Rwanda’s Top 5 Exciting Family Activities: The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda, is the ideal place for families with kids to experience adventure and culture while enjoying the natural world. The nation offers a wide range of age-appropriate outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy throughout their stay, from wildlife encounters to cultural visits. Here is my selection of the best outdoor activities in Rwanda that are suitable for families.
Trekking Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park’s Virunga Region
Hiking to see the gorillas at Volcanoes National Park is usually the most well-known activity in Rwanda. For families with children older than fifteen, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness mountain gorillas in their native environment. Usually made early in the morning, the trip to see the gorillas might take anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours.
In addition to being entertaining, this experience educates visitors on the preservation of gorillas and specific aspects of their behavior. As previously said, the majority of trekking organizations offer family-friendly packages that include entertainment for the whole family in addition to meeting all safety requirements. For the rest of their lives, families will remember seeing the gentle giants.
An Unwinding Family Getaway at Lake Kivu
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are home to the unique freshwater lake known as Lake Kivu. This one provides a peaceful setting where families may relax and do everything they want. Families can rent boats to take a ride across the lake, go canoeing, or even just stroll barefoot along the lakeshore.
If you wish to stay close to Lake Kivu, you can also find decent lodging and meals in the cities of Gisenyi and Kibuye. Parents may choose to sunbathe beneath the palm palms while children spend time playing in the shallow waters doing their favorite water activities. Families who want to go hiking can do so on the nearby hills, which offer a chance to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surroundings.
Trekking chimpanzees in the Nyugwe jungle.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a great option for any family with a passion for animals. There are many different kinds of primates at this park, but chimpanzees are arguably the most entertaining. Families with small children can easily navigate the park’s well-designed paths, however tracking chimpanzees requires a minimum age of 12 years.
Safari for Sport Tourism in Akagera National Park
Families looking for a safari adventure will love the Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. For instance, among other exotic creatures, the park is home to giraffes, zebras, lions, and elephants. Additionally, guided driving games can be arranged in cars that are safe for children and better suited for families.
For something different, consider going on an incredibly stunning boat safari across Lake Ihema, where families can be guaranteed to spot crocodiles, hippos, and various birds, among other creatures. There are family-friendly resorts in Akagera that offer amenities and kid-friendly activities. It is a great and natural location for a family safari because of its breathtaking animals and natural scenery.
Tour of the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
The Nyungwe Forest canopy hike is a favorite among families. This walk gives families the opportunity to walk in the treetop and see wildlife up close. It is constructed in midair, raised, and suspended over the forest. Children can safely walk this trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the forest.
Mount Kigali Hiking
Families can explore Rwanda’s stunning landscapes without having to venture far from the capital thanks to Mount Kigali, a laid-back hiking destination. Although it is only a short trek to the peak, which is similar to Mount Marley, it is colorful and frequently draws families.
As one gets closer to the planet’s upper surface, families will be rewarded with picturesque views of Kigali and the surrounding hills. There are usually tour guides available to provide information about the plants and creatures you could come across on this well-marked trail. If you want to get some exercise and spend some time outside, hiking Mount Kigali is an excellent option.
To have a better look at other people’s cultural activities, it’s a good idea to visit the cultural village.
A visit to any cultural village, especially the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village on the Volcanoes National Park shoreline, would be ideal for families who want to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture. Participating in and enjoying traditional arts and crafts creations, as well as occasionally dancing and learning, are all examples of tourism activities associated with arts and culture events.
Children will enjoy learning Rwandese songs and dances at the presentation, while adults will like seeing traditional rural buildings, learning about community service, and hearing about efforts to preserve the environment while promoting tourism. Since it informs families about Rwandan culture, I think this is a fantastic form of entertainment with additional value.
Exploration of the Musanze Caves
The Musanze Caves, which are close to Volcanoes National Park, are a fantastic underground adventure for families. These are up to two kilometers long and were formed by volcanic characteristics, making them an intriguing place for tourists to explore the circuit.
Families can take an intriguing tour of the local geological formations while exploring the dark, fresh caverns with the help of qualified experts. The caverns are kid-friendly and safe, so families looking for an enjoyable vacation away from the typical stead caving are encouraged to check them out.
Tours of Tea Plantations
Families may find it quite fascinating to join a tea farm; tea tourism is another significant tourism product in Rwanda. Family tours are offered by some of the tea farms, such as the Gisovu and Kitabi Tea farms, where families are shown the steps involved in growing teas and producing them.
The gardens are a pleasant place to stroll through, and kids will enjoy the added benefit of seeing adults making tea. Families can sample several Rwandan tea varieties thanks to the tea tasting sessions offered in some farms. This is a family-friendly, informative holiday activity that will be fun for people of all ages.
The museums at Bugesera Reconciliation region are fascinating and provide a wealth of historical information for Rwandan families who choose to visit the region. This village serves as an example of how people are cooperating after the genocide and is pertinent to the reconciliation efforts currently underway in Rwanda.
They can take part in events that teach them about forgiveness and the importance of unity, as well as see performances that might feature locals. The community offers tourism services that center on the process of reestablishing social ties and people’s lives following the Rwandan genocide. The youngsters can learn the value of adopting a culture of peace, which is both fun and enriching for them.