Day Trips & Excursions: Kigali

Musanze Ruhengeri

Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive north of Kigali. The journey goes through scenic, hilly countryside.

Musanze, formerly Ruhengeri, is the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. This park is for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking. The town itself has local markets and lodging for park visitors.

Transportation Options & Suggested Itinerary

Public Buses: Frequent and affordable public buses (e.g., Volcano Express, Virunga Express) depart from Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali to Musanze.
Private Car/Taxi: Hiring a private car with a driver offers flexibility and comfort.
Gorilla Trekking: Trekking has an early start (park headquarters by 7:00 AM) and lasts several hours. Overnight in Musanze or a very early departure from Kigali is common.
Golden Monkey Trekking/Cultural Village: Golden monkey trekking is shorter and as a long day trip from Kigali. Visit Gorilla Guardians Village for cultural performances.

Natural Escapes

Rwanda's natural landscapes offer diverse opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

Lake Kivu Rubavu/Gisenyi, Karongi/Kibuye

Rubavu (Gisenyi) is approximately 3.5-4 hours drive west of Kigali. Karongi (Kibuye) is approximately 3 hours drive west of Kigali.

Activities & Itinerary

Public Buses: Regular public buses from Nyabugogo Bus Park connect Kigali to Rubavu and Karongi.
Private Car/Taxi: Hiring a private vehicle offers direct travel and allows for scenic stops.
Main Attraction: Lake Kivu is one of Africa's Great Lakes, known for its scenic beauty, clear waters, and lack of crocodiles or hippos. An overnight stay at Lake Kivu is ideal to fully enjoy the lake and water activities.

Akagera National Park

Approximately 2-2.5 hours drive east of Kigali. The drive is on good paved roads until the park entrance.

Safari & Itinerary

Private Vehicle: A self-drive 4x4 vehicle or a car with a driver is recommended for exploring the park.
Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Kigali have organized day trips or overnight safaris to Akagera.
Main Attraction: Rwanda's only savannah national park. A full-day trip from Kigali is possible but requires a very early start. An overnight stay in or near the park offers better wildlife viewing.

Primate Trekking & Lake Activities

Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking

Gorilla Trekking: In Volcanoes National Park, permits cost USD $1,500. Booking well in advance is advisable. This typically is a multi-day excursion from Kigali.
Golden Monkey Trekking: In Volcanoes National Park, this primate trekking option is more affordable (USD $100 permit) and less strenuous. This activity has completion as a day trip from Kigali.
Chimpanzee Trekking (Nyungwe): Has approximately 5-6 hours drive from Kigali, making an overnight stay (2-3 days) necessary.
Canopy Walk (Nyungwe): Located in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Lake Muhazi

Location: A smaller, tranquil lake located approximately 1 hour drive east of Kigali.
Activities: Popular for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation.
Pilgrimage Sites: Not typically pilgrimage sites in the international tourism sense.
Itinerary: A relaxing half-day or full-day trip from Kigali for a quiet escape.

Cultural Excursions

Nyanza (Rukari & Mwima)2.5 hours south of Kigali.
RukariReconstructed traditional royal residence, the "King's Palace Museum."
MwimaBurial grounds of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda.
ItineraryCombine Nyanza with Butare (Huye) for a full-day cultural excursion.

Butare (Huye)3 hours south of Kigali, often combined with Nyanza.
Main AttractionNational Ethnographic Museum. One of Africa's finest, it has exhibits on Rwandan history, culture, and traditions.
Rural VillagesMany day trips include visits to rural villages for insights into traditional Rwandan life, agriculture, and local crafts.
ItineraryA full-day trip from Kigali, frequently combined with Nyanza.

Plan Your Visits

Allocate at least 2-3 hours for the Ethnographic Museum. Consider booking a guided tour for insights into local customs.

Multi-Day Extensions

For travelers with more time, combining excursions makes for a comprehensive exploration of Rwanda.

Northern Loop 2-3 days

An itinerary including Kigali to Musanze, golden monkey trekking or cultural village visit, gorilla trekking, and then to Rubavu (Lake Kivu) for relaxation before returning to Kigali.

Southern Route 2-3 days

This itinerary covers Kigali to Nyanza (King's Palace) and Butare (Ethnographic Museum), overnight in Butare, then to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk, before returning to Kigali.

Eastern Safari 2 days

A 2-day itinerary including Kigali to Akagera National Park for an afternoon game drive, overnight inside the park, then a morning game drive and boat trip on Lake Ihema before returning to Kigali.

Logical Next Destinations

Rwanda's compact size and good road network make combining different regions easy.

Combine your trip with:

Gorilla Trekking: Focus on gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the north.
Chimpanzee & Canopy Walk: Lush Nyungwe Forest in the south.
Safari: Akagera National Park in the east for a classic safari experience.

Transportation Connections

For multi-day extensions, hiring a private car with a driver is often the most comfortable option.

Travel Options

Private Car with Driver: This option has comfort and flexibility for stops.
Public Buses: Serve all major towns, a budget-friendly alternative with less flexibility.
Suggested Routes: A 7-10 day itinerary combines elements, making Kigali a central hub.

Longer Regional Travel

Option 1 (Highlights):2-3 days in Kigali, 2 days Akagera, 2-3 days Musanze (gorilla/monkey), then back to Kigali.

Option 2 (South & West):2 days Kigali, 2-3 days Nyungwe, 2-3 days Lake Kivu, then back to Kigali.

These combinations make for aComprehensive experience of Rwanda's diverse offerings.

Book Gorilla permitsMonths in advance.

Organized toursSimplify logistics for multi-day trips.

Pack appropriate gearFor trekking.

Plan Ahead

Consider booking Gorilla Trekking permits months in advance due to high demand.
Organized tours simplify logistics for multi-day trips.
Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved roads if self-driving to parks.
Check park entry requirements and fees well before your visit.
Pack appropriate gear for trekking, including sturdy shoes and rain protection.

Getting There & What to Expect

Efficient planning makes for a smooth and enjoyable day trip from Kigali.

Booking Day Trips

1

Online Platforms

Book excursions through platforms like GetYourGuide for a range of options and confirmed bookings.

2

Local Tour Operators

Many reputable local tour companies in Kigali arrange customized day trips.

3

Hotel Concierge

Your hotel concierge may assist with booking and transportation arrangements.

Planning Essentials

Pack light snacks and water.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
Carry rain gear, especially during shoulder seasons.
Charge your camera and phone.
Have local currency for small purchases.

Transportation Costs

Consider carpooling to share costs for private vehicle hire.
Public buses are the most economical option.
Factor in fuel costs if self-driving.
Some tour packages include all transport.

Local Insights

Early Starts

Many popular day trips, like safaris or primate trekking, call for early departures from Kigali to maximize time.

Scenic Routes

Enjoy the beautiful Rwandan countryside, which passes through villages and lush landscapes.

Local Interaction

Opportunities abound to engage with local communities and learn about their way of life.

Be Prepared

Road conditions may vary, especially off major routes. Always confirm travel times and requirements beforehand.

Day Trips & Excursions