Things to do with kids in Rwanda – (family-friendly activities )
Rwanda commonly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills is one of the best travel destinations in Africa where many adventure lovers and those on holiday wish to visit once in a lifetime. Rwanda Is blessed with amazing and beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and the most hospitable natives. From exploring the home to the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the amazing chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, and the educational experiences in Kigali to enjoying the fresh waters of Lake Kivu, Rwanda is a fantastic destination for families looking to link and create unforgettable memories. Below are some of the activities to do with kids in Rwanda.
Go for the gorilla trekking expedition
Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after activities in Rwanda. It is carried out in Volcanoes National Park which is in the northwestern region of the country. The age limit for those who wish to participate in the trekking excursion is 15 years, so children from 15-17 years are allowed to join if they have acquired trekking permits. This breathtaking experience involves a lot of hiking through the challenging terrain, however interacting with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat is an amazing moment that kids will live to remember. 
Golden monkey trekking
This is another exciting activity in the Volcanoes National Park. It involves hiking through the thick bamboo forest zone where the golden monkeys reside. Participants in this trek must be 12 years and above. Adults have no restrictions but only must be physically fit and capable of hiking. Children below 12 years can be taken for simple nature walks in the nearby community, this helps to keep them occupied as parents go trekking.
Visiting the Gorilla guardian village(Ib’yiwachu Cultural center)
While in Volcanoes National Park, another interesting activity to do with children is visiting the gorilla guardian village. This place is a source of knowledge about Rwandan history, culture and tradition values that is availed to every visitor regardless of age. Parents are free to visit with their kids or when the parents go for gorilla trekking, the driver guide can take the kids to this cultural center for involvement in Rwandan culture.
At this place, visitors learn some traditional drums and learn the day-to-day Rwandan activities. Children enjoy imitating and dressing in traditional outfits, spear throwing and times can be taken to a community school to meet fellow Rwandan young ones. They take part in the drumming and cultural dancing. It’s good leisure with kids in Ib’yiwachu Cultural Center.
Exploring Musanze caves
This is another family-friendly activity. Musanze caves are located close to volcanoes national park. The caves were fore formed because of volcanicity and are mostly visited by persons with archaeological interests. Exploration of the caves takes you through a 2km tunnel where visitors are guided, they are supplied with helmets and flashlights so even children especially the youth appreciate this experience.
Boat launches
The most stunning and enjoyable outdoor activities that are enjoyed by families are adventurous and luxurious boat cruises on different water bodies. On the best places in this scenario is Lake Kivu. This is a place where families cherish activities like swimming, , local fishing, kayaking , paddle boarding , sunbathing and relaxing along the serene shores. This place is best for family picnics.
When you visit Akagera National Park as a family, never leave an adventurous boat trip on Lake Ihema. This activity exposes you to more wildlife species especially the aquatic animals alike the crocodiles, hippos and fish. A boat safari on lake Ihema enables you to see various bird species.
After gorilla trekking, you can visit the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo for a family boat trip . the lakes are surrounded by steep hills and a waterfall. They are also close to Rugezi swamp one of the seven most important birding areas in Rwanda. Boat trips on the twin lakes provide breathtaking views of the virunga volcanos.
Having Kigali city tour.
Kigali is a bustling city in the center of Rwanda. The city has different amazing places where you can visit as a family. some of them are the five star hotels, the convention center, the prominent Amahoro stadium, Mount Kigali on which the city sits, markets, craft centres, , shopping malls with welcoming natives, banks, worship centres, and other recreational facilities that can be accessed by families without age limits.
Go for game drives in Akagera National Park.
This is the park where families enjoy company and participate in the different activities without any age limit. Game drives allow families to have full explorations of the park and see different wild animals at a closer range. In this park, you can spot the big five, lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. More to these are hippos, crocodiles, impalas, giraffes, and countless bird species.
Enjoy the canopy in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is the only place in East Africa with a canopy walk activity. It is a suspended bridge that provides park exploration at an aerial view. This activity combines both the children and adults so, it is family-friendly.
Go for community cultural tours in Nyungwe
On your visit with your family to Nyungwe National Park, get to interact with the local community. Visit the villages, spend some time in the local homesteads, visit their gardens, see how they carry out their daily activities, you can engage in preparing local dishes, visit cattle farms and learn all the tradition associated with cattle raring and miking and the role of cattle in Rwandan traditional ceremonies and rituals.
You can take a visit to Bisesero village for the genocide background, visit coffee and tea plantations and enjoy cultural performances. ( folk tales, songs and dances) Kids will love the moments with the locals.
Visiting the Genocide Memorial sites.
Rwanda has different genocide memorial sites in different parts of the country. These places act as important places to pay tribute to all the innocent victims of the 1994 genocide. These memorial places have different sections including the one for children. It is therefore essential for parents to visit these places with their children to get more knowledge about what happened in 1994 and how the situation was calmed. These places are a source of knowledge about tolerance, repentance, and acceptance. Some of the genocide memorials include the Kigali genocide Memorial, Ntarama genocide memorial, Bisesero genocide memorial, German peacekeeper’s genocide memorial. Murambi, and Nyamata genocide memorial among others.
Rwanda offers a unique combination of wildlife, culture, and outdoor adventures perfect for families. The experiences range from witnessing the dignified mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to exploring the vibrant markets of Kigali and enjoying the serene shores of Lake Kivu up to the southern region in Nyungwe national park—create a favourable atmosphere for children and parents.
With careful planning and love for adventure, families can create lasting memories. Rwanda’s natural beauty, hospitality, and rich culture make it a perfect destination for family travel.
