Rwanda’s Best Kept Travel Secrets
Rwanda, known worldwide as The Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations — a place where rolling green landscapes meet a culture of resilience, hospitality, and quiet beauty. While many travelers visit Rwanda for its famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the country holds far more treasures beyond this iconic experience. Hidden lakes, ancient forests, cultural villages, and untouched highlands all reveal a side of Rwanda that few travelers have seen.
This small yet diverse nation is a photographer’s dream and an explorer’s delight. It offers everything from adrenaline adventures to peaceful lakeside retreats, often with fewer crowds and more authentic encounters than many of its neighbors. Rwanda’s best-kept travel secrets lie in its landscapes, its traditions, and its people — those who open their doors to share the stories of a nation that has beautifully transformed itself.
Let’s journey through Rwanda’s best kept travel secrets, the places and experiences that make this East African gem an unforgettable destination waiting to be explored.
1. Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera – The Twin Lakes of Tranquility
In the shadow of the mighty Virunga Volcanoes, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo sit quietly, glistening beneath the highland sun. Tucked between Musanze and the Volcanoes National Park, these lakes are among Rwanda’s most breathtaking yet least visited destinations.
The two lakes, separated only by a narrow ridge, are surrounded by terraced hillsides, traditional villages, and spectacular views of Mount Muhabura and Mount Bisoke. Their reflective waters mirror the clouds and peaks above, creating an atmosphere of serenity that feels untouched by time.
Visitors can take canoe rides across the lakes, guided by local fishermen who paddle in wooden dugout boats. It’s a peaceful way to connect with Rwanda’s rural life — passing by women washing clothes on the banks, children waving from hilltop paths, and birds gliding effortlessly over the still surface.
For those seeking deeper adventure, the area offers scenic hiking trails that wind through banana plantations and small communities. Staying at a lakeside eco-lodge such as Virunga Lodge or Ruhondo Beach Resort gives travelers a chance to witness the most magical sunsets, where the golden glow dances across the lake’s ripples and the volcanoes fade into twilight.
Why it’s a secret:
While many tourists head straight to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, few stay to explore the tranquil beauty just a few kilometers away. The Twin Lakes are perfect for travelers seeking quiet, authenticity, and stunning scenery.
2. Nyungwe’s Hidden Corners – Beyond the Canopy Walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park is well known for its spectacular canopy walkway, but few realize that the park holds far more secrets beyond this famous attraction. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers of montane rainforest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest forests and a paradise for eco-travelers and photographers alike.
While many visitors come to track chimpanzees, Nyungwe’s lesser-known trails are equally rewarding. Paths like the Bigugu Trail, which leads to the park’s highest peak, or the Isumo Waterfall Trail, which descends into lush valleys, reveal hidden corners of untouched wilderness.
The forest teems with life: blue monkeys leaping through the canopy, orchids blooming in the mist, and over 300 species of birds filling the air with song. For nature photographers, the early morning light filtering through the dense foliage creates a scene straight from a dream.
In the quieter parts of the park, you’ll also find ancient tea plantations, like those near Gisakura, where emerald-green rows stretch to the horizon. A visit to these plantations offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s tea-making traditions — and a chance to sip freshly brewed tea while overlooking one of Africa’s most pristine forests.
Why it’s a secret:
Most visitors limit their experience to chimp trekking and the canopy walkway, but those who venture further into Nyungwe’s trails discover a rainforest filled with hidden waterfalls, rare flora, and unforgettable solitude.
3. The Cultural Depth of Nyanza – Rwanda’s Royal Past
In the southern province of Rwanda lies Nyanza, once the seat of the ancient Rwandan monarchy. While Kigali and the northern parks attract most of the attention, Nyanza remains one of Rwanda’s most fascinating cultural destinations — a living museum of royal heritage.
The Rwanda King’s Palace Museum offers a captivating journey into the country’s pre-colonial history. The museum includes a stunning reconstruction of the traditional royal residence — a grand, beehive-shaped hut made from reeds and grass, guarded by the Inyambo royal cows with their strikingly long, curved horns.
Visitors can witness these royal cows being serenaded by herders, a unique cultural practice that connects the present to Rwanda’s ancestral traditions. The museum also displays artifacts, royal regalia, and stories that illuminate the customs of Rwanda’s ancient kingdoms.
Nearby, the Rwesero Art Museum showcases contemporary Rwandan art, blending past and present creativity. Nyanza’s charm lies in its balance between heritage and modern cultural expression — a reminder that Rwanda’s future is deeply rooted in its past.
Why it’s a secret:
Nyanza is often overlooked by visitors rushing to the national parks, but it’s one of the few places where travelers can experience Rwanda’s royal legacy, traditional music, and artistry in a single visit.
4. The Serenity of Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Rwanda’s Newest Treasure
Not far from Lake Kivu, in Rwanda’s western highlands, lies a small but remarkable park — Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Declared a protected area in 2015, this park is one of Rwanda’s newest conservation successes and a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Comprising two forests — Gishwati and Mukura — connected by a reforestation corridor, the park is home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and rare birds. Because of its size and remote location, visitor numbers remain low, making it one of the country’s best-kept eco-tourism secrets.
