How I Traveled Rwanda Solo (And Loved It)
A Journey That Became a Personal Revolution
Traveling solo is always a risk—a leap into the unfamiliar with only one constant: yourself. And yet, sometimes it’s in that quiet solitude that the most transformative discoveries unfold. Rwanda, a country often spoken of in terms of its past and praised for its natural wonders, surprised me in ways I had never anticipated. I arrived alone and uncertain, but I left connected, renewed, and completely captivated by this land of a thousand hills.
What began as a solo escape became a deeply human experience, shaped not just by mountains and forests, but by the stories, smiles, and strength of Rwandans. Traveling through Rwanda without a companion didn’t make the journey lonelier—it made it richer. Every road turned into a lesson, and every interaction revealed the beauty of a country often underestimated but impossible to forget.
Kigali: A Capital That Greets You with Grace and Grit
Stepping off the plane into Kigali, the first surprise was how immediately safe and orderly everything felt. This wasn’t the chaotic sprawl of many African capitals. Kigali was calm, clean, and elegantly designed, its rolling hills dotted with modern architecture and traditional homes alike.
Solo travelers often worry about being overwhelmed by cities, but Kigali offered clarity and calm. There was no aggressive street harassment, no constant bargaining battles. Instead, there was structure, beauty, and an underlying rhythm of people who seemed proud of where they lived.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial quickly grounded my journey. Visiting it alone meant having space to absorb and reflect. The quiet gardens, the well-curated exhibitions, and the emotionally raw stories pulled me into a part of Rwanda’s soul that cannot be ignored. And yet, rather than leaving with despair, I walked away with immense respect for a people who had not only rebuilt but had redefined themselves on the foundation of forgiveness and unity.
Evenings in the city were filled with color and life. Rooftop cafes, art galleries, and small local restaurants offered both comfort and conversation. Kigali was never lonely—it was simply open, ready to be explored on foot or by moto-taxi with ease and confidence.
Heading South: Discovering Culture and Royal Legacy
From Kigali, I journeyed southward toward Nyanza and Huye, trading skyscrapers for red earth roads and traditional thatched homes. In Nyanza, I explored the reconstructed King’s Palace, where Rwanda’s pre-colonial royalty comes alive through storytelling, architecture, and the elegance of the long-horned Inyambo cattle.
The experience was even more powerful alone. I wasn’t following a group or snapping photos to keep pace with others. I had the time to listen—to hear not just the guides’ words, but the pride in their voices. There was something deeply grounding about learning how Rwanda’s past, often overshadowed by recent history, held such profound cultural treasures.
In Huye (formerly Butare), the Ethnographic Museum offered a deep dive into Rwandan identity. Traditional dance performances, artisan demonstrations, and interactive exhibits made it clear: Rwanda is not only resilient but rich in cultural diversity and continuity. I found the solitude allowed me to absorb it all with depth, to linger at exhibits, to reflect without distraction.
Nyungwe Forest: Into the Heart of the Wild
The southwest of Rwanda is dominated by Nyungwe Forest, an ancient rainforest filled with secrets. Here, traveling solo became a true test of trust—not just in the environment, but in myself. Early morning chimpanzee tracking demanded endurance and alertness, with every rustle in the trees setting off an adrenaline surge. The thrill of hearing chimpanzee calls in the mist, then catching a glimpse of them swinging through the dense canopy, was one of the most primal and emotional experiences of the entire journey.
I wasn’t alone in the forest. I was with expert trackers, local guides, and fellow travelers who, like me, were there for something real. What I noticed most was how Rwanda’s tourism system is structured to empower both the visitor and the local community. The guides didn’t just lead—they taught, with passion and pride. Conversations flowed naturally, and by the time I crossed the famed Canopy Walkway suspended high above the treetops, I didn’t feel like a solo traveler. I felt like I belonged.
Evenings near Nyungwe were marked by calm reflection. With no distractions, I journaled by firelight, surrounded by mountain fog and the distant call of nocturnal wildlife. Traveling alone gave me time not just to see, but to feel every layer of the forest’s ancient magic.
Karongi and the Lake That Holds Stories
After days in the dense jungle, Lake Kivu offered a tranquil interlude. In Karongi, I checked into a lakeside guesthouse where time slowed down. Here, I found the silence I didn’t know I was seeking. Mornings began with coffee by the water, as fishermen returned from their night expeditions singing traditional songs. Boat rides across the calm, green waters brought me to small islands where I could walk among fruit trees and listen to stories of peace, conflict, and rebirth.
There is something profoundly healing about Lake Kivu. It wasn’t only the views or the breeze, but the atmosphere of quiet dignity that surrounded the region. Solo travel here felt safe, almost meditative. Locals were respectful, helpful, and never intrusive. Even dining alone by the lake didn’t feel strange—it felt luxurious in its stillness.
Karongi also carries memories of Rwanda’s tragic past, and yet, its people focus not on the shadows, but on the light they’ve cultivated. This balance between remembrance and resilience seemed to define every region of Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park: A Personal Pilgrimage
The final leg of my journey brought me north to the Virunga Mountains, home of the world-famous Volcanoes National Park. It’s here that I faced the most emotionally intense moment of the trip: standing just meters from a family of mountain gorillas.
Trekking into the mountains was not easy. The altitude, the mud, and the uncertainty of the trail all added to the challenge. But doing it solo—without distraction, without chatter—made it sacred. When I finally arrived at the clearing where a gorilla family lounged and played, the air seemed to stand still. I was in the presence of something ancient, intelligent, and utterly serene.
One infant gorilla approached, curiously inspecting my boots before being gently pulled back by its mother. In that moment, I felt no fear, only wonder. There was no barrier—just quiet recognition between species. It was a moment of deep connection, amplified by solitude, one I will carry for the rest of my life.
After the trek, I visited the Dian Fossey tomb, another quiet pilgrimage. Her legacy echoed through the mountains, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between human ambition and conservation responsibility.
The Power of Solo Travel in Rwanda
By the time my journey ended, I realized that traveling Rwanda solo wasn’t about being alone—it was about being fully present. Rwanda gave me space to breathe, to think, and to feel. Every conversation, every hike, every landscape reached deeper than I expected because there was nothing between me and the experience.
Rwanda welcomes solo travelers with safety, structure, and sincerity. Roads are well-maintained, public transport is reliable, and hospitality is genuine. Most importantly, Rwandans treat visitors not as intrusions but as guests—offering guidance, kindness, and, often, conversation that lingers long after you part ways.
I came to Rwanda searching for something undefined. I left with clarity, peace, and a profound admiration for a country that doesn’t shout to be noticed—it simply shows you who it is, quietly and confidently.
Plan Your Own Rwandan Journey with Confidence
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, the right guide can elevate your experience from meaningful to unforgettable. That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend Muhiga Safaris—a trusted name in African travel that understands the landscape, the culture, and the soul of Rwanda.
With expertly tailored itineraries, professional local guides, and a commitment to ethical, community-based tourism, Muhiga Safaris ensures every traveler feels safe, informed, and inspired. From gorilla trekking permits to seamless lakefront lodging, they handle every detail with care and precision.
Book your African tours and safaris with Muhiga Safaris, and discover how Rwanda can not only change your view of travel—but possibly change your life.