Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” — and for good reason. With its rolling green mountains, dense rainforest, shimmering lakes, and vibrant city life, the country punches far above its weight when it comes to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re yearning for wildlife adventures, cultural immersion or simply a hideaway in nature, there are things to do in Rwanda that will stay with you long after you leave.

In this blog, I’ll take you through the highlights: from the cityscape of Kigali to remote tea plantations, from gorilla treks to lakeside bliss. We’ll look at the top activities in Rwanda, and also show how to frame a customised Rwanda tour package so you get the most from your time. If you’re planning ahead and wondering about places to visit in Rwanda, this is your ready-to-go guide.

1. Start in Kigali – Modern City, Deep History

When visitors ask, “What are the things to see in Kigali?”, they often expect a typical African capital. But Kigali surprises in the best way: clean, safe, green, with a compelling historical and cultural dimension.

Highlights in Kigali

• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial — a profoundly moving and essential stop for understanding Rwanda’s recent history.
• Explore the city’s modern art galleries, cafés and markets — such as the lively neighbourhoods of Nyamirambo and the Inema Arts Centre.
• Sample Rwanda’s booming coffee culture — with speciality cafés and coffee-washing stations you can visit.
• Use Kigali as your base or transition point for the rest of your trip: its airport and road links make it ideal.

Why start here?

It provides context for the rest of Rwanda. You arrive, acclimatise, understand the country’s story and people, and then head out into nature enriched. So any Rwanda tourism package should include at least one overnight in Kigali.

Travel tip

Stay in a neighbourhood with good local food and cafés so you can ease into the travel pace. Also allocate half a day for the memorial centre and perhaps a walking tour of the city.

2. Gorilla Trekking in the Virungas: Nature’s Most Iconic Encounter

If there’s one singular image that comes up when people think of things to do in Rwanda, it’s trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

What to expect

• A guided hike into the forest, looking for a gorilla family — once found, you spend a limited time with them in their habitat.
• The terrain can be challenging (mud, steep slopes, bamboo undergrowth), so moderate fitness is required.
• Only a limited number of permits are available each day to protect the gorillas.

Why it’s a must-do

The world’s mountain gorilla population is tiny, and Rwanda has become one of the most accessible destinations for this experience.

Integrating into your itinerary

For a customised Rwanda tour package, allocate at least 2-3 days in this region: arrival, trek, and a recovery/relaxation day. Combine with other nearby adventures (see sections below) to make the leg efficient.

Travel tip

Book your gorilla permit well in advance. Dress in layers, be ready for slippery trails, and consider hiring a porter if you have luggage or need support.

3. Safari & Wildlife – Savannah Plains and Chimpanzee Trails

Rwanda isn’t just gorillas. It offers diverse ecosystems and top activities in Rwanda for wildlife lovers.

Key places

• Akagera National Park (east Rwanda): A classic safari setting with savannah, lakes and wildlife.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park (south-west Rwanda): Rainforest home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and a lush canopy walk.

Why these matter

They round out the nature profile: jungle, savannah, primates, and big mammals. This makes for a well-balanced travel experience rather than a one-dimensional one.

Package suggestion

A Rwanda tourism package could include 1 night/2 days in Akagera (game drive + boat ride) and 1-2 nights in Nyungwe (canopy walk + chimpanzee trek). Link them via Kigali or en route between gorilla trekking and lakes.

Travel tip

If short on time, pick one of the parks (depending on your interests: safari vs. primates) rather than trying to do all of them. Hire experienced guides.

4. Lakes & Hills: Relaxation, Water, Scenic Drives

After the intensity of trekking and safari, it’s time to slow down and soak up the setting. These are some of the best places to visit Rwanda for serenity and scenery.

Highlights

• Lake Kivu: One of Africa’s great lakes, with calm waters, islands and a beautiful lakeside townscape.
• Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) in the north-west: dramatic volcanic backdrop, boat rides, local village experiences.
• Tea plantations: walk among rolling green fields, visit factories, and try fresh leaf‐picking.

Why you’ll love it

It’s contrast: from adrenaline (gorillas, safari) to calm (lakeside, hills). Excellent for a premium traveller looking for both adventure and leisure.

Package suggestion

In your customised Rwanda tour package, build in 1-2 nights at Lake Kivu OR at a high-end lodge in the tea hills. Suitable for recovery before/after main activities. Consider spa, boat ride, and local village visits.

Travel tip

Make sure your accommodation has views (sunrise over the hills is spectacular). If you want water activities (kayaking, boat trips), plan accordingly for weather and seasonal conditions.

5. Culture, Community & Hidden Gems

6Beyond the headline attractions, some of the most memorable things to do in Rwanda are off the beaten path, diving into culture, community and local experience.

Cultural experiences to include

• Visit a cultural village, such as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes, to learn about traditional dance, drumming, and rural Rwandan life.
• Artisan workshops: learn weaving (baskets, sisal), coffee tours (from bean to cup), or beekeeper tours around villages.
• Support social enterprise tours: explore Kigali’s markets, art galleries, and community projects.

Why this matters

It elevates the trip from sightseeing to a meaningful exchange. For luxury/intrepid travellers, the deeper the story and the stronger the local connectivity, the richer the experience.

Package suggestion

Embed at least one “local immersion” day in your customised package: maybe a morning in a community village, followed by lunch with locals, and a craft workshop. Offer optional extras, such as private cultural evening performances.

Travel tip

Choose experiences that are ethically run (look for community-based organisations), and keep a flexible mindset — sometimes the unplanned village chat becomes the most vivid memory.

6. Itinerary Sample & How to Build Your Customised Rwanda Tour Package

Here’s how you might structure a 7-day high-end customised Rwanda tour package that covers a rich mix of nature, culture, and relaxation:

Why this works

• It flows from city → forest → lake → wildlife → city, building variety and avoiding monotony.
• It allows both high-adventure (gorilla trek, safari) and relaxation (lake, tea hills).
• It gives layering: main “flagship” experiences with optional add-ons for deeper immersion.
• It can be customised to length (5-day, 10-day), focus (wildlife-heavy, culture-heavy) and budget.

Package creation tips

• Secure permits (especially for gorilla trekking) early.
• Select high-quality lodges/resorts for the premium feel.
• Include internal transfers (often by road) as part of the package.
• Offer “choice” days: for example, Day 6, choose between Nyungwe or Akagera depending on guest interest.
• Highlight the unique: “private” drumming village visit, tea-leaf picking with a local farmer, and lakeside spa.
• Embed sustainable/community-based options (Rwanda does much in eco-tourism).

7. Practical Travel & Expert Tips

• Best time to visit: Dry season (June-September) offers more comfortable trekking and safari conditions.
• Fitness: For trekking (gorillas or chimpanzees), be ready for uneven terrain.
• Booking in advance: Gorilla permits, safari lodges and specialised tours fill fast.
• Packing: Waterproof jacket, good walking shoes, layers, insect repellent, and binoculars.
• Transport: While Rwanda is compact, travel between locations takes time (roads are good, but mountain terrain can slow things down).
• Respectful travel: Visit genocide memorials, ask before photographing locals, support local guides and enterprises.
• Budgeting: Premium experiences (especially gorilla trek) come with higher permit costs; factor that into the package pricing.
• Sustainability: Rwanda leads in green tourism; choose lodges with good environmental credentials and tours that give back.

8. Why Rwanda Now?

For travellers who’ve done “classic Africa” and seek something more unique, Rwanda offers:

• A high-end version of wildlife interactions (mountain gorillas, rainforest primates).
• Landscapes that combine volcanoes, hills, lakes and tea fields in a compact space.
• A stable, safe country with modern infrastructure and big-picture conservation.
• Cultural richness beyond wildlife: community tours, craft artisans, coffee culture.

So if you’ve been asking “what are the top activities in Rwanda?” the answer is: not just one thing, but a suite of superb things, each layering to create a premium, memory-rich journey.

9. Conclusion

When curating your travel strategy around things to do in Rwanda, think of balance: city & culture, adventure & wildlife, scenic calm & immersive interaction. Use Kigali as your gateway, build in the gorilla trek, round it out with safari or rainforest, and then slow down with a lake or tea-hill stay.

Whether you’re designing a Rwanda tourism package for yourself or your brand be sure to include customised options: private vehicles, off-beat villages, artisan workshops, and luxury lodges. These options turn “places to visit Rwanda” into “places you’ll remember”.