Attractions
in Rwanda

'Dark tourism' is defined as tourism that is directed at places associated with death and suffering. For decades people have travelled to places such as Chernobyl in Ukraine, the Killing Fields in Cambodia, and the infamous death camps across Europe.

Rwanda, home to its own terrible period of loss and suffering, is also a destination where people can come face to face with the worst of humanity and learn from the mistakes of the past. In Kigali, visitors can pay their respects at the Genocide Memorial Centre and face the sheer sadness of the genocide by visiting the Nyamata or Ntarama Churches where such atrocities were committed.

It may seem like a morbid pursuit, but dark tourism offers us an invaluable window into our past and hopefully inspires us to contemplate how we can avoid the mistakes of the past in future. Other important genocide memorials in the country include Morambi, a high school not unlike S-21 (Tuol Sleng) in Cambodia where hundreds of innocent people were massacred in a place normally reserved for much more hopeful pursuits.

For bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, Rwanda is truly a hidden paradise. With more than 1,450 recorded bird species, the country offers one of the richest birdwatching experiences in Africa. Remarkably, 27 of these species are endemic to the region, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Rwanda’s diverse landscapes — from lush rainforests and wetlands to rolling hills and savannahs — create the perfect habitat for an extraordinary variety of birdlife. The country features seven important birding areas, including renowned national parks and the unique Rugezi Marsh, a protected wetland famous for its rare and colorful species. Birdwatchers visiting Rwanda may have the chance to spot spectacular birds such as the red-faced barbet, the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, Bennett’s woodpecker, and the rare Miombo Wren-Warbler, along with hundreds of other fascinating species.

One of the greatest advantages of birding in Rwanda is that it can be enjoyed throughout the entire year. However, the migration season between December and February is especially rewarding, as migratory birds arrive and the country becomes even more vibrant with wildlife activity and natural beauty.

While Volcanoes National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas, the beautiful Nyungwe National Park in southern Rwanda attracts visitors eager to experience another remarkable wildlife encounter — chimpanzee trekking.

Hidden within one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, Nyungwe is home to playful and highly intelligent chimpanzees, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom from a DNA perspective. Guided treks through the dense forest give visitors the chance to observe these energetic primates in their natural habitat as they swing through the trees, communicate with one another, and interact within their social groups.

Beyond chimpanzees, Nyungwe National Park is rich in biodiversity and offers an incredible wildlife experience. The forest is home to numerous other primate species, hundreds of bird species, waterfalls, and lush mountain scenery, making it much more than simply a chimpanzee destination. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Nyungwe provides a peaceful and unforgettable journey into the heart of Rwanda’s natural beauty.