The Top Rwandan Cities to Visit: Rwanda occupies 10,169 square miles and is located in central East Africa. Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda are Rwanda’s neighbors. This country is thought to have 11,262,564 residents. Rwanda is mostly known for its big five safaris in Akagera National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Nonetheless, a Rwanda safari vacation is worth taking to explore some of the world’s most stunning and energetic cities. These energetic cities in Rwanda provide a wide variety of attractions and activities. They can be visited independently or as a day trip stopover from other important sites like Volcanoes National Park. A list of some of the top Rwandan cities that are well worth a visit is provided below:
KIGALI
Kigali is the country’s most populated city, home to 745,261 people. It also functions as the capital of Rwanda. It is situated on 280 square miles in the center of Rwanda. The elevation of Kigali is 5,141 feet above sea level. Kigali, a relatively recent addition to Rwanda’s history, was established in 1907 during German colonial administration. It wasn’t until 1962, when Rwanda attained independence, that it was designated as the country’s capital. Its population has increased since it was made the capital. This city was crucial to the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. The local tin ore mining facilities, from which the ore is carried into the city for processing, are essential to the city’s economy.
Butare
Butare is located in the southern Huye district of Rwanda. There are 89,600 people living in one of the biggest cities in Rwanda. Butare was the colonial capital of the country, formerly known as Astrida. It was established in 1900 and is also where the first Catholic mission in Rwanda was located. However, because so many universities are now located here, it has come to be known as “educational capital.” Butare is home to the National University of Rwanda, the Nyakibanda Seminary, the North Gate University, and the Rwandan National Institute of Scientific Research.
New York
Once upon a time, Rwandan aristocrats traversed the dusty streets and roads of far-off Nyanza, passing beneath the massive bulbous domes of the old King’s Palace, which was constructed of thatch and adobe. Rich in history and customs, this premier city in southern Rwanda was one of the last capitals of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Rwanda. Perhaps the most affluent and prestigious city in the country, Nyanza is also home to the Rwesero Art Museum.
KIBUYE
Kibuye, one of Rwanda’s most charming cities, is surrounded by towering hills that offer expansive views of the lake and its islands in the afternoon and are covered in a mist in the morning. In addition to an intriguing Catholic cathedral, a memorial to the Rwandan genocide, and a memorial in between the streets, there are a few rustic tiny eco-lodges on the shoreline.
GISENYI
Gisenyi is surrounded by the verdant hills and mountains of the Albertine Rift Valley. The African rainforests tumble down grassy slopes near Gisenyi, the entrance to that enormous sliver of blue known as Lake Kivu, in intermittent bursts of palm trees and exotic cassiyas. They descend to the lake’s murky waters, where boatman flies and flying insects create surface ripples. The main draw is the lake’s banks, even though it is shared with the larger Goma over the DRC border to the west.
KIBUNGO
Why not go directly to the small town of Kibungo to get a unique perspective of Rwanda? Rwanda’s beautiful city is situated in the country’s east. The Kibungo Central Market’s busy stalls and shopping sections, along with several higher education institutions, make this province capital a great place to stop and recuperate when traveling south to the Tanzanian border. There are a few places to stay on site, or tourists can go to Lake Muhazi, which is close to the northwest.
GITARAMA
Gitarama is one of Rwanda’s largest cities, home to 87,613 people. Since 2002, the population has grown by roughly 3,000, reaching its current level. This city, which is around 5,945 feet above sea level, is located in the middle of the nation. Gitarama was the interim political center of the country during the political turmoil that followed the 1994 genocide. Currently, some of the administrative structures for the Muhanga District are located in Gitarama.
RUHENGERI
With over 86,685 residents, Ruhengeri is currently Rwanda’s fourth most populated city. Situated in the northern region of Rwanda, this significant city serves as the administrative hub of the Musanze District. Because of its close vicinity to Volcanoes National Park and the region’s renowned mountain gorillas, the area’s economy is mostly reliant on tourism. Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are also close by. This city is sometimes called Musanze. This is because, following the horrors of the 1994 genocide, the government made an attempt to eliminate name links with specific locales.