Hiking through Gishwati feels like stepping into a lost world: ancient trees draped in moss, butterflies fluttering through sunbeams, and the occasional rustle of a monkey high above. The park also supports nearby communities through sustainable tourism projects, allowing travelers to enjoy authentic homestays and cultural experiences.
Why it’s a secret:
As Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura remains largely unknown to international travelers. Its untouched trails and small visitor numbers make it a perfect destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path nature experiences.
5. Karongi’s Lakeside Calm – Rwanda’s Hidden Riviera
While Lake Kivu is famous for its beauty, many travelers only visit Gisenyi (Rubavu) on its northern shore. Yet the southern town of Karongi (Kibuye) offers even more tranquility and charm.
Nestled between rolling hills, Karongi is a serene lakeside paradise dotted with forested islands and cozy resorts. The calm waters invite visitors to kayak, swim, or take boat rides to nearby islets like Napoleon Island, known for its colony of fruit bats, or Amahoro Island, aptly named “Peace Island.”
Sunsets over Lake Kivu in Karongi are legendary — fiery skies reflected on glassy waters, with fishermen paddling out to set their nets as lanterns light up the night.
Beyond the lake, Karongi’s winding roads reveal scenic viewpoints, small coffee farms, and local fishing villages where travelers can learn about daily life on the water.
Why it’s a secret:
While Gisenyi draws most Lake Kivu visitors, Karongi remains quieter, offering equally stunning views but fewer crowds. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, reflection, and raw natural beauty.
6. The Peaceful Peaks of Mount Huye and Beyond
Few travelers realize that Rwanda’s highlands offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in East Africa — and not just in the famous Virunga range. Mount Huye, located near Butare (Huye), offers a moderately challenging climb with sweeping views of the southern landscape.
The trail meanders through eucalyptus forests, tea fields, and local communities, giving hikers a blend of nature and culture. At the summit, the panorama stretches across rolling hills, valleys, and distant volcanoes.
In northern Rwanda, Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga — both part of the Virunga Volcano chain — also offer rewarding hikes for adventurous travelers. These less-crowded treks reveal volcanic lakes, rare alpine vegetation, and incredible views across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo.
Why it’s a secret:
Rwanda’s hiking trails beyond the main gorilla areas are often overlooked, yet they provide world-class scenery and cultural interactions without the need for expensive permits or large crowds.
7. The Hidden Caves of Musanze
Deep beneath Rwanda’s volcanic hills lies another world — the Musanze Caves. Formed by ancient lava flows, these natural tunnels stretch over two kilometers underground, creating dramatic chambers and rock formations that glow softly under torchlight.
Exploring the caves with a local guide is both thrilling and educational. You’ll learn how volcanic activity shaped the Virunga landscape and discover the legends associated with these mysterious caverns.
Bats flutter in the shadows while shafts of light pierce through small openings, making it a paradise for adventure and low-light photography.
Why it’s a secret:
Although located near Volcanoes National Park, the Musanze Caves remain less visited, offering a unique alternative for travelers interested in geology, photography, or underground exploration.
8. The Living Traditions of Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
For travelers interested in people and culture, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Kinigi provides an authentic glimpse into Rwandan life. Once home to former poachers who now work as conservation ambassadors, this village celebrates the country’s cultural heritage through music, dance, and storytelling.
Visitors can participate in traditional activities such as basket weaving, spear throwing, or banana beer making. The vibrant Intore dancers, with their rhythmic movements and colorful attire, showcase Rwanda’s pride and energy.
Unlike staged performances, Iby’Iwacu’s experiences are interactive and community-led, ensuring your visit supports local livelihoods while deepening your understanding of Rwandan culture.
Why it’s a secret:
While many travelers pass through Kinigi for gorilla trekking, few take the time to engage with local communities. Iby’Iwacu offers a genuine connection to Rwanda’s traditions and transformation story.
9. The Whispering Highlands of Byumba (Northern Rwanda)
North of Kigali, the Byumba region in Gicumbi District remains one of Rwanda’s least explored areas. The rolling highlands are carpeted with tea fields, valleys, and tranquil villages that seem untouched by time.
Travelers can visit Mulindi Tea Plantation, where vast terraces of green stretch as far as the eye can see. The region also holds deep historical importance as the site of the Liberation Museum, which commemorates Rwanda’s path toward peace and unity.
Why it’s a secret:
Byumba’s natural and cultural beauty remains largely undiscovered, offering travelers a chance to explore Rwanda’s countryside without crowds.
Discover Rwanda’s Hidden Beauty with Muhiga Safaris
Rwanda’s charm lies not only in its famous attractions but in its quiet, undiscovered corners — places where time slows down, and beauty feels personal. From the tranquil Twin Lakes to the misty trails of Nyungwe, from Karongi’s peaceful shores to the royal echoes of Nyanza, every secret destination reveals a new layer of Rwanda’s soul.
To truly uncover these hidden gems, travel with Muhiga Safaris. With expert local guides, comfortable transport, and deep cultural connections, Muhiga Safaris takes you beyond the typical tourist trail. Their carefully crafted itineraries balance adventure, relaxation, and authenticity — giving you the freedom to experience Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture in full.
Step off the beaten path. Discover Rwanda’s best kept travel secrets with Muhiga Safaris, where every journey becomes a story and every discovery becomes a memory that lasts a lifetime.