Rwanda’s Best Picnic Spots
Rwanda is a country of quiet beauty, where rolling hills stretch endlessly into the horizon and natural landscapes create perfect sanctuaries for relaxation. While many travelers know Rwanda for its iconic mountain gorillas and rich cultural heritage, fewer realize that it is also an excellent destination for outdoor picnics. From tranquil lakeshores to vibrant city parks and lush forests, the country provides idyllic picnic spots that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature, savor local flavors, and enjoy a slower pace of life. A picnic in Rwanda is not simply a meal outdoors; it is an experience that blends together scenic beauty, community, and culture.
In this guide, we will explore Rwanda’s best picnic spots, ranging from urban escapes to wilderness hideaways. Each location reveals a different side of the country, making picnicking one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy Rwanda’s landscapes.
Lake Kivu: Rwanda’s Sparkling Jewel
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is an undisputed gem when it comes to picnicking. With its deep blue waters and gently curving shoreline, it offers travelers a serene atmosphere that is hard to match. Towns such as Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu provide perfect bases for exploring the lake. The gentle breeze that rolls off the water makes this location ideal for spreading out a blanket, opening a picnic basket, and watching fishermen in their traditional wooden canoes.
Picnickers can choose from the sandy beaches near Gisenyi, shaded coves along Kibuye’s islands, or the more intimate stretches of shoreline closer to Cyangugu. Families often enjoy combining their picnic with boat rides to Napoleon Island, where colonies of bats roost in the trees. Couples seeking a romantic escape can settle near the quieter edges of the lake, enjoying the reflection of the sun as it sets across the hills. With local markets nearby, it is easy to pack fresh tilapia, tropical fruits, and Rwanda’s famous coffee to enjoy lakeside.
Kigali’s Green Retreats: Urban Picnics with a Scenic Touch
Though Kigali is a bustling capital, it is also known for its cleanliness and well-planned green spaces. For city dwellers or travelers who want to picnic without leaving the urban hub, Kigali provides delightful options.
One popular spot is the Kigali Convention Center’s surrounding gardens. While often admired for its modern architecture, the open spaces nearby provide shaded lawns perfect for a casual picnic. For families, Umusambi Village is another superb choice. Once a degraded wetland, it has been transformed into a sanctuary for rescued grey crowned cranes. Visitors can enjoy walking trails and birdwatching before settling down for a picnic surrounded by natural sounds.
Kigali’s Mount Kigali also offers wide-open areas and gentle slopes where hikers can rest and enjoy a picnic while taking in panoramic views of the city below. The combination of cityscape and rolling countryside makes it a favorite for locals who want the best of both worlds.
Akagera National Park: A Wild Picnic Adventure
For travelers who want to blend safari experiences with leisure, Akagera National Park is a thrilling option. Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is the country’s premier savannah park, home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and a diverse array of birdlife. While most visitors explore the park on game drives, designated picnic spots within the reserve allow guests to pause and enjoy a meal in the heart of the wilderness.
Imagine sipping a cool drink while watching antelope graze in the distance or hearing the cry of fish eagles overhead as you relax under the shade of acacia trees. The thrill of being surrounded by wildlife, combined with the calm of sharing a picnic in such a setting, creates unforgettable memories. Travelers are encouraged to bring their own food, packed before entering the park, as the facilities are limited but the experience is second to none.
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Picnic Among the Primates
Nyungwe Forest, in Rwanda’s southwest, is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. It is famous for its primates, particularly chimpanzees, but it also offers a refreshing setting for picnics. The forest’s canopy walk, one of the highlights of the park, can be followed by a picnic at designated rest areas. Here, you are enveloped by the sounds of birds, insects, and rustling leaves.
The park’s picnic areas provide benches and open spaces, making it easy to enjoy a packed meal after a morning of hiking or tracking chimpanzees. The misty mountain views, cool climate, and lush greenery transform an ordinary picnic into something deeply immersive. It is not uncommon to see colobus monkeys swinging through the branches nearby, creating a sense of wonder as you dine in the company of nature.
Volcanoes National Park: Picnics in Gorilla Country
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel, known worldwide for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Yet beyond gorilla trekking, the park also features rolling foothills, volcanic landscapes, and wide fields perfect for picnics. After a morning trek or cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village, visitors often take time to relax with a meal outdoors.
The park’s grassy foothills, surrounded by towering volcanoes such as Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, create an epic backdrop for a picnic. Travelers can enjoy traditional Rwandan dishes such as ugali, roasted goat, and fresh vegetables while gazing at peaks that define the region. The picnic is elevated not just by the view, but also by the knowledge that this landscape shelters one of the world’s rarest species—the mountain gorilla.
Rugezi Marsh: Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Rugezi Marsh, a Ramsar site located in northern Rwanda, is an underrated yet spectacular location for picnicking. Known primarily for birdwatching, it provides a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking quiet solitude. Surrounded by reeds and wetlands, it offers a softer, slower pace compared to more touristic destinations.
This marshland is home to species such as the Grauer’s swamp warbler and many migratory birds. Birdwatchers often spend hours in the area, binoculars in hand, before stopping for a picnic by the water’s edge. With its cool climate and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, Rugezi Marsh offers an intimate experience for those who prefer nature without the crowds.
Huye and Butare: Cultural Picnics in Rwanda’s Historic Heart
Rwanda’s southern city of Huye, formerly known as Butare, is considered the country’s cultural capital. It is home to the Ethnographic Museum, a must-visit for travelers interested in Rwandan history. After exploring the museum, visitors can stroll to nearby green spaces, where picnics can be enjoyed under the shade of tall trees.
The combination of cultural learning and outdoor relaxation makes Huye an excellent stop for families and students. The mild weather of the region adds to the experience, allowing picnickers to enjoy fresh fruits, traditional snacks, and refreshing drinks in comfort. This region offers a blend of intellectual and leisurely pursuits, making it unique among Rwanda’s picnic destinations.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park: A New Wilderness for Picnics
As Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura is still relatively undiscovered, making it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in the country’s northwest, the park features montane rainforest that provides habitat for golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and a wide variety of birds.
Picnics here feel intimate and untouched, with few crowds and an abundance of natural charm. After guided nature walks or birding tours, travelers can settle down in designated areas to enjoy a meal surrounded by pristine forest. The cool air and towering trees make this a refreshing location, especially for those looking for an authentic off-the-grid picnic experience.
Why Picnic in Rwanda?
What makes Rwanda particularly special for picnics is the blend of breathtaking landscapes and cultural warmth. Unlike some destinations where picnicking may feel like a minor activity, in Rwanda it becomes part of the journey—an opportunity to pause, take in the beauty, and connect with the environment. The diversity of landscapes, from city parks to volcanic mountains, ensures that every picnic is unique. Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, Rwanda’s outdoor spaces invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Travel with Muhiga Safaris
Exploring Rwanda’s best picnic spots requires more than just a packed basket; it requires local insight, careful planning, and a touch of adventure. Muhiga Safaris has perfected the art of curating journeys that blend iconic experiences with hidden gems. By traveling with Muhiga Safaris, you can discover Rwanda’s picnic-perfect landscapes with the guidance of professionals who know the terrain, culture, and stories behind every location. Their expertise ensures that your picnic is not only about food and scenery, but also about connection—connection with nature, with Rwanda’s people, and with the very essence of travel.
So, when you plan your trip to Rwanda, remember that a picnic is more than just a break; it is a memory in the making. And with Muhiga Safaris by your side, those memories will be crafted with care, authenticity, and unforgettable charm.