Discover Rwanda: Where Resilience Meets Beauty
Welcome to Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills”—a country where ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and stories of transformation come together to create one of Africa’s most powerful and inspiring travel experiences. Known for its lush greenery, modern cities, and deep cultural roots, Rwanda has emerged from its past with strength and vision, becoming a leading destination for eco-tourism, conservation, and community-led travel.
At Back to the Source Tours, our Rwanda itineraries go far beyond the surface. We craft meaningful, sustainable journeys that honor the country’s past, celebrate its future, and introduce you to the warm and resilient people who make this nation so remarkable.
Top Experiences in Rwanda
1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is one of the few places on earth where you can come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas. A trek through the misty slopes of the Virunga Mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering a profound and emotional connection with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Expert rangers guide you through lush bamboo forests to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Highlights: Gorilla permit required, small group size, 1-hour gorilla viewing.
Duration: Full day (trekking times vary based on group location)
2. Golden Monkey Trekking
Also located in Volcanoes National Park, this lesser-known but equally fascinating experience takes you into the forest to observe golden monkeys, a playful and endangered primate species found only in the Virunga region. Their bright coloring and social behavior make this a joyful and energetic encounter.
Duration: Half day
Highlights: High-energy wildlife viewing, great for families and photographers.
3. Kigali Genocide Memorial
A powerful and moving experience, the Kigali Genocide Memorial honors the memory of the more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This beautifully curated museum offers context, history, and a message of hope and unity that is central to Rwanda’s national identity today. Check out the blog post below to learn more about this history.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Highlights: Educational, emotional, culturally respectful.
4. City Tours of Kigali
Rwanda’s capital is one of the cleanest and most organized cities in Africa. A guided tour introduces you to Kigali’s vibrant art scene, craft markets, coffee shops, fashion designers, historical landmarks, and social enterprises. From the colorful Kimironko Market to the innovative Inema Arts Center, the city has a creative spirit that is both proud and progressive.
Duration: Half or full day
Highlights: Local fashion, food, history, and emerging culture.
5. Lake Kivu Getaway
Perfect for rest and relaxation, Lake Kivu offers beautiful views, sandy shores, and a slower pace. Located between Gisenyi and Kibuye, this freshwater lake is ideal for kayaking, boat trips, swimming, or just soaking up the peace. Boutique lodges dot the shoreline, making it a great post-safari break.
Duration: 1–2 nights
Highlights: Lake cruises, coffee tours, community walks, birdwatching.
6. Coffee & Tea Plantation Tours
Rwanda is world-renowned for its specialty-grade coffee and rich tea. Visit working plantations where you can pick, process, roast, and taste coffee straight from the source. Some farms also offer cultural performances, cooking classes, and basket-weaving demos as part of the tour.
Duration: Half to full day
Highlights: Agro-tourism, tasting experiences, cultural workshops.
7. Akagera National Park Safari
Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is home to the Big Five and has become a remarkable conservation success story. Once nearly barren due to poaching, Akagera now thrives with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer an alternative wildlife viewing experience.
Duration: 1–3 days
Highlights: Game drives, boat safaris, birding, luxury lodges.
8. Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee Trekking
Deep in southwestern Rwanda lies the Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Here, you can trek to see chimpanzees and other primates or venture onto the famous canopy walkway, a suspension bridge high above the trees with views stretching across the forest.
Duration: Full day
Highlights: Birdwatching, primates, ancient forest ecosystems, adrenaline adventure.
Related Rwanda Posts
“Travel is an investment in yourself”