Rwanda is one of the most rewarding tourist destinations in Eastern Africa. Featured here are the most stunning places to visit in Rwanda. We’ve chosen some of our favourite destinations from across the country arranged basing on the region. These hidden gems capture the very essence of Rwanda, from the soaring natural beauty of the Parc Nationale des Volcans (PNV) home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas to the relaxing beaches of Lake Kivu, and from the cosmopolitan charm of Kigali City. Whatever you’re looking for we’ll help you to discover the Rwanda destinations that are perfectly suited to you.
Provinces and Districts
The Republic of Rwanda is constituted of 12 provinces of administration. Each Province is divided into a number of districts as shown below.
The old provinces of Rwanda Included the following;
Kigali City ( 8 Districts)
Kigali Ngali Province ( 10 Districts)
Gitarama Province ( 10 Districts)
Butare Province ( 10 Districts)
Gikongoro Province ( 7 Districts)
Ruhengeri Province ( 11 Districts)
Cyangugu Province ( 7 Districts)
Byumba Province ( 9 Districts)
Kibuye Province ( 5 Districts)
Umutara Province (8 Districts)
Gisenyi Province (10 Districts)
Kibungo Province ( 10 Districts)
Rwanda administrative divisions known as provinces where unites and finally divided into;
–Kigali province
–Western Province
–Northern Province
–Eastern Province
–Southern Province
Lake Kivu
Shared between Rwanda and the DRC, lies within the Great Rift Valley, and the Albertine rift eco-region. The lake covers an area of 2700 sq km and lies 1460m above sea level. It is 89 km long, 48 km wide, with an average depth of 220m and a maximum of 485m. it flows into the Ruzizi river which feeds Lake Tanganyika.
Bisesero memorial
Situated about 30 km from the lake side town of kibuye, on a hill with breath taking views of the lake, stands the Bisesero genocide memorial, which was once a community church. This memorial site serves as a reminder of more than 11000 Tutsis who assembled here to protect them selves from the massacre. Many managed to fight back and survive for a while, while others escaped. This hill, has been renamed, the ‘hill of resistance’ in memory of the Tutsis. There are nine buildings on the site, each of which represents one of the communes that formerly made up the province kibuye.
L’Esperance Orphanage/ Children village Kigarama
Children village Kigarama, an orphanage runs by the German NGO, L’Esperance Children’s Aid International. Opened in 1995, the orphanage accommodates the basic needs of the children including food, clothing, shelter and education.
Mbuga Sector
The Karora Eco lodge, a privately owned eco lodge constructed entirely with local and environmently friendly materials. The lodge offers swimming, birding and lake Kivu Boat tour opportunities.
Banana and livestock market. Coming in on boats from the democratic republic of congo is a booming trade where bananas amongst other fruits and vegetables as well as livestock such asgoats, are sold. This open-air market is a community gathering.
Murambi Sector
Musasa coffee washing station, situated on the Lake Kivu shore, the Musasa coffee washing station and the coffee route offers camping facilities to hikers. The washing station is easily accessible from Gisenyi or kibuye, 13 km from the main road.
There is a hike up to the murambi cave which offers magnificent views of lake Kivu and the islands. It’s a 10 m long cave, large enough to shelter more than 10 people at a time. The cave is 1.5 km from the Buruseri surbub on the road to Musasa sector office.
Mukura Forest
Mukura forest, just east of kibuye, on the muhanga – Kigali road, is a protected reserve. It’s home to many endemic and threatened bird species. This mountain and a forest reserve has an altitude range of 2500 to 3000m and covers about 12000 km2. Its one of the biggest forests in rwanda after Nyungwe, Akagera, volcanoes National parks and giswati reserve.
Gisovu tea plantation
Gisovu tea plantation, in tuwumba sector produces high quality tea and the Gisovu tea route is a unique tourism attraction. The plantation lies at altitudes between 2,000 and 2500m and covers a total area of 820 ha. Just 45 km from karongi and easil;y accessible offering magnificent scenic views from the side walk track. The site offers camping facilities and accommodation for a few people.