Things to do in Musanze – Rwanda

The largest district in Rwanda’s northern province is Musanze. It derives its name from Musanze Town, Rwanda’s tourism heartland due to its proximity to most sought after Volcanoes National Park home mountain gorillas and volcanoes making it Rwanda’s most mountainous region. Musanze is a popular area, contains almost everything you need for an extraordinary vacation. Five of the eight Virunga volcanoes are located in Musanze, and they occupy the largest portion of the massive Volcanoes National Park. These include Bisoke, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
Although the park is the prime reason to visit Musanze, there are a lot of fascinating sights to see. and these are listed below.

Gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park.

The main reason most people travel to Musanze is to go gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park. This park is one of the few locations in the world to see mountain gorillas in the wild and is only a short drive from Musanze town.

Gorilla tracking starts in the early morning after a briefing from expert park guides and rangers at Kinigi park headquarters. The duration of a hike varies from one to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families. Once you locate them, you will be allowed to spend one amazing hour with them, observing how they feed, groom, and interact with one another in their natural environment. gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and require advance booking. The funds got from permits help in conservation.

Golden Monkey tracking

This is another activity in Volcanoes national park, less demanding but truly rewarding. Golden monkeys are playful, colourful, energetic and vibrant creatures that are often spotted in bamboo forested areas of the park. The golden monkey trek is so convenient for families or anyone seeking a lighter and perfect wildlife experience. It’s also a fantastic way to get an up-close look at the park’s distinctive vegetation zones.

Hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave site and the Karisoke research centre.

This is a full day hike to honor the renowned primate expert who devoted her life to mountain gorilla conservation and protection of their home. Her grave site and former research centre, Karisoke, is reached by hiking between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. the hike is so scenic that on a lucky day, you can bump into gorillas or golden monkeys.  It also offers insight into Rwanda’s conservation story.

Visit the Twin Lakes: Lake Burera and lake Ruhondo.

Just outside Musanze town lie these beautiful twin lakes at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, they are surrounded by rolling hills and provide scenic volcano views. Besides the busy hiking and trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park, nature lovers can have a short drive from Musanze town to the lakes to take part in activities like, canoeing and boat rides, birdwatching, lake side relaxation and photography.

Musanze caves

These are caves that have existed for over a million years ago and were formed as result of volcanicity. the tunnels in these caves stretch over 2 kilometres. Guided nature walks through the caves take you through dramatic rock formations, with stalacites, echo chambers and expose you to bat colonies. the caves are known to hold Rwanda’s kingship cultural practices and also provided refugee to may people during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Exploring the caves requires one to have good sturdy hiking shoes, torch, helmet and gloves. The caves are managed by Rwanda development Board (RDB) and entrance fee is $50 per person. and a guided tour lasts for 2-3hours.

Experience Iby’iwachu cultural centre

Known as the Gorilla Guardian’s Village, this play provides the best experience of Rwanda history, culture and tradition. This is a community-run project that united and reformed the former gorilla poachers who currently advocate for conservation. Experience Rwandan heritage through music, dance, crafts, and storytelling. While at this place, you can participate in traditional cooking, dress in royal regalia, and even join a warrior dance. Visiting is an enriching way to support local livelihoods and understand the depth and beauty of Rwandan culture.

 

Buhanga Eco Park

Buhanga eco Park in Musanze Northern Rwanda is a small but a significant cultural forest. It is a significant heritage site because, according to local history, it was originally utilized for rituals and coronation ceremonies of Rwandan monarchs (kings).

The park features well-maintained walking trails that wind through towering trees, moss-covered stones, and unique volcanic rock formations. Guided tours share interesting stories about pre-colonial monarchy, traditional beliefs, and the spiritual symbolism of the forest. Visitors can see natural features such as the “meeting stone,” where legends say kings gathered and the three in one tree that symbolises the three tribes in Rwanda.

The eco park offers a peaceful and reflective experience for culture, nature and history for travellers seeking adventure beyond wildlife.

Red Rocks Cultural centre.

This is a community based eco- tourism and cultural centre located in Nyakimana village in Musanze district close to volcanoes national park. this one place that was established to promote sustainable tourism through supporting local farmers, artisans and youth initiatives.  this place provides budget friendly accommodation facilities with dormitories, safari tents and camping grounds.  The centre also organises cultural experiences, traditional performances, craft work exhibits, local food preparation and guided community walks. visiting this place to enjoy their offered experiences is a way of promoting sustainable development in Rwanda’s tourism sector.

Volcano hiking in Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park in Musanze comprises five extinct volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo. Each of these volcanoes offer scenic hiking experiences ranging from moderate to challenging.

Unlike Mount Karisimbi which requires two days to hike, the others offer a one day hiking experience though the most popular hike is along Mount Bisoke. Hiking along these volcanoes takes you through different ecosystems including bamboo, montane forests and meadows where you luckily spot golden monkeys, forest elephants, gorillas and bird species. All hikes must be organized and guided by park authorities to ensure safety of the hikers and maintain conservation. The hikes provide exposure to scenic crater lakes and breathtaking views of the neighboring countries.

Relax in Musanze town

After outdoor adventures, you can decide to have a simple guided walk in Musanze town. Visit the local markets, shops, entertainment centres and calm relaxation spots. Such visits get you to interact with the hospitable local community members and learn how they spend their daily life.

Musanze is accessed by road from Kigali, taking roughly two and a half hours in a private vehicle, or you can also connect from Nyabugogo with public transport bus or van.
On the side of accommodation, Musanze has a plan for all travelers with facilities ranging from Budget guesthouses, mid range to luxury eco-lodges.
Travelers are advised to book hiking trips and gorilla permits in advance, particularly those scheduling their visit during the busiest times of the year (June to September and December to February).

Musanze is far more than a provision for gorilla trekking experiences, but a place full of adventure, culture, and a great exposure to the natural wild. All experiences are memorable.