Kivu’s most charming sights—local cows swimming gracefully between islands. If you are feeling adventurous, you are welcome to join them and swim from one island to another for a truly unforgettable experience.

At the end of your journey, relax on the boat as you cruise back to shore, carrying with you memories of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and pure lake-side peace.

Hot Spring and DRC Border Boating

A visit to Gisenyi, now officially called Rubavu, offers a perfect blend of natural relaxation and fascinating cross-border culture along the shores of Lake Kivu . Just seven kilometers south of town, the Nyamyumba Hot Springs—known locally as *Amashyuza*—bubble up from the earth with mineral-rich geothermal waters reaching temperatures up to 75 degrees Celsius, hot enough to boil an egg in about twenty minutes . These natural thermal pools, nestled between lush green hills and the lake shore, are treasured by locals who believe the sodium chloride, calcium phosphate, and magnesium-rich waters offer healing benefits for muscle pain, improved blood circulation, and stress relief . Visitors can soak their feet, enjoy a traditional volcanic sand massage from local attendants, and experience this authentic communal gathering place where families and travelers come together in the warm, steaming waters .

After your relaxing soak, head into town to witness the unique cross-border energy where Rwanda meets the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Petite Barrière border crossing buzzes with daily activity as thousands of people and goods move between Rubavu and Goma, creating a vibrant cultural blend visible in local music, food, and conversation . From viewpoints along the lakeshore or by hiking nearby Mount Rubavu, you can gaze across the water toward the city of Goma and the majestic Nyiragongo Volcano rising in the distance, offering excellent photo opportunities and a powerful sense of standing at the meeting point of two nations . End your day watching the spectacular sunset over Lake Kivu, when the sky turns golden and the waters shimmer against the backdrop of the Congolese hills—a moment of pure peace that captures the essence of this remarkable border town.

Chez West - Best Fish in Rwanda

Located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu, Chez West has earned a reputation as one of the area's finest spots for fresh fish . The specialty is tilapia, grilled to perfection with local spices and served with plantains or chips, alongside sambaza—small fried fish known as "Lake Kivu sardines" . Guests enjoy stunning lake views while dining just meters from the water . The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service make this a favorite among locals and travelers alike for an authentic taste of Rwanda's lake cuisine .

Gorilla Trekking

Your gorilla trekking adventure begins with a 7:00 AM arrival at the park headquarters in Kinigi for a mandatory briefing, where rangers assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and share essential safety guidelines . After the briefing, you will drive to the trailhead and trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes for 30 minutes to 6 hours or more, depending on where the gorillas are resting that day . Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat before returning to the starting point .

Iby'iwacu Cultural village

After your gorilla trek, visit Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, also known as Gorilla Guardians Village, just a short drive from the park headquarters in Musanze . Here you will meet former poachers who now protect gorillas and share their culture with visitors . Enjoy traditional Intore dance performances, try drumming, visit the King's Palace replica, learn to grind millet or make banana beer, and explore traditional healers' gardens . This experience supports local families and is the perfect way to end your gorilla adventure .

Dian Fossey Campus

Step into the world of Dian Fossey at her namesake campus, where you can walk the same paths once traveled by the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. Interactive exhibits bring her story to life, letting you explore a replica of her original cabin and step into a 360-degree theater that transports you deep into the rainforest. Outside, peaceful nature trails wind through gardens blooming with native trees and flowers, offering stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance—a fitting end to your gorilla trekking adventure.